Minimizing The Negative Impact on Environment With Green Affordable Housing Project

IIFL Home Finance’s Green Value Partner (GVP) initiative has a goal to redefine the home finance industry and act as a catalyst. The GVP wishes to contribute to maximize sustainable development within the affordable housing segment, providing a home to all. There is a dire need to adopt a responsible business strategy, support well-defined social and environmental benefits to conserve energy and resources.

Energy efficiency is a highly effective and economic method to reduce global Green House Gas (GHG) emission. With green design strategies, the implementation of sustainable practices from conception to completion helps with minimizing the negative impacts on the environment.

Amidst many other projects of GVP team, Mahal Aangan is an affordable housing project that is not only affordable but also a model of sustainable housing that highlights the benefits of green design strategies in the project lifecycle. located in Jaipur, it is a pre-certified IGBC Gold Green Affordable Housing project which strongly believes in the implementation of sustainable practices from the conception to completion thus minimizing the negative impacts on the environment.

The Green Value Partner (GVP) team conducted a complimentary initial assessment study for the project to assess the potential of the project to get green certified and also suggested sustainable strategies such as:

1. Installation of water efficient plumbing fixtures as a water conservation strategy

2. Energy efficient building envelope to maintain indoor thermal comfort

3. Handling of construction and waste demolition waste to divert it from being sent to landfills

4. Installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to conserve freshwater used in landscaping

5. Use of low VOC paints to improve occupant health

The timely consultation on the suggested sustainability strategies in coordination with the GVP team helped the developer in achieving a IGBC Gold rating pre-certification for the project.

Converting a business-as-usual scenario to a green building has a positive impact on the environment and the strategies from the project are highlighted here:

• 41% of the total site is a green cover filled with native plant species

• 96% of the non-roof area has provided high SRI pavers to reduce the heat island effect

• Universal design provided, considering the differently abled

• 100% of the rainwater run-off is harvested from roof and non-roof areas

• 95% of the wastewater generated on-site is treated thus reducing the demand for potable water

• Solar panel installed on the roof meets 78% of the common area lighting load reducing the grid load

• 100% of total organic waste generated on-site is treated using the organic waste convertor

• 95% of the materials used for construction are locally sourced

Once the project is operational, it will contribute towards natural resource consumption (energy & freshwater) and GHG emissions offset. The estimated impacts are as follows:
1. Annual energy consumption reduction – 391.8 MWh
2. Annual water consumption reduction – 22.63 ML
3. Annual GHG emissions offset – 360.41 TCO2e
Green Value Partner is a catalyst in building homes that are comfortable and healthy causing bare minimum harm to the environment. GVPs seek to provide end to end assistance to the developer and work throughout a project’s lifecycle, starting from

conceptualisation to completion, ensuring successful execution of vision and mission.

What are the positive impacts of Green Affordable Houses?  Share them in the comments section.