Introduction to Green buildings in India are the need of the hour. With massive globalization and infrastructural development since the dawn of civilization, we have come a long way in building constructions and other developmental advances. As the years have passed, we have also seen the adverse effects on the environment due to the pollution caused by conventional construction methods. Not to forget, the air quality has been continuously getting worse. Hence, green building technologies and materials can reduce the carbon footprint of real estate properties.
What is a green building?
An idea of what a green building structure is – it is an environmentally sustainable structure that is in sync with nature and makes efficient use of land, and Eco-friendly materials. Even water that is utilized while constructing is harvested and re-used for regular functions. Green building not only enhances energy efficiency but also maximizes the activity of recycling non-toxic materials. The goal of a green building is to minimize the negative effects on the environment as much as possible including methods, resources, and skills that are integrated during construction.
Benefits of Green Buildings
Green buildings in India have both tangible and intangible benefits. The most tangible benefits are a reduction in water and energy consumption from day one of occupancy. Energy savings could be 20-30% and water savings 30-50%. The intangible benefits of new green buildings include enhanced air quality, excellent daylight, health and well-being of the occupants, safety, and conservation of scarce national resources.
Salient Features of Green Buildings
Energy & Water Efficiency
One of the most noticeable characteristics of sustainable construction is its energy efficiency. Rainwater collection and renewable energy sources should make green building energy and water self-sufficient. The design of the structure should maximize the use of daylight, have effective ventilation, and sufficient thermal mass to manage interior temperatures, in addition to solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. All of this lowers the demand for artificial lighting and air conditioning, which lowers the facility’s energy usage.
Nature Connection
Green spaces are found in most green buildings, and they facilitate people’s connection to the natural world. Furthermore, trees produce oxygen, absorb pollutants, and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to improve the quality of the air. The presence of nearby trees might also reduce the temperature. Green buildings in India can incorporate rooftop, backyard, or kitchen gardens as well as other areas for farming and food production within the building complex.
Environment Protection
Green buildings are good for society overall, the environment, and the people who live in them. One of the largest users of natural resources (raw materials, electricity, and water) is the real estate development industry, which also produces enormous volumes of trash and pollution. According to studies, the yearly worldwide energy consumption of real estate is 40%. Green buildings use fewer natural resources, therefore they lessen their impact on the environment. Eco-friendly homes save water and minimize exposure to contaminants, while also reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, and trash generation through sustainable design, construction, and operation.
Low Maintenance
Water and energy saving are taken into consideration while designing green homes. The owners benefit from lower energy and water costs as a result. Because they demand less water and energy for air conditioning and lighting, eco-friendly homes are far less expensive to maintain throughout the building’s life cycle.
Health Benefits
Living in a green building has several health benefits because toxic materials aren’t used in construction. Eco-friendly building firms, for instance, steer clear of goods that leak hazardous ingredients. Thus, when compared to traditional buildings, the indoor air quality is frequently far superior. Three of the top five causes of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are lung and respiratory conditions related to poor indoor air quality. Health and well-being are positively impacted by green building characteristics. A green building’s healthy home provides an organic defense against respiratory ailments. Additionally, studies reveal that employees in green buildings are more content, healthy, and productive than those in traditional structures.
In conclusion, Green Buildings are an important step towards revolutionizing infrastructure development in India. In the coming years, this concept is expected to receive attention more than usual. At Flivv Developers, we ensure that we educate our readers with informational content as such.
