Online Training Enabling thermal comfort in self-built housing

India’s metropolises and larger cities have experienced a rapidly expanding urban footprint and intensive infrastructure development due to migration and population growth. This has created a demand for fast-paced construction technologies that are often characterised by speedy construction and repetitive units. However, these technologies do not perform well on environmental parameters. At the other end of the spectrum, reverse migration due to the ongoing pandemic has brought the spotlight on to smaller towns. The unprecedented scale of this migration has triggered a need for affordable housing. 

India’s housing sector is dominated by self-construction – but what it needs is guidance towards mainstreaming of climate-appropriate native material choices. Government institutions such as the Central Public Works Department have started promoting indigenous technologies and materials for a self-reliant India. Native materials have multiple advantages over their fast paced -- often industry-manufactured -- counterparts. The raw materials required are often locally available and respond well to local climatic conditions; they are also better suited to tackle thermal comfort issues for the occupants. 

The other big advantage is that these technologies utilise and promote local skills. The self-built housing segment does not only provide an opportunity to fulfil the shelter needs of the displaced population but also to improve quality of life, develop skill and create jobs for ‘green recovery’ and regional development amidst the ongoing pandemic. 

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) invites applications for an interactive online training course on the subject of self-constructed housing and how to ensure thermal comfort in them. What the course will offer:

• Green recovery in the self-built housing sector post COVID-19
• India Cooling action Plan and thermal comfort strategies
• Government initiatives and an overview of self-built housing
• Climate appropriate building materials/techniques
• Thermal properties of materials to achieve occupant comfort
• Eco Niwas Samhita  

FOR DETAILS CONTACT:

Mitashi Singh,
Deputy Programme Manager,
Sustainable Buildings and Habitat Programme, CSE
Ph: 91-011-2464 5334 / 5335, Mobile: 9999705515
Email: mitashi.singh@cseindia.org 

COURSE DIRECTOR

Rajneesh Sareen,
Programme Director,
Sustainable Habitat Programme, CSE,
rajneesh.sareen@cseindia.org