This Article is Published in “The Housing Times, May 25, 2018” issue.
The Builders/ Developers usually plan the construction in a modern way. The Entrance Lobby, the Elevation and the Exterior Colour Scheme impart a modern look to the project. The facilities like podium or stack parking add great convenience and utility for the Society members. The Builders/ Developers try to implement various features to make their project salable. During the Construction Planning, it is much feasible to add few more features that will enhance the value of the Society property beyond mere salability.
Modern living in an island city like Mumbai is going to be challenging because of the limited civic amenities available today. The population growth of Mumbai City is going to stretch these civic amenities beyond their capacity. In view of this, the features that would help the Society to reduce its dependence on the civic amenities would be highly appreciable. These features would offer Smart & Green Living to the Society members and would permanently enhance the value of the Society property.
The following features would be worth considering for the purpose of Smart & Green Living for the Society members:
A. Solar Systems
Throughout the year, Solar Energy is available in Mumbai and if deployed properly, can be of great benefit to the Society.
- Solar Electric (PV) System
The cost of electricity in Mumbai has been increasing over the years. The Solar Electric (PV) System along with LED lighting can be deployed to provide electricity for the auxiliary load of staircase and/ or compound lighting. This would reduce the monthly electricity bill of the Society. - Solar Thermal System
The Solar Thermal System for heating water can be deployed and hot water connections can be provided in Bathrooms & Kitchens. If the use of Electric/ Gas Geyser is eliminated for water heating purposes, it would considerably reduce the monthly electricity bills of the Society members.
B. Water Management System
During the 4 months of monsoon, the availability of Rain Water is abundant in Mumbai City. However, there is no provision of storing this rain water in Mumbai City for the remaining 8 months of the year.
- Rain Water Harvesting
The Rain Water Harvesting System can be deployed to store Rain Water for immediate use and to replenish the ground water during monsoon. The use of Rain Water Harvesting reduces the dependence of the Society on the supply of Municipal Water. - Grey Water Treatment
The water drained after its use in Kitchen is called grey water and it can be treated for non- contact purposes such as toilet flushing. This use of treated grey water considerably reduces dependence of the Society on the supply of Municipal Water.
C. Organic Waste Composting
Because of non- availability of dumping grounds, the management of organic waste is an ever- increasing problem for Mumbai City. The new Solid Waste Management Rules recommend converting Organic Waste into Compost. The implementation of Organic Waste Composting System would help the Society to manage its organic waste scientifically and properly. Early planning helps to identify a suitable location for installing the Organic Waste Composting equipment, which aids in reducing the discomfort of smell, if any.
D. Battery Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles
In the next few years, we will witness the revolution of Electric Vehicles unfold before us. The battery charging for these Electric Vehicles will be a major challenge in making this revolution a success. It would be essential to provide the facility of Battery Charging Stations for Society members’ Electric Vehicles. Visitors may also bring their Electric Vehicles and the facility of Battery Charging Stations may be extended to their Electric Vehicles.
E. CCTV & Security System
The security of the Society premise is of paramount importance for the Society members. The implementation of integrated CCTV, Video Doorbell and Intercom facility would make the Society premise secure.
F. Common Facilities
The Dish Television, Internet and Wi-Fi services can be planned as Common Facilities for all the members of the Society. This planning would offer considerable savings to Society members in their monthly bills.
The incorporation of above features would necessarily increase construction cost of the project for the Builder/ Developer. However, this increase in construction cost would definitely be compensated by an increase in the premium price for sale component. Moreover, implementation of these features for Smart & Green Living of Society members would generate a tremendous goodwill for the Builder/ Developer.
The incorporation of above features would also enhance value of the Society property considerably. It further improves lifestyle of the Society members. The cost for these features is not directly borne by the Society or its existing members. This cost is solely borne by the buyers of sale component of the Redevelopment Project.
The Construction Planning for Smart & Green Living is greatly beneficial to both, the Society (& its members) and the Builder/ Developer. It is certainly a win-win situation for both parties involved in the Redevelopment Project.
Sanjay Geete