Building a Sustainable Future: Ananda - The Green Home Initiative

In the face of climate change and resource depletion, sustainable construction is no longer a choice but a necessity. The Ananda Green Home project embodies this ideology, integrating circular economy principles, eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient designs to create a space that balances comfort with environmental responsibility.

Water Conservation

The home incorporates multiple strategies to reduce water waste and enhance conservation:

• Rainwater Harvesting: A 30,000-litre rainwater storage tank ensures efficient use of rainwater for domestic needs.
• Soft Water & AC Water Collection: A separate 2,000-litre overhead tank collects water from air conditioners and softened water systems, minimizing wastage.
• Water Heating Solutions: By shifting from traditional solar thermal heaters to solar PV-driven electrical heating, the system optimizes energy efficiency while reducing heat loss.

Energy Efficiency

To reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, the home integrates:

• Solar PV System: A 12 kW solar power unit supports household electricity needs and car charging stations, promoting clean energy.

Sustainable Construction Materials and Techniques

The project champions circular economy principles by repurposing materials:

• SPB Interlocking Bricks & Pavers: Approximately 10 metric tons of waste resources have been transformed into construction materials, saving 25 metric tons of natural resources and achieving a cumulative impact of 35 metric tons in material conservation.
• Fly Ash Bricks: These bricks, used for load-bearing walls, offer a low-carbon alternative to traditional burnt clay bricks.

Eco-Friendly Design Elements

Several architectural features contribute to reducing environmental impact:

• 12 ft Room Height: Increases natural cooling, reducing air conditioning requirements.
• Matka Pot Roof Insulation Technique: Provides natural insulation for the roof, lowering indoor temperatures.
• Vinyl Wall Cladding: Durable, energy-efficient, and recyclable, this material minimizes maintenance and enhances insulation.
• Insulated Roof for Water Tanks: Helps reduce heat impact on stored water, preserving quality and reducing energy costs.

Circular Waste Management

The home integrates thoughtful waste reduction solutions:

• Composting Systems: Kitchen and garden waste are composted to nourish the organic vegetable garden.
• Dedicated Green Toilet Block: This eco-friendly addition benefits service providers working on the property.

Long-Term Estimated Environmental Impact (projections, subject to validation, based on references stated below)

The table shows an estimated cumulative reduction of approximately 13 metric tons of CO2e significantly contributes to climate change mitigation. Over a 10-year period, this equates to reducing emissions comparable to:

• Driving over 110,000 km in a typical petrol car
• Saving the energy required to power an average household for over 3 years
• Preventing around 650 mature trees from being cut down

References used by ChatGPT on the basis of which the above values have been derived.

1. GHG Emission Factors for Construction Materials - International Energy Agency (IEA)
2. Solar PV Efficiency and Emission Savings - National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
3. Water Conservation Best Practices - Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), India
4. Fly Ash Brick Carbon Footprint Analysis - Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India
5. Composting Systems for Waste Reduction - Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

By investing in sustainable practices today, we pave the way for future generations to inherit a healthier planet. The Ananda Green Home project is a step towards this vision, proving that eco-friendly living is not just achievable but rewarding.

We are happy to have taken this small step to plan a sustainable home, based on our own experiences, knowledge gained.

Silica Plastic Block technology has been developed by Rhino Machines Pvt Ltd (www.rhinomachines.net). They have been supplying the technology, assisting in process and operations training, collaborating with HiEERAs for sustainable enterprise development. As the founder's of the technology, the products have been first used in Rhino's own premises over the past 5 years, and now will be used at the new dwelling of the directors.

Being the change, we wish to see in the world!

Practice before preach, use it before recommending it, demonstrate to inspire, are philosophies Manish, Rashmi & Nandita have been practicing.

Project site: 167-184, Shaligram Greens, Bakrol, Dist Anand.

Site commenced – 16th Jan 2025. Planned completion – 9th Sep 2025.

Architect – Ar. Dhaval Patel, Anand, Gujarat.

Manish Kothari | Rashmi Kothari | Nandita Kothari