GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

In the interim Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to construct two crore additional houses over the next five years under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G).

Modern Technologies in Affordable Housing:

• Innovative Approaches: Within the PMAY mission, Light House Projects (LHPs) are employing modern technology as part of the Global Housing Technology Challenge (GHTC) to reduce construction time and build resilient and affordable houses.
• Alternative Construction Methods: Technologies like Mivan, utilizing recyclable aluminium formwork, offer speed and quality advantages over traditional methods but may lead to thermal discomfort due to inadequate insulation.
• Environmental Implications: Despite efficiency gains, increased reliance on cooling appliances due to thermal distress from construction methods could elevate electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Prioritizing Thermal Comfort:

• Addressing Heat Stress: Rising global heat stress underscores the need for thermal comfort in housing, particularly for vulnerable communities with limited access to cooling amenities.
• Integration of Passive Design: Integrating passive design strategies into housing initiatives can align 'Housing for All' goals with broader environmental objectives.
• Implementation Challenges: Initiatives like Eco Niwas Samhita and projects like Smart Ghar III demonstrate the potential of passive design to enhance indoor thermal comfort, but implementation hurdles persist due to a lack of awareness and incentives across the building value chain.

Buildings for Tomorrow:

• Environmental Sustainability: Given the significant contribution of the building sector to greenhouse gas emissions, addressing the environmental impact of construction activities is crucial.
• Balancing Emissions: Balancing embodied and operational emissions in housing initiatives is essential for ensuring environmental sustainability.
• Promoting Sustainability: By integrating environmental consciousness into housing projects, policymakers can create resilient structures that contribute positively to the environment, promoting a sustainable and inclusive future.