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Indoor air pollution-1

Indoor Air Quality

By Dr Shashi K | Mar 07, 2019 | 0 Comments

Indoor air quality is mostly an undervalued asset as there is very little awareness about its correlation with overall health and well-being. Outdoor quality contributes to it to some extent, but many indoor air pollutants are not really suspected as cause of pollution that can be harmful to humans. Biological, chemical and particle pollution can create significant distress to all humans especially most vulnerable sections of the society just as newly born babies and old people. 

Why Should We Use Star Rated Appliances?

By Dr. Shashi K | Mar 28, 2019 | 0 Comments

A higher star rated appliance will assure you save money for the life of the appliance. A monthly saving of just 200 units would put Rs.1,700 in your pocket at current electricity rates. Over ten years this means Rs.2,04,000 and over 25 years this means Rs. 5,10,000, factor in this cost when you buy a new appliance. While earlier it was difficult to understand the energy efficiency quotient of appliances, now the star ratings helps us understand the potential of savings directly.

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Which Electric Vehicles Are Available In India

Diesel, Petrol, or Electric Vehicle: How Can I Decide Which Is Best For Me?

By Dr Shashi K | Apr 4, 2019 | 0 Comments

Electric vehicle has been a human fancy for a long time. However, never before the urgency to have electric vehicles as mainstream vehicle had been more than in recent times. This is particularly significant as electric vehicles are clean energy vehicles and something that can help wean us away from our fossil fuel addiction. Electric vehicles are also non-polluting and will propel urban ecosystems to become cleaner and better.

Why Should We Use Star Rated Appliances?

By Dr. Shashi K | Mar 28, 2019 | 0 Comments

A higher star rated appliance will assure you save money for the life of the appliance. A monthly saving of just 200 units would put Rs.1,700 in your pocket at current electricity rates. Over ten years this means Rs.2,04,000 and over 25 years this means Rs. 5,10,000, factor in this cost when you buy a new appliance. While earlier it was difficult to understand the energy efficiency quotient of appliances, now the star ratings helps us understand the potential of savings directly.

Star rated
Why is it important for everyone to know about Biodiversity-1

Biodiversity Loss and What We Can Do About It?

By Dr Shashi K | Mar 21, 2019 | 0 Comments

We are losing some of our unique ecological niches because of the direct and indirect disturbances that we humans create in our ecosystem. As a result of the changes in land use, pollution, global warming, and physical destruction of ecosystems, species are getting extinct. Although extinction of species is a natural Darwinian process, the rate at which the species are getting extinct now is unprecedented. It is entirely possible to stop the accelerated loss of biodiversity by making changes in our life-style. And it’s all……… worth it.    

Why Is Renewable Energy Important? Types of Renewables

By Dr. Shashi K | Mar 14, 2019 | 0 Comments

Nothing, perhaps nothing else that matters so much is more appropriately named than how energy is classified. Embedded in the name of renewables is the core of what renewable energy delivers. It is the form of energy that can be renewed endlessly as it makes use of the resources that are a part and parcel of the Earth’s natural system, be it oceans and tides, water, wind, sunlight and even accessible heat energy stored in the Earth.

Why is renewable energy important-1
INDOOR AIR QUALITY(1)-1

Indoor Air Quality

By Dr Shashi K | Mar 07, 2019 | 0 Comments

Indoor air quality is mostly an undervalued asset as there is very little awareness about its correlation with overall health and well-being. Outdoor quality contributes to it to some extent, but many indoor air pollutants are not really suspected as cause of pollution that can be harmful to humans. Biological, chemical and particle pollution can create significant distress to all humans especially most vulnerable sections of the society just as newly born babies and old people. 

Organic Gardening - Vertical, Terrace, and Regular Gardens

By Dr. Shashi K | Feb 28, 2019 | 0 Comments

Gardening offers some less visible, but equally sustaining benefits - whether it is a vertical garden, a kitchen garden, a backyard garden or a roof-top garden. Home gardening helps close the loop from organic waste to compost to growing vegetables. It not only helps in reducing the heat gain on the roof/terrace and other areas at home but also contributes to enriched soil and reduced landfill waste. Besides, eating fresh fruits and vegetables immediately after harvesting assures high level of nutrition and satisfaction.

What is the relevance of vertical gardens in today’s society
Conventional Water Treatment-1

What is Wrong with the Conventional Water Treatment Options: What are the Alternatives?

By Dr Shashi K | Feb 21, 2019 | 0 Comments

Waste water treatment has traditionally been the responsibility of municipal corporations, but due to water scarcity it is now mandatory for industrial and residential developments to treat sewage before releasing it. Conventional treatment of grey water requires oxygenation, which is energy consuming and generates large amounts of sludge that needs responsible disposing. On the other hand, a plant-based system (Phytorid) is a tried and tested technology that achieves the same results at minimal cost without expending energy or using harmful chemicals.

Is Solar PV A Feasible Solution For Our Power Needs?

By Dr. Shashi K | Feb 14, 2019 | 0 Comments

Reduce or eliminate energy bills. Earn tax credits and rebates. Start savings from Day 1. Help the environment and help us all. Solar power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun. Installing solar panels at home helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuel. Traditional electricity is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. For a country with abundant sunshine and poor connectivity, using solar power to generate electricity clearly appears to be the way to go!

solar power panel
Wounded earth air pollution

Wounded Earth - Effects of Air Pollution

By Dr Shashi K | Feb 07, 2019 | 0 Comments

Air pollution is not merely a threat to our health but a reminder that our most celebrated technological achievements are in fact environmental failures. Be it automobiles or jet planes or power plants, they are all guzzling down precious fossil fuels. Some ways to reduce pollution include energy conservation, switching to renewables, and following the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle.

Organic Outlets in the City of Hyderabad

By Seetha Anand | Nov 28, 2018 | 0 Comments

In the last decade or so, there has been a rise in the number of organic stores and farmers bazaars in the city of Hyderabad. This has been the trend world over and the twin cities have caught up on it too. Today there are many players in the market.

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Vegan Options in the City of Hyderabad

By Seetha Anand | Nov 28, 2018 | 0 Comments

Veganism is slowly but surely catching up in the city of Hyderabad. A vegan diet means no dairy, eggs, honey, meat, poultry or fish -- abstinence from all animal products. People turn vegans for reasons of health, prevention of animal cruelty and for environmental protection.

Diesel, Petrol, or Electric Vehicle: How Can I Decide Which Is Best For Me?

Apr 4, 2019 12:41:44 PM / by Dr Shashi K

 

Which Electric Vehicles Are Available In India?

What electric vehicles are available in India

A few years ago, REVA was the only electric car one could see on the roads in India.

But as of 2018, there are many electric vehicles, including two-, three-, and four-wheelers.

Premier auto companies like Mahindra and Tata have entered the market and are launching electric vehicles to suit the needs and budgetary constraints of a larger group of people.

 

What Is The Government’s Stand On EVs?

What is the government’s stand on EVs

The government of India has lent support to the EV movement through its FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of hybrid and Electric vehicles) scheme, where buyers of qualifying EVs are eligible to get subsidies at the time of purchase.

This scheme was rolled out in 2015 and according to government reports, by the end of August 2018, 226557 vehicles had been purchased using the subsidy.

These include cars, three wheelers, and two wheelers.

As India is the largest market for two wheelers, the sale of EVs is expected to be the highest in that category.

 

Why Should I Buy An EV?

Why should I buy an EV

Let’s begin with the obvious. EVs ensure that you do not have to be worried about the sky-rocketing fuel prices ever!

Your electricity bill might go higher to accommodate the added expense of charging your car, but that is not necessary, as there is the option of charging using solar energy.

Given the condition of the air in cities in India, EVs can help you breathe easy, literally!

They have no emissions whatsoever, thus taking air pollution out of the equation. That also helps you do your part to fight climate change.

You will also be saving on oil changes and frequent maintenance charges, as EVs do not undergo as much wear and tear as a petrol or diesel vehicle.

 

What Are Some Of The Challenges For EV Owners?

What are some of the challenges for EV owners

The biggest challenge for EV owners in India is the opportunity to charge their vehicles when they want and where they want.

The vehicles can obviously be charged at home every night to prevent the need to charge again during the day, or if there is a charging station at your office, that could be used too.

However, unless more charging stations come up along the roads, say one at every gas station, charging will continue to pose a challenge.

Similarly, since a fully charged battery can run only up to a certain distance, long distance travel in EVs can be difficult.

However, if this is not intended as the primary vehicle in the house, or if you would rather rent a car to travel long distance, then EVs are a good option for you.

Lastly, the batteries will need to be replaced at some point, and that can be expensive.

However, with all the savings from not having to spend on petrol/diesel and maintenance, you will probably be able to afford a new battery once in ten years (that is approximately how frequently you might need to replace it).

Overall, the advantages of owning an EV far outweigh the disadvantages, especially when the EV is not the primary vehicle in the household.

Moreover, EV manufacturers are now launching their own charging stations in a bid to promote the sales of their EVs.

One example is the Ather Grid in Bengaluru that was launched by Ather Energy. With two cars in the family becoming the norm, having at least one EV can reduce your ecological footprint significantly and help you drive responsibly.

References:

http://www.pluginindia.com/vehicles.html

https://www.autotrader.com/car-tips/electric-cars-benefits-and-disadvantages-208155

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/government-extends-fame-india-scheme-for-third-time/articleshow/63759900.cms

https://www.fame-india.gov.in/Content/3_0_Content.aspx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle_industry_in_India

Dr Shashi K

Written by Dr Shashi K

Dr Shashi K is a sustainability professional with degrees in Environmental Management from Oxford University. She has experience working in Sustainability and on Green Buildings, Water, Energy and Reporting and is currently CEO of SAGE Sustainability, a consulting firm working in the field of social and environmental issues. Dr Shashi believes that the construction sector can be the foremost enabler in moving towards low carbon living.