News & Events
Launch of e-book “PATHWAYS TO GREEN CITIES” on the occasion of Earth Day!
Stirring a sense of togetherness amongst the audience the event had a grand opening with an inspiring song sung by Lee Alison Sibley, the Delhi Representative for the Earth Day Network. The host for the evening Mr. Kamal Meattle, CEO - PBC said, “We need to legislate and implement compulsory water harvesting in Delhi, as was done in Chennai, in around 2004. Chennai moved from water scarcity to plenty, by compulsory water harvesting and desalination.” He suggested it can be done in phases; as first could be all the Green Parks maintained by NDMC, DDA, MCD & PWD, aggregating to 20% of Delhi’s area; second could be all the Government and PSU buildings; & the last could be Corporate Houses and Private Homes. He also emphasized on discouraging sale of non-energy efficient appliances (no 5-star rated) like refrigerators, air-conditioners, pumps, transformers, washing machines, fans, etc.
Ms Karuna A. Singh, Country Director – India, Earth Day Network giving a brief introduction of the e-book stating that “The book on Green Cities accounts stories of 13 different cities with examples of how city has developed and maintained its ground water reservoir and how to grow back our forests and bring back the greenery. And, whatever we do for our environment, we are doing it for ourselves and for our future generations.”
Dr. Isher Ahluwalia, Chairperson – (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations) ICRIER launched the e-book “Pathways to Green Cities” emphasising that “We should look at various environmental problems from a public health perspective to garner more engagement. Taking the example of a small town in Chennai which went from 0% sewage network to 100% sewage network, we should look at it as a challenge and take steps to transform our cities". Drawing in the initiatives of the Delhi government Mr. Sandeep Mishra, Guest of Honor, Additional Secretary (Environment) & Secretary, Delhi Pollution Control Committee said that “The Delhi government has worked towards greening Delhi and that the greenery in Delhi in 1988 was 26 square km and now it is 300 square km. But, Delhi stills lacks in waste management, renewable energy, green building, traffic control and air pollution.” He added, “The government is well aware of the environmental needs of Delhi and an action plan for five years is developed and gone to the cabinet for approval.”
Speaking of the youth as change makers Mr. Aditya Pundir, Country Manager, The Climate Reality Project India emphasized that we should instill a hope in the youth and encourage them that the world could be a better place. He spoke about two programs of The Climate Reality Project which aims to educate the youth to spread the message on being environmentally conscious.
The event gathered momentum, when Rocky & Mayur – Hosts of Highway on My Plate (a famous TV show of NDTV Good Times) cheered up the crowd and raised the enthusiasm meter. They showed their inclination towards Mother Earth. The sense of responsibility hit the height of zeal when Mr. Meattle quoted, “We have done enough lip service. It’s time to stand up and act. It does not matter how big or small your contribution is; what matters is your support. A single drop joins with other drops to make a sea. So, be a part of this sea as the time is now.”
Synopsis of few case studies of the e-book:
Rag pickers Turn Entrepreneurs by South Asian Forum for the Environment shows how trash bins can be converted into money-making machines. It has helped rag pickers build a business strategy by recycling waste and shaping it into a micro-enterprise. It has brought social recognition and empowerment to them. The idea has also been recognized by UNEP in their “Clean Up the World Campaign”.
The Society for Child Development has mentioned about an economically sustainable way of being eco-friendly. This organization runs a project namely, “Avacayam” that makes natural dyes and colours from the flowers discarded from temples, hotels and other places. It also provides livelihood to differently-abled youngsters. This inspiring story is mentioned in the case study, Gathering Flowers.
Another out-of-the box innovation is “We Grow Fresh Air” by Paharpur Business Centre. It grows fresh air with the help of more than 1200 plants and pumps it into the building to improve the health of the occupants and improve the green quotient of the micro-climate. It has implemented Indoor Air Quality solutions with a holistic approach towards energy-efficiency of the building.
In a nutshell, this book is insightful and motivational. It inculcates a sense of responsibility towards mother Earth. The best part - it will be available on the internet – for FREE. Earth day Network has made it available for everyone so that these simple yet effective stories are read by all, inspire many and get implemented into action by even a few.
Excerpts of Case Study on “We Grow Fresh Air” by PBC
All humans take 23,000 breaths in a day, on an average. With every breathe; we run the risk of inhaling dangerous chemicals that pollute the air and cause health hazards and in some instances, even death.
It is assumed that outdoor air is more polluted, but the fact is, that indoor air is often ten times more polluted than ambient air. Surprised, startled, shocked? But facts are facts. The Global Burden of Diseases Report places indoor pollution as the second largest cause of deaths in India – over a million deaths a year according to the World Health Organization. The Energy and Resources Institute findings show that 27.5 per cent of mortality in infants under the age of five is caused by indoor air pollution.
Indoor air pollution is a silent killer. Homes and offices harbour gaseous and particulate air pollutants that get trapped in various objects. Pollutants also enter buildings via paints, carpets, furniture and other objects that are brought in. Others exist because of items placed in storage facilities. Chemicals and allergens accumulate in the dust. Amongst the common air pollutants, the major culprits are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5), Nitrogen Oxides (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2).
Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can cause workers, occupants and even those visiting the building to experience a range of non-specific symptoms collectively known as the Sick Building Syndrome. These include headache, fatigue, nausea, eye or nose or throat irritation, shortness of breath etc. Pollutants can also lead to lung impairment, and several other diseases.
Paharpur Business Centre (PBC) uses green technology to purify indoor air. The story began 21 years ago. Our CEO, Mr. Meattle’s lung capacity had dropped drastically to 70 percent. Doctors diagnosed this to be a result of Mr. Meattle becoming allergic to Delhi’s air. Realizing the intensity of the adverse effects that air pollution can cause, Mr. Meattle decided to create his own ‘healthy haven.’ He needed mountain fresh air indoors.
Thus was PBC born and established as a business model with a USP to care for the occupant’s health and comfort in a built environment. PBC’s well-equipped business division, "Breathe EasyTM" monitors and maintains indoor air quality (IAQ) for facilities in conformation with the American Society for Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers and World Health Organization guidelines for enhanced working environment.
While PBC uses several green strategies to improve air quality, the most unique is the use of ‘Phytoremediation’- the use of plants to improve IAQ. The plants have helped PBC lower instances of eye irritation by 52 percent, respiratory symptoms by 34 percent, headaches by 12 percent, lung impairment by 24 percent and asthma by 9 percent among regular inhabitants of the building. There is a 15 – 20 percent enhancement in productivity level too, as a result of good health and fewer sick days.
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Stirring a sense of togetherness amongst the audience the event had a grand opening with an inspiring song sung by Lee Alison Sibley, the Delhi Representative for the Earth Day Network. The host for the evening Mr. Kamal Meattle, CEO - PBC said, “We need to legislate and implement compulsory water harvesting in Delhi, as was done in Chennai, in around 2004. Chennai moved from water scarcity to plenty, by compulsory water harvesting and desalination.” He suggested it can be done in phases; as first could be all the Green Parks maintained by NDMC, DDA, MCD & PWD, aggregating to 20% of Delhi’s area; second could be all the Government and PSU buildings; & the last could be Corporate Houses and Private Homes. He also emphasized on discouraging sale of non-energy efficient appliances (no 5-star rated) like refrigerators, air-conditioners, pumps, transformers, washing machines, fans, etc.
Ms Karuna A. Singh, Country Director – India, Earth Day Network giving a brief introduction of the e-book stating that “The book on Green Cities accounts stories of 13 different cities with examples of how city has developed and maintained its ground water reservoir and how to grow back our forests and bring back the greenery. And, whatever we do for our environment, we are doing it for ourselves and for our future generations.”
Dr. Isher Ahluwalia, Chairperson – (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations) ICRIER launched the e-book “Pathways to Green Cities” emphasising that “We should look at various environmental problems from a public health perspective to garner more engagement. Taking the example of a small town in Chennai which went from 0% sewage network to 100% sewage network, we should look at it as a challenge and take steps to transform our cities". Drawing in the initiatives of the Delhi government Mr. Sandeep Mishra, Guest of Honor, Additional Secretary (Environment) & Secretary, Delhi Pollution Control Committee said that “The Delhi government has worked towards greening Delhi and that the greenery in Delhi in 1988 was 26 square km and now it is 300 square km. But, Delhi stills lacks in waste management, renewable energy, green building, traffic control and air pollution.” He added, “The government is well aware of the environmental needs of Delhi and an action plan for five years is developed and gone to the cabinet for approval.”
Speaking of the youth as change makers Mr. Aditya Pundir, Country Manager, The Climate Reality Project India emphasized that we should instill a hope in the youth and encourage them that the world could be a better place. He spoke about two programs of The Climate Reality Project which aims to educate the youth to spread the message on being environmentally conscious.
The event gathered momentum, when Rocky & Mayur – Hosts of Highway on My Plate (a famous TV show of NDTV Good Times) cheered up the crowd and raised the enthusiasm meter. They showed their inclination towards Mother Earth. The sense of responsibility hit the height of zeal when Mr. Meattle quoted, “We have done enough lip service. It’s time to stand up and act. It does not matter how big or small your contribution is; what matters is your support. A single drop joins with other drops to make a sea. So, be a part of this sea as the time is now.”
Synopsis of few case studies of the e-book:
Rag pickers Turn Entrepreneurs by South Asian Forum for the Environment shows how trash bins can be converted into money-making machines. It has helped rag pickers build a business strategy by recycling waste and shaping it into a micro-enterprise. It has brought social recognition and empowerment to them. The idea has also been recognized by UNEP in their “Clean Up the World Campaign”.
The Society for Child Development has mentioned about an economically sustainable way of being eco-friendly. This organization runs a project namely, “Avacayam” that makes natural dyes and colours from the flowers discarded from temples, hotels and other places. It also provides livelihood to differently-abled youngsters. This inspiring story is mentioned in the case study, Gathering Flowers.
Another out-of-the box innovation is “We Grow Fresh Air” by Paharpur Business Centre. It grows fresh air with the help of more than 1200 plants and pumps it into the building to improve the health of the occupants and improve the green quotient of the micro-climate. It has implemented Indoor Air Quality solutions with a holistic approach towards energy-efficiency of the building.
In a nutshell, this book is insightful and motivational. It inculcates a sense of responsibility towards mother Earth. The best part - it will be available on the internet – for FREE. Earth day Network has made it available for everyone so that these simple yet effective stories are read by all, inspire many and get implemented into action by even a few.
Excerpts of Case Study on “We Grow Fresh Air” by PBC
All humans take 23,000 breaths in a day, on an average. With every breathe; we run the risk of inhaling dangerous chemicals that pollute the air and cause health hazards and in some instances, even death.
It is assumed that outdoor air is more polluted, but the fact is, that indoor air is often ten times more polluted than ambient air. Surprised, startled, shocked? But facts are facts. The Global Burden of Diseases Report places indoor pollution as the second largest cause of deaths in India – over a million deaths a year according to the World Health Organization. The Energy and Resources Institute findings show that 27.5 per cent of mortality in infants under the age of five is caused by indoor air pollution.
Indoor air pollution is a silent killer. Homes and offices harbour gaseous and particulate air pollutants that get trapped in various objects. Pollutants also enter buildings via paints, carpets, furniture and other objects that are brought in. Others exist because of items placed in storage facilities. Chemicals and allergens accumulate in the dust. Amongst the common air pollutants, the major culprits are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5), Nitrogen Oxides (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2).
Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can cause workers, occupants and even those visiting the building to experience a range of non-specific symptoms collectively known as the Sick Building Syndrome. These include headache, fatigue, nausea, eye or nose or throat irritation, shortness of breath etc. Pollutants can also lead to lung impairment, and several other diseases.
Paharpur Business Centre (PBC) uses green technology to purify indoor air. The story began 21 years ago. Our CEO, Mr. Meattle’s lung capacity had dropped drastically to 70 percent. Doctors diagnosed this to be a result of Mr. Meattle becoming allergic to Delhi’s air. Realizing the intensity of the adverse effects that air pollution can cause, Mr. Meattle decided to create his own ‘healthy haven.’ He needed mountain fresh air indoors.
Thus was PBC born and established as a business model with a USP to care for the occupant’s health and comfort in a built environment. PBC’s well-equipped business division, "Breathe EasyTM" monitors and maintains indoor air quality (IAQ) for facilities in conformation with the American Society for Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers and World Health Organization guidelines for enhanced working environment.
While PBC uses several green strategies to improve air quality, the most unique is the use of ‘Phytoremediation’- the use of plants to improve IAQ. The plants have helped PBC lower instances of eye irritation by 52 percent, respiratory symptoms by 34 percent, headaches by 12 percent, lung impairment by 24 percent and asthma by 9 percent among regular inhabitants of the building. There is a 15 – 20 percent enhancement in productivity level too, as a result of good health and fewer sick days.
GO BACK