Sustainable Housing Technologies in Real Estate

Sustainability is no longer an unknown concept in the real estate arena. Various technologies and net zero methodologies have underpinned the need for adoption of sustainable practices in real estate. Whether we talk about commercial or housing pockets, sustainability is the way forward and a future catalyst for development. Through this article, we aim to define, understand and deep dive into this concept, and explore multiple facets of how the new advancements have revolutionised real estate and pushed for sustainable housing practice.?

What has led to the need for sustainable housing?

Erratic climate changes, stubborn pollution cycles, and the criticality of the climate crisis has led to a transformative shift from reliance on non-renewable resources towards renewable sources of energy. Even though buyers have to pay a price premium for homes architected with a sustainable vision, they are ready to do this to safeguard future generations and do their bit towards a net zero economy. This is beyond brick and mortar, this is about creating eco-friendly and energy-efficient structures that stand as a commitment to sustainability, for a brighter, greener future.?

More on how, why and what of sustainable housing

Indian market buyers and developers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of construction technologies. Buyers are more skewed towards long-term benefits that sustainable solutions can offer, hence willingness to invest in such spaces is on the higher side, even if it means incremental costs. In a quest for net-zero standards, real estate is not restricting to just green spaces, but is also embracing cutting-edge technologies to architect energy-efficient homes.?

This includes HVAC systems to advanced glass technologies, lightning harvesting, and AI-driven smart systems that not only optimise building operations but also prove long lasting for the buyers. Creating sustainable homes is a testament to an improved quality of life for present and future generations alike.?

Technologies that are powering sustainable housing?

Developers are investing in solutions that not only curtail energy consumption but also significantly impact carbon emissions. They are integrating eco-friendly construction technologies and materials such as robust insulation systems, solar panels, use of recycled products, low VOC paints, to list a few.

Here is a snapshot of the key drivers of sustainable housing

1. Smart homes and Smart Building Systems: With an estimated global market value of $500 Billion by 2023, the demand for smart homes will surge in the near future. Emerging technologies such as AI/ML channelise energy consumption, making your home energy complaint. These technologies align schedules and intelligently predict data through various approaches. This includes monitoring building performance, identifying failures with real- time analysis, hence making infrastructure efficient, smart and secure. Adding to this revolutionising tech, is the algorithm of Machine learning that catalyses energy usage based on weather patterns, occupancy and more.

1. Green construction technologies: Homes today are constructed using smart technologies that are not only good for the environment but also for individuals living in them. Spearheading this shift is the cellulose insulation, which is made up of 75-80% recycled material, including newspapers. Its uses are not limited to cost efficiency and are incumbent on reducing waste, offering superior insulation and soundproofing. New methods are being developed with materials such as bamboo, hemp and mycelium that are poised to reduce carbon footprints. 3D printing, BIM (Building Information Modelling), Aluform tech and many more methods are penetrating real estate to modernise construction operations and enhance sustainability efforts.
2. AI powered tools: Waste management systems that are driven and monitored by AI tools/ tech analyse data from sensors to predict waste production and optimise collection schedules, hence reducing environmental impact and costs.?

There are other tools for occupancy optimisation too- HVAC and other systems optimise lighting patterns based on occupancy span, leading to controlled energy consumption. Fitting IoT devices, smart sensors, and big data analytics in building management systems is a significant step towards more efficient, waste-reducing, and nature pro healthy living buildings.?

Real world examples that are pivoted by commitment to sustainability

There are many examples that stand out when it comes to optimal use of tech for green houses and smart buildings such as use of 3D printing in Noida for building low-cost houses is an affordable way of construction, moreover smart cities, such as Dholera in Gujarat are redefining urban living with their integration of digital infra Harping on renewable energy sources: Real estate has found a promising partner in its cause for green buildings- solar energy, which is scalable, available and affordable.?

Solar energy can power up homes at all times, reducing the dependence on other forms of energy such as hydel, wind. The energy can be stored in batteries and can be harnessed for all operations, at any time required. Since solar panels can be installed on rooftops, hence it eliminates the hassle of transiting from one place to another. Citing an example here- Delhi-NCR based Gaurs Group has engineered a 15 MW solar power plant at Mahoba, near Gwalior. The plant is capacitated to produce 2.25 Crores electricity annually that will be/ and is utilised for real estate projects development.?

Initiatives that foster green homes

This shift towards sustainable homes is not just curved around technologies, but also shaped as a whole by initiatives and measures by the government.?

The “Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment” (GRIHA) and “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certifications have been adopted to evaluate the sustainability of buildings. In addition to churn a positive buyer sentiment, various financial incentives and tax benefits are offered for opting for green and sustainable practices.