Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd, the realty arm of Mahindra Group, has announced an investment of Rs 500 crore to develop India’s first net-zero energy housing project, comprising around 550 units, in Bengaluru.
The company also announced that it will develop only net-zero housing projects from 2030 onwards, and the farm equipment-to-aerospace conglomerate will become carbon neutral by 2040, ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement targets, add reports.
Net-zero refers to totally nullifying the quantum of greenhouse gases produced by human activity through reducing emissions and implementation of measures to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The project is certified by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
The residential development is expected to save over 18 lakh kWh electricity annually, equivalent to powering over 800 homes. The remaining energy demand for the project will be met from renewable sources through on-site solar and wind energy systems, and purchase of green energy from the grid.
Mahindra Eden has been developed by adopting climate-responsive design strategies and energy conservation measures that include SRI paints for high heat reflectivity; optimal building orientation to maximise natural light and ventilation; lower SHGC glass on windows to reduce heat ingress from the building envelope; and use of Variable Voltage Variable Frequency (VVVF) elevators that use less energy during acceleration and deceleration. Furthermore, the project also has multiple sustainability features like low flow water efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, sewage water treatment plant, and smart water meters. This will help reduce the water demand of the project by 74 per cent when compared to conventional buildings.