Green or energy saving apartments are gaining popularity among prospective buyers. This is a growing trend in India, and Kolkata is also not an exception. New age builders are implementing some result oriented methods while building eco-friendly housing projects in Rajarhat- New Town area. In fact, the Smart cities have been planned following green building norms. Let us briefly discuss the features of green apartments in New Town area:
- Apartment design: The designs of eco-friendly apartments encourage the use of natural resources of energy like wind, rain water and solar power. Geographical location of Kolkata is such that south-east facing apartments are most suitable for the entry of sunlight and natural wind. However, it is absurd to think that all buyers can purchase south-east facing apartments. Thus, real estate builders are introducing innovative ideas for apartment design like installing skylights and multiple windows along with verandah and terrace gardens. These methods keep the internal atmosphere naturally cool.
- Availability of open space: Most of the housing apartments in New Town include open spaces like landscaped gardens and playing areas for children. Some even have rooftop gardens. We know that plants help keep the atmosphere naturally cool. They give shade and thus keep out the sunlight from reaching the ground thereby keeping the temperature of the ground cooler than the surrounding atmosphere. In addition, open spaces let the wind to blow freely.
- Garden areas: We have all read in our biology textbook that trees, plants and grasses take in carbon dioxide and reduce the green house effect. The process of transpiration also helps keep the atmosphere naturally cool. Thus, the inclusion of garden areas can keep the temperature of the surroundings below normal.According to the norms set by the central and state government, there should be a certain extent of greenery within and outside the housing apartments built in the Smart cities of New Town and Rajarhat. The real estate builders are following the guidelines in toto thereby offering the owners to maintain a healthy lifestyle along with reducing their carbon footprint.
- Save energy: Green apartments help save in energy and impact your energy bill significantly. They reduce the energy consumption by incorporating methods that encourage the use of renewable energy resources. Apart from solar water heaters and solar batteries, an increased usage of CFL and LED lights can help in saving lots of energy.New age builders like ‘Realtech Nirman’ are encouraging buyers to install energy saving electrical equipment in their apartments. High energy consuming equipment like Air Conditioners and refrigerators should be bought after verifying the Star Rating.
- Use products that are environment-friendly: Apart from building apartments following green norms, it is the onus of the buyers to keep the surroundings more eco-friendly. Thus, the state government encourages people to use paper made carry bags or recycled plastic bags. The success of green apartments depends on the combined efforts of the homeowners and the government.
