Over the last few decades, rapid economic development mixed with large population growth and haphazard urbanization has led to a severe depletion of natural resources. This has resulted in the change of climate, pollution, poor air quality and increase in the average temperature.
The Real Estate sector is one of the biggest consumers of natural resources such as water, raw materials and energy. The development process of the real estate, both residential and commercial, generates a huge amount of wastes and pollutants.
As part of the community, it is important to take measures to address the concerns regarding depletion of natural resources. The application of Green Homes can help to a great extent for the conservation of the environment and lower the carbon footprint-the amount of greenhouse gases an entity emits.
What is a Green Home?
The concept of Green Home is based on the effective use of natural resources and reducing pollution. A green home is an environmentally sustainable building, constructed and operated to decrease the overall environmental impacts. For instance, when a property developer includes eco-friendly measures such as Rain Gardens and Rainwater Harvests in a residential project, it helps to conserve the water level in the particular area.
Therefore, green home execution is the use of methods and technologies which are environment friendly and energy efficient throughout the stages of real estate development.
Green Homes Benefits
The implementation of Green Homes provides tremendous benefits. It can have both tangible and intangible benefits:
Tangible Benefits (as per research)
- Saves Energy up to 30%
- Saves Water up to 50%
- Superior health and wellbeing of the residents
- Better air quality
- Excellent daylighting leading to lower power consumption
- Conservation of natural resources
- Helps to improve visibility for the project
Cost Factor of Green Homes
Have you ever wondered if Green Homes are more expensive and complex to build than a standard home? Experts say that green homes can be built at a little or no additional cost. The initial cost of a green home may be higher than conventional home due to investments such as solar panels and efficient waste management systems. However, in the long-run, such investments which require minimum maintenance will lower the operating costs.
What is Green Home Rating Systems?
Across the globe, there are many agencies and programs that categorize and certify green homes based on predefined rating systems. In India, there are four main rating systems that promote and issue certifications:
- Indian Green Building Council (IGBC): IGBC, established in 2001, is part of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This council has a vision to provide sustainable built environment for everyone and to make India the global leaders in sustainable built environment. IGBC has licensed the LEED green building standard from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is a rating system developed in the U.S for certifying Green Buildings. The council operates closely with several Central Government, State Governments, World Green Building Council and other agencies to promote green building concepts in the country. IGBC Green Homes is the first rating system developed in India, exclusively for the residential sector.
- Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA): GRIHA council was founded by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. It is the national rating system of India. This council strives to minimize resource consumption and waste generation during a building’s construction. GRIHA rating system consists of 34 criteria based on various subjects such as site planning, sustainable building materials, energy and water conservation, waste management and building maintenance.
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): BEE, established by the Government of India in 2002, has its own rating system for the buildings based on a 1 to 5 star scale.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): NGT, established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, enables creation of a special tribunal to effectively handle the quick disposal of the cases relating to environmental issues. It regulates the threats caused by real estate constructions to the environment.
“The green concepts and techniques in the building sector can help address national issues like water efficiency, energy efficiency, reduction in fossil fuel use in commuting, handling of consumer waste and conserving natural resources. Most importantly, these concepts can enhance occupant health, happiness and well-being,” explains IGBC.
What are the parameters for certifying a Green Home?
The key parameters for IGBC Green Home Rating Systems are as follows:
- Site selection and facility management
- The types of construction material and resources
- Water conservation and efficiency
- Energy efficiency
- Indoor environmental quality and health
- Innovation & Design Process
Top Projects in Bangalore with IGBC Certification
- Shriram Greenfield
- G Corp Icon North
A recent studies show that Indian green buildings’ market is expected to double and possibly reach close to 10 billion sqft by 2022 (at a valuation of $35-$50 billion) as it is growing at an exponential rate.
There is massive growth in awareness regarding green homes or environmental friendly homes. A few years from now, only green homes will be in demand.