The housing estate industry has an important role to play in overcoming global warming and climate change, so the sustainable housing estate has become a must.
Green housing is the standard of real estate development in many parts of the world as indicated by the theme in the 61st World Congress FIABCI in Bali running from May 24 through 28, which is “Save The World: Green Shoots for Sustainable Real Estate”.
Sustainable development is the basis of green real estate. Sustainable development must be supported by green urban design, so nobody should use green issues as marketing tools without being willing to actually realize them.
There are three essential pillars in sustainable development, namely balance in economy, ecology and social aspects to indicate the successful development of a green housing estate. Such a housing estate must be able to accommodate interactive activities in forming harmonious communities, supporting economic activities as well as making a positive contribution to the surrounding environment.
Green housing estate development should apply green principles starting from the planning stage up to execution and operation of the estate. The housing estate should be able to manage its own environment independently.
Green housing estates have become necessary for city residents due the various superior facilities.
From the marketing perspective it boosts sales, while from the investment perspective it gives constant added value. To create a truly green housing estate there should be the following: green infrastructure, green transportation, green buildings, green space, green water source, green waste and green community.
When residents prefer to walk it means the city is healthy. That is why developers must build large and shady space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Residences must be developed based on the one-stop living concept in a five-in-one complex consisting of shopping arcade, residences, offices, school, food promenade and serviced residences.
This way all activities can be conducted conveniently and fewer residents will use cars, thereby reducing congestion and pollution.
There should be comfortable mass transportation for trips outside of the complex. So, developers should focus on building green estates close to mass transportation sites, such as train stations and bus stops.
Buildings contribute much to the glasshouse effect so developers should build green buildings, which can reduce global warming through micro climate management.
A green building should have sufficient ventilation and sunlight to save electricity and energy.
All housing estates in Indonesia depend on electricity supplied by state-owned PLN, which has no other alternative power source. That is why if in the future developers could offer an alternative source it would be considered a plus point.
It has been proven that green buildings can reduce electricity usage by 30 percent and water usage by 50 percent, while the construction cost is only 2 percent higher than for conventional buildings. At the same time the materials used are environmental friendly.
There should be a good balance between built-up areas and green space, so there should be at least 30 percent green space consisting of parks, sports fields and urban forest for recreation.
Frequent water shortages should prompt developers to implement the eco-drainage and zero run off concept. This means rainwater and clean water entering an area are both absorbed into the ground. Using artesian water is not recommended and therefore developers should build water treatment plants to supply clean water to residents.
Developers together with residents should establish absorption wells in residents’ gardens to recharge water. This way the residents can reduce, reuse and recycle. If there is a manmade lake in the area the developer should preserve it as water catchment and water reservoir.
A green housing estate should be a zero waste area. Garbage processing is relatively simple and reduces global warming. There should be an integrated waste processing site, so that residents can organize their non-organic and organic waste based on the reuse, reduce, recycle (3R) principle.
Non-organic waste can be made into handicrafts. A person produces three liters of household waste per day, while 70 percent of it is organic waste. Waste or garbage from trees can be composted for use in the parks and gardens.
Indeed, it takes a long time to develop a green housing estate so there should be a firm commitment from all parties concerned. There should also be clear-cut regulations from the government, while at the same time developers should promote a green culture to create green communities for a better environment in the future.
Green housing estates will save and protect the world from further damage because they do not burden natural resources. Clearly, developers of green estates will get long-term benefits and attract more customers.
Unique, creative, innovative and environmentally friendly housing estates will be a world trendsetter soon. Through the 61st World Congress FIABCI in Bali it is expected that developers will have an open mind for the development of green housing estates in many parts of the world, including here in Indonesia, as a form of real participation to reduce global warming and climate change for a better life for future generations.
In the future, the green housing estate will become the standard of all housing estates, including in Indonesia.
The writer is a specialist in architectural issues.
It has been proven that green buildings can reduce electricity usage by 30 percent and water usage by 50 percent.
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