HYDERABAD: To cut down on energy use, save money and make an impact on the environment, architects across the city are embracing green as their new way of life.
While there is awareness on the importance of
environmentally responsible and resource-efficient way of living, experts believe that it is much more important to promote a healthy environment, which does not disrupt the
natural resources around us.
“We need environmentally responsible and resourceefficient green buildings for a sustainable tomorrow. It’s time we encourage architects focused on designing green buildings,” said Akash Srivatsav, environmental activist.
“By adopting greener practices, we can take maximum advantage of environmental and economic performance,” an architect at Indian
Green Building Council (IGBC) said.
In Hyderabad, the sustainable movement has gathered pace after the sector started focusing on affordable homes for ordinary citizens. In the current scenario, affordable homes in the range of Rs 20-30 lakh are the most sought after. IGBC is pioneering the concept since the setting up of the first platinum-rated green building — the CII Green Building Centre in the IT hub — in 2003 in Hyderabad. Presently, IGBC certifies over 500 green building projects in Hyderabad and the demand is set to double in the coming years.
“This growth has been possible with the participation of all stakeholders in the green building movement,” said Mohd Rasool, an architect.
To address this growing industry and government interest, housing companies are in the process of evolving norms for affordable homes and a specific rating system. In days to come, most architects, builders and developers plan to rebuild homes and make certain green changes to every home and ensure that they can create a sustainable lifestyle.
“By making few small changes one can cut down on energy usage, save money, and make a big impact on the environment,” Rassol said.
Representative image
