When it comes to green housing, advanced construction technologies should go hand in hand with holistic designing to provide affordable eco-friendly homes to the bottom of the pyramid.
Dhwani Talati-Padiyar, Director, CBRE SE Asia, Head-ESG & Sustainability, Technical Due Diligence, stated, “Green sustainable homes will build eco-friendly communities and in turn the nation. While, government and private developers are incorporating features like electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle lanes, and community gardens, encouraging eco-conscious lifestyles, increased community involvement, and a collective commitment to the environment is required”.
Hardik Pandit, Director, Apices Studio Pvt Ltd said, “While smaller cities and rural areas have traditionally used sustainable practices, now there is a growing focus on eco-friendly construction in urban areas too. In the past, green buildings served as a marketing strategy to display corporate sustainability. Presently, with heightened governmental awareness and client demands for eco-friendly measures, developers are actively pursuing knowledge on sustainable development. As architects, we endorse fundamental approaches without necessitating green certification.”
Sameer Sinha, Director, Savvy Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. busting the myth of paying a premium for a green home stated, “Sustainability has evolved from mere affordability to profitability in real estate development. Integrating environmental, social, and ethical aspects have now become part of building codes and regulations. Even the costs for alternative material has come down drastically. Thus, a green home priced slightly higher than a conventional housing recovers its cost much faster and offers huge savings in operational expenses.”
Dr. Amit Chaudhary, Associate Director, Head MEP & Infrastructure KPM Design Services Pvt Ltd., stated “In the realm of sustainable construction, a circular economy proves critical. It is crucial to return environmental resources, including water and building materials, after responsible utilization and recycling. By incorporating efficient recycling, reuse, and natural energy methods, eco-friendly building that coexists with nature can be achieved, avoiding detrimental effects like plastic pollution.”
Tejwant Navalkar, Executive Director, DFX Systems Pvt Ltd, said, “Solar energy integration in contemporary urban architecture is vital. While solar power is prevalent, challenges persist for developers and designers due to limited rooftop space in high-rise buildings and potential shadowing from neighboring structures. Open access solar power, accessible to more consumers since June 2023, enables buildings to fully utilize rooftop areas and obtain lower electricity rates without significant investment. Retrofitting existing buildings is convenient and cost-effective, however, implementing solar panels in taller buildings necessitates extensive structural analysis, which may be cost-prohibitive.”
Sonali Dhopte, BIM Consultant and Technical Director, Excelize added, “Building Information Modeling (BIM) enables visualization and optimal design planning before construction. Through BIM, waste in material cost and time can be reduced by simulating various scenarios, considering carbon footprint and material selection during the design phase. This technology applies to retrofitting projects as well, minimizing project delays and material waste. The adoption of BIM should become a natural choice for efficient design and construction rather than a mandated requirement.”
TECHNOLOGY IS THE KEY
According to Dr. Amit Chaudhary Green buildings are highly dependent on technology, for proper implementation and must be made affordable and accessible. “BIM and IoT, usage can boost efficiency, minimize waste, and optimize resources in global construction projects.”
Hardik Pandit added, “BIM is beneficial for both pre-visualization and building management. It integrates smart meters and connected technology, enabling equipment monitoring, daily energy usage reports, and early problem identification. In the early stages of a project, architects must prioritize building orientation for natural light and ventilation. This is especially important in India, where cross-ventilation can minimize reliance on artificial means. Optimizing building orientation, using LED lighting, water recycling, and efficient waste management increases a housing project's sustainability.”
Speaking about digital twins and their role in facilitating project lifecycles from conceptualization to operation and maintenance, Sonali Dhopte said, “Using digital models like digital twins can optimize resource consumption and maintenance. Simulations and digital repositories can lead to more informed decisions, reduce waste, and aid in future remodelling.”
Tejwant Navalkar added, “Technological advancements and AI play a key role in predictive maintenance, however many a times there is a lack of communication between designers and maintenance staff, leading to reactive maintenance practices. This results in higher repair costs and reduced equipment efficiency. One can improve sustainability by promoting built-in sensors in equipment and adopting a predictive maintenance.”
Dhwani Talati-Padiyar expressed, “Green housing must incorporate the building envelope's performance and its effects on the inhabitants. There are technologies available to serve as initial design instrument, followed by limitless analytical possibilities.”
Sameer Sinha added, “Indeed, the main point is considering technology’s capabilities to enhance design efficiency and validate its quality, one may argue that tech intervention should be an essential aspect of every project.”
THE HOUSING SECTOR FACES THE CHALLENGE OF IMPLEMENTING ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATIONS AS 30% OF 300 CARS IN A SOCIETY MAY BECOME EVS WITHIN 3-4 YEARS. UTILIZING OPEN SOLAR ACCESS AND PREPAID METER CONCEPTS CAN EFFECTIVELY PROVIDE CHARGING SOLUTIONS
IN THE EARLY STAGES OF A PROJECT, ARCHITECTS MUST PRIORITIZE BUILDING ORIENTATION FOR NATURAL LIGHT AND VENTILATION THAT CAN MINIMIZE RELIANCE ON ARTIFICIAL MEANS -HARDIK PANDIT
AI-DRIVEN HOME DESIGN IS AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY THAT HOLDS PROMISE FOR CREATING MORE EFFICIENT BUILDINGS THROUGH PRE-CONSTRUCTED WHOLE HOUSE-IN-A-BOX SOLUTIONS- SONALI DHOPTE
TECHNOLOGY PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE. ONE CAN IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY BY PROMOTING BUILT-IN SENSORS IN EQUIPMENT AND PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE- TEJWANT NAVALKAR
DEVELOPERS OFTEN OVERLOOK THE LONG-TERM VALUE OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS. TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATIONS CAN CREATE AFFORDABLE & SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS - DHWANI TALATI-PADIYAR
BIM AND IOT CAN DECREASE ERRORS, ELIMINATE COSTS FROM INCORRECT CORE CUTS, AND IMPROVE SERVICE PLACEMENTS ACCURACY, OFFERING RESOURCE EFFICIENCIES - DR. AMIT CHAUDHARY
WHILE, BUILDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS. THE CHALLENGE REMAINS IN ENHANCING CONSUMER AWARENESS TO BOOST DEMAND FOR GREEN BUILDINGS AND HOMES- SAMEER SINHA
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