To reduce the ecological footprint and enable long-term financial savings as well as better health and a higher quality of life, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in collaboration with the renowned social organization Aga Khan Agency For Habitat (India) has launched an ambitious project in the twin city “Green reconstruction and sustainable living” project launched.
Three months ago, a pilot project was launched in two residential colonies including Shivshakti Nagar (Bhayandar) and Nav Yuvan Complex (Mira Road). Under this project, a heat mapping process was carried out at various locations in the twin city following which the two hottest settlements were selected for the dry run.
MBMC Embarks on a Community-Focused Green Living Journey | File image
After careful planning, a detailed roadmap was created to incorporate environmentally friendly features such as energy efficient appliances, renewable energy sources and sustainable remodeling materials into the selected homes. In addition to facilitating ventilation strips in front of houses and replacing regular fans with energy-efficient fans, aluminum foils and SRI (Solar Reflection Index) paint were installed on roofs to improve natural cooling and reduce electricity consumption. Motion detector lights and solar panels were also installed in the complex's common areas.
All these measures led to a sharp decrease in electricity consumption and lower electricity bills due to natural cooling.
City Commissioner Sanjay Katkar expressed his intention to implement this experiment across the Twin City: “These features help reduce the overall environmental impact of homes while promoting long-term sustainability.” Green homes are more than just energy efficient it is a lifestyle choice aimed at reducing resource consumption and improving quality of life.”
Another integral part of the project is community farming, where local seniors are encouraged to grow vegetables. The municipalities are also supported by a waste sorting and composting process.