Green revolution is over: Developers cannot ignore new technologies
After a brief diversion to discussing the economics of real estate last month, it's back to the more interesting topic of new technology this month. Specifically, green technology.
We often hear about a “green revolution” taking place. I think this is incorrect. This implies that the revolution is still something being fought over, as if it’s in doubt. There is no doubt: The revolutionaries won, and green technology is an essential part of any new building.
As you may have gathered from my previous columns, we spend a lot of time at Ananda looking at new technologies from around the world and thinking about how trends in technology and society can change the real-estate business.
In keeping with that emphasis on innovation, we incorporated a number of new green technologies in our recently launched buildings.
The range of green technologies that are becoming available is increasing every year. But as well as those that are here, such as LED (light-emitting diode) illumination and those that will no doubt be commonplace soon, such as increased use of solar energy, there are a range of improvements that can be made simply by designing buildings with a green mindset. These are “passive” technologies rather than the active ones described above.
They consist of using better design to reduce the energy use of the building in ways that don’t require the installation of equipment that could break down or materials that need maintenance and replacement.
One of the examples is simply designing for better airflow. Modern building design came initially from Europe, North America and Japan, all of which have climates considerably cooler than ours that required sealed buildings for heating in winter.
Modern computer simulations allow us to model for very different airflow requirements in very different forms of buildings in a very different climate, and you’ll see the results in some of our buildings. These include five-storey-high common areas situated high up the building, which as well as being striking and useful as parts of the building are actually designed the way they are and situated where they are as part of the overall passive airflow management of the building.
Two benefits for one design choice: Many of the design choices we make and the technologies we incorporate will not be noticed by the residents except in lower energy bills after they move and an improvement in their quality of life.
There’s no evidence yet that Thai consumers are willing to pay a premium for green technology. However, as I stated at the beginning, I believe the green revolution is over and the green world is here. Developers that ignore this new reality and stick to traditional technologies and designs are doing their customers and their society a disservice.
As we have demonstrated in our own buildings with the striking high-level common areas and use of existing trees for hard-cover shade and reduction of heat on the site, green technology does not have to mean boring, low quality or expensive if a developer brings the right mindset to its projects.
As part of this we became one of the six pioneer companies to join the Thai Green Building Institute “TREES” scheme, which is based on the US LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) scheme modified for Thailand’s climate.
We are proud to be part of this scheme and take this commitment to good environmental practices seriously, and hope that all other developers will eventually become members to provide Thailand with a built environment and living space that are environmentally friendly and promote health and quality of life.
