As the world observes World Environment Day 2025, the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution” echoes across cities, urging communities to take collective responsibility for the planet’s future. In Bengaluru, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are setting the stage for urban sustainability with a series of impressive eco-friendly initiatives. From water conservation methods like rainwater harvesting to solar energy adoption and waste management strategies, these RWAs are showcasing how communities can play a pivotal role in environmental conservation.
Rainwater Harvesting: A Major Water Conservation Strategy
One of the standout examples of green living in Bengaluru comes from Century Saras Apartments, a community that has effectively integrated rainwater harvesting to meet its water needs. During the monsoon season, the community can store enough rainwater to meet the water requirements for all 128 apartments for an entire month. This system prevents the reliance on borewells and helps preserve precious groundwater.
Shivananda Prabhu, president of the Century Saras Apartment Association, shared, “Every three days, our 1-lakh-litre rainwater tank fills up. This water is then filtered and used for drinking purposes. We also collect greywater, which is treated in our Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), aerated, and purified before being redirected into our water tanks.”
By implementing these strategies, the community saves around 1.25 crore litres of water annually, a remarkable feat for Bengaluru, where each apartment complex typically consumes around 3 lakh litres per year.
Solar Power: A Sustainable Energy Solution
Another RWA leading the way is White House Apartments, which has installed one of the largest residential solar power systems in Bengaluru, with a capacity of 178 kW. This solar plant powers the common areas of the apartments and covers nearly 50% of the total electricity consumption of the community.
Sowmya Raghavan, in charge of waste management at White House Apartments, commented, “The power generated from the solar panels reduces our carbon footprint significantly, contributing to our efforts to create a greener environment.”
Waste Management and Reusable Cutlery: Leading the Change in Sustainable Practices
Sustainability goes beyond just water and energy conservation. At White House Apartments, the community has also implemented an innovative waste management system. Garden, floral, and electronic waste are segregated and processed, reducing landfill waste. Additionally, they have pioneered the ‘Rent-a-Cutlery’ initiative, offering reusable utensils to other communities organizing eco-friendly events. This initiative has helped reduce the use of disposable plastics and promotes a circular economy.
The project’s success has led to an expansion under a trust established during the COVID-19 period. The revenue generated through the initiative supports local welfare activities, such as purchasing laptops for underprivileged children.
Innovative Designs for Sustainable Living
One particularly creative solution comes from a resident of Bengaluru, who designed an aerated apartment model that caught the attention of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). This model uses water aerator taps that reduce water flow and consumption, and the BWSSB is now considering adopting this idea across other developments.
Vikram Ray, president of the Bengaluru Apartment Federation (BAF), emphasized the importance of spreading such innovations, noting, “BAF is supporting the BBMP Climate Action Cell in celebrating World Environment Day with the Bengaluru BluGreen Showcase 2025, an event that brings together various RWAs and homebuyer initiatives to display climate impact solutions.”
Summary Table: Key Sustainable Initiatives by Bengaluru RWAs
| Initiative | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rainwater Harvesting | Stores 1 lakh litres of rainwater every 3 days. | Saves 1.25 crore litres of water annually. |
| Solar Power | 178 kW solar system powering common areas. | Powers 50% of total electricity consumption. |
| Waste Management | Segregates and processes garden, floral, and electronic waste. | Reduces landfill waste and promotes recycling. |
| Rent-a-Cutlery Initiative | Provides reusable utensils for eco-friendly events. | Reduces plastic use and funds welfare activities. |
| Aerated Apartment Model | Uses water aerator taps to reduce consumption. | Promotes water-saving designs across developments. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the focus of World Environment Day 2025?
- The theme for World Environment Day 2025 is “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” urging communities to take action against plastic waste.
- How does Century Saras Apartments conserve water?
- Century Saras Apartments utilizes a rainwater harvesting system that fills a 1-lakh-litre tank every three days, which is then filtered and used for drinking. Greywater is also treated and repurposed for non-potable uses.
- What solar energy solutions have been adopted by Bengaluru RWAs?
- White House Apartments has installed a 178 kW solar power system that supplies energy for common areas, offsetting 50% of the community’s electricity consumption.
- What is the Rent-a-Cutlery initiative?
- Rent-a-Cutlery is a program by White House Apartments that offers reusable utensils for eco-friendly events in other communities, reducing disposable plastic use and generating funds for social causes.
- How does the BWSSB plan to incorporate sustainable designs in apartments?
- The BWSSB is considering replicating an innovative water-saving aerator apartment model designed by a resident, which uses water aerator taps to reduce water flow and consumption.