29-08-2016, 11:34 AM
Prospects and Challenges of Green Buildings and Green
Affordable Homes-Concept: A Study with Reference to
Ernakulam, Kerala
1451368134-DrManojPKPaperGreenAffordableHomesGRAVol2Issue12Dec2013pp45491.pdf (Size: 195.02 KB / Downloads: 7)
Abstract
he concept of ‘Green Affordable Homes’ has assumed tremendous significance in the contemporary centrality
because of the utmost importance of environment-friendly development initiatives, not only in the construction
and housing development arena alone but in the entire gamut of all types of human endeavors as well. The need for preserving energy and
ensuring high energy efficiency has added another dimension to the significance of green and affordable homes. As the governments the world
over are keen on promoting various environment-friendly and energy-saving development initiatives, ‘Green Buildings’ in general and ‘Green
Homes’ in particular are growingly becoming the preferred development models of governments, and also financing agencies, regulatory
authorities, developers etc. In this context, this paper makes an overall review of the vital significance of green, affordable and energy-efficient
construction activities, makes an empirical study of the awareness level, attitudinal issues, problems and prospects of such houses, and makes
some suggestions based on the findings of the study.
Green buildings and GREEN AFFORDABLE Homes - Concept
The term ‘Green Affordable Housing’ generally refers to reasonably
priced housing that incorporates sustainable features. In India, the term
is often used interchangeably with the terms ‘Sustainable Housing’, and
the latter term is more common too. For connoting the energy-efficiency
aspect of green buildings, terms like ‘high-performance buildings’,
‘environmentally responsible building’ are used, though not very common
in practice. There is no single definition for the concept of ‘Green
Building’. It is, however, recognized as a high-performance building
designed, built, operated and disposed of in a resource-efficient manner
with the aim to minimize the overall (negative) impact on the built
environment, human health and the natural environment. Some examples
of green building features are choice of site and orientation,
efficient use of materials and resources, indoor environmental quality
and innovation. ‘Affordable Housing’ in the US is defined as dwelling
units whose total housing costs fit within the budget of households
at the local median income level. Affordability is commonly defined as
not spending more than 30 percent of household income on housing.
Given the higher exposure of low-income households and the need for
public assistance, the most salient features of green affordable housing
are energy use, material use, durability and a healthy indoor environment.
Thus, ‘Green Buildings’ in general or ‘Green Homes’ in particular,
may be operationally defined as buildings and infrastructure that minimize
the use of resources, reduce harmful effects on the environment
and provide healthier environments for people. Terms interchangeably
used in different contexts include ‘Affordable housing’, ‘Budget housing’,
‘Low-income housing’, ‘Attainable housing’, ‘Subsidized housing’
etc. Irrespective of the term used, they are used to describe single-family
or multi-family dwellings having purchase prices or rental payments
affordable to low-income to moderate-income individuals, usually with
the help of subsidies.
The concept of ‘Green Homes’ has its origin in the United States (US). It
has become increasingly common in the US with the adoption of state
and local policies that favor or require green building practices for publicly
owned or funded buildings. Potential benefits of green affordable
housing include lower energy cost burden and improved health. In the
context of building and home design, ‘Green’ commonly refers to practices
that conserve natural resources in the short and long term, improve
the quality and longevity of structures, and promote the health
and well-being of occupants. Affordable housing developments are
incorporating green features like energy-saving appliances and straw
bale insulation that reduce utility bills; air quality improvements that
reduce health care expenses; and community and personal gardens
that provide local, organic produce at little cost.