Energy Efficient Housing: Scope and Prospects in India

Housing is the basic need of modern civilization. Conventional system of building houses calls for vertical structures reflecting heat to the detriment of ecological balance. Majority of low/middle class Indians are unable to meet the high cost of construction of sustainable buildings that can deal with the vagaries of nature. They may not be able to take into account the long term national needs to protect the sustainability of environment. Among the higher strata of society and among the developers, the concept of promoting energy efficient housing, more commonly known as green building is picking up more prominence keeping the need for environmental protection in view. On the other hand, the rapid urbanization has led to massive increase in vertical concrete structures choking the free space and compressing the natural ventilation system in the cities/towns. The rampant growth of city limits with more housing colonies have begun to put pressure on the urban infrastructure like roads, transportation system, water supply, civic amenities, energy and health sector. The Energy efficiency in the construction of buildings means the minimum expenditure of energy needed to heat and cool the interior of a building with the added feature of making this space healthy and comfortable for human occupation. This includes air quality, moisture conditions, and lighting. The ideal energy-efficient home retains the best environment for human habitation while minimizing the cost of energy.