Green Buildings

“Green Buildings represent eco-friendly, energy efficient buildings, sustainable construction practices and a healthy and productive indoor environment with lowered use of natural resources. Green building structures are designed, built, renovated and operated in an ecological and resource efficient manner.

Rapid urbanisation in India is putting stress on resource consumption including electricity, gas and water. In Mumbai itself, load growth due to “built environment” comprising of commercial buildings and housing was to the tune of 8% year-on-year since 2002. Recognising the enormity of this situation the world-over, several initiatives have been launched targeted at reducing ecological footprint of commercial and residential space. In the housing sector for example, several voluntary rating standards have been developed under the eco-housing certification process. In the commercial built environment for example, the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) promoted by the US Green Business Council shows exemplary ways to reduce energy consumption. Both in eco-housing and LEED process, designers are encouraged to develop low-foot-print designs related to following attributes.

• Site Planning.
• Environmental Architecture.
• Energy efficient building materials.
• Innovative space and water heating/cooling techniques.
• Water conservation and recycling.

In addition to the voluntary standards mentioned above, the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency launched the Energy Conservation Building Codes for 5 climate zones in India. ECBC defines performance parameters of the built commercial space (private development and public buildings).

Tata Power intends to launch a specific initiative targeted at new construction in commercial and residential space. To begin with, this initiative will include interactive sessions for building designers, architects, engineers and city officials to stimulate discussions.

www.bee-india.nic.in
www.ecohousingindia.org
www.igbc.in