Sustainable solutions: a look at environmentally friendly practices that are reshaping the housing industry – sustainability news

– By Sagar Muthappa

In Indiawhere rapid urbanization and population growth pose significant challenges, the housing sector is undergoing a transformative shift towards environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. However, building houses remains an emotional decision, with having a roof over one’s head being the driving force.

With increasing awareness about environmental conservation and the urgent need to tackle climate change, developers, architects and policy makers are rethinking the way buildings are designed, constructed and operated. This paradigm shift not only benefits the environment, but also promotes healthier living spaces and long-term cost savings for homeowners.

India’s residential sector is increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, buildings can generate clean electricity on-site, reducing operational costs and carbon footprint in the long term.

Water scarcity is a very real problem in many parts of India, necessitating sustainable water management practices in the housing sector. Developers are implementing water-efficient fixtures, dual plumbing systems for water reuse, and graywater treatment technologies to minimize water use and wastewater production. Rainwater harvesting structures, including rooftop collection systems and groundwater recharge wells, are also being integrated into building designs to replenish local aquifers and reduce stormwater runoff, contributing to water security and environmental sustainability.

Traditional construction methods often involve high raw material consumption and high CO2 emissions. However, India’s residential construction sector is embracing sustainable materials and construction techniques to mitigate its impact on the environment. For example, bamboo is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to wood due to its rapid growth and low ecological footprint. Furthermore, the use of recycled materials such as fly ash in concrete production reduces waste and saves natural resources.

However, what is drastically changing the residential development landscape in India is the rapid adoption of offsite construction methods. Innovative construction methods such as prefabrication not only minimize construction waste, but also accelerate project turnaround times, demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable practices in the residential construction sector.

One of the main advantages of using prefabricated elements in building houses is the fast turnaround time and high-quality finish that this method provides. Construction sites no longer require teams of unskilled workers on site – foremen are trained technicians for the installation of precast elements and work during prescribed working hours. The quality of prefabricated structures is far superior to conventional methods and makes them more durable over time due to minimal maintenance costs.

This construction method does not use plywood and other wood for the formwork, eliminating the huge impact on the environment. This also means that construction sites are clean and that the formation of dust and construction waste is minimal.

All concrete pouring is done under controlled conditions in a factory that follows the strictest EHS standards and plastering with cement mortar is eliminated, reducing the amount of materials used, again aligning neatly with sustainable practices.

With the need for housing and enormous pressure in the sector, our city authorities must adopt external methods – like the Singapore government – ​​and mandate sustainable and effective methods such as prefabrication for all new developments.

India’s residential construction sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a growing commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. From green building certifications to the integration of renewable energy and water conservation measures, and the use of modern methodologies such as prefabrication, stakeholders across the industry are embracing innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges and create healthier, more resilient communities . By prioritizing sustainability in housing development, India can not only reduce its carbon footprint but also improve quality of lifepromoting economic prosperity and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

(Sagar Muthappa is the CEO of IndiHome123.)

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