Sustainability is defined as 'the convergence of environmental health, social justice, and economic vitality in order to create vibrant, healthy, diverse, and resilient communities for this generation and future generations.' Sustainability necessitates a systems approach and an appreciation for complexity, since it recognizes the linked nature of many concerns. Sustainable practices benefit the environment, human health, and economic vitality and all this when combined benefits our Earth.
Sustainability is predicated on the premise that resources are finite and should be used sparingly and prudently, with an eye toward the long term implications of resource use. Let us try and follow a sustainable approach towards our environment and planet, from this Earth Day.
For our Earth, environmental sustainability means responsible resource usage into daily activities as a fundamental component of reducing emissions, pollution, and waste, as well as saving energy.
Going Green
The global green building movement began about 20 years ago. The initial motivation for this movement was to reduce the amount of resources that were being used in new construction. Green buildings have become increasingly popular in India during the last ten years. Buildings that are ecologically mindful and resource efficient are commonly referred to as "green." Additionally, these structures have a long-term positive impact on the environment because they reduce or eliminate negative environmental repercussions by consuming less water, energy, or natural resources.
Because of the various advantages these sustainable buildings give, today's homebuyers are not just aware of but actively seeking for these traits. Houses with enough amounts of natural light, ventilation, and access to potable water are becoming increasingly popular. The environmental impact of the building materials is also a growing concern for many people.
Let's look into some of the benefits Green Homes give
The term "sustainability" in the context of real estate includes not only the reduction of energy use, but also the utilization of resources, the impact on the environment, and the living conditions of the residents. As a result of the widely available materials utilized in green homes, they can save both time and money.
In some of these buildings, the materials are purchased locally by the developers, saving them time and lowering their carbon footprint by the distance they must be shipped. There are several benefits to this, such as building community and supporting local economies.
There are several social benefits to green buildings besides cost-benefit analyses, such as enhanced health of residents and their productivity. The corporate sector is highly interested in green buildings because of its environmental benefits and employee happiness.
Why are Sustainable Homes required?
It's common knowledge that energy-efficient construction cuts down on costs like power, water, and other common utilities. Construction prices for these towers, however, are widely expected to rise. When it comes to low and moderate-income housing developments, green building strategies can help residents save money on utility bills, improve their health and well-being, and so on.
Many low-cost solutions are being employed to help down the construction costs. Using locally available recyclable materials can also assist in keeping development expenses down. Environmentally friendly items will have the greatest impact on the quality of life for people. Affordable housing is in high demand in India, and this is driving up demand for environmentally friendly structures.
Where do we stand in Sustainability and Green Building?
Even in the beginning stage, India has emerged as a leader in green building initiatives. India comes only second to the United States in terms of green technology initiatives and built-up area. Additionally, the Indian government has been a strong advocate for green construction. The establishment of the Energy Conservation Building Code, which began in 2007 and was updated in 2017, was a significant step in this direction.
Numerous government agencies, including the Ministry of Skill Development and the Small Industries Development Bank of India, as well as state and municipal governments around India, have also recognized and rewarded green buildings.
The Indian Green Construction Council (IGBC) has cooperated with several Central and State Government organizations in recent years to advance India's green building movement. Numerous federal and state government entities have recognized the IGBC's Green Rating Systems. This, too, has contributed to the expansion of India's green building trend.
Conclusion
In India, green buildings have enormous potential. Given the benefits it delivers, the government incentives for this type of construction, and the growing demand from environmentally conscious consumers, this market appears to have a bright future.