Focus on energy-friendly flats
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Of the 50 apartments registered with the IGBC for green building certification four are from Chennai, writes Anupama Mohanram
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Much awaited: The need to cover residences for green certification has been long felt.
The process of evaluating and certifying a commercial building in India for its energy efficiency has been around for a while, but it was only commercial buildings that utilised it as part of their social commitment and as a good business model.
The need to extend such a green certification program exclusively for residential development was long felt. But it was only in 2008, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) launched certification for Green Homes. Since then about 50 multi-family apartments/villa projects nation-wide have registered to obtain the certification, of which only four are in Chennai.
According to Mr. Ajit Chordia, Director of Olympia, Opaline located in Navalur on OMR is the first residential project in Chennai to be registered with IGBC for the green rating, continuing Olympia’s commitment to sustainability already seen in the commercial sector.
Amana Enclave, an upcoming development in Anna Nagar by Buhari Holdings Pvt.Ltd is another green residential project. The third is Aqualily by Mahindra Lifespaces located within Mahindra World City in Chengelpet. And the fourth is Shem Park by Yuga Homes Ltd. located in Semmencherry on OMR.
What features qualify residential projects for green certification and how would this benefit the resident?
Features such as a climate sensitive building envelope that includes better solar shading and insulation, solar water heaters and energy efficient lights in the common areas save energy and lower electricity bills. Layouts of green projects ensure adequate natural light and cross-ventilation in all . In addition, use of high performance glass will cut down heat gain and translate to direct energy savings for the residents.
Solar street lights as proposed in Aqualily will provide further energy savings. According to the IGBC, all these features will translate to about 20-30% reduction in residents’ electricity bill.
Drought-resistant
It is always preferable to use native, drought-resistant species which require minimal water. Waste water can be treated on-site and re-used for irrigation and flushing translating to water savings for residents, possibly reducing the purchase of water from outside sources. In Shem Park, a development on one and a quarter acre site, according to Mr.Viswanathan, President, almost 100% of the water required for irrigation and flushing can be sourced from treated water. In addition, low-flow plumbing fixtures such as taps with a flow rate of under 9 litres per minute and dual-flush tanks of 6/3 or 4/2 litres per flush will yield substantial water savings. According to the IGBC all these measures will contribute to water savings of between 30-50% for the residents. Thus residents of such green buildings can enjoy relative water security even during torrid summer. Green homes create healthy environments by using interior paints that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to better health of residents. High levels of VOCs as found in oil-based paints can emit vapours for a long time after application causing adverse impact.
Use of low- VOC paints
Green Homes standards recommend use of low- VOC paints such as those planned in Amana Enclave according to Mr. Shuja Ahmed, Senior Manager. These paints have low levels of VOCs under 50mg/L for matt finish and under 150g/L for sheen paints. Most water based paints will comply with the standards. These green homes are built on the principle of waste segregation and organic waste composting. This will not only ensure production of manure for use on site but also prevent garbage from spoiling local community green spaces.
The author is a LEED AP and green building consultant. www.greenevolution.in
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