Palash—The Green Commune, located at Wakad in the western fringe of Pune, is a project by Vilas Javdekar Eco Homes. What makes this project unique is that buildings here have wind mills on their 11 stories, water recycling facilities, solar power generation and eco-friendly architecture. The 200-flat project has been built in two phases, with the flats in the first phase having been handed over already. The flats, which are available in ranges of 950–2,300 square feet, are currently selling at Rs 3,000 per square foot. Although the green features have added about 15 per cent to its cost, the company claims that this burden will not be borne by buyers.

Solar passive architecture spells natural energy incorporated in the building’s very design. For instance, an east-facing flat has vertical windows to bring in summer light, but not heat. In winter, both light and heat are  allowed, so that thermal comfort can be optimised. Flats facing other directions have horizontal windows. Aggregate energy of about 100 KW a day will be generated by the solar power generator and windmills to take care of common lighting. The project will also feature a 200-cubic-metre sewage treatment plant. Flyash bricks and plaster, as well as stronger steel have been used, so that the dependency on cement has been reduced. Wood floors have been replaced by recycled vinyl rubber. The company plans to seek energy-efficiency certification from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, as and when the civic body commences a green certification programme for residential buildings.