6 Latest Improvements in Real Estate Technology to Save Our Environment

With the rising population of the world, providing housing solutions to everyone is going to be really challenging from here. Moreover, the increase in the population density all over the world is posing a severe threat to the environment in general. Let's talk about the population of Pune, for a moment. It has grown from 5.7 million in 2015 to 6.2 million in 2018. It has pushed the construction of new apartments, offices, supermarkets, and malls to the support the population increase.

The problems related to environmental preservation in the real estate business are getting quite critical. Thankfully, technology has a few answers for us now, which can be followed to create a sustainable, eco-friendly atmosphere. We should apparently know what needs to be done in real estate to while creating an impact in environment saving.

Sustainable Building Materials Usage – Recycled Steel or Glass

While carrying out the construction of a new property, you should look to use sustainable and renewable materials as much as you can. Using recycled steel or glass is a great option, which could help you to reduce the detrimental effect of a new construction massively. Modern technologies are available which can recycle these materials efficiently and within a shorter time span.

The technologies are successful because extraction of the raw materials for the steel or glass needs deep excavation. It leads to the depletion of the overall natural resources. Additionally, disposing of the scraped glass and steel is an environmental issue, if they are not recycled. To take care of unwanted deposition of scrapped glass and steel, it is better if these are recycled methodically. It will save the natural resources from going extinct, and help you take care of the leftover debris from the new construction.

Energy Efficient Doors and Windows

Though it seems trivial to some, installing energy efficient doors and windows can help you preserve the environment in a big way. These can provide comfort, save energy costs, and reduce the damage to the environment.

Energy efficient doors and windows keep the house warm or cool, depending upon the season. With proper frame materials, usage of fiberglass, and adequate insulation you can create a cozy atmosphere inside the properties. These windows and doors control the light and air entering the room.

Moreover, they come with various advancements like tinted glass, double pane, and a double pane with insulating gas in between. The use of technology in creating these doors and windows is quite critical, depending on the location and the functional requirement.

Using these type of doors and windows enable lesser wastage of renewable energy. Statistics show that in the US it helps in saving more than 5%-30% on annual utility bills.

Less Use of Volatile Organic Compounds

Every new construction uses several organic compounds, especially while they are giving the final change to the property. These compounds include paints, sealants, adhesives, and other such items. Though there are cheaper products available in the market, one should always check the volatility level of these items. Otherwise, these materials can produce toxic gases that can be detrimental to the health of the people inside the property.

Moreover, while buying some products one must understand how they are manufactured, the method of installing, and their after-effects. The contractors and the workers must be educated too so that they do not use such unsafe materials accidentally.

Even after installation, the remaining amount of paints, sealing and other materials must be disposed of responsibly, without harming the environment. We must remember that these chemical compounds have a lasting effect on nature.

Green Roofs with Renewable Energy Harvesting

Green Roofing is a relatively newer concept which is now gaining popularity all across the world. With today’s cities becoming more of a concrete jungle, green roofing enables growing plants on the rooftops to help the environment. It not just takes care of the aesthetics but helps reduce carbon footprints as well. They reduce energy usage and costs for indoor climate control and resulting GHG emissions by insulating and cooling the buildings. While the energy savings vary according to climate and construction, as per NRDC report, green roofing can bring down the daily energy usage by 75% during summers for a one-storeyed building in the USA.

Other energy efficient techniques for renewable energy harvesting can be the construction of solar panel in the rooftops. These solar panels can be used to generate electricity for the apartment. Similarly, rainwater harvesting techniques can be implemented to store water for household uses. As per MIT researchers, "the amount of water that could be captured through RWH systems is surprisingly high: a flat terrace of area 100 m2 in a region with an average annual rainfall of 600 mm could accumulate 60,000 liters a year".

Landscaping

Another area to invest in is landscaping. Plant more trees around the property to create a positive micro-climate. For instance, creating a jogger’s lane or walkways around the shady areas makes it easier for the people to go around the place around summers. Moreover, planting trees ensure the roots bind to the soil well thus reducing a dusty environment.

Additionally, they help increase the groundwater level. However, you need to be careful about the kind of trees being planted. Plants or shrubs close to the homes that require more water affects you negatively. Encourage xeriscaping, that is landscaping using plants which use less water. With its help, you can reduce outdoor water usage by a significant margin. Similarly, creating gravel paths around the place is another way to achieve this.

Reducing Energy Wastage and Carbon Footprints

Always encourage the use of eco-friendly appliances for your apartments. The entire world looking for efficient energy resources for sustenance, some energy efficient devices/appliances are readily available. Instead of incandescent bulbs, encourage the use of LED lights and give importance to appliances with better energy efficiency. Always go for appliances with a higher “Energy Star” rating to ensure energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.

Moreover, using solar panels is another technique to cut on energy wastage. The set-up costs for solar panels might be higher, but they are more efficient in the long run. And not just indoor lighting, solar panels can be used to take care of the outdoor electricity requirements as well. Using solar powered light for walkaways can cut down on electricity wastage by a considerable percentage. As per researchers, "20-year electricity savings from solar can be significant, ranging from the low end of $10k to almost $30k. The deciding factor will primarily be the cost of electricity, which varies significantly depending on where you live."

Key Takeaways

In addition to the points mentioned above, you must train the construction workers to maintain a few standards. They must be aware of the environmental impact of the constructional materials, and avoid dumping them within the vicinity of the construction work. The debris must be disposed of properly, as they can cause stagnation and blockage to the nearby water bodies or the earth.

The struggle between the growth of real estate and the preservation of nature is complicated. The need to provide real estate solution is essential to support the growth of population. At the same time, we must not compromise on the preservation of nature. Keeping a proper balance between the two is crucial to remain relevant in today’s world.

Moreover, we are trying to create more awareness among people about the real estate scenario in Pune and what should be the best practice to avoid overcrowding the city with new construction.

We, at Sancheti builders, have been striving to create a difference while developing pollution-free properties. The constructions are fitted with all the modern amenities, without compromising the aesthetics and the environment.