A Great Resource for Green Buildings in India
Down to Earth is without question, the leading science and environment magazine in India. The magazine takes leadership in addressing issues and concerns related to environmental issues. It is one of the few magazines that has laboriously researched articles where the editors try their best to not take sides and put forward the facts.
Down to Earth has been leading the way in sound publishing regarding green buildings as well. They have recently compiled all their articles and resources on green buildings in one portal.
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Screenshot of Down to Earth magazine resource page on green buildings, link.
Our favorite section is the one called '6 Cardinal Directions for Better Buildings', namely:
1. Thermal Comfort
2. Ventilation
3. Light
4. Water & Energy
5. Building Materials
6. Safety & Design
While, architects, builders and institutions debate the relevance of green buildings, the need for certification and Griha vs. LEED; here is Down to Earth saying that green buildings in not a new science but simply a building built with common sense while being cognizant of the above 6 factors and their impact to the quality of any/ all buildings. We absolutely agree with that.
Here are a few other gems from the magazine that we love:
- Architects love brick as a building material, it is low-cost, easily available and has the natural earthy aesthetic quality. These factors often make 'brick' come across as a green material. But here is an article that challenges that notion with facts on energy use during the traditional brick making process as well as loss of cultivable soil impacting agriculture and lastly the pollution from the kilns.
Link to Infographic at Down to Earth- This is a link to a great infographic that lays out the 22-step process required to obtain permits for any building project. This may make you laugh-out-loud but is so very true. Link to related article.
Link to 'Dampness' Infographic on Down to Earth - A great article on Dampness with yet another winning infographic.
We love you 'Down to Earth'. Thank you !