“SUN” to cool “EARTH” Green Revolution at each home “Why worry about energy, when we have SUN” has lead to the concept of “Green Buildings”, the next big wave to hit India according to an expert in this field. Mr. B S Harikrishna from Bangalore, who was recently in Dubai to see and study the way the concept is implemented in the Metro Stations and Hybrid Cars, feels that this is what India needs the most. This desert city has set an example to the entire world by implementing the “Green Building” concept. Harikrishna, a representative of ZED an organization specialized in making Green Buildings, plans to extend their operations to various other states in India including Kerala. ZED, headed by Dr. Chandrashekar Hariharan, is an initiative by a group of engineers and has been accredited by the Indian Building Council with its Platinum Rating. ZED explains the problems in building houses in the traditional way. Bricks made out of soil disrupt agriculture and increases atmospheric temperature in addition to environment issues. This leads to increased usage of AC and other electric equipments. Gr een Buildings allow proper ventilation, air circulation and natural light. Dubai Metro is a perfect example of effective utilization of natural energy. Hollow bricks used in constructing ZED houses reduces consumption of cement and much mor e solid and strong than normal houses. ZED also makes ACs, Fans and toilet accessories for their houses. Upper part of these houses are concreted normally and covered by water proof materials and filled with a mixture of sand and fiber taken from inside the husk of cocunuts. Next is to plant grass which is eco-friendly for each region. Roof is ready now. Grass is watered using Drip Irrigation Technology. Waste water, after re-cycling, is used for this purpose. One of the portions of the roof is ear marked for planting solar panels which generates 70% of the required electricity for a building. Nothing goes waste her e. Impure water after recycling is used for watering plants while other waste is directed to Gas Plants to meet the cooking requirements. Any solid waste can be used as Fertilizers.
“RAIN’ fills “HEARTS” Green Buildings follows the best scientific method to ensure proper availability of water as well as reduce the inside temperature. This was followed in the traditional houses in certain parts of India and Arabia. Hi-tech culture has changed most of these concepts. While selecting the plot for a Green Building, first the rain water availability is estimated. 20% of this can be stored by way of Rain Water Harvesting and purified Rain Water is used for all regular needs. All Green Buildings have a plant to purify impure (waste) water as there is no regular connection from public utility services. Green Buildi ngs also ensures effective usage of water. While a normal toilet flushes out approximately 15 litres of water, it is just 1 to 1.5 litres in a Green Building.
“WIND” leads the “WAY” To reduce the inside temperature, Gr een Buildings will have a small pond near to the place wher e air flows into the house. Air gets cooler while it enters through the pond. Plants inside and outside the Building generates more Oxygen. AC is not required as proper and cooler air circulation is maintained in Green Buildin gs. Another feature of Green Houses is the flooring which is done using Bamboo Sheets. Widely accepted such Green Houses in Karnataka has now started its presence in Chennai too. ZED receives lot of enquiries from Kerala. Aim is to build such houses with minimum expense using local resources.