Garbage helps power up part of this township

At Hiranandani Estate in Thane, wet waste is not just given away to the municipality garbage collectors. It is carefully segregated and sent to a biomethanation or biogas plant, where it is converted into fuel.

At Hiranandani Estate in Thane, wet waste is not just given away to the municipality garbage collectors. It is carefully segregated and sent to a biomethanation or biogas plant, where it is converted into fuel. This fuel is then used to power the sewage treatment plant in the estate. From solar lights in the compound to occupancy censors in common areas such as staircases and washrooms, where the lights only come on when people are around, the complex is a mix of fixtures that help save energy.

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The biogas plant, for example, produces 125 units of energy every day, but has the capacity to do much more. "The plant can process five tonnes of biodegradable waste every day, but we only get a little over a tonne. Now, 21 more buildings are coming up in the estate so the plant will be sued to its full capacity," said Anant Palkar, general manager, Hiranandani Constructions Private Ltd. The plant was installed two years ago. "These systems are easy to maintain, but regular maintenance is a must," added Palkar.

Biogas can be used for anything from cooking to running motor vehicles. Biogas is the gas produced through the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

The company is now applying for carbon credits. But while the systems are in place, are the residents equally environment-conscious? "Residents of the complex are environmentally sensitive and work towards energy conservation. Without the support of the residents, all these systems would fail," added Palkar.