CEE Jan-Mar 2012

savings can be fully understood only when the green principles are implemented at conceptual stage of the project where the building needs to be designed as one system. Also, working closely with green consultants with specific green requirements and identification of goals right from initial stage proves beneficial . Many architects feel that cost issues need to be addressed by equipment manufacturers. However, as common sense, designers should provide good daylight to all parts of buildings, orient them correctly and provide cross and proper ventilation in non-AC spaces. One can also adopt means like biological treatment of solid waste, instead of mechanical sewage treatment plants which cost more to install and operate. It will be easy for users to accept and actually demand green buildings once they understand that green can mean better performance at lower cost. Green products and technology A green building needs to use building materials that will reduce energy consumption - materials that are non-toxic, reusable, durable, affordable and can minimize waste and energy in manufacture and use. The cost of green can be brought down by encouraging green building product in all aspects, ranging from sustainable sites, water and energy efficiency, materials, resources and indoor environmental quality. Energy-efficient products like innovative lighting controls, photovoltaic solar electricity, solar-resistant glass, energy recovery ventilators, energy– efficient air-conditioners, solar roofing, membranes, light pipe day lighting (capturing sunlight from rooftops and piping it down through reflective tubing)are indispensable components of a green project. For water efficiency one needs to consider smart irrigation controls that save water by only applying it when the soil is dry. Sensor taps, water-free urinals, low-flow showerheads and sinks and dual flush toilets are also preferred faucets. Other green innovations include horizontally perforated clay hollow blocks (which not only give excel lent sound and thermal insulation, but also save on structural costs); autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, wall form system (a construction system comprising lightweight panels), cellular lightweight concrete (which reduces consumption of reinforcing , cement and saves energy); heat-resistant terrace tiles (replicating the benefits of conventional cool roofing); thermal insulation boards; porous pavement system and sky ceilings. Some engineered wood products for decking, sheathing and framing lumber that use far fewer materials than conventional products, or use materials that would formerly have been considered waste. Polished concrete floors reduce the need for finished floors in a building . A number of silicone– based adhesives and sealants have been devised for sustainable designs and are being used in India. Green materials also include fly ash cement, fly ash blocks, recycled aluminium, recycled steel , recycled tiles, low VoC paints and bamboo-based products. Water reclamation systems, solar shading devices, green roofs gardens, green walls, heat reflective paints, eco– friendly cabling , pressure reducing valves, HFC-based high efficiency chillers and structural concrete insulated panels are also becoming famous. Smart Home control systems also help to go green. Government incentives Besides the problem of increase in perceived cost, it is also the lack of knowledge of how to build green buildings that is hitting at green architecture in India today. Thus it is important for government to step in and promote green architecture. In the past, through the Energy Conservation Act (ECA 2001 ), the Indian government has taken a step forward to promote energy efficiency. Non-profit organizations like IGBC, the Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) have contributed a lot in making the 'green concept' popular in India. Some architects recommend incentives like subsidies or loans at lower interest rates for installing equipment such as solar panels, efficient chillers, etc; lower power/ water/gas tariffs for green rated buildings and sponsorship of 50 per cent of Green Certification fees (griha/USGBC/IGBC fees for awarding green certification). This is the need for India for India today. In India though incentive are being given and planned , it has been noticed that major policy decisions by the Indian government are a result of their responses to international events like Earth Summits, etc . At the state level, however, there are incentives in Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad. Recently, a news on TV showed that the Cabinet of Delhi and Pimpri- 75