Development is a double-edged sword. While it is essential for the progress of humans, a non-holistic approach towards development can end up threatening our very existence. Let’s look at the construction industry, for example. As per the Global Construction Market Report 2022, the industry has witnessed a staggering 11.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2021 and 2022. The emerging markets that have witnessed unprecedented construction activity include India, along with China, Brazil, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
While these figures are definitely impressive, it’s also a matter of grave concern. The UN Environment’s Global Status Report published earlier, in 2017, states that the construction industry alone uses more than 35% of global final energy and is also responsible for close to 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. The good news is that the industry is increasingly becoming aware of the imminent dangers of the situation and has taken several laudable steps towards responsible development. Be it offering a greener lifestyle, generating zero waste, or taking proactive steps to reduce carbon footprint, developers of today are consciously adopting a holistic approach.
India, too, is a proud participant in this shift. Many builders and developers are building communities where eco-friendliness is not just a buzzword, but a way of life, with Provident Housing being a prominent name among them. The company champions the cause of sustainable and conscious living and has meticulously followed it in the past and has become more mindful in every aspect of construction in its upcoming projects. Let’s take a look:
Eco-Conscious Building Blocks
At Provident Housing, sustainability is an integral part of every project, right from the materials used to the final design. Consider this; the cement is mixed with 31% of fly ash, which is a recycled material. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by a whopping 30%. At a time when river sand depletion is a major concern, the company has replaced it 100% with other materials like Slag Sand and M sand. There’s more; instead of using stone aggregates to mix concrete, rock aggregates – recycled from construction & demolition waste – have been used. While floors are tiled using clay and other recycled materials, care is also taken to apply more environment-friendly paint.
Minimal Use of Freshwater & Zero Waste
Provident Housing’s practical approach to water management mainly focuses on minimising the demand for freshwater, use of more efficient fittings to reduce water wastage and consumption and maximising the use of recycled water. The company aims to reduce the demand for freshwater by 62.5%. Apart from using only treated water for flushing and landscaping needs, rainwater harvesting, rooftop water collection and storage are also practised to decrease dependency on external freshwater demand. The figures are remarkable; Provident Housing will save 1,040,000 litres per day – sufficient to take care of the water needs of more than 7,700 individuals per day (as per the National Building Code standards of 135 litres per person per day)!
Yet another step in the right direction is to make all projects Net Zero Waste! That is, all waste generated on the premises will be recycled, composted, or disposed of without being sent to a landfill. With waste management becoming a major concern in all Indian cities, this is indeed the way ahead.
Greener Spaces, Cleaner Air
When it comes to sustainable living, how can we not talk about air quality? Research has shown that people spend more than 90% of their time indoors, where there are several factors damaging the quality of air. These include airborne particles, indoor formaldehyde from painting and smoking, household odours and gases from cleaning agents and other chemicals. Carbon dioxide and Ozone from outdoors. Provident Housing has handled the problem by increasing its green cover, using environment-friendly construction materials and by providing excellent cross-ventilation, which lets in fresh air and natural light. Apart from improving the air quality, it also reduces energy consumption.
Economical Consumption of Energy
Yet another goal is to reduce electricity consumption significantly, by tapping solar energy. Using solar lighting in common areas and solar water heaters will not only save power but also money – in lakhs every year! Further, while new building laws mandate only 5% charging points for Electric Vehicles, Provident Housing is dedicating 20% of its car parking space to the same. In fact, one entire floor in its multi-level car parking facility will be reserved for EVs.
Landscaping for Healthy Living Spaces
Provident Housing has dedicated 50 – 70% of the total area of each project to green and open spaces. Apart from making its premises green havens with trees, shrubs, flowering plants and vertical gardens, It has created multiple seasonal ponds. These are not only high on aesthetic appeal but also maintain and increase groundwater levels. They have taken many more laudable steps like placing one tree in the care of each apartment and planting a wide variety of fruit-bearing trees. The latter aims to attract birds and pollinators, further adding to the biodiversity of the campus.
At Provident Housing, sustainability does not mean adopting a few cosmetic measures. All its projects – current and upcoming – reflect its vision of a better present and taking conscious and confident strides towards building a healthier future where holistic living is not a distant dream but an everyday reality.
