A green building uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste or no waste (Zero Discharge) and is healthier for the people living inside compared to a standard building.
There is a rapidly expanding market for green building materials. Green building provides suitable environment by controlling solar radiation, temperature, energy efficiency, water conservation using domestic treatment plant and indoor air quality. The main aim of green buildings is to reduce the environmental impact of new buildings. The sustainability in the environment can be well achieved by reducing the energy emission and consumption by the buildings. Sustainability means using the energy efficiently. Green building refers to a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle. Solar panels and wind mills are used to produce efficient energy. Highly efficient gadgets are used like 20W BLDC fans, 5 star fridge, LED bulbs, Inverter type solar air-conditioners & five-star hospital-equipment.
Green building starts with efficient use of water and use of recycled or recyclable materials, and provision for healthy indoor air quality. Buildings are responsible for 40 per cent of the world’s energy consumption. The green building concept helps to conserve energy.
Features
It includes natural lighting in the building, which results in substantial savings in energy consumption.
- Insulated walls and double-glazed glass windows for lower energy consumption.
• A green lawn around the building improves the quality of air inside the building premises.
• Use of non-toxic house-keeping materials – green seal approved products. Natural manure for plants such as neem-based pesticides.
• Water recycling.
Sustainable Features
Buildings achieve a 50% reduction in energy use and utilize their electrical power from a renewable energy supply. The building incorporates many energy-conserving features:
- A well-insulated building shell
• Energy efficient window systems
• Supplemental passive solar heating
• Extensive use of natural ventilation and day lighting
• Use of latest solar high-tech technology like BIPV solar panels with 21% efficiency. Solar-powered sterilizers, operation-rooms, preheated hot water upto 900C for cooking & other applications.
Rat – Trap Bond Wall
It is a cavity wall construction in a modern technique that offers unique combination of strength lightweight thermal and sound insulation fix resistance and resistance to water penetration and reduction in the quantity of bricks required for masonry work.
The main features of Rat-trap bond wall are:
- Strength is equal to standard 10” (250 mm) brick wall, but consumes 20% less bricks.
• The air medium or cavity created in between the bricklayers helps in maintaining a good thermal comfort inside the building. This phenomenon is particularly helpful for tropical climate of South Asian and other countries.
• As the construction is done by aligning the bricks from both sides with the plain surfaces facing outwards, plastering is not necessary except in a few places. The finished surface is appealing to the eye from both internally & externally.
Preserve and protect vegetation and soil from degradation during construction
Preservation and protection of existing vegetation, particularly, mature trees, is highly recommended. This is done by avoiding cut and fills in the root zones, delineating and fencing the drip line of all trees or a group of trees. Trees should also protect against damages from carving, nailing, fires or heat emitting construction activity. The top soil, in most cases, is the most nutrient rich layer that supports vegetative growth.
Reduce hard paving
Hard paved parking lots, pathways, plazas and courts should be minimized. Hard paved areas enhance imperviousness of the sit and generate a heat island effect, which causes a sharp microclimate temperature rise. By reducing penetrability of the site, hard paving also lowers the localized aquifer recharge potential. Dark colored and constructed surfaces absorb solar energy and radiate it back when the ambience is cooler.
Energy Efficiency
One of the primary requirements of a green building is that it should have optimum energy performance and yet should provide the desirable thermal and visual comfort. Energy efficiency can be maximized by utilizing materials components, and systems that help reduce energy consumption in buildings and facilities. To increase the efficiency of the building envelope, they may use high-efficiency windows and insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors. Another strategy, passive solar building design, is often implemented in low-energy homes. In addition, effective window placement can provide more natural light and lessen the need for electric lighting during the day. Solar water heating further reduces energy loads. Onsite generation of renewable energy through solar power, wind power, hydro power, or biomass can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the building. BIPV type solar-panels can be used as façade projection, allowing sunlight during daytime & also producing electricity.
Water Efficiency
Reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are key objectives in sustainable building. Use of water may be minimized by utilizing water conserving fixtures such as 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. Water can be re-circulated for other applications & zero-discharge concept can be achieved.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
IAQ can be affected by microbial contaminants (bacteria), gases (including carbon monoxide, radon and volatile organic compounds), particulates, or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is enhanced by utilizing materials that meet the following criteria:
- Low or non-toxic: Materials that emit few or no carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, or irritants as demonstrated by the manufacturer through appropriate testing.
• Moisture resistant: Products and systems that resist moisture or inhibit the growth of biological contaminants in buildings.
• Systems or equipment: Products that promote healthy IAQ by identifying indoor air pollutants or enhancing the air quality.
Case Study
Sawali Nursing Home, Kolhapur Executed by M/s. Solar Electronics
Sawali Nursing Home, Kolhapur is a unique case of green building, the main design features are:
- All electrical gadgets like special ceiling fans (20W power consumption, quantity 200 nos.), lights, lifts, TV sets (approx. 100 nos.), CCTV camera systems, hospital equipment etc are 100% solar-powered during daytime, battery or wind-mill powered during night-time & conventional electric supply is a stand by option, along with diesel-generation. The expected saving per month is approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. The expected environmental saving is precious.
2. Preheated water upto 900C is used for cooking purpose by latest technology developed by M/s. Solar Electronics. Cooking gas is produced by human-waste chamber & kitchen waste. Hence, conventional cooking gas is not used. Expected saving is to the tune of Rs 2 lakh per month. Pre-heated water is also used for floor-cleaning & washing utensils.
3. The output drain water is recycled & reused. There is practically no output discharge from the hospital but the same is used for gardening purpose.
4. Healthy air-circulation is maintained inside the hospital by planting indoor plants of special category.
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