Eco-conscious high-rises reshape Kolkata urban landscape
As Kolkata’s skyline continues to rise, three major high-rise residential complexes—Lake District, Rosedale Gardens, and Uniworld City—have emerged as shining examples of how urban living can be harmonised with sustainability. In the face of rapid urbanisation, these communities are not just providing housing, but are also setting the stage for a more eco-conscious way of life. Their commitment to sustainable development and green living practices is gradually redefining the concept of modern city living.
Lake District: Emphasising Green Innovation
Located in East Kolkata, Lake District stands out with its remarkable 40% green coverage across seven acres and 13 towers. Despite Kolkata’s increasing urbanisation, the complex has managed to retain its verdant spaces, including large, fruit-bearing trees and deep-rooted plants. This green cover plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and urban heat. Lake District is also making strides in waste management. The complex generates around 200 kg of waste daily, with approximately 10% consisting of plastic bottles. In a bid to tackle this, it is encouraging residents to implement source-level segregation and is developing a composting initiative that uses decomposed flowers. Furthermore, the collaboration with NGOs for PET waste disposal and efforts to explore bioenergy production highlight the complex’s drive for innovative, eco-friendly solutions.
Rosedale Gardens: Sustainability Meets Community Spirit
Rosedale Gardens, with a green cover of 50%, takes sustainability a step further with its community-centric initiatives. It has retained several old trees and features an exclusive pet park and dog-feeding zones for strays, creating a unique eco-friendly space for both residents and animals. The complex has also formed a subcommittee to reduce its carbon footprint, which is focused on introducing kitchen waste composting, installing rooftop solar panels, and implementing a sewage treatment plant for recycling water. The committee’s efforts to explore wastewater recycling and solar energy systems with green energy experts reflect Rosedale’s holistic approach to environmental sustainability.
Uniworld City: A Model for Sustainable Living
Uniworld City, perhaps one of the most environmentally conscious high-rises in Kolkata, boasts nearly 60% open space, making it an exemplary model for eco-friendly urban living. The complex is dedicated to water conservation through the operation of a sewage treatment plant that recycles water for landscaping and flushing purposes. One of its most innovative features is the replacement of traditional bituminous driveways with eco-friendly paver blocks, which not only reduce the heat during summer but also contribute to a cooler microclimate within the complex. With its large, seasonal fruit-bearing trees, Uniworld City continues to nurture biodiversity, creating a natural buffer against climate extremes and promoting green living within a thriving urban environment.
Shared Aspirations for a Green Future
The shared vision across these three high-rise complexes is one of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community participation. From waste segregation and composting to solar energy initiatives and biodiversity conservation, these communities are setting a new standard for high-rise living in Kolkata. Their combined efforts not only contribute to reducing the city’s carbon footprint but also serve as a blueprint for other urban developments across India. These developments show that with the right integration of infrastructure and environmental consciousness, urban spaces can foster both quality living and sustainability.
Through these initiatives, these complexes are also contributing to a broader conversation on the importance of sustainable urban growth, providing lessons that extend far beyond their boundaries. As cities continue to expand, the ability to balance development with environmental responsibility will define the future of urban living in India.