by Dr. Manmohan Prakash
The state of the environment in India is not very promising, as many small and large cities are grappling with environmental pollution. The situation in some cities, including the capital Delhi, is both alarming and distressing. In such a scenario, there is a need for the administration to promote environment-friendly green building techniques.
This technology not only saves energy and uses less water but also emphasizes reducing pollution. Furthermore, it involves the use of eco-friendly materials like fly ash bricks, recycled steel, bamboo, and recyclable concrete as sustainable materials. The focus is on utilizing local resources to reduce carbon footprint and transportation costs. To enhance energy efficiency, the use of solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-efficient appliances is advocated. Thermal insulation is recommended for walls and roofs, while LED lighting and five-star-rated electrical appliances are advised instead of traditional bulbs and tube lights. Water conservation is given importance through measures like rainwater harvesting, water recycling systems, and low-flow sanitation equipment.
Drip irrigation and greywater utilization are promoted for gated colonies, offices, and city parks or gardens. The use of renewable energy is strongly encouraged, with recommendations to install solar panels, solar heaters, and solar cooking systems. Building designs incorporate features like wind energy integration, natural ventilation, and abundant natural lighting (through windows and ventilators), ensuring ample airflow and sunlight to minimize daytime electricity consumption. Under cool roof technology, reflective coatings are applied to roofs. Smart building technology uses Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart devices like sensors, automated systems, and smart meters to monitor and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the technique recommends developing greenery within and around buildings by using green roofs, vertical gardens, and planters.
It is worth reflecting on the fact that in a country like India, where natural air and sunlight are abundantly available, very few responsible persons and agencies adopted green building technology. Projects such as the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad) and the Infosys Campus (Mysore) initiated the use of green building technology. Both campuses are renowned for their energy efficiency and are recognized nationally and internationally.
Today, it is essential that not only government and non-government systems but also the general public should adopt green technology for their buildings, shops, offices, and establishments. Urban local bodies should also consider providing incentives, such as reduced property tax, lower water tax, and reduced electricity tax, to promote this technology.
In my opinion if green building technology is adopted on a large scale, it will not only help in resolving environmental issues but also lead to significant improvements in the environment condition. Additionally, users will benefit from better health and long-term economic gains.
