Introduction
Hyderabad is growing fast, and as it grows, it’s also focusing on protecting the environment. The building industry is playing a big part by using eco-friendly practices. WallsAsia brings you this simple guide to understanding how Hyderabad is building greener, including the latest trends, technologies, and helpful initiatives.
Green Building Practices: Saving Energy and Resources
Sustainable construction is about creating homes and buildings that are more environmentally friendly. In Hyderabad, this means focusing on several key areas:
1. Saving Energy
- Solar energy: Many new buildings in Hyderabad use solar panels to generate their own electricity.
- Energy-saving lights and appliances: The use of LED lights and energy-efficient appliances helps reduce energy consumption.
- Smart building design: Homes are designed to stay cooler naturally, for example, with better windows and cool roofs, which can often save 20-30% energy. This includes using passive design strategies to stay cool.
Related Reading: 7 Reasons Why Modern Architecture is the Best Choice
2. Conserving Water
Water is precious in Hyderabad. Here you can find out how buildings save water:
- Rainwater harvesting: Collecting rainwater to use it for things like watering plants and flushing toilets.
- Gray water recycling: Treating and reusing water from showers and sinks, e.g., for gardening, which often means 30-50% water savings.
- Water-saving taps: Using taps and toilets that use less water.
Learn More: Urban Gardening Solutions for Hyderabad Homes
3. Using Environmentally Friendly Materials
Choosing the right materials is an important part of green building:
- Bamboo: A fast-growing, renewable alternative to wood.
- Recycled steel: Using recycled steel saves resources and reduces waste.
- Fly ash concrete: Using fly ash (a by-product of power plants) in concrete reduces the environmental impact of construction.
- Eco-friendly paints: Choose paints with fewer harmful chemicals to keep the air in your home healthy.
- Alternative wall materials: Using special blocks (aerated concrete) and fly ash blocks helps the environment and makes it easier to source materials locally.
Discover More: Sustainable Buildings and Green Practices
4. Waste Management
Environmentally friendly construction also means dealing with waste wisely:
- Reducing construction waste: Builders find ways to generate less waste during construction and recycle or reuse materials.
- Recycling programs: Many buildings have waste separation and recycling programs in place. Some buildings are even designed to collect waste for reuse rather than sending it all to the landfill.
5. Green Spaces
Green spaces in and around buildings are an important part of sustainability in Hyderabad:
- Environmental Benefits: Provide shade and purify the air.
- Well-being Benefits: Help people feel happier and healthier.
6. Smart Technology
Technology is used to make buildings more efficient, e.g., systems that automatically control lighting and temperature.
7. Natural Light
The use of plenty of natural light is an important part of green building. It makes buildings healthier and more pleasant and also saves electricity, as less artificial light and air conditioning is needed in hot weather.
Green Building Certificates
Certificates such as LEED and IGBC are like gold stars for green buildings. They show that a building meets high standards for environmental friendliness.
External Link: Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
Examples of Green Buildings in Hyderabad
- CII – Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Center: One of the first buildings outside the US to receive the highest LEED rating. It uses many green features, such as a special design to capture the wind, green roofs, and recycled materials.
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: The first airport in Asia to receive a LEED Silver rating. It saves energy and water and has good waste management.
- Integrated Command and Control Center and Telangana Secretariat: Built with environmental considerations in mind, serving as an excellent example for others to follow.
Organizations Supporting Green Building
Several groups are helping to promote green building in Hyderabad, including the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). They offer certificates, advice, and awards for green buildings. Many local consultants also offer expert advice on sustainable building.
Government Support for Green Building
The Telangana government is promoting green building through:
- The Telangana State Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC): Lays down rules on how buildings can be made more energy-efficient.
- Incentives for Green Buildings: Offers benefits like faster approvals and tax concessions. Some buildings can even receive tax breaks of up to 15%.
- Subsidies for Green Materials: A 25% subsidy for certain environmentally friendly projects.
- Renewable Energy Targets: Active steps toward using more renewable energy.
- Financial Assistance: Benefits like lower interest rates on loans and reduced property taxes.
External Link: Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation
Finding Green Building Materials
Hyderabad has a growing number of vendors offering eco-friendly building materials. You can easily find things like bamboo, recycled steel, bricks made from fly ash, and eco-friendly paints.
Is Green Building More Expensive?
Green building may be a little more expensive up front, but it saves money in the long run:
- Lower Bills: Green buildings use less energy and water, saving 20-30% in energy and 30-50% in water.
- Higher Property Value: Green buildings often sell for more.
- Healthier Living: Improved air quality makes for healthier homes.
In India, the green building industry has grown from a small industry to a multi-billion dollar industry in just 10 years.
Conclusion
Hyderabad is making great strides in sustainable construction. With the support of the government, organizations, and builders, the city is creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
While there are still challenges, such as raising awareness and training workers in these new methods, the future looks promising. Working together, Hyderabad can build a more sustainable future.
Need Help? Contact Walls Asia to learn more about sustainable building practices and how we can help you build an eco-friendly and beautiful home.
