Following our case study Article and Video – Drip Irrigation in the City, we received expert response from a Ranchi, India based Civil Engineer, with almost 40 years’ experience.
Based on this discussion, and feedback, this week’s article outlines possible issues that may arise with use of this technology in Residential colonies.
In Case study 1 (original Case Study -Residence A), the Balcony A in question lies adjacent to a plumbing Shaft A, containing supply water pipes to the house. Thus, the plumber can easily provide a water connection (Source for the Drip Irrigation System) from this shaft to the balcony.
However, in Case Study 2 (Alternative
Scenario – Residence B),
the positioning of shafts is different. The Shaft B in the house (Residence B) is placed far from the Balcony. This makes it difficult to provide a water source for the Drip
System.
The Shaft C, which offers a more direct route to Balcony B, contains water supply pipes belonging to another flat (Residence C). Thus, the plumber would be unable to draw a connection from this shaft.
Solution:
Such technology could be Integrated at earlier Design stages in future Residential constructions. Thus, shaft and water supply lines could be planned accordingly, for convenience to Residents and to save Water.
We look forward to more such expert opinions, feedback, comments. These help us move towards further Sustainable Solutions, for our evolving Built and Urban Environments.
An Efficient technique largely used in Greenhouses and Agriculture, could be ‘Adapted’ to serve ‘Emerging’ City Needs – Assist Aging Populations and Address Water Shortages.
Looking at a City Case Study, Details, Pros and Cons.
This week we document Drip Irrigation used for balcony garden irrigation. The Case study is a 1000 sqft. flat dwelling, housing 2 aging persons. Having a large ground garden, while living in a metro city is a luxury most cannot afford. So, many people nurture beautiful balcony gardens. Often aging parents or grandparents may be living alone and looking after these spaces. They may or may not have access to domestic help for daily watering of plants. New developments are often also plagued with water shortages. Tiled balconies can become messy and slippery with pipe or bucket watering, thus posing a danger to aged people living alone.
We thus explore this technology, used in our case study, that may be able to address the above issues. It could remove unnecessary risk and make life a little more convenient for aged people.
The Nuts and Bolts
Looking at 3 main details –
1) Origin – Tap, Tap Connector, Elbow Connector, Main Pipe
2) Route – Main Pipe, Elbow/ Tee/ Straight Connectors
3) Destination – Main Pipe, Feeder Pipe, Stake/Anchor to hold Feeder Pipes in the soil of pots, Drip Emitter
Some advanced kits also include automatic timers for scheduling the watering cycle.
Cost
The whole kit could cost between ₹ 300 to above ₹ 7000 (around $4 – $100 depending on company, number of plants)
Pros and Cons
The Pros and Cons are based on feedback for the technology by the owners.
Note: The products utilized by the owners in the Case Study are by a company called CINAGRO™. We are spreading information about the ‘adaptive’ use of this technology to solve important city issues. We however, are NOT endorsing the products/ company in question. You could search for Drip Irrigation Garden online. There are various companies that sell/ install such products.
Hope these details help you make decisions for your homes and the homes of other aging people with similar requirements.
Have you used a similar technology in your projects? Tell us about your experience. Did you face any other issues than the ones described above?
Do you think this ‘Adaptation’ can help address Emerging city needs?
This is part of a series of articles on the experience of giving the LEED AP BD+C examination. You can access the entire series from our Menu Topic titled ‘ LEED‘.
This week, we look at LEED AP BD+C:Setting Exam Timeline – 4 Considerations. Setting a realistic timeline is crucial for preparation. It should take into account various factors that would differ between individuals.
LEED Specific Project Experience, Prior Industry experience, Professional and Academic Background
Like mentioned earlier, many of our team did not have prior LEED Specific Project Experience. This makes it harder to pass the exam, although it is still doable. You need to factor this into your timeline. However, our candidates were either Architects, Engineers, or had some prior Sustainability background. This is extremely useful and partially makes up for the lack of LEED Specific Project experience.
You may want to increase or decrease the prep time based on your comfort level and background. From the experience of our team candidates, the average timeline for preparation ranged from 1 – 1.5 months. Once the timeline was set, a date was fixed, and the exam fees was paid. This becomes a push factor to work towards the goal, with a deadline looming ahead.
Having a Gap between the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP Examinations
We would suggest you give both exams (LEED Green Associate and LEED AP) with at least a year’s gap in between.
For one, it is a slightly stressful experience – so taking a break might help.
Secondly, these preparations if tackled well, don’t just help you pass the exam. You get a larger understanding of the Sustainability Industry. To grow as a professional, we suggest you first pass the LEED Green Associate examination. Then try and use the expanded understanding from the exam by engaging in related industry activities for at least a year. You could then apply that experience into your preparation for the next level.
Our team consisted of various kinds of people. Quick and slow learners. Some can retain concepts for longer, while others may need to revise more often. The ability to handle pressure also differs. Stress increases as the exam date nears. It is better to truly assess your personal speed, studying style, level of patience and stress management ability to avoid unnecessary pressure to build up. Ultimately it is preferable to treat the experience as not just an exam, but an opportunity to grow professionally. So self-assess, decide and go for it!
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