Without access to inclusive long term financing, the poor use savings or local credit systems to invest in infrastructure. There is some subsidy available for livelihoods but more often than not it is inadequate to build quality infrastructure. The materials, hence constructed with, tend to be heat-trapping, like asbestos and tin sheets, metal scrap, cement, etc that are low cost, accessible and can be self built or with the support of local masons and contractors. With cost in mind, the windows and ventilators are opted against resulting in extreme indoor discomfort. Thermal discomfort leads to unlivable conditions and in workplaces especially with additional heat sources it can lead to extremely hazardous conditions.
The thermal quality of space for human habitation and work need to be maintained at 26-28℃ and between 40-60 percent for relative humidity. Air quality levels need to be safe with natural light available throughout the day. This approach of optimisation of energy consumption in the workspace also results in ideal conditions for well-being of the occupants. When entrepreneurs and communities are healthy, the productive outputs are much higher.
A conducive building envelope
Systems for natural light and ventilation
Energy efficient applications with clean energy
In a participatory approach, the social, aspirational, economical and cultural insights to designing ensure efficacy and sustainability to scaling of solutions. The approach and solutions showcased in this campaign, using the lens of Decentralised Renewable Energy integrated with Built Environment, strategies for climate action and inclusive development, can be delivered holistically.
But taking these solutions forward and building an enabling environment that allows for replication and scale up of these approaches will require incentivization of stakeholders to get away from business as usual practices and take bold steps.
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Our past campaign focused on cross-sectoral approaches in addressing the issues of extreme indoor heat stress and its mitigation. Thematic areas: Housing, Livelihood and health.
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