Rishabh Siroya, Founder Legend Siroya, President-Elect Naredco NextGen
The Earth’s temperature is rising. The average temperature over the Indian land mass rose by about 1° C during the last decade. It is well documented that this increase in temperature is largely due to human activity. It is caused by rapid industrialisation, emission of greenhouse gases due to burning of fossil fuels, and deforestation. Greenhouse gases allow sunlight to penetrate through the atmosphere and heat the land. When the surplus heat tries to escape as infrared radiation, the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reflect it back onto the land; and the land gets further heated. This has resulted in the gradual melting of the Earth’s ice caps and a rise in the level of sea water. Coastal cities are in danger of submersion. There is imminent danger of flooding, food scarcity, disease and social unrest. According to the World Health Organisation, climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century. If this danger has to be addressed, it is imperative that people reduce their dependence on fossil fuels for energy.
Impact of the Building Industry on the Environment
The building industry is one of the most energy-consuming industries in the world. A huge amount of energy is consumed during the construction phase, and also later when the occupants use energy for heating/cooling, lighting, and for other activities. Clearing of forest land or mangroves increases erosion of the soil, rendering the land vulnerable to storms and destroying the habitats of several aquatic species. The manufacture of cement, used abundantly by the construction industry, releases a large amount of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
Green Buildings
Green buildings are environment-friendly constructions that consume less energy, water and other resources compared to conventional structures. The ethos behind designing a green building is to reduce the demand on non-renewable resources and maximise the use of renewable resources such as sunlight, wind and rainwater.
Use of low-impact building materials such as gypsum, fly ash, gravel and permeable concrete minimise the use of cement and the emission of carbon dioxide. The design allows air to flow freely around the building and through each unit, creating cross ventilation. Windows and doors are designed to capture maximum sunlight. Solar panels may be set up on the roof so that solar power can be used as far as possible. There is minimal depletion of the surrounding natural resources.
Advantages of Green Constructions
Green buildings, whether residential or commercial, offer many advantages to the occupants. Since most of the materials are natural and low cost, the people are freed from high maintenance, repair and energy costs. Proper waste disposal practices such as vermiculture keep the surroundings hygienic and at the same time replenish the fertility of the land. Rainwater harvesting ensures a constant supply of water, recharging the ground water and reducing the burden on civic resources.
Green buildings may offer their occupants the choice of design within each unit, through flexible spatial configurations. This helps to accommodate the needs of each family member; and in the case of commercial premises, each office can plan its own layout based on its ethos and staff strength without incurring much expense.
Besides reducing adverse impact on the environment, green buildings enhance the health of the occupants through their eco-friendly design and natural ventilation. It is well known that people working in offices with good, natural ventilation perform better than others. They are better able to balance work and family life and can lead a harmonious existence.
Developers and architects work together right from the concept stage. The architect ensures that the design takes into account the gradient of the land to facilitate the smooth discharge of rainwater and drainage. The structure is built in harmony with its surroundings, creating an aura of peace and tranquillity. The ambient temperature can be maintained at a comfortable level through natural lighting and ventilation. Green buildings ensure that the occupants can enjoy good quality of life without compromising on the life of future generations.
