Construction companies in the city are thriving with business, as the demand for eco-friendly homes among the urban populace has risen considerably over the last few years. Power shortage, decline in ground water, and initiatives from the government to make the most of resources has stirred the conscience among a considerable chunk of people in the city to make their homes environment friendly.
“There is definitely a market for eco-friendly homes now. Five out of 10 customers these days want to purchase such homes. Ten years ago, the number was almost nil,” said A Srinivas, Project Manager, My Home Constructions. He explained that fitting solar panels in general places in community houses is a norm now, while building rain water harvesting structures are included without saying.
“We are also planning to install all of the flats we build with solar panels for hot water instead of geysers. Power shortage and increase in cost of electricity is really making people think about everything,” mentioned Srinivas.
Prabhakar Rao, Chief Executive from Greentek Indika also echoed the same sentiments. “Awareness of building eco-friendly houses among people has always been there. Real estate took a beating during recession, but construction companies realised that this sector was always open. Since there is demand, companies are aiming more at building ‘green homes,” he pointed out.
The ongoing COP 11 has also roused the interest of eco-friendly among citizens of Hyderabad, as construction companies in the city say that have been receiving more enquiries about building such homes. “People don’t mind spending few more lakhs for a greener house. We try to keep the cost as low as possible, even for costly apartments or villas, it is possible to make them eco-friendly,” pointed out Srinivas.
Sai Prasad, an architect who runs his own company called Ecoprojects also agreed that compared to few years ago, there has been a rise in people who want to build greener homes.
“Before people didn’t bother about anything, but now some of them are enquiring and constructing eco-friendly homes,” he said, further adding that the first thing he recommends to his clients is to make the homes they purchase or build environmental friendly. “Now some of them ask me first. It’s not a big number, but shows that there is awareness,” he mentioned.
Kartheek Sista, an engineering student who manages Renewable Energy And Environmental Services Enterprise (REESE) had a different view. He pointed out that due to water and power shortage people have realised the importance of resource management.
“Building such a house is a good thing, but most people are still skeptical. Once things are back to normal, nobody will want eco-friendly homes. We can save energy even in ordinary houses. It is up to how we manage everything.” he said.