Soft on nature, light on pocket, green homes are the future

Cutting carbon footprint

Green homes are the future at a time when the stress is on reducing the effects of greenhouse gases.  Such cost-effective solutions have come to the fore on the occasion of the World Environment Day celebrated on June 5 (Monday).  Janet D’Cunha, a techie from London, on her visit to Bengaluru talks about her love for nature and how she is getting a green home built in Mangaluru.

Janet had seen green homes in London and decided on getting one for herself built on her own land. A Bengaluru-based company is constructing the house for Janet.

Among the 14 projects in Karnataka, Janet’s green home is dear to the builders.  The house in Mangaluru is self-cooled and is equipped with solar-powered appliances. The house has two water sources, an underground sump that collects 35,000 litres of rainwater, given the immense amount of rainfall that Mangaluru receives and a borewell. Recharge pits have been dug around the house to restore the water balance. Recycled wood has been used in the construction of the house.

The firm has ensured every part of the house is built with environmental friendly substances. Zero carbon emission cement has been used for the house. Says Janet, “I am a nature lover with traditional roots. The builder catered to my every requirement and I am confident that my house is in the right hands.” Water in the city limits is at a depth of 700 feet. As we move towards the rural areas, the water level have depreciated to 800-900 feet. The company ensures the installation of rainwater harvesting facility in all their homes, their small contribution towards a Karnataka which will never run out of water.