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Green buildings – queries still remain
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Many are not convinced about the certification or the manner in which it is promoted, writes K.S.Subramanian
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— Photo: Mohammed Yousuf
At home with nature: The concept is to make good use of cross ventilation, light and water.
Chennai has the reputation of holding 68 per cent of the green building space in the country. But not all are totally convinced of the manner in which green building concepts are promoted, verified and certified. “It has become more of an elitist concept and builders go in for it with an eye on certification,” said M.G. Devasahayam, Managing Trustee of SUSTAIN (Citizens Alliance for Sustainable Living). Essentially, the concept was to be in harmony
with nature, with wholesome use of cross ventilation, light and water. It was not new to India as the homes of our forefathers had all these elements and much more, he said. He referred to Chettinad palaces and the Big Temple of Thanjavur as standing examples where one experienced the natural cooling effect while stepping inside. In the past, building materials consisted of mud, burnt brick and wood to produce natural cooling which was also conceptually green.
“The present need is to universalise the concept and not make it symbolic,” he said. “And builders certified by LEED (a green building rating system developed by the Green Building Council in the U.S) are not the answer.” He agreed that the setting up of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) had been a major departure because it drew up standards to be complied with. Funding is tied up with eco-compatibility and approvals restricted to commercial/office complexes. But its scope must be widened to include residences, schools and colleges. “Without an overall green perspective, green buildings cannot survive as a concept.”
He was also sceptical about the carbon credit rating which was only a source of income “when the extent of contribution to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is not known.”
His emphasis is on an Indian version (of certification) which would stick to the basics of U.S. LEED but be in tune with local conditions. It would include recognition for any effort to recycle or save water (tax rebate as in Israel), installation of sewage treatment plants, using recycled water in gardens, and water-cooled A/Cs.
Buildings would have to account for saving energy in view of varied climatic zones in the country. Also needed are new mixing or blending technology to make use of secondary materials, chemical admixtures (super plasticisers, air-entraining agents), and adoption of soil erosion control techniques. Finally, establishment of a Green Construction Consortium, with manufacturers of building materials and eco-efficient products as the target group.
Benefits
However, Satyaram Deepa, consultant for A/Cs and green buildings, was optimistic. With awareness spreading on water and energy conservation the direct benefits of a green home were tangible to many, she said. Cost increase is marginal. Recyclable materials, for example from glass to wood, are available and there is no threat of scarcity. Eco-friendly products from paints to carpet materials are there for use.”
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Property Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
Kochi
Malabar
Thiruvananthapuram
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