- 40% Pollution Prevention through Green Buildings
- 30% to 50% Water Conservation with Green Buildings
- 20% to 30% Electricity Savings with Green Buildings
The construction industry in India is steadily growing. Along with metro cities, large buildings are emerging in towns as well. However, with the increase in pollution caused by construction waste, construction companies are now focusing on building green buildings. Experts say that by constructing homes with green building standards, one can save electricity and water, while also contributing to environmental protection and leading a healthy life. Currently, several construction companies in Hyderabad are undertaking large-scale residential and commercial constructions with green standards. Accordingly, homebuyers are also showing interest in projects built with green building standards.
The construction industry in the country is thriving. Sky-high buildings are being constructed, with the sky as the limit. In all metro cities, including Hyderabad, world-class office buildings are being built, and the construction sector is expanding every year. Along with local bodies, national and international organisations are competing to build massive structures. As the population continues to grow, the demand for office and residential spaces is also increasing, leading to more construction. However, the large-scale emissions of pollution during construction are raising concerns. Reports from companies like JLL state that 40% of the pollution in cities comes from real estate and infrastructure. Of the 20 cities in the world with the highest levels of harmful microscopic particles, 18 are in India. The fact that Hyderabad is one of them is a matter of concern.
During construction, one type of pollution is released, and once the building is completed and in use, another type of pollution is generated due to the increased use of air conditioners and electricity. Currently, electricity consumption in homes has significantly increased, regardless of the summer season. As a result, electricity bills are soaring, causing a strain on finances. By reducing these emissions, the rise in surface temperatures can be controlled. According to the Indian Green Building Council, 40% of the pollution emissions from construction can be reduced as much as possible. If homes are naturally cool and have good lighting during the day without depending on artificial lights, electricity consumption can be minimised. Several organisations in Hyderabad are preparing plans to construct all of their projects according to green building standards.
In this context, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is promoting green buildings. It provides ratings to construction projects that adhere to green building standards. Based on the elements included in the application submitted by construction companies, IGBC assigns points. Depending on the project, ratings like Silver, Gold, or Platinum are awarded. As part of this process, large construction projects are incorporating huge underground tanks to store rainwater that falls on the buildings. Borewells are being recharged, and injection wells and soak pits are being constructed. To reuse water for domestic purposes, sewage treatment plants are being established. The treated water is then used for gardening and toilet flushing. As a result, water is largely recycled. Experts suggest that in projects built with green building standards, 30 to 50 percent of water can be saved.
Previously, electricity consumption in homes was relatively low. However, with the increase in electronic devices, the use of coolers and air conditioners has significantly risen. Experts in the construction industry suggest that using materials to reduce room temperatures during construction can help resolve a major part of this issue. In homes built with green building standards, 20 to 30 percent of electricity can be saved. By following all the standards in the green building concept, air, water, and noise pollution can also be reduced. As a result, studies show that the health and productivity of the residents are improved.
Currently, several government and private construction projects in Hyderabad are being built with the green building concept. Notably, the Telangana government has been constructing all its buildings in the green building concept over the past five years. The new Secretariat building in Telangana, T-Hub, T-Works, Police Command Control Centre, new Collectorate buildings, hospitals, healthcare campuses, industrial parks, and IT towers are all incorporating greenery, making Telangana a state on the green path.
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) provides ratings for the method of construction, the materials used, and the production process of construction materials. Over 7,000 products certified with GreenPro are considered environmentally friendly. If solar power is integrated to meet 100% of the electricity needs, it becomes a net-zero energy building. Currently, construction projects spanning 35 million square feet in Telangana are registered for IGBC ratings. Real estate companies are requesting governments to provide certain incentives to encourage such projects.
