Green homes can be defined as living premises that are comfortable, healthy, cost efficient, energy saving and environmentally sustainable. They are designed to make optimal use of building materials during construction, and of energy and water throughout their life cycle. Their larger objective is to achieve a reduced carbon footprint.
The direct benefits to owners are savings on electricity and water, a healthier lifestyle, and the satisfaction that they are supporting the cause of the environment. There has been a growing awareness of sustainable solutions that aim at minimising the impact of the processes of habitation and daily living on both the environment and human health. A prime tool to this end is a ‘green home’.
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While the elements that make up a green home are not universally agreed upon, standards in designing such homes do exist. They extend from minor aspects such as energy-efficient appliances to larger ones like rainwater harvesting. Importantly, green home projects are designed in such a manner that even during construction they have the minimum possible impact on the environment at the site level.
l Green home concepts at apartment level:
l Solar solutions to offset electricity requirements
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l Increased home insulation
l Using energy-star
appliances
l Water-efficient plumbing fixtures
l Non-toxic finishes (sealants and VOC Paints)
l Water-efficient landscaping and irrigation control
l Sustainable recycling programmes
l Maximum natural lighting and ventilation
l Green maintenance and plantations
l Native plant landscaping
Green home concepts at project level:
l Standardised construction to minimise waste, and recycling of construction waste
l Stormwater collection, rainwater harvesting
l Maximum plantation of shade trees
l Specifically selected building materials to regulate temperature and facilitate minimum use of air conditioning
Wide-ranging benefits
The special construction materials used in green homes reduce their inhabitants’ exposure to toxins and allergens. For example, green-grade ventilation ducts act as a barrier for dust particles and moisture, consequently reducing the risk of mildew and airborne particulates.
The use of sealants, paints, wood products and adhesives that integrate volatile and organic chemicals also reduces exposure to toxicity. Natural ventilation reduces use of air conditioning, which is known to have adverse effects on health. They also help save a lot of money in the long run. Because of the kinds of construction materials, appliances and maintenance processes involved, the initial investment is more than in traditional homes. However, green homes ultimately lead to substantial reduction in energy costs. Energy-efficient homes can reduce electricity consumption by more than 30 per cent. Also, the targeted engineering involved leads to optimised space configuration and enhanced efficiency.
The reduced water wastage in green homes is also significant in a country facing a rapidly worsening crisis of water availability.
To illustrate, water- and energy-efficient washing machines can save more than 7,000 gallons of water which would otherwise go waste every year. Further, with energy prices rising and the climate getting hotter and more erratic, it makes a lot of sense to opt for a green home as opposed to traditional and unsustainable living quarters.
The writer is Managing
Director of The Pride Group