Optimizing the Third Skin

Housing for all has for long been the dream of India's economically deprived sections, particularly in urban areas, where the problem is the most acute. Not surprisingly, it has also been a battle cry of successive Central governments. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is the latest iteration of this policy desire to provide everyone a shelter.

 

But how do we marry the need to provide affordable housing to India's teaming millions at speed while achieving the thermal comfort goals as scribed in the India Cooling Action Plan? How do we bend the energy consumption curve of the built sector in the country downwards ? How do we ensure that these dwelling spaces are liveable and environmentally sustainable? 

 

Centre for Science and Environment did an in-depth analysis of a few affordable housing projects in Telangana to find answers to these questions.