The moment I came across/learned about Green, Sustainable & Net-Zero Homes is the moment that filled me with optimism and hope for our future.
Although I run two blogs related to technology, I am usually skeptical about tech. That's because, I feel, we invent new technologies more to satiate human greed than to create a difference in other people's lives (especially disadvantaged and downtrodden). And with every technology we invent, we invariably seem to harm the nature in some way or the other. For example: Air, water, soil pollution, CFC, e-waste, etc.
But when I learned about Green Tech, I was very glad and was filled with optimism and hope for the future because, technology, for a change, can now be applied to reverse the damage we have inflicted on nature (and ourselves) instead of contributing further to the mess.
But how can individuals apply Green Tech to their daily lives? Simple: By building and maintaining Green/Net-Zero/Sustainable Homes.
OK, but what is a Green/Net-Zero House?
A Net-Zero house produces as much (if not more) energy as the inhabitants use, by itself, using renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, bio-gas, geothermal, etc. It can even transfer the excess (unused) energy to the grid that can be used by nearby/other homes. Net-Zero houses are generally off-grid, meaning they do not need a connection to the grid/utility to buy electricity. Some homes do connect to the grid for backup/export purpose. The great news is, many Indian State Governments now allow homes to export excess energy generated using solar panels to the grid, today. This trend is only going to get better, in the future.
But is a Green/Net-Zero House Only about Renewable Energy?
Definitely not. Here are some more aspects that make a Green/Sustainable/Net-Zero Home ~
- Using energy efficient appliances like LED lights, low-energy consuming fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. (BEE/Energy Star 5-Star rated, Inverter-based appliances, for example).
- Using solar water heater & solar cooker (that uses the sun's heat).
- Using smart sensors to switch off unused appliances automatically.
- Using the ambient heat and ambient light as much as possible during the day time.
- Planting cooling plants/trees around the house.
- Using bio-degradable materials and waste materials (as far as possible) to construct the house.
- Having a garden/kitchen garden, and growing our own organic fruits and vegetables.
- Making our own compost using the organic waste.
- Splitting the sewage connection into two, composting the solid waste, recycling the grey water using organic methods.
- Using rain water harvesting techniques.
- Using sensors that alert us when water is empty/full in the tank and when there is a leak.
- Wearing organic/handloom clothes, using organic soaps/detergents.
- Eating organic vegetables, fruits, grains, etc.
- Using electric bikes and electric cars for mobility, that are powered by renewable energy.
- Trying to use wooden/recycled furniture instead of using plastic-based ones.
There are many more aspects that make a green home, but this should suffice for a start. There are architects who build green homes or incorporate many of these green elements in their constructions, today. If you are an environmentally/socially conscious citizen, you should try to buy/build a house that incorporates green principles.
By the way, did you know you can search for houses faster and more efficiently using India's No. 1 housing portal, Housing.com. Check it out!
Disclaimer: This post has been written for indiBlogger Happy Hour contest in association with Housing.com. I agree to keep this post up for at least one year from the date of publication. The opinions mentioned here are my own.
