#BeatAirPollution this World environment Day

The year’s theme for World Environment Day 2019 being ‘Air Pollution’, is urging governments, industry, communities, and individuals to come together to explore renewable energy and green technologies, and improve air quality in cities and regions across the world. Sunita Purushottam, Head of Sustainability for Mahindra Lifespaces shares, “Approximately 3.7 million premature deaths annually worldwide are caused by outdoor air pollution exposure. That is an estimate by WHO, which recognises air pollution as the world's largest single environmental health risk. Construction activities that contribute to air pollution include land clearing, operation of diesel engines, demolition and burning. All construction sites also generate high levels of noise, and dust (typically from concrete, cement, wood, stone, silica, etc.) which can carry for large distances over a long period of time.” Although we would have never suspected it, roughly 40 percent of the world's carbon emissions come from buildings. Green buildings are therefore a logical answer to this problem as they meet a specific set of standards for lower electricity, heating, cooling and water use - things that can save money and avoid air pollution. While globally, upscale and high-profile commercial and residential projects get certified by LEEDS and other agencies, this concept is still raw in India due to technological and financial barriers. Amidst such a challenging environment, companies have taken up initiatives to ensure that green methods are incorporated in their professional ventures. For example, IIFL Housing Finance has become a pioneer in this space and has launched the ‘Kutumb’ initiative, an ambitious plan by the company to incorporate green ideas in the affordable housing segment. The company has created an independent cell headed by an architect who specializes in green projects, collaborating with like-minded developers and will soon be launching projects under this initiative across the country. The initiative has received recognition from 3 green certification agencies in India: Griha Council, EDGE and IGBC. Monu Ratra, CEO, IIFL Home Finance said, “We have taken upon ourselves to redefine our business model by spearheading Green Affordable Housing. Kutumb is an extension of our Environment initiative, and the association with IGBC will further enhance this initiative towards building a sustainable future in India. Under ‘Housing for All’, our mission is to extend ‘Green Housing for All.” At Mahindra Lifespacesthey follow practices to prevent and control pollution for better health and environs. Some of the measures they take to mitigate pollution includes:

• Controlling dust through fine water sprays which is used to dampen down the site
• Screening the whole site to stop dust spreading, or alternatively, place fine mesh screening close to the dust source
• Covering trucks loaded with construction materials, and continually damp down with low levels of water
• Covering piles of building materials like cement, sand and other powders, regularly inspect for spillages
• No burning of materials on site
• Reduction in noise pollution through careful handling of materials. Use of modern and quiet power tools, equipment and generators; low impact technologies; and wall structures as sound shields.

They also periodically monitor ambient air and the emissions well were within the permissible limits given by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).