A systematic study on the Domino effect of creating Green India: An Awareness and perception study of Indians towards Green Buildings

Abstract

Sustainability revolves around the concept of bettering human life while balancing environmental, social and economic needs. Construction projects including residential buildings emit large amounts of greenhouse gases responsible towards global warming. Methods, materials, and operations all contribute to the environmental impact of construction. Governments across the world have sanctioned curbs and there are many building rating systems like LEED and GRIHA available to generate awareness about methods to reduce environmental hazards. There are many stakeholders involved in residential construction projects while experts like Architects, Civil Engineer and Contractors might exhibit knowledge regarding sustainable buildings but few studies are conducted on the most important stakeholder- citizen’s knowledge towards the concept. This study attempts to understand the awareness and perception of citizens towards Green buildings. Data has been collected through structured questionnaire across 669 respondents from different cities of India across demographics. Analysis has been conducted using SPSS 22.0. Anova, factor analysis, and reliability tests have been conducted to compare the various dimensions of awareness and perception across selected demographic variables such as age, gender, occupation, marital status, family monthly income, education and city of residence. Correlation was done to find out the relationship between green awareness levels and perception with demographic variables. Regression was done to find out the actual determinants of respondents’ investment in Green buildings. Discriminant validity and convergent validity test indicated a visible presence of reliability and validity in the study. Three clusters were identified Cluster 1: Potential Greens – Green buildings perceived costly but could be a useful investment; Cluster 2: Ready Greens – Green Buildings are beneficial for the environment; Cluster 3: Ignorant Greens – Green Building are for the rich and regular monetary investment needed.