Green buildings

For the past few years, we have been hearing and reading about Green buildings. In 1990, the world's first green building standard was released in the UK. In 1992, because the "United Nations Conference on Environment and Development" promoted the idea of sustainable development, green buildings gradually became the direction of development. Whether the project is commercial or residential , Green building concept is being incorporated in major constructions around the world . Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment over the life cycle of the building. In short green buildings are environmentally responsible and are resource efficient.

BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDINGS:

Green buildings definitely have Environmental Benefits ,few are mentioned here:

1.Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems

2 .Improve air and water quality

3 Reduce waste streams

4.Conserve and restore natural resources

Economic Benefits

1. Reduced operating costs

2. Improved occupant productivity.

3. Enhanced asset value and profits.

4. Optimized life-cycle economic performance.

Social Benefits

1. Enhancement of health and comfort of occupants.

2. Better indoor air quality, reduced product emissions.

3. Minimal strain on local utility infrastructure.

Green buildings incorporate sustainable materials in their construction like reused, recycled content, material made from renewable resources. Green buildings create landscaping that reduce water usage by growing native plants that survive without extra watering. These objectives expand and complement the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability and overall comfort.

`Green Building’ includes measures to prevent erosion of soil, rainwater harvesting, use of solar energy, preparation of landscapes to reduce heat, reduction in usage of water, recycling of waste-water and use of world-class energy-efficient practices.

Let's make a conscious effort towards promoting more Green buildings for long term sustenance of environmental goals.

Ila Pachauri

Savings can save you in difficult times

Saving money is one of the essential activities for creating wealth and securing the future. Future as we all know is besieged with uncertainties. Uncertainty may come in any form - in the form of an accident, health issues, career upheaval, business breakdown etc. Savings provides a contingency plan to fall back upon in tough times or an unfortunate event. Putting aside a sum of money in a systematic manner can help steer out of many hurdles and obstacles in life. Saving can also work as a fortress wall for the whole family.

Savings can answer a number of your goals, be it short term or long term. One can plan recreational tours, meet higher educational expenses of wards, purchase a vehicle, ensure a happy retired life, re-ignite a forgotten hobby.

The question is how to go about saving and when to start. How much needs to be invested to make saving plans work. It depends on what you dream for yourself and family. Your current income, intended financial needs and important milestones to achieve. Ever noticed an ant, squirrel or honey-bee, they incessantly work but most of the time, indulge in saving for hard times. Look at honey bee, it collects pollen in small quantities but builds a huge honey hive. So it is worth understanding for men to create wealth through small savings. Hence there is no one figure that can suit everyone. But this much is certain, the earlier you start, the more builtin capacity develops in due course. You will remain enthusiastic to save more.

There are a plethora of plans, offered by financial institutions and companies with lucrative interest to retain money value and beat inflation. There are investment schemes, ensuring life cover, tax benefits and emergency withdrawal as well. It is advisable to consult a financial consultant or people having experience in wealth management. Never hesitate to seek proper guidance, before putting your hard earned money. Founder 'Manas Wealth' Ms Akta Sehgal Malhotra, is one such friendly guide in the investment business for more than two decades.

While there are many direct ways of saving money, it should not be forgotten how you can save indirectly and better. Credit Card culture has taken the masses by storm. Credit Cards, no doubt provide a temporary sense of relief but impulsive and staggering usage attracts a high rate of interest and can deplete savings in no time. Wise usage can limit debt and ensure savings remain intact and growing. If you keep a track of expenses, it enables you to have a clear picture about your monetary status. You can identify the things that are not important and accordingly savings can happen automatically!

Mukesh Bhatnagar

(A former bank executive)