[January Thematic Report] Green Buildingsby Shreya Kaushik | 01-03-2024 04:38 |
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Green Buildings
The building sector in India is rapidly expanding due to rising incomes and urbanization, with 70% of urban areas yet to be developed by 2030. However, construction activities contribute significantly to climate change and are responsible for 40% of global energy consumption and increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Therefore, to mitigate their adverse effects the promotion of green buildings is crucial at this stage. Green buildings are buildings that integrate green technologies, environment-friendly methods, and resources to design and construct infrastructure aiming to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive ones on the natural environment. They prioritize efficient energy, water, and resource use, indoor environmental quality, and minimizing impacts on nature by using renewable energy integration, passive solar design, daylighting, and green roofs. Economically, they yield cost savings through lower operating expenses, increased asset value, and providing energy security. Moreover, along with outdoor benefits to the environment, green buildings promote a healthy clean indoor environment to enhance productivity and reduce the risk of illness.
The green building industry in India involves stakeholders at national, state, and city levels. At the national level, agencies like the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) develop codes and standards for energy efficiency and green construction. Green building rating systems are voluntary and managed by organizations like CII-IGBC, TERI-GRIHA, USGBC-LEED, IFC-EDGE, and Assocham-GEM. At the state level, urban development departments, energy departments, and Public Works Departments (PWDs) work towards the implementation of energy conservation measures and update building bylaws. While, State Designated Agencies (SDAs), formed by BEE, serve as the bridge between the central government and state government and provide support for implementing energy conservation measures. At the city level, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Town Planning Authorities ensure commitment towards energy codes and standards, while Energy Managers and Energy Auditors (Buildings) (EABs) oversee building approval processes and verify energy efficiency requirements. Certificates of green buildings are issued by EABs to owners and developers upon completion of construction. Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in green buildings promotion in India such as Mud technology and 3D printing technology. The root of Mud technology dates back to our ancient practices and utilizes locally available materials like mud, straw, and clay for the construction of the houses minimizing environmental impact. One of the examples is "Life in a Mud House" house in Mangalore which is made using stabilized ram earth technology by sustainable materials like Mangalore mud tiles and discarded wood. The house has eco-friendly living components such as natural ventilation, solar lighting, and water conservation systems. Whereas, 3D printing technology is a recent technology that uses 3D printing methods at a large scale for construction using recycled layers made from recycled materials. Tvasta Constructions is one example of this technology which utilizes recycled materials to construct houses.
While green buildings offer several benefits, it has also been some challenges related to the cost associated with the initial investment and construction, sourcing suitable places for construction and sustainable materials, fluctuations in weather affecting renewable energy reliability, impacting energy supply and time consumption in the process. Therefore, building more innovative approaches to address this challenge will present us with a more green future with more green and resilient buildings! References: [1] Top 5 Benefits of Green Building | Inogen. (2022, August 17). Inogen. https://www.inogenalliance.com/blog-post/benefits-green-building [2] Pandey, A. (2023, August 2). Are green buildings expensive alternatives to traditional structures? The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/sustainability/are-green-buildings-expensive-alternatives-to-traditional-structures/articleshow/102340836.cms?from=mdr [3] Promotion of Green Buildings Training Manual . (n.d.). Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://niua.in/c-cube/sites/all/themes/zap/assets/pdf/ENERGY%20&%20GREEN%20BUILDING/EGB4_Promotion%20of%20Green%20Buildings.pdf [4] Green Buildings. (n.d.). PNNL. https://www.pnnl.gov/explainer-articles/green-buildings#:~:text=Green%20buildings%20incorporate%20measures%20that,natural%20environment%20and%20human%20occupants. |
