CSE moves ahead in Karnataka for mainstreaming thermal comfort in housing

Carrying forward the ongoing research on thermal comfort and affordable housing in Karnataka, CSE met with the state nodal agency for housing Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Ltd. (RGHCL) and shared results for thermal comfort and other analyses for one of their sites located in the moderate climate zone. Encouraged by the results, CSE is providing knowledge support to RGHCL and analyzing more sites falling in other climate zones in the state. Karnataka has a target to build 1.75 lakh dwelling units (1 lakh in Bangalore), of which 46,000 units have been tendered out for construction in the first phase. Findings of the analysis and CSE’s recommendations will strengthen the thermal comfort performance of the second phase units.

CSE met with Bangalore Development Authority's Joint Director (Town Planning Dept.), Mr. K.N. Narayana Gowda and Engineer Member (Engineering Dept.), Mr. B. Shivashankar (K.E.S.) and presented the same research for thermal comfort and liveability, which they found much relevant. BDA is developing substantial housing in Bangalore under their own scheme and CSE will evaluate a few of their projects for thermal comfort and liveability. The results could strengthen the building byelaws particularly for housing. This is a great opportunity to mainstream thermal comfort in housing as BDA is the approving body for about 1 lakh state government housing units being developed in Bangalore as well.

Further, CSE signed a MoU with Reva University and will extend the collaboration with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), University of Mysore (UoM). Both the colleges are regional centres of research related to the built environment, while SPA, UoM works with the state government on policies. With the issue of thermal comfort gaining traction globally and, in the country, states require such institutions to anchor research, capacity building as well as inform decision making on the subject. CSE will handhold with these institutions to enable advocacy, outreach and capacity building in Karnataka and build a cadre of practitioners for sustainable and climate-appropriate development policy and practice.