Green Good Deeds for Builders

Introduction

Many of the modern buildings are highly energy-intensive. Producing one tonne of Portland cement releases roughly one tonne of CO₂ to the atmosphere. In 2013, cement production accounted for roughly 9.5 percent of global CO₂ emissions.

Traditionally, Indian house construction utilises local materials like bamboo, stones, and clay. The use of traditional materials is not only suitable for local climate but also contributes to GHG mitigation by reducing cement consumption and material transport. Use of precious soil for brick making and sand if extracted unscientifically from river beds degrades the environment. Dust from construction sites is also a significant source of air pollution in cities. Building practices such as use of solar-passive orientation, thermal insulation by using mud, jalis or chequered windows and large courtyards for natural ventilation are examples of practices that are designed for comfort in harmony with the natural surroundings, thus reducing energy requirements.

Tips

• Avoid earth bricks for construction purpose. Instead, use fly ash bricks.
• Preserve top soil and use it for green belt development.
• Use recycled STP water for construction.
• Don’t use groundwater for construction purposes.
• Plan and construct basements without disturbing groundwater table.
• Avoid water wastage water in curing.
• Avoid clearing of old trees existing on the site.
• Plant local species and fruit bearing trees within and outside the plots
• Recycle and reuse construction waste.
• Insist on the use of PUC certified vehicles for transport of construction materials.
• Use covered trucks for transport of sand, bajari and grit.
• Specify speed limits of material transport vehicles.
• Misting system and sprinklers may be used for effective dust management
• Use solar power for illuminating construction site.
• Use energy efficient electric wiring and devices.
• Adopt dual plumbing system and use treated grey water for flushing of toilets.
• Provide adequate sanitation facilities to construction workers.
• Adopt water harvesting measures for harvesting and recharging groundwater during rainy season.
• Adopt green building concepts for construction.

Source : Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change