Green House Building … Energy Efficiency
Our Planet is facing dramatic changes owing to the accelerated rate of human development and indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources. Global warming is just one such warning sign that the delicate global ecosystem is very near the ‘tipping’ scale. Therefore, it devolves upon the human race to find solutions so that man and nature can harmonize their needs to ensure a sustainable future. One such solution would be to build ‘Green’ houses.
What is a ‘Green’ House building? It encompasses cost effective and eco-friendly use of resources to build houses, institutions, markets, malls, and other similar structures.
The methods used in ‘Green’ House building are diverse. One method is to use superior architectural layouts so that maximal use can be made of natural resources such as wind and sunlight, thus reducing use of pollution forming air conditioners saving on your electricity bill. Another method is to use solar heaters and photovoltaic cells to save electricity. Conservation, an important facet of ‘green’ design is helped by using locally available natural materials. Rationalizing one’s needs also helps the green initiative; for example, building a house only as large as you actually need. Conservation of water is a ‘green’ principle, which can be achieved through installing smaller cisterns, using recycled water for your garden and rainwater harvesting.
The advantages of building ‘green’ are many. In the opinion of some experts, well-planned ‘green’ houses consume upto 30% less energy than those that are not built with this idea in mind. Greater use of natural air and sunlight make ‘green’ building healthier, increasing human efficiency and yes, mean lesser visits to the doctor!
There is a general misconception that ‘green’ house building is significantly costlier than building normal houses. That is just not true. Studies have shown that a well conceived ‘green’ house project might cost in the range of 0.5 % to 6.5 % over a normal building in the initial costing. In the long term, those initial costs are recovered.
A sustainable ‘green’ house model involves incorporation of ‘green’ features in the design stage leading to reduction of costs. Sustainability of a ‘green’ concept is also increased by establishing a common area for selected facilities or sharing of resources including a common swimming pool or a rain water conservation unit in the neighborhood.
‘Green’ is here to stay. Living in ‘green’ buildings will in all probability be the lifestyle choice of people all over the world. Giving encouragement to this initiative will be our contribution towards securing a sustainable future for mankind and our planet.