Sustainable Homes for a Sustainable Future

 

Climate change is the biggest crisis facing the world today. Most of us in cities are experiencing its effects in multiple ways like increased heat waves, distressed water supplies, increased frequency and intensity of urban floods and erratic weather patterns.

As governments discuss mitigation measures, businesses and individuals are doing their bit too. The building and construction industry has been a pioneer in this. Perhaps, it comes from the early realisation that we contribute to about 40% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

One example is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS) certification programme introduced by the non-profit US Green Building Council (USGBC). It is a rating system for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings that enables owners to be environmentally responsible as they use resources efficiently.

So, what exactly is ‘green architecture’?

Most consumers might think of this as a project that includes lots of green area, adopts solar lights and rainwater harvesting techniques. However, green building solutions are more than this. They cover a holistic range from materials used to the heating, cooling, and lighting aspects of buildings.

Commerz II — A sustainable project in action

At Oberoi Realty, we make conscious efforts towards sustainability in all our projects. To truly understand the depth and scale of these practices, consider our elegant 30-storeyed commercial tower, Commerz II, adestination of choice for top conglomerates. This building has a LEED Gold Pre-Certification — (Core & Shell) by USGBC and is known for its exemplary usage of technology along with various green and sustainability measures and practices. Here’s a quick look.

Energy Efficiency

The use of high reflective material on the roof, high performance glazing and efficient HVAC design saves energy. CFC-free and HCFC-free refrigerants prevent global warming and ozone depletion. Efficient lighting design and fixtures help reduce lighting power density.

Water Efficiency

Commerz II has been designed to reduce potable water usage for landscaping and irrigation by 100%*. Efficient fixtures like low flow urinals, kitchen faucets and flush water closets reduce potable water use by 40%*. All wastewater is innovatively treated and reused within the site.

Resource Management

Along with efficient material waste management, Commerz II was designed with more than 40% of the total building materials value manufactured and extracted from within 500 miles of the project site.

Site & Environment

With a location close to public transport facilities, we encourage lesser private car use. Meanwhile, electric vehicle charging points within the premises encourage more e-vehicle usage.

Others

There are a number of other touches like the use of low emitting adhesives, paints and Agrifiber products that improve indoor environmental quality too.

In a nutshell, green buildings are more than just cosmetic selling points. They represent a philosophy that is backed by solid action. At Oberoi Realty, we’re committed to this thought.

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