Environmental Concerns

&
Sustainable Site Planning

PRESENTED BY
AR. RUJUTA M. PATHAK
CONTENTS
RAINWATER HARVESTING:

1. What is rainwater harvesting?

2. Methods of rainwater harvesting
3. Tips for success

PASSIVE CLIMATE CONTROL:

1. For Cooling
- Plant trees
- Let water run
- Choose light color material
2. For Heating
- Use passive solar heat
- Reduce wind exposure
- Provide natural insulation

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH LANDSCAPE

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 RAINWATER HARVESTING
Rainwater harvesting is a technique of collection and storage of rainwater into natural
reservoirs or tanks, or the infiltration of surface water into subsurface aquifers (before it is lost
as surface runoff). Rainwater harvesting can be a rooftop harvesting as well.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING
Bioswales

- By carefully grading a subtle

channel throughout your
landscape, you can direct the
flow of water to a rain garden
or drain.

-As the water runs through the

landscape, it's filtered by plant
roots and soil to remove
toxins, such as from an
asphalt-shingled roof.

- With a bioswale, the water is

directed through the
landscape, but may not always
be reused.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING
Rain gardens

- A rain garden is a garden of native

shrubs, perennials, and flowers
planted in a small depression, which
is generally formed on a natural
slope.

-It is designed to temporarily hold

and soak in rain water runoff that
flows from roofs, driveways, patios or
lawns.

- A rain garden takes advantage of a

damp area of the landscape where
water drains, by using plants that
prefer or tolerate seasonal flooding.

- You can create a rain garden at the

end of a bioswale, or any place
where water naturally drains.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING
Careful grading

-Grading in landscape architectural construction

is the work of ensuring a level base, or one with
a specified slope, for a construction work such
as a foundation, the base course for a road or a
railway, or landscape and garden
improvements, or surface drainage.

- Landscapers in desert climates, where there's

little naturally-occurring rainfall, use subtle
grading and undulations in the landscape to
direct water to trees and large shrubs.

- This is an inexpensive way of promoting a

deep root system on trees in a challenging
setting.

- However, use care with this strategy in rainy

climates, as puddling and rot can occur.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING
Above ground barrels

- Bushman and other brands sell kits

and tanks for storing rainwater above
ground.

- You simply hook up a pipe to your

downspout and connect it to the
storage tank.

- If gravity isn't on your side, you may

need to use a pump, which can be
purchased with the tank.

- The water from these tanks can be

used with a hose or with your drip
irrigation system.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING

Below ground tanks and cisterns

- These heavy duty tanks are meant to be

buried beneath your landscaping, so you
don't need to have room for storage in
order to successfully harvest a large
quantity of rainwater.

- While these can be pricy to install

because your landscaper will need to dig
them into the ground, it's the least
obtrusive option, and like an
aboveground barrel, can be hooked up to
your drip irrigation system and used with
a minimum of fuss.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 TIPS FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING
1.Plant xeric
Native plants and others that are well adapted to your climate are the best choice if you're
hoping to water primarily from your rainwater harvesting system. The average landscape
with lawn and roses will burn through a 3000 gallon tank in no time, but a native
landscape may be able to stretch that amount of water through the season.

2.Work with gravity

Water wants to flow downward, so "it's nice if the garden is below the tank“.
However, if gravity isn't on your side, simply connect a pump to the system so the water
can be used where you need it.

3.Consider the source

"Asphalt roofs and shingles aren't ideal, since the water coming off them can be polluted,“.
"Tile roofs provide the cleanest water." While the water from asphalt roofs is probably fine
to water ornamentals, use caution around your edible garden.2.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 TIPS FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING
4.Go big
"A 1500 gallon tank is simply not enough,". If you want to water your landscape all season long,
go for at least a 3000 gallon tank.

5.Avoid mosquitoes
Whatever system you choose, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid with a seal. If using a
homemade rain barrel, attach a piece of fine mesh to the top to keep mosquitoes from
proliferating.

6.Use caution in cold climates

Bushman warns that their aboveground tanks are not meant to survive a freeze, and should be
drained with the bottom plugs left open during any potential for freezing temperatures. Ask a
local landscaper about belowground tanks or other options that will withstand your winter
temps.

7.If all else fails, go DIY (Do it yourself)

"There's a homemade system using a barrel or decorative pot where you put a piece of mesh on
top to keep the bugs out, cut a hole in the bottom and add a spigot to the whole,“. "The DIY
system is cheaper, and great if you want to collect water from the gutter."

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 RAINWATER HARVESTING IN INDIA
Rainwater harvesting is a cost effective solution to bridge the gap between water availability
and demand. Jodhpur and Goa, areas with low and high rainfall, have shown how.

The case of Birkha Bawari in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

The case study of the Birkha-Bawari in Jodhpur, Rajasthan located in the Umaid heritage site in a
residential complex area. The Bawari structure not only stores rainwater but also acts as a
recreational space for inhabitants. It also provides a good example of sustainable urban
development & Landscape practice in a low rainfall region, demonstrating the value of water by
conserving rainwater.
The RWH storage structure is inspired by traditional RWH structures in the region but while the
traditional baolis and kunds were used to extract groundwater, the Birkha Bawari is used to
catch rainwater.
Apart from storage and conservation of rainwater, the project also highlights the sustainable
storm water management in the housing complex, as it collects all the runoff from the site
minimizing water-logging in the residential complex.
The residential complex has around 15 acres of green area. The landscape is a rich mix of trees,
plants and gardens as an integrated part of the complex.
The stored water from the Birkha-Bawari is used for maintaining green area of the housing
complex. The rainwater stored can meet around 8-9 months of landscaping and horticultural
water requirements.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 RAINWATER HARVESTING IN INDIA
The report informs that the RWH project is a high visibility and high impact intervention with
considerable social and economic benefits to direct users as well as the surrounding
environment.
The system captures around 21.1 million litres of rainwater, which has helped in reducing the
dependence on municipal water supply and groundwater.
During the past three years, almost 50 percent less groundwater is being extracted from
borewells on the site.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 RAINWATER HARVESTING IN INDIA
The RWH project in Goa University

The key objective of the RWH project in Goa University is to reduce the declining groundwater
levels in the area and recharge the aquifers to reduce dependence on municipal water supply.
The University has around 1500 staff and students.
The existing water demand is around 0.45 million litres per day.
Around 50 percent of the water supply depends on public water and the remainder is accessed
from twelve borewells on the campus.
During summer, public supply is reduced and most of the water obtained is from the borewells,
which has resulted in the drying up of a few.
The existing rainwater system has two main structures, one for harvesting surface runoff with a
catchment of 1.5 hectares that is mainly unpaved area, and a rooftop harvesting system for
harvesting the runoff mainly from built up areas on campus.
RWH at the campus has resulted in a substantial increase in the aquifer yields, which has been
confirmed from the well yield tests carried out on two borewells located in close proximity of
the recharge structure. Within one year of operation, well yields have increased by 13 to 15
percent showing recovery in the groundwater levels. Improved yields have also led to less
electricity usage for pumping groundwater and savings in costs.
The report ends by stating that these case studies scientifically establish that it is possible to
practice RWH in varied types of agroclimatic zones and the needs and strategies may vary from
site to site.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 RAINWATER HARVESTING IN INDIA
These case studies provide positive examples of successful RWH efforts made in the country
and should encourage further discussions within water management organizations on
the potential of mainstreaming RWH into their current and future plans for urban areas.

SHALLOW RECHARGE WELL

SILT SETTING POND

SAND BED FILTER

DEEP RECHARGE WELL

DEEP WELL RECHARGE POND

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 PASSIVE CLIMATE CONTROL
When most people think gardening, they have one
condition: beautiful plants.
However, when you're planning your landscape,
there's another important condition you should
consider: air conditioning.
Whether you want to cool things down or create
some heat, there are easy, low-cost landscaping
solutions for every situation and every region.

Cool It Down
1.Plant Trees
Trees not only create shade, they also cool the air
below—by as much as 25 degrees—through a
process called transpiration, which releases water
vapor.
If we plant deciduous trees near the house,
particularly on the south and west sides, we can
reduce our energy consumption.
In summer, the foliage shades the house, reducing
your dependence on air conditioning. (Conversely, in
winter, when trees are bare, the sun shines directly
on the house, adding extra warmth.
Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 PASSIVE CLIMATE CONTROL
We also can create shade by building a narrow covered structure over a patio near the house. The
light created by the narrowly spaced structure is ideal for growing a wide variety of plants, and the
space remains cool and pleasant.

2.Let Water Run

Falling water cools and humidifies the air directly around it, creating a beneficial micro- climate for
plants and people. So install a reflecting pool or fish pond on your property, which can create a
cooling effect as well as become a delightful landscape feature.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 PASSIVE CLIMATE CONTROL
3.Choose Light color Materials.
When it comes to your porch, patio or driveway, light-colored paving will be much cooler
than a dark material, which absorbs and radiates heat. Light colors, however, reflect heat,
thus keeping the area in and around your home significantly cooler.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 PASSIVE CLIMATE CONTROL
Warm It Up

1.Use Passive Solar Heat

A garden or home with a southern exposure will be significantly warmer than one facing
any other direction. South-facing gardens sprout sooner in the spring and last longer in
autumn when chilly weather sets in.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
 PASSIVE CLIMATE CONTROL
2.Reduce Wind Exposure
Fortunately, properly selected and placed landscaping can provide excellent wind protection. The
best windbreaks block wind close to the ground. Solid options include evergreens and shrubs that
have low crowns. Keep the evergreens far enough from the house so they won't cast shade in
winter, but close enough to help buffer the breeze.
You'll get the best wind protection if you plant the windbreak at a distance from your home that's
two to five times the mature height of the trees. Other options to screen your home from harsh
winds are to take advantage of hills, rises in the ground, walls and other features on your
property.

3.Provide Natural Insulation

The dead air between the house wall and the shrubs also serves as an extra layer of insulation
between your home and the climate. As mentioned before, one foot between the plants and the
house wall is optimal.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH LANDSCAPE
- Waste generated in a house hold can be categorized in different types.
- Wet/ Organic waste, dry waste, plastic waste, E-waste, garden waste are some of the types
under which the segregation is done.
- This segregated waste is either recycled or dumped on site.
- Some of the organic waste is treated in composting plant and manure is produced.
- The garden waste forms about 12% of solid waste generated.

TREATMENT SYSTEMS

- Generation of garden waste is not uniform through out the year.

- During monsoon, more nitrogen rich waste is generated and during summer, more carbon rich waste
is generated in the form of dry brown matter.
- Generation of garden waste is due to daily falling dry leaves, cutting of unwanted grass, cutting
excessive branches and shrubs.
- During summer, leaves and branches dry quickly and fall. This produces good quantity of dry matter
to burn.
- During monsoon, the rate of growth is high and grass, shrubs require trimming. These trimmings
cannot be burnt due to moisture content.
- Debris and garden waste collected in the housing colonies has to be disposed.
- There are few ways of doing it:
1. Let it dry naturally and then it is burned.
2. Composting & 3. Used as fuel for cooking.

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH LANDSCAPE

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH LANDSCAPE

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak
THANK YOU !!!

Presented by
Ar. Rujuta M. Pathak