Real estate construction and operations have a huge direct and indirect impact on the environment. These processes use resources such as energy, water and raw materials, generate waste and emit potentially harmful atmospheric emissions. Over the last few months, the real estate industry has realised the importance of sustainable design. Developers are beginning to have an increased commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation and this, it is hoped, will eventually result in an optimal balance in terms of cost, environmental and societal benefits, while meeting the mission and function of the intended facility or infrastructure. A truly effective design goes beyond mere green labelling and takes into account all the above mentioned aspects of development.
The main objectives of sustainable green design are avoiding the depletion of energy, water, and raw materials; preventing the environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughout their lifecycles and creating built environments that are livable, comfortable, safe and productive. The real estate community is increasingly realising the importance of sustainable development and developers are applying and adapting good practices in order to bring social, economic and environmental benefits to communities in a holistic manner.
Green responsibility can be demonstrated by providing urban developments that offer a sustainable environment and lifestyle to residents. With a balanced mix of buildings and open spaces, properties must be constructed as sustainable green developments, under the guidance of authorities in green design such as the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), and certified for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). Many developers have adopted these design principles, prominent among them being Tata Housing Development Company Ltd. The company’s first green development to be executed under this motto is Xylem, which is also Bengaluru’s first LEED Gold-certified green building. The company’s other properties such as Aquila Heights in Bengaluru and Raisina Residency in Gurgaon are also IGBC pre-certified green developments.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
In order to provide urban developments that offer a sustainable environment and lifestyle to customers, the following are the guiding principles for design:
Applying good planning principles and processes/practices to develop attractive, quality sustainable urban environments with a strong sense of place.
Concentrating on one developmental aspect will be rendered useless unless a multi-dimensional approach is adopted. It is for this reason that an integration of a variety of elements such as schools, residences, recreation areas, hospital and landscaped gardens has been adopted.
Creating and maintaining a cohesive, enduring and involved community.
Encouraging resource-efficiency (in terms of the use of land, air, water, raw materials and energy) through activities such as horticulture and vermiculture (to make eco-friendly natural fertiliser).
Conserving and protecting natural resources (greenery and biodiversity) and built heritage. Investing in rainwater harvesting.
Using technologies and practices that are economically viable and which bring economic benefits to the city, region and nation. For instance, revitalisation/rejuvenation projects, slum removal and sustainable development of economic sectors such as the tourism industry.
Contributing to a sense of place, a sense of community ownership and a strong point of difference from other urban development formats.
Residences such as these move beyond merely providing homes with their concept of ‘neighborhood and community development,’ and giving customers a sense of place and community life. It offers an unparalleled range of amenities and experiences such as a balanced mix of buildings and open spaces, best quality lighting and ventilation for all apartments, large, centralised and accessible open spaces,recreational facilities, hospitals, schools and community halls, among others. This mix of factors—including the physical environment, the mix of facilities, and the opportunity for social interaction—together acts as a strong differentiator thereby increasing opportunities for healthy, well-rounded living and community interaction.
Integrating Sustainability with Affordability
However, India’s real estate needs call not only for sustainability, but for affordability as well. Though sustainable developments are cost-effective over time, it is the upfront cost that must be lowered. Affordable sustainable developments will provide a majority of Indians with better quality of life. All over India, thousands of people live in houses where entire families live together, with little or no privacy, as husbands, wives, grandparents and children all jostle for space. And because the houses are crowded, their narrow alleyways serve as makeshift sinks, playgrounds and even bathrooms. This vast market for affordable housing makes it imperative for developers to balance both aspects—sustainability and affordability. A successful example of such development is Tata’s sustainable integrated green township located at Boisar, Mumbai—an MIDC industrial area with more than 1,500 factories and a total population of 1.25 lakh, of whom 90 per cent work in these factories.
The company observed that most of the population are individuals who have migrated to Boisar for employment from neighboring satellite towns and live in company-provided accommodation in this suburb. In most cases, the workers are forced to live alone and away from their families, due to the cramped housing conditions. Today, with value residences such as Tata’s Shubh Griha and New Haven, these consumers placed at the bottom of the pyramid have an opportunity to fulfil their dream of owning a house in Mumbai. These houses provide them with quality indoor living conditions, in addition to being energy-efficient and low-maintenance; therefore, more affordable to own.
Setting Standards
In order to regulate and structure the developer’s approach and processes towards the development of sustainable green buildings, there needs to be a standard/code that covers all new and existing buildings in India. The code should be an overarching framework, which would make it easier for the industry to understand the policies and regulatory requirements and implement them effectively throughout all stages of a building’s lifecycle. The code should set out the trajectory and stretching targets for a zero-carbon, sustainable built environment—including carbon, energy, waste and water performance. All new and existing buildings would have to undergo environmental impact performance checks at regular intervals throughout their life. The minimum standards could be progressively raised over time. Further, this code shouldbe owned by government, but must represent the shared vision of the industry. This will require collaboration, both across the industry and in partnership with the government. The mentioned code should ensure consistency of approach of all policies, tools and initiatives and set the standards, metrics and targets that must be aligned to and compliant with a ll sustainability tools. The government should provide incentives for green developments, encouraging developers to go green.
The author is Managing Director and CEO, TATA Housing Development Company Ltd |
