As climate change accelerates, the housing sector contributing about 4% of India’s carbon emissions, faces an urgent need to embrace sustainable practices. With India’s rapid urbanisation and rising housing needs, the shift to green housing is no longer just a recommendation but fast morphing into a necessity.
The recently announced Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) 2.0 has included the green factor in its guidelines. The government is integrating green and sustainable practices into the construction of PMAY homes. This includes the use of energy-efficient materials, solar power integration, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems.
The problem with conventional housing
Conventional buildings have several environmentally harmful characteristics. They rely heavily on non-renewable resources, particularly fossil fuels, for energy consumption, leading to high emissions during both construction and their operational life cycles. Materials such as cement and steel contribute significantly to carbon emissions, while outdated design practices often fail to incorporate energy-efficient solutions like rainwater harvesting or solar energy systems. Furthermore, these buildings are not structurally resilient to extreme climate events like floods or heatwaves, leading to repeated reconstruction and additional carbon emissions.
Unsurprisingly, the energy demand for residential buildings has soared over the past two decades, with electricity consumption tripling. Appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, especially in urban areas, contribute heavily to this rise in demand. As the country continues to urbanise, this trend is expected to exacerbate.
Green housing as a solution
Green housing offers a pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of the residential sector by optimising the use of resources and incorporating energy-efficient designs. Green buildings are designed to limit carbon emissions during the construction phase and throughout the life cycle of the building, including emissions from future renovation or demolition.
Although green housing may come with an initial cost premium of 4-12%, the long-term savings in energy costs can be substantial, with potential reductions in energy bills by 25-30%. Furthermore, water efficiency systems, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, can lead to significant reductions in water consumption, adding to the overall sustainability of these buildings.
Challenges in the adoption of green housing
Despite its benefits, the adoption of green housing in India remains limited, largely due to the upfront costs and the lack of attractive financial incentives. While the government has introduced measures to promote green housing, such as offering additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and fast-tracking environmental clearances for certified green buildings, these incentives are not enough to drive widespread adoption. The discounts on home loans for green buildings, offered by a few financial institutions, typically range from just 0.5% to 1.5%, which is insufficient to attract many buyers or developers.
Moreover, there is a general lack of awareness about the long-term benefits of green housing. Many households and developers are either unaware of what constitutes a green home or are hesitant to invest in it due to the perceived complexity and higher upfront costs.
Policy interventions and financial incentives
To accelerate the adoption of green housing, there is a need for a more comprehensive approach involving policy, financial incentives, and public awareness. The Government of India has taken steps to update the National Building Code to include sustainability measures and has introduced the Eco Niwas Samhita Code, which promotes energy-efficient design in residential buildings. Additionally, several state governments have introduced their own policies to support green housing initiatives. The Government of India’s initiatives, such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which promotes rooftop solar installations, and the UJALA scheme, which encourages energy-efficient lighting, are steps in the right direction.
However, more needs to be done. Financial institutions can play a key role by offering more significant interest rate reductions and other incentives for green projects. Similar to international practices, the Government could introduce energy-efficient mortgages or grants for homeowners and developers to finance sustainable improvements in buildings. Tax rebates and subsidies for green certification fees, along with incentives for incorporating energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy systems, can further encourage the transition.
Raising awareness among consumers is crucial for the success of green housing initiatives. Many homebuyers and developers are still unaware of the environmental and economic benefits of green homes. Furthermore, regulations requiring green features in new buildings and incentivising retrofitting in older constructions can ensure that sustainable housing becomes the norm.
By integrating green practices into the very fabric of building design and construction, India can ensure that its housing sector supports its climate goals and creates a more sustainable future for all.
