Green buildings

GREEN BUILDINGS
(Making A Better World)

WHAT IS GREEN BUILDING?
 A green building is one which uses less water,
optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural
resources, generates less waste and provides
healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a
conventional building.
 In other words, green building design involves
finding the balance between homebuilding and the
sustainable environment. This requires close
cooperation of the design team, the architects, the
engineers, and the client at all project stages. The
Green Building practice expands and complements
the classical building design concerns of economy,
utility, durability, and comfort.

Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current
practices in creating greener structures, the common objective is that green buildings are
designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the
natural environment by:
 Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
 Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
 Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation.
Building green means considering not only the environmental impact of materials and
construction, but also the physical and psychological health of the occupants.

There are a number of motives for building green, including environmental, economic, and social
benefits.
Green building brings together a vast array of practices, techniques, and skills to reduce and
ultimately eliminate the impacts of buildings on the environment and human health. It often
emphasizes taking advantage of renewable resources, e.g. using sunlight through passive solar, active
solar and photovoltaic equipment, and using plants and trees through green roofs, rain gardens, and
reduction of rainwater run-off. Many other techniques are used, such as using low-impact building
materials or using packed gravel or permeable concrete instead of conventional concrete or asphalt
to enhance replenishment of ground water.
On the aesthetic side of green architecture or sustainable design is the philosophy of designing a
building that is in harmony with the natural features and resources surrounding the site.

GOALS OF GREEN BUILDINGS:
 Sitting and Structure Design Efficiency
 Energy Efficiency
 Water Efficiency
 Material Efficiency
 Indoor Environment Quality Enhancement
 Operations and Maintenance Optimization
 Waste Reduction

1.Siting and Structure Designing Efficiency
Creating sustainable buildings starts with proper site selection.
The location of a building affects a wide range of environmental factors such as security,
accessibility, and energy consumption, as well as the energy consumed by transportation
needs of occupants for commuting, the impact on local ecosystems, and the use/reuse of
existing structures and infrastructures. If possible, locating buildings in areas of existing
development where infrastructure already exists and conserving resources by renovating
existing buildings will help minimize project’s environmental footprint.
Design of the building orientation also maximizes the Green Impact.
Improved grading and natural landscaping practices can help control erosion as well as
reduce heat islands.
Incorporating Innovative Solution can help us reduce energy consumptions and waste
emissions.

2. Energy Efficiency
Green buildings often include measures to reduce energy consumption – both the embodied
energy required to extract, process, transport and install building materials and operating
energy to provide services such as heating and power for equipment.
Measures:
1. Passive Solar Building Design
2. Solar water heating further reduces energy costs.
3. Use of high-performance windows and extra insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors.
4. Effective window placement (daylighting) can provide more natural light and lessen the
need for electric lighting during the day.
5. To reduce operating energy use, designers use details that reduce air leakage through the
building envelope (the barrier between conditioned and unconditioned space).
6. Onsite generation of renewable energy through solar power, windpower, hydro power, or
biomass.

A House that makes use of Solar Energy and Daylighting. It also depicts
material efficiency(to be discussed soon).

3. Water Efficiency
Reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are key objectives in
sustainable building.
Things that helps efficient use of Water:
• To the maximum extent feasible, facilities should increase their dependence on water
that is collected, used, purified, and reused on-site.
• Waste-water may be minimized by utilizing water conserving fixtures such as water
less urinal, ultra-low flush toilets and low-flow shower heads.
• Point of use, water treatment and heating improves both water quality and energy
efficiency while reducing the amount of water in circulation.

4.Material Efficiency
Material efficiency strategies include, for example, products that last
longer, remanufacturing and modular manufacturing, reuse and
recycling of product components, using less material in product
designs, or redesigning manufacturing processes to use less energy,
less water or less raw materials.
Building materials typically considered to be ‘green’ include rapidly
renewable plant materials like bamboo and straw, lumber from forests
certified to be sustainably managed, ecology blocks, dimension stone,
recycled stone, recycled metal, and other products that are non-toxic,
reusable,
renewable, and/or recyclable.
Polyurethane heavily reduces carbon emissions as well. Polyurethane
blocks are being used for walls which provide more speed, less cost,
and they are environmentally friendly.
What is Polyurethane?
A synthetic resin in which
the polymer units are linked
by urethane groups.
Used chiefly as constituents
of paints, varnishes,
adhesives, foams and
Building Insulation.

The following steps are some of the evidence of movement towards efficient use of
structural material:
 Shape of buildings that allow use of less structural material i.e round/conical building
as compared to square/rectangular ones.
 Structural material that also help in weight & heat transmittance reduction giving
desired finishes and not compromising on structural strength i.e. in frames of round
or square tubes instead of solid bars.
 The on going in cement technology were we now having cement that gives concrete
of high strength of upto 250mp which is more than that of some steels resulting in
less reinforcement & concrete and smaller sized columns, floor slabs & beams. Also
cement coming up impigmented to give colour and desired finishes reducing facade
treatment by cladding, etc

5.Indoor Environment Quality Enhancement
The Center for Disease Control defines Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) as “The quality of
a building’s environment in relation to the health and wellbeing of those who occupy space
within it.“
IEQ addresses the subtle issues that influence how we feel in a space.
IEQ encompasses indoor air quality (IAQ), which focuses on airborne contaminants, as well as
other health, safety, and comfort issues such as aesthetics, potable water surveillance,
ergonomics, acoustics, lighting, and electromagnetic frequency levels.
It is not only desirable, but also a fundamental human right to live and work in spaces with
healthy indoor environments. Buildings enhance people’s lives when they permit ample air
circulation, maintain clean air and comfortable temperatures, and allow individuals to have a
sense of control over their own indoor experience.

During the facility/renovation design and development process, federal projects must have a
comprehensive, integrated perspective that seeks to:
 Facilitate quality IEQ through good design, construction, commissioning, and operating and
maintenance practices;
 Value aesthetic decisions, such as the importance of views and the integration of natural and
man-made elements;
 Provide thermal comfort with a maximum degree of personal control over temperature and
airflow;
 Supply adequate levels and quality of ventilation and outside air for acceptable indoor air
quality;
 Prevent airborne bacteria, mold, and other fungi, as well as radon, through building envelope
design that properly manages moisture sources from outside and inside the building, and
with heating, ventilating, air-conditioning (HVAC) system designs that are effective at
controlling indoor humidity;
 Use materials that do not emit pollutants or are low-emitting;
 Assure acoustic privacy and comfort through the use of sound absorbing material and
equipment isolation;
 Create a high-performance luminous environment through the careful integration of natural
and artificial light sources; and
 Provide quality water.

6. Operations and Maintenance Optimization
No matter how sustainable a building may have been in its design and construction, it
can only remain so if it is operated responsibly and maintained properly.
Ensuring operations and maintenance(O&M) personnel are part of the project's planning
and development process will help retain the green criteria designed at the onset of the
project.
Every aspect of green building is integrated into the O&M phase of a building's life. The
addition of new green technologies also falls on the O&M staff. Although the goal of
waste reduction may be applied during the design, construction and demolition phases
of a building's life-cycle, it is in the O&M phase that green practices such as recycling and
air quality enhancement take place. O&M staff should aim to establish best practices in
energy efficiency, resource conservation, ecologically sensitive products and other
sustainable practices. Education of building operators and occupants is key to effective
implementation of sustainable strategies in O&M services.

7. Waste Reduction
Green architecture also seeks to reduce waste of energy, water and materials used during
construction.
During the construction phase, one goal should be to reduce the amount of material going to
landfills. Well-designed buildings also help reduce the amount of waste generated by the
occupants as well, by providing on-site solutions such as compost bins to reduce matter going
to landfills.
To reduce the impact on wells or water treatment plants, several options exist. "Greywater”,
wastewater from sources such as dishwashing or washing machines, can be used for subsurface
irrigation, or if treated, for non-potable purposes, e.g., to flush toilets and wash cars. Rainwater
collectors are used for similar purposes.
Practices like these provide soil with organic nutrients and create carbon sinks that remove
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, offsetting greenhouse gas emission.

Cost and PayOff
• The most criticized issue about constructing environmentally friendly buildings is the price.
Photo-voltaics, new appliances, and modern technologies tend to cost more money.
In regards to the financial benefits of green building,
“Over 20 years, the financial payback typically exceeds the additional cost of greening by a
factor of 4-6 times. And broader benefits, such as reductions in greenhouse gases (GHGs) and
other pollutants have large positive impacts on surrounding communities and on the planet.”[
• The savings in money come from more efficient use of utilities which result in decreased
energy bills. It is projected that different sectors could save $130 Billion on energy bills.
• Also, higher worker or student productivity can be factored into savings and cost
deductions.

• Numerous studies have shown the measurable benefit of green building initiatives on
worker productivity.
In general it has been found that, "there is a direct correlation between increased productivity
and employees who love being in their work space.”
Specifically, worker productivity can be significantly impacted by certain aspects of green
building design such as improved lighting, reduction of pollutants, advanced ventilation
systems and the use of non-toxic building materials.
• Studies have shown over a 20-year life period, some green buildings have yielded $53 to
$71 per square foot back on investment. It is found that LEED and Energy Star certified
buildings achieve significantly higher rents, sale prices and occupancy rates as well as lower
capitalization rates potentially reflecting lower investment risk.

INDIAN GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was formed
in the year 2001. The vision of the council is, "To enable a sustainable built environment for all and
facilitate India to be one of the global leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025".
The council offers a wide array of services which include developing new green building rating
programmes, certification services and green building training programmes. The council also organises
Green Building Congress, its annual flagship event on green buildings.
The council is committee-based, member-driven and consensus-focused. All the stakeholders of
construction industry comprising of architects, developers, product manufacturers, corporate,
Government, academia and nodal agencies participate in the council activities through local chapters.
The council also closely works with several State Governments, Central Government, World Green
Building Council, bilateral multi-lateral agencies in promoting green building concepts in the country.

Notable Green Buildings In India
1. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
2. Druk White Lotus School, Ladakh
3. Doon School, Dehradun
4. Nokia Gurgaon
5. Biodiversity Conservation India, Bangalore
6. ITC Green Centre, Gurgaon
7. Suzlon Energy Limited, Pune
8. Olympia Technology Park, Chennai
Traditional buildings were energy efficient because architecture depended on the places. Buildings
in the hot and dry regions, had corridors directing the wind to cool naturally. In wet regions,
structures using natural light and breeze, were used.[8] Some examples are
1.Hawa Mahal- Articulated windows provides cool breeze in a desert area[9]
2.Golkonda- Ventilation is designed to let in fresh cool breeze, in spite of summer.[10]
The traditional building practices were utilized in constructing the Dhyanalinga. Mud mortar
stabilized with lime, sand, alum and some herbal additives was used.

DRUK WHITE LOTUS SCHOOL, LADAKH
In the desert land of severe climatic conditions,3500 meters above
sea level, was born a modest school that is adjudged as an
outstanding example of sustainable, green, cost effective, Building
development. The school has been designed to optimize use of
natural resources such as solar radiation, shading, and natural
ventilation. The facility its own energy and reduces local emissions by
using solar panels that take maximum advantage of Ladakh’s high
and consistent exposure to direct sunlight.
Key Sustainable Features
• Using locally-available materials, which have the least impact on
the environment;
• Exploiting natural ventilation and passive solar heating;
• Minimizing energy use and emissions;
• Minimizing water use;
• Refining and adapting traditional techniques to provide modern
solutions.
• Use of traditional mud brick masonary to provide increased
thermal performance and durability.

“3 Idiots”
Druk White Lotus School. The school which was featured in
the climax scene of 3 Idiots. It is situated in Shey town, a
few kilometres ahead of Leh. The boarding school is now
popularly known as ‘Rancho’s school’, named after the lead
character of the movie played by actor Aamir Khan.
When you visit Leh next time make a visit to the school
and relive your 3 Idiots nostalgia!
The multi awards winning structure is the recipient of Best
Asian Building, Best Education Building and Best Green
Building Awards.

RAJIV GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,
HYDERABAD
Key Features:
Ecological balance: A green belt has been built in an area
of 273 hectares with various plant species at RGIA.
Additionally, 971 hectares of natural greenery has been left
intact.
Energy conservation: RGIA has saved energy of
3.97million kWh (kilowatt hour) especially in the last couple
of years, thereby reducing carbon footprint by about 3331
tons.
Rainwater harvesting: Here, the net recharge is an
approximate at 1.729 million cubic metre per annum. The
use of surface water is a decisive factor to water
conservation.
Recycling waste food: It is a well known fact that travel
spaces such as airports are the breeding ground for food
surplus. RGIA converted the waste food as compost on the
site and turned the disadvantage into anything,

RAINTREE HOTELS, CHENNAI
The Entire Chain of Raintree Business Hotels in
Chennai city are first eco-sensitive hotels in
South India. Everything about this hospitality
range is green:
1.Right from the rubber wood, bamboo and
medium density fiber used for construction
down to Portland Pozzalana Cement containing
15 to 20 percent fly Ash.
2.The George Fisher concealed cistern at the
hotel controls the water used in toilet flushes
and the sewage treatment plant recycles water
for use in air conditioners.

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION INDIA LTD, BANGALORE
T-ZED, India’s first IGBC platinum-rated residential
apartment complex, completed in 2009.
BCIL did not use bricks, concrete blocks, chemical paints,
vitrified tiles or ceramics in it’s construction. It also used a
nominal amount of steel, composite cement and
reinforcement steel in building the 80 apartments and 15
family homes, each of which is Vaastu-compliant, that
comprise the T-ZED complex built over 5 acres.
No home at BCIL T-TZED Homes uses incandescent lamps,
halogens or fluorescent tubelights.
BCIL has created some of the most energy efficient
residential homes that India has ever set eyes upon.

CONCLUSION
‘Green Building’ technology is a futuristic idea for the planet and is pro life. It
is inspired from various elements of nature and innovatively designed to
generate significant economic and health advantages to us. It takes us closer
to nature by bringing nature closer to home. In fact, it makes the whole
growth story of mankind sustainable.

Green buildings

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