Sustainability in Real Estate: Solution to Water Crisis in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, famous for its many lakes and cool weather, is now dealing with a tough water shortage. The city’s water supply is under pressure due to quick city growth, more people, and changes in the weather. Builders need to act now to save water and make sure homes are built to last for the people living here.

Key Takeaways:

• Bengaluru is in the grip of a serious water shortage. 
• Builders have a chance to tackle this problem by using sustainable methods. 
• Adopting eco-friendly construction techniques can cut down on water use a lot.

Table of Contents

• 1. Current Water Crisis in Bengaluru


• 2. The Role of Real Estate Developers


• 3. Importance of Green Building Practices


• 4. Sustainable Solutions for Real Estate Developers


• 5. The Way Forward

1. Current Water Crisis in Bengaluru

This crisis touches all parts of city life, from public health to the economy. 

Causes and Implications of Water Scarcity:

The primary causes of water scarcity in Bengaluru include 

• Demand vs. Supply

• Over-extraction of groundwater 
  

• Pollution of water bodies

• Depleting Lakes

• Inadequate rainfall

• Inefficient water management

• Urbanization Pressure

This problem has made water more expensive, and many people can’t afford it. It’s also causing fights over water, which disrupts the peace in the community.

Impact on Residents and Real Estate Development:

Bengaluru’s water crisis directly affects its residents, especially in high-rise apartments and gated communities where water needs are more. It also impacts the construction industry, as water is vital for building. Developers must now revise their plans and embrace sustainable methods.

2. The Role of Real Estate Developers

In overcoming Bengaluru’s water crisis, real estate developers hold a crucial role. Their decisions can either worsen the problem or contribute to its solution.

Current Practices Contributing to Water Scarcity:

In Bengaluru, builders often use groundwater for construction, which has led to its shortage. Also, many city buildings lack systems to collect rainwater or manage water well.

Case Studies of Developers Adopting Sustainable Practices:

Yet, a few developers are starting to see the value in sustainable building. Big tech companies, including Google, Accenture, and Tata Consultancy Services, are setting up eco-friendly projects like collecting rainwater, using water treatment plants right on their properties and cutting down on how much electricity they use.

Source: Bengaluru water crisis: Tech parks rely on sustainable designs, practices to function

3. Importance of Green Building Practices

Eco-friendly building methods bring promise amidst water shortages. When builders include green features in their projects, they can greatly cut down on water use. This is important because it helps conserve a precious resource. Here’s why it matters:

Water Conservation: Green buildings stand firm on conserving water. They integrate systems for harvesting rainwater and reusing greywater, along with efficient plumbing, to significantly cut water use. Imagine a city where each drop is valued, with rooftops funnelling the rain into lasting, eco-friendly solutions.

Health and Well-Being: Sustainability transcends mere construction. It centres on individuals. Green buildings elevate the quality of life for their residents. They ensure cleaner indoor air, ample sunlight, and meticulously crafted green areas, all of which bolster physical and mental health.

4. Sustainable Solutions for Real Estate Developers

Real estate developers could adopt the following practices to combat water scarcity:

1. Rainwater Harvesting Systems: 

Rainwater harvesting is a game-changer for water conservation. Real estate developers can integrate rainwater collection systems into their projects. Here’s how it works:

• Capturing rain from rooftops and storing it for future use. 
• This water serves many needs, including irrigation, toilet flushing, and refilling pools. 
• The benefits are twofold: it eases the demand on city water supplies and secures a sustainable source for the community.

2. Treated Wastewater Reuse:

Treating and reusing wastewater is a smart move. Here’s why:

• Greywater Treatment: Greywater from sinks, showers, and laundry can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes. Imagine using shower water to water your garden!
• Implement decentralized treatment plants within housing complexes.

3. Water-Saving Fixtures and Technologies:

Real estate developers have the opportunity to create a positive environmental effect by incorporating water-efficient fixtures.

• Smart Faucets: These faucets intelligently regulate water flow to match usage, reducing waste. 
• Low-Flow Toilets: Offering a choice of a light flush for liquid waste or a full flush for solid waste, these toilets are both effective and environmentally friendly.

Also Read: Features of Urban Gated Apartments: Ecofriendly and Sustainability

5. The Way Forward

In Bengaluru’s battle against water shortage, real estate developers could embrace models like Built-to-Rent, and also implement green building methods and sustainable solutions. 

Importance of Adopting Sustainable Practices:

As environmental awareness rises among consumers, developers who implement green building methods stand to gain a competitive edge. 

Adopting sustainable practices is not just a moral responsibility for developers; it is also a business necessity.

Government Initiatives and Regulations:

The government motivates developers to implement green building practices through incentives and mandates, such as compulsory rainwater harvesting in new buildings and green building certification programs like LEED and GRIHA.