Is Energy Efficient Houses Beneficial for Greener India?

In a drive for a greener India, energy-efficient houses are something that the Indian society should strive for. Since the beginning, nature has been made a part of a harmonized living in India. If anyone looks at the distant past, the use of greener technology can be observed in the use of natural ventilation, use of daylight, and natural shading. Achieving a greener India would require everyone to live in harmony with nature

Purpose of Energy-Efficient Housing

Achieving efficient use of energy is more than saving or better managing use of energy. It is also about how effectively the system is built, that energy waste is not a part of the equation at all. This is the point where energy-efficient housing comes in. A house built and set up in such a way that it utilizes the natural resources, like light, heating, and cooling, made available to it via natural means is the very objective of such energy-efficient houses.

According to M. Selvarasu, Director, LEAD Consultancy & Engg Services, energy-efficient houses use a building design that, through proper selection of building materials, can regulate the amount of incoming heat. In addition to this, the use of efficient equipment, setting up metering to keep an eye on energy performance, while ensuring that the residents of the houses do not suffer health-wise, is also part of that process. 

This will end up being beneficial for the residents with a reduction in energy costs by more than 30% while creating a healthy and livable environment. Helping conserve energy is only the beginning, as this will also significantly reduce the carbon footprint contributed by a whole region. As such, this also makes a lot of business sense, not just for those hoping to build a greener home for themselves, but also for power distribution companies.

Currently, the residential regions in India are responsible for using approximately 22 percent of electricity produced per year. Newer technology and everyday conveniences are responsible for more use of energy. At the same time, the fast expansion of residential areas as well as electricity used for space conditioning, resulting in even more significant energy use. By 2047 the electrical consumption could further jump by 6-13 times as projected by NITI Aayog. 

To curb this possible rise in electricity use and wastage, greener houses will collectively help out India significantly. With technological evolution here to positively affect the living standards of people in society, it is necessary to be aware of how living spaces are designed for benefit against the limited availability of natural resources.

While the advent of industrialization has brought many conveniences for the Indian populace, India has still become lesser for it. To move forward, this aspect of greener Indian living could be brought back via energy-efficient houses. Greener living is more than just using renewable energy or the latest in green vehicular technology though. In addition to setting up a house following energy efficiency measures, other measures covered by these courses will help manage energy effectively. Some of the best colleges for MBA energy program, for instance, offer courses for both students and people in leading positions to share an understanding of energy efficiency. This can also help out in not limiting to energy-efficient houses but also workplaces.

What Is Being Done In Support?

Keeping in mind that many people in India live without sufficient opportunities to afford energy-efficient housing, the need for affordable green housing will increase gradually. Without an India where everyone has equal access to such building possibilities, the dream towards greener India will be put back significantly. 

Awareness of the use and benefits of renewable energy and efficient housing has ensured that steps are being taken, even in rural areas. Under the government organization ECO-NIWAS, sustainable and affordable green housing is being made accessible to people in India. Incentives and schemes promoted by the government have also had a positive impact on efforts towards net-zero energy homes. While under the presence of rating organizations like the Indian Green Building Council, and the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment, brands have been making products that are greener in use. 

The beginning of this journey begins with an understanding of how energy efficiency works. For in-depth knowledge on the subject, renewable energy management courses can help out significantly. Having access to knowledge can ensure that energy-efficient houses not only make use of building materials but also make efficient use of processed energy.

While such organizations help ensure that people are afforded the same opportunities to a cleaner and greener living, it should be the responsibility of every Indian to start living a greener life. Energy-efficient housing is only one aspect of the overarching movement towards a greener India. Other actions can be taken by communities for an eco-friendly and self-sustaining India. Some of these include the harvest of rainwater and recycling used water to reduce wastage, using sunlight to reduce daytime and night-time lighting costs through solar panels. Natural ventilation also helps circulate air without the need to use energy for the same. All of this can only be achieved if everyone participates in an eco-friendly and greener India.

Leave a Comment