Green resources utility refers to the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, focusing on reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices. It encompasses renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, and green technologies. In a broader context, it aligns with creating a supportive environment (milieu) for sustainable living, balancing ecological health and human development. Such efforts contribute to a greener planet by encouraging responsible consumption and preserving resources for future generations.
Introduction
Green Buildings: Definition and Importance
Green buildings are designed to minimize environmental impact and enhance human health. They aim to reduce energy consumption, utilize sustainable materials, and improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ). However, despite their benefits, the adoption of green buildings faces several challenges.
?? Barriers to Green Building Adoption
1. Financial Constraints
High Initial Costs: Green buildings often require higher upfront investments due to expenses related to design, materials, and certification processes.
Long Payback Periods: The return on investment for green buildings can take up to 20 years, which may deter investors seeking quicker financial returns.
Hidden Costs: Unforeseen expenses during construction and operation can further complicate financial planning.
2. Lack of Awareness and Expertise
Limited Knowledge: A shortage of trained professionals and a lack of awareness among stakeholders about the benefits and implementation of green building practices hinder progress.
Resistance to Change: Traditional construction methods dominate, and there is skepticism about the efficacy and value of green buildings.
3. Regulatory and Policy Challenges
Insufficient Incentives: Inadequate government policies and financial incentives fail to encourage the adoption of green building practices.
Complex Regulations: Navigating the regulatory landscape can be challenging for developers and builders.
4. Market Dynamics
Uncertain Benefits: The long-term advantages of green buildings, such as increased productivity and health benefits, are difficult to quantify, making it hard to justify the initial investment.
Stakeholder Interests: Different stakeholders, including developers, investors, and tenants, have varying priorities, complicating consensus on green building initiatives.
???? G.R.U.H.A.M: A Sustainable Housing Initiative
In response to these challenges, the G.R.U.H.A.M (Green Resources Utilization Home-A Milieu) model has been proposed. This initiative aims to design residential buildings that:
Achieve Zero Energy Status: By integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Reduce Environmental Impact: Through the use of sustainable materials and waste reduction systems.
Enhance Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing initial investments with long-term savings on energy and maintenance.
Promote Community Well-being: By creating healthy living environments that foster community interaction.
Incorporate Innovative Construction Methods: Utilizing advanced techniques to reduce waste and construction time.
Ensure Scalability and Adaptability: Designing buildings that can be customized to meet local environmental conditions and regulatory requirements.
A study conducted in Haryana, India, compared the indoor environmental quality of G.R.U.H.A.M buildings with conventional buildings. The findings indicated that G.R.U.H.A.M buildings offer superior indoor environments, which can lead to improved occupant health and productivity.
???? Research Objectives and Scope
The research aims to:
Evaluate Energy Efficiency: Assess the effectiveness of renewable energy systems in achieving zero energy status.
Assess Environmental Impact: Conduct life cycle analyses to determine the carbon footprint of materials and systems used.
Conduct Cost-Benefit Analysis: Compare the initial costs with long-term savings to determine financial viability.
Examine Community Impact: Investigate the influence of G.R.U.H.A.M designs on resident health and well-being.
Test Scalability: Develop strategies for implementing the model in various regions and climates.
The scope includes literature review, design and development, energy systems integration, environmental impact assessment, cost-benefit analysis, pilot implementation, performance evaluation, scalability study, and conclusion with recommendations.
Conclusion
On the basis of critical evaluation of IEQ data reveal that the humidity of green building 1 was higher than the conventional building 1 (1.91%). The noise level in conventional building was less than that of green building 1 during winter afternoon (11.66 dB), evening (1.34 dB) and afternoon of summer as well (5.6 dB). This might be on account of the density of population which was higher in green building one. The more open space in green building might have resulted into the higher humidity level than the conventional building 1. The results regarding all the green buildings versus mean value of conventional buildings reveal that green buildings are better than that of conventional buildings except in case of humidity of green building 1(t= 2.77) during summer while during winter the humidity was found out be non-significant in case of green building 1(t= 1.72) followed by green building 2(t= 2.25) and 4(t= 2.88). As, we can see green buildings are far better than that of conventional buildings in every aspect of IEQ. Green and healthier environment anticipate less illness and therefore reduce absenteeism. So, more and more institutes should promote green buildings concept and green model villages as a result our earth planet will be healthy planet to live in as it reduces global warming.
=>In terms of costing of G.R.U.H.A.M,its cost comes out to be equivalent to any other conventional residential building which means a more durable, feasible residence is also present as an option to normal home as desired by the general public to buy.
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