Green building trends - Enjoying luxury responsibly

[caption id="attachment_2308952" align="alignleft" width="507"] Representational image. Getty Images[/caption]In a time when seeing water tankers drive into and out of apartment complexes is a common sight, it’s no wonder that for some years now most reputed builders have water and energy management measures in place in their projects, and they stay abreast of the best and latest developments in both fields.On the demand side, buyers too have started to ask builders regarding the smart and eco-friendly features their building designs have factored in. The savvy Indian buyer is aware today of such energy efficient systems as grey-water recycling, waste segregation and composting, and since it’s much more sensible and efficient to incorporate them at the building design stage itself, responsible and savvy builders are working them into the new projects they have on hand. The likes of Bengaluru's Prestige Group, are making sure that eco-friendly engineering and architecture and amenities are key highlights of their projects.So when you’re in the market for a new property, be it a villa or apartment, ask about the following- even if you’re not an expert. Ascertain that the builder has a view point on resource management and that they’ve paid some heed to it when designing the project.MaterialsAsk about the quality of paints, sealants and adhesives used; you’re looking to hear words like ‘non-toxic’, ‘organic’ in response.Build designCheck how much natural ventilation is provided for in the building plan. You may, and probably will, be installing air-con or your builder may even be providing it. But natural ventilation still counts in ensuring that its use is minimal, and the load placed on it as light as can be managed. Additionally, natural ventilation will ensure that the public and utility spaces of the building are well-aired.Water managementIn general, more than half the water consumed in a habitat is used for purposes other than cooking and direct consumption, filtering the remainder for re-use creates ‘grey-water’. Grey-water recycling is the practice of filtering the run-off from bathing, cooking and laundry and storing it for non-potable/non-drinking usage such as flushing toilets, watering gardens and washing cars.Aside from this, ask your builder if the faucets and taps used across the project help to conserve water- one standard is a 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) flow rate for taps and aerator-fitted taps that results in substantial water conservation across a large residential project.Landscaping & rainwater harvestingGood landscaping and rainwater harvesting allows for maximum catchment of rainfall into storage tanks or recharge pits. Good down-guttering can also ensure that the run-off from terraces and balconies too ends up in storage or recharge pits. Basic filtration could be carried out, especially in the early days of a monsoon, to eliminate suspended particulate matter.Energy-efficiencyAsk your builder if they rely on solar power at all – perhaps in the lighting up of public spaces. Also whether the kind of lighting installed (CFL, LED) is energy efficient.These are just some of the measures that your builder can see to. A whole host of other measures lie in the hands of the homeowner, but you’re off to a good start if your builder has seen to the basics first. So ask your builder how far along the path to responsible resource-management he’s taken you, and the rest is up to you- enjoy your new home responsibly.