Green Building: Discussing Its Components and Importance in India

A surge in the removal of trees for construction, alarming levels of population, and urban jungles taking shape due to high-rises have urged AEC professionals to take effective steps to build structures that protect the environment. Green building is a unique practice that is contributing to negating climate change.

Not only the environment, but also green building occupants are saving energy costs and improving their quality of life as they can breathe in fresh air. India is also taking steps towards the same and striving to ensure a safe and healthy future for the people, especially in urban areas. In this write-up, we will learn about the importance of green buildings in India and their components.

Components of Green Building

Solar Systems

Using photovoltaic panels, solar systems harness the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity for buildings. Hence, the structure will not have to rely on fossil fuels, leading to reduced carbon emissions and utility bills. 

Solar energy is essential for illuminating spaces, and using appliances and HVAC systems. One can store this energy in batteries and use the same in times of grid outages. 

Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

The invention of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems has simplified the regulation of indoor climate while ensuring minimal energy consumption. High-quality furnaces, variable-speed fans, programmable thermostats, and heat pumps make these systems a success.

Professionals use sealed ductwork and insulation to boost its performance. This process improves indoor air quality through air filtration, and occupants can control the temperature themselves. Lower energy use contributes to minimizing utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Walls and Roofs

The green building method encourages the use of vegetation on the roof and walls of a building, which helps reduce heat absorption and boost insulation. Implementing this technique is critical for filtering pollutants, decreasing the effects of urban heat islands, and managing stormwater.

Increased biodiversity through green walls and roofs offers habitat for birds and insects. Buildings stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer using this approach. Along with energy efficiency, it offers aesthetic appeal to the building.

Natural Lighting

A building’s interiors are illuminated by sunlight as windows, reflective surfaces, and skylights are strategically placed. Hence, more exposure to natural lighting improves the well-being of occupants and curbs energy costs.

Considering factors such as building orientation, light shelves, and windows is crucial to leverage sunlight while ensuring minimum heat gain and glare. Inhabitants can experience higher productivity and health in the indoor environment.

Water-Efficient Fixtures

In the green building method, professionals focus on lowering indoor water consumption. They equip the buildings with water-efficient fixtures such as aerated faucets, low-flow toilets, and highly-efficient showerheads. 

Buildings constructed following the green architecture approach often have monitor sensor taps and dual-flush toilets. It facilitates water conservation and reduces utility bills without affecting the comfort or functionality for occupants.

High-Performance Insulation

Proper insulation is vital for green builidings as it keeps a structure cool in summer and warm in winter. In this process, materials such as cellulose, spray foam, air sealing, and rigid foam boards ensure indoor air doesn’t go out and outside air does not come in. 

Acoustic comfort is improved, and drafts are reduced through proper insulation. Professionals use non-toxic or recycled sources for the insulation as they facilitate environmental sustainability and better indoor air quality.

Sustainable and Recycled Materials

Use of recycled, sustainable, and reclaimed sources in the green building process is essential to lower environmental impact. Bamboo flooring, recycled glass tiles, reclaimed wood, recycled steel, low-VDC paints, and recycled glass tiles are some of the examples of such materials.

The demand for virgin resources is reduced, carbon footprints get smaller, and a low amount of waste occurs. Moreover, they use locally available resources, just like vernacular architecture, which results in decreasing transportation emissions.

Waste Management

Green building technique prioritizes recycling, composting, and responsible disposal of construction and occupants’ waste. In this process, they sort the construction waste and reuse and recycle it instead of throwing it into landfills. 

Additionally, occupants can use composting and recycling facilities for effective waste management. Certifications such as LEED often reinforce these sustainable waste practices. 

Importance of Green Building Practices in India

Better Urban Living and Public Welfare

Creating a sustainable environment through the integration of nature, lower urban heat effects, and enhanced air and water quality is the objective of using this method. In India, green building practices can promote a healthy environment and decrease the burden on public healthcare systems.

Urban population is growing rapdily in India and there is a requirement for ensuring high living standards for everyone. Follwing this technique can lay a strong foundation to improve the well-being of everyone, especially for low-income people.

Aligns with Government Missions and Policies

Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart Cities Mission, and Housing for All are the most important missions of Indian government and green building has a significant role to play in the same. 

The government has committed to making cities cleaner, livable, and more efficient. Green architecture is paving the way for them to fulfill the commitment made at the Paris Agreement. 

Makes Affordable Housing Possible

In the green building concept, cost-effective design and resource optimization are the key to making housing more affordable. Occupants can experience low recurring costs due to natural lighting, passive cooling, and water-saving features. Hence, low-income families can feel empowered and live a healthier life.

Skill Development Opportunities

This movement can encourage people to obtain specializaed education in the green architecture, green construction practices, and environmental engineering. Several institutes are introducing courses on it and in the future, India may have a massive workforce to develop sustainable architecture.

High Employment Opportunities

The demand for local construction and eco-friendly materials and skilled labor may skyrocket due to using green buildings method. Thus, urban and rural India can witness higher demand in the sectors such as engineering, architecture, material manufacturing, and waste management. 

Additionally, it may promote small and local enterprises, reduce the need for imports, and boost urban and rural economies at a brisk pace.

Final Thoughts

Although, green building is a small and single step in tackling the environmental issues, however it is a significant step and promises to reduce such problems in the future. Focus on building green structures to ensure energy and monetory savings, offer a healthy living environment to the people, and contribute in generating new job opportunities.

FAQs

Q 1: What are the core concepts of green building?

Ans: The objective of sustainable buildings is to lower the impact of construction on human health and natural environment. Professionals strive to use energy, water, and other resources efficiently. It contributes to lower waste and pollution.

Q 2: What is the full form of LEED?

Ans: LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a renowned green building rating system, which offers a certificate for a building on the metrics of health, high energy efficiency, environmental, and social benefits.

Q 3: What are the economic benefits of green buildings?

Ans: There are multiple economic benefits of implementing green architecture, such as energy and water cost savings, higher property value, tax incentives, improved health, and low operation and maintenance costs.

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