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52 PAGE GREEN BY DESIGN SUPPLEMENT
® TO HOME REVIEW JULY 09 ISSUE
by design YOUR GUIDE TO ECO FRIENDLY LIVING
INDIA’S 1ST
PLATINUM
RATED HOME
Clever equipping and
weatherising of a house
makes it eligible for a LEED
platinum rating by the IGBC
+
A BIO-DIVERSE HOT
SPOT IN THE DRAB PORT
AREA OF MUMBAI
A LOOK AT THE REVIVAL

OF COOLING TOWERS
US PRESIDENT OBAMA’S
GREEN INITIATIVE
PROJECTS I Q&A’s I PRODUCTS I ECO REVIEWS I www.home-review.com/gbd
Cover page July 09-1.p65 13 7/1/2009, 3:37 PM

July
EDITOR’S NOTE
Contents 2009
"Seize every opportu-
nity" seems to be the
order of the day. That
FEATURES
is every chance to be 14 Canny Construction India's first Leed
as eco friendly and platinum rated private residence.
environment conscious 18 Nari's Award Winning Lantern
in our day to day life Maharashtra's NARI wins the globe sustainability
as possible. Every research award for its low energy innovation.
aspect of living should 22 A Hearth With A Heart An authentic
be premeditated and in total reverence to the well sustainable farm house by Abhikram of Ahmedabad.
26 The Eco-Friendly Precursor The IOCL
being of planet earth and therefore its climate.
Forecasts for global temps grow increasingly
11 Headquarters in Delhi; a structure which is green
dire; a 5 deg spike by 2100, a brief instant in geo- from the inside out.
logic time would almost certainly prove to be a 32 A Low Energy Use Approach A happy mix of
disaster for civilization. The key is to free ourselves at sustainability and aesthetics.
every level of the energy chain. 34 The Zero Carbon House Diseno Earle
We should build smart grid highways, better Architects plug an architectural abyss in eco housing
insulated buildings, cultivate higher yielding crops in southern Spain.
closer home and preferably from recycled organic
waste. A dedicated team of employees at the
Q&A
Mumbai port trust's central kitchen very ably eluci- 46 An educative conversation with LEED AP
dates this idea. Architect Hiren Patel.
Where architecture in present times is concerned,
the majority of builders follow the tenet of 'don't do
GREEN MARKET
any more or build any better than you have to'. Now it 08 Informed retail therapy; a look at an array of
looks like builders might actually have to build better, sensible low energy products.
as building codes move beyond health and safety
and get serious about energy efficiency. GREEN TALK
A few responsible builders whose works we 12 Obama's Green Initiative President Obama's
showcase here have already set out on the path of energy advisor releases a unique green plan.
sustainable and environment preserving construction 38 The Return Of Cooling Towers A once
e.g. Sudhir Reddy in Hyderabad, Biome Environmen- forgotten part of architecture returns to make a
tal Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore, Hiren Patel and statement.
Abhikram in Ahmedabad and Stup Design Consult- 44 Bentley's Green Definitions Bentley's new
ants in Delhi. building performance group offers keen solutions.
Everybody loves to talk about increasing the
efficiency of cars, but buildings are kept on the back ECO LIVING
burner. Even though experts tell us that buildings are 30 Grow Your Own Fresh Air Combat indoor air
responsible for almost half of our energy consump- pollution in an organic way.
tion and greenhouse gas emissions, and over three 40 Green For Grey A city farm in the Mumbai port
quarters of our electricity consumption, radical and region that uses waste to grow food.
significant measures have not been taken yet. 42 Get Your Green On An eco friendly store in sync
The search for a silver bullet for energy is wrong with nature.
on many levels; the real reform has to take place in 45 Eco Lodge A tree house resort for the earth
our mind-set and approach. carers.
Mala Bajaj GREEN EVENT

50 Greenbuild 2009 A global event dedicated to
responsible architecture.
Owner, Publisher & Printer Mr. Anish R. Bajaj for Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st
Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange
Building, Cotton Green Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj Creative Director
Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj Sub Editor Shweta Salvi Writers Sheetal Mishra, Shriyal S, Relin Hedly Layout
Design Krishnakant Surve, Asif Shayannawar Marketing Mumbai B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033
Tel: (022) 32656823, 23736133, 32958501 Fax: (022) 23743069 Email: response@marvelinfomedia.com.
4 I green by design july 2009
Editor's Note & Content.p65 6 7/1/2009, 2:08 PM

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green by design supplement to home review july 2009 issue
green market products
Alwitra’s Solar Waterproofing

Combining proven roof sealing
with photovoltaic modules,
Alwitra GmbH & Co. of Trier in
Germany presents Evalon® Solar.
This power-generating roofing
membrane includes uni-solar PV
modules that are directly lami-
nated onto the membrane surface
in a watertight bond using EVA
(Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). As a
characteristic feature, its weather
resistant, transparent polymer-
encapsulated modules consist of
flexible solar cells that are ar-
ranged on top of each other to
utilize wave lengths of the sun-
light. Contact:tel: (040) 27177985
email: prasad@sljindia.com
Century's FSC Certified Biltec's AAC Systems

Products Biltec Building Elements Limited
Centuryply Architect Plywood, a presents a revolutionary new
premium product of Centuryply ecologically beneficial AAC
uses timber sourced form FSC building system. Developed from
(Forest Stewardship Council) 60% fly ash which makes it
certified plantations to manufac- extremely eco-friendly, 39%
ture its products ensuring its binders and 1% ad mixtures, this
commitment towards conserva- new generation AAC (Autoclaved
tion of forests. FSC was estab- Aerated Concrete) modular,
lished to promote the manage- prefabricated system comes in
ment of forests around the world. the form of blocks, slabs and wall
Products carrying the FSC label panels. These systems have
are independently certified to excellent thermal insulation that’s
meet the ecological needs of 5 times better than bricks and 9
present and future generations. times better than concrete and
Contact: tel: (033) 24978156 offers superior fire-resistance
web: www.centuryply.com that's 3 times greater than bricks
and concrete.
Contact:tel: (011) 41699283
email: rajdeep.chowdhury@bilt.com
Tata's Solar Water Heater

Tata BP Solar presents the new
Hot Max solar water heater and
lantern using evacuated tube
technology. Designed with
specially coated glass tubes to
deliver superior performance, the
heater ensures availability of hot
water on partially cloudy days. It
also has high quality PUF insula-
tion for maintaining a high tem-
perature of water inside the tank
and its end caps made from UV
resistant ABS plastic enhances
the aesthetics of the product.
Contact : tel: (080) 66601300
web: www.tatabpsolar.com
Green Market.p65 8 6/26/2009, 6:45 PM

products green market
Wacker's Vinnapas® Luminous Power's SMF

Wacker presents 'Vinnapas®', a Batteries
powder form binder in Luminous Power presents eco-
cementicious formulations. These friendly Sealed Maintenance Free
binders make it possible to (SMF) batteries providing ideal
manufacture various value added back up power for UPS system,
dry mix applications such as tile emergency lights. These SMF
grouts, Exterior Insulation and batteries do not require periodic
Finished System (EIFS) for energy topping up with water. They also
conservation. EIFS saves up to 75 do not emit any fumes or gases
% of heat inside the building on a continuous basis. With
which escapes through the features such as long service life, Pradesh. These batteries are
exterior wall offering better gas recombination, lead calcium exported to more than 32 coun-
weather repellency. alloy these become the ultimate tries worldwide. The range of
Contact: tel: (022) 67213392 choice for locations where tem- these batteries covers allmost all
email: prasad.kulkarni@wacker.com peratures are not very high and sizes and special alloy composi-
web: www.wacker.com space is of constraint. tions.
Luminous SMF/VRLA batteries Contact:tel: (011) 25558913
are designed and manufactured email: ramesh.gupta@luminous
at the companies’ own high tech india.com
facility in India in Himachal web: www.luminousindia.com
InnovLite's Lighting Systems

InnovLite India Pvt. Ltd presents
its new generation lighting
solutions based on LED lighting.
These products offer high-
efficiency, require low mainte-
nance and are highly durable,
thus providing excellent service to
various levels of the societal
pyramid. These LED products
incorporate the most appropriate
technology for energy saving
lighting solutions.
Contact: tel: (080) 32920984
email: sales@innovindia.com
web: www.innovlite.com
Thermoshield's Albedo
Roofings
Thermoshield India Pvt. Ltd.
presents Thermoshield High
Albedo coatings, a result of a 2
year experiment conducted at the
Satyam Learning Centre in
Hyderabad monitored by IIID.
Manufactured from a water-based
pure acrylic resin system, these
coatings are energy saving and
flexible. They are also non-toxic,
eco-friendly and form a monolithic
membrane that bridges hairline
cracks. They are completely
washable and resist many harsh
chemicals, reducing thermal
shock and heat access.
tel: 09341221903
email:rajpal@thermoshieldindia.com
july 2009 green by design I 9
Green Market.p65 9 6/26/2009, 6:45 PM

green market products
Recycled Eggshell Stationary

Designer Nicholas Cheng of
Studioroom 906 presented a
beautiful set of stationary made
from eggshells at the Milan
furniture fair. He used wasted egg
shells that undergo 'a high
pressure technique' to create a
new material that utilizes the
existing proteins and mineral
crystals from the shells. 100
recycled egg shells are used per
set which includes a pencil,
pencil holder, eraser and a A5
sheet of paper. Studioroom 906 is
a design studio based in The
Netherlands.
Contact:
www.studioroom906.com
Freelplay's Mini Lanterns Recycled Cardboard

Freeplay's new ML-1 Mini Lantern Eco-Furniture
is the answer to practically all Creating objects of wonder,
portable lighting needs. It’s one of Argentina-based artists Santiago
the best self sufficient recharge- Morahan with his Diseno
able lantern and is also friendly to Cartonero (roughly translated to
the environment. 'Garbage Collector Design')
The ML-1 features a cluster of project creates functional and
ultra-bright LEDs as the primary elegant pieces of furniture from
light source for space illumination, cast-off cardboard scavenged by
and also has a single-LED direc- garbage collectors.
tional light source for use as a The artist collects his recycled
reading light or flashlight. In cardboard materials by purchas-
addition to wall recharging ability, ing it from garbage collectors at a
you can power it yourself using higher price. Morahan then makes
the trusted Freeplay self-charge all his pieces by hand, so that
technology. Contact: web: each becomes a unique creative
www.freeplayenergy.com expression. Contact email:
santpna@hotmail.com
web: www.disenocartonero
.blogspot.com
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore's Natura line of
zero-VOC paints and primers are
made for residential and light
commercial use. These spatter-
resistant paints contains a
proprietary, 100% acrylic resin
made by Benjamin Moore, and
meets California's Collaborative
for High Performance Schools
(CHPS) standards. While most
zero-VOC paints use colorants
containing as much as 150 gms
per ltr, Natura uses Benjamin
Moore's own Gennex zero-VOC
colorants. Contact:
web: www.benjaminmoore.com
Green Market.p65 10 7/1/2009, 12:03 PM

products green market
Herman Miller's Be Recycled Macadamia

Collection Nut Bowls
Design power-house Herman As an innovative material, Husque
Miller launched its 'Be Collection'- brings together the iconic Austra-
a group of office accessories lian macadamia nut, the prin-
called as to 'Be Comfortable', 'Be ciples of recycling, and the
Organised' and 'Be Connected'. ingenuity of Australian design.
The range includes an innova- Each item is hand finished by
tive personal heating /cooling unit, mirror polishing the coloured
a pair of Yves Behar-designed glaze and hand rubbing the
lights and the Babble voice Husque with macadamia oil to a
privacy technology. Its keyboard satin finish.
platforms and monitor arms are The original Husque bowl
also eco-friendly. quickly became popular. Inspired
Contact:web: by the macadamia nut shell's
www.thebecollection.com natural state, the exterior is a
smooth satin finish, hand rubbed
with macadamia oil while the
inside is mirror polished.
Contact: web: www.husque.com
email: info@husque.com
Scrap Lights Made From Twice

Recycled Cardboard
Creating a brighter future,
Graypants Inc. introduces their
sustainable scrap lights instilling
a new spirit into salvaged pieces
of corrugated cardboard. These
scrap light shades are made
entirely from repurposed card-
board boxes. All the available
lampshades are handmade and
therefore vary slightly in shape
and size.
Contacts email:
info@graypants.com
web: www.graypants.com
Chroma
Brilliant Chroma™ radiates like a
coloured jewel when lit, opening
up new design possibilities.
These solid surfaces are satu-
rated with patented colour
infusion technology; they can be
completely reprocessed at end-of-
life, and enjoyed over and over
again.
These surfaces are thick and
stable for engineer load bearing
applications.
They also offer unlimited
aesthetic and design options and
have an amazing clarity for
unrivaled light transmission.
Contact:
email: info@3form.eu
web: www.3form.eu
Green Market.p65 11 6/26/2009, 6:46 PM

green talk obama's green initiative
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ENERGY

ADVISOR RELEASES A GREEN
PLAN PROCLAIMING THAT
THE WORLD'S ROOFS SHOULD
BE PAINTED WHITE AS PART
OF EFFORTS TO SLOW DOWN
GLOBAL WARMING.
M
uch of the world
breathed a sigh of relief
when the poll results
rolled in confirming the election of US President Barack Obama Dr Steven Chu.
Barack Obama as the new
president of the US. Environmen-
tal groups had high hopes for this
year's budget following the
president's ‘new green deal' in
Obama's
America and the government's
earlier commitment to cut green-
house gases by 80% by 2050.
Green Initiative
The US president-elect Barack
Obama then named an environ-
mental and energy team with the
aim to tackle global warming
quickly and develop alternative than retain heat from the sun. "You buildings and if you make the
forms of energy. He selected change the albedo of the earth," roofs white and if you make the
Nobel-prize winning physicist he explained. "The sunlight comes pavement more of concrete type
Steven Chu as energy secretary down and it actually goes back of colour rather than a black type
and Coral Browner, a confidante up. There is no greenhouse of colour and if you do that
of former Vice President Al Gore, effect." Moreover, more pale uniformly, that would be the
to lead a White House council on surfaces could also slow global equivalent of… reducing the
energy and climate. warming by reflecting heat into carbon emissions due to all the
Mr. Obama made clear his space rather than allowing it to be cars in the world by 11 years -
plans to take energy policy in a absorbed by dark surfaces where just taking them off the road for
sharply different direction from it is trapped by greenhouse gases 11 years," he said.
President George W. Bush, and increases temperatures. The three day Nobel laureate
promising moves to address In a wide-ranging discussion Symposium ended in a memoran-
global warming and support at the three-day Nobel laureate dum that is likely to influence any
research into alternative energy Symposium in London, the international agreement on
sources such as wind, solar and professor described climate climate change at the end of this
bio-fuels. In his words, "America change as a 'crisis situation', and year in Copenhagen. Furthermore,
must develop new forms of called for a whole host of mea- environmentalists insist the
energy and new ways of using it." sures to be introduced, from developed world must commit to
He further said the dangers of promoting energy efficiency to cutting carbon emissions in order
being too heavily dependent on renewable energy such as wind, to set an example for poorer
foreign oil "are eclipsed only by wave and solar. Professor Steven countries. Secretary Chu said he
the long-term threat of climate Chu also said the US was not was optimistic the US could lead
change which, unless we act, will considering any large scale 'geo- the way through energy efficiency
lead to drought and the famine engineering' projects where measures and boosting the use of
abroad, devastating weather science is used to reverse global renewable sources like solar,
patterns and terrible storms on warming, but was in favour of wind, nuclear and clear coal.
our shores, and disappearance of 'white roofs' everywhere. The symposium has gathered
our coastline at home." He said lightening roofs and some 60 scientific experts and 20
Dr Chu suggested that we roads in urban environments Nobel Laureates to talk about
paint the roofs and pavements of would offset the global warming climate change. The high level
our towns and cities white, as it effects of all the cars in the world meeting was hosted by the Royal
will help the planet reflect, rather for 11 years. "If you look at all the Society and the Prince of Wales.
Obama-1.p65 12 6/26/2009, 6:39 PM

CANNY
CONSTRUCTION
Contributing to the growth of the green building industry, India's first
platinum certified residence inspires creativity and depicts all the
elements that contribute to responsible architecture.
TEXT BY SHRIYAL S PHOTOGRAPHS PRAVEEN MANIK & RENDITION BY THE OWNER
ARJUN VALLURI
CONVEYING a substantial message to the rest of the real estate industry and inspiring
it to follow suit, Avani Residence in Hyderabad can be deemed as one amongst a niche
group of structures authentically built, following all the principles of green architecture.
Owned by Mr. Arjun Valluri and Sarada Akkineni and designed by Architect Sudhir
Reddy, its green catalyst was Dr. Vishal Garg. The residence has subsequently received
India's first Platinum certification for a private residence from the Indian Green Build-
ing Council (IGBC).
Designed for green living, the day lighting and ventilation are two incredibly impor-
THIS PAGE SPREAD
tant sustainable aspects, well incorporated into the core design plan of the house. Brief-
Front view of the
Avani residence, the
ing and on an opening note, Dr Vishal Garg, the green facilitator Avani Residence said,
house has been "People tend to revel in day lighting, a good view and clean fresh air." Constructed in a
awarded the LEED pleasant location, the residence has been designed in such a way that all these prerequi-
platinum certifica- sites are adequately met. The advantage of having a lake and the Golconda fort nearby is
tion by IGBC. also capitalised upon and these two form a pretty picture for the occupants of the house
Avani Residence.p65 14 7/1/2009, 12:11 PM

canny construction feature
along with the planted greenery.

The residence is fitted with a solar hot water system, solar photovoltaic equipment
and most of the doors and panelling are made from recycled wood. Dr Garg further
opined that the construction of this house along with the elements used will send out a
strong signal to the rest of the fraternity. Indians have traditionally treated the use of old
material in a new house as taboo, but the Avani residence shatters this old myth by
using quality recycled teak in all the woodwork of the house. A few other defining THIS PAGE
features evident in this residence and in sync with the sustainable model, are the use of Taking into consider-
ation the advantage
low VOC paints, passive cooling, energy efficient air conditioning, use of very efficient
of solar power, the
glass, grey water recycling and a cool roof. residence is fitted
In terms of the engineering, the green design technology that is incorporated is the with a solar hot
efficient VRF (virtual routing and forwarding) system for air conditioning. The house water system and
uses 'heat recovery wheels' which bring in fresh air and pre-cools the house with the sophiscated solar
outgoing air, thereby reducing the consumption of energy. LED lights, motion sensors, photovoltaic cels.

hydraulic lifts and clever waste water management are some more features complement-
ing the innovative green plan of the house.
The photovoltaic system in this house comes with a power conditioning unit which
is unlike the regular photovoltaic inverters. Dr. Garg further elucidates the underlying
design of this residence by saying that generally, photovoltaic systems are designed in
such a way that they produce more energy than required. This is not preferred by him,
so a power conditioning unit installed ensures that there is a maximum amount of
THIS PAGE generated energy utilised.
Only high albedo Where lighting is concerned the basic lighting used is already of the energy conserva-
roof coatings
(SRI=85) which
tion variety, aiding it the house is also supported by water efficient fixtures, very low
reflect back the solar flow fixtures and 6 light pipes that bring daylight into the basement.
radiation, are used. Keeping water efficiency at the fore Dr. Vishal Garg has seen that only those fittings
Since the owner are used around the house, that are high in efficiency and quality. The grey water gath-
preferred the colour ered is treated and reused for landscaping needs and the flushing of toilets. A sophisti-
grey for the sloping cated rain water harvesting system collects up to 10,000 litres, the water so collected is
roof, the reflecting treated and reused for several functions including irrigation.
coating itself was Roof insulation is not common in homes, but the Avani Residence has 100 percent
formulated in this
roof insulation; this feature is further strengthened with the use of aerated concrete
colour. The windows
are fitted with
blocks. The exposed walls are built with these blocks adding immensely to the insula-
double glazed low e- tion values. The entire roof coverings are shared by three components; plants, turf and
glass which does an reflective coating. High albedo roof coatings (SRI=85) which reflect back the solar ra-
efficient job of diation, are what were selected by Dr. Garg. Since the owner preferred the colour grey
shading the house. for the sloping roof, the reflecting coating itself was formulated in this colour. The

canny construction feature
windows are fitted with double glazed low e-glass which does an efficient job of shading
the house and resulting in a conservation of energy as it reduces the use of air condition-
ing.
As the site on which the Avani Residence is constructed had a deep slope a lot of
excavation was required, all the same a maximum amount of natural topography was
preserved and appropriate landscaping was carried out in keeping with the requirements
of the IGBC rating system. The guidelines of 'Vastu' too have been woven in within its THIS PAGE
fabric of sustainability. The house finally has been rendered with an excellent heat island As the site on which
the Avani Residence
effect.
is constructed had a
The ample covered parking place provided ensures that there is no dearth of parking deep slope a lot of
space, and the charging of the electric vehicles is done with ease as this facility is also excavation was
well taken care of. required, all the
So dedicated is the owner to the principle of a low environmental impact, that he has same a maximum
set aside an area in his house where he entertains visitors and educates them on the green amount of natural
features of the house. So much so that he even distributes explanatory literature, in the topography was
hope that more people would iconize him and follow him in this noble path. preserved and
appropriate land-
Contact
scaping was carried
Mr. Arjun Valluri out in keeping with
Rd 78, plot # 31,32,33,34 the requirements of
Bharani Enclave, the IGBC rating
Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500033 system.

NARI’S AWARD
WINNING
LANTERN
In a tough competition with five prominent nominees the Indian
research institute NARI (Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute),
won the Globe Sustainability Research Award 2009.
TEXT BY SHEETAL M PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY NARI.
SUSTAINABILITY if practised from the heart and soul can certainly fetch results in a
positive and appreciable way and that is exactly how NARI (Nimbkar Agricultural Re-
search Institute) won the Globe Sustainability Research Award 2009 for its lantern cum
stove called the Lanstove. This honour was awarded to NARI's representative director
Anil Rajvanshi, by H.R.H crown princess Victoria of Sweden, at a ceremony in the
winter garden of the Grand Hotel in Stockholm on June 3rd 2009.
The award winning Lanstove is an extremely efficient dual purpose system. It is a
pressurised lantern with rare-earth mantle lighting which also doubles up as a cooking
stove. This unique lantern which not only illuminates but also acts as a cooking device
runs on a low concentration [50% (w/w)] ethanol-water mixture. The 50% ethanol-
water mixture is less flammable than pure ethanol, making it safe to handle and hence
ideal for household cooking purposes. It burns very cleanly and therefore is environmen- Mr. Anil Kumar
tal friendly as well. Rajvanshi
The Globe Award originated in 2007 in Sweden and was founded by the interna- (Director, NARI)
Nari.p65 18 7/1/2009, 12:05 PM

nari’s award winning lantern feature
tional business network and marketplace Globe Forum with the aim to support and
encourage successful and innovative CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) work. The
Globe Award 2009 acknowledges prominent researchers, innovators, cities and compa-
nies from all parts of the world within four categories, Sustainability Research,
Sustainability Innovation, Sustainable City and Sustainability Reporting.
The goal of the Globe Sustainability Research Award, this year was to discover and
encourage researchers and research institutes prominent in sustainability research. The
jury for the Sustainability Research Award was chaired by Mohan Munasinghe, Nobel
Peace Prize Laureate 2007 and Vice Chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. Jury members were Dr. Mona Makram-Ebeld, former member of the
Egyptian Parliament and Professor of political science at the American University, Cairo
Egypt; Frederick C. Dubee, Senior Adviser, United Nations Global Compact Program,
working extensively in China and Asia, and Tommy Borglund, Head of CSR services at
Hallvarsson & Halvarsson Sweden.
"The Globe Sustainability Research Award jury analyses and judges several criteria,
including originality, practicality, and contributions to humanity through economic
gains, social development and environmental protection." said, Mr. Mohan Munasinghe,
Chairman of the Globe Sustainability Research Award jury. Talking more about NARI
Mr. Mohan said, "The Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) project on
development of a low grade ethanol filled cylinder, which provides energy to produce a
high quality light output in lanterns, as well as clean fuel for cooking systems, was the THIS PAGE LEFT
outstanding example of sustainability research, based on these criteria." The lanstove,
On receiving the prestigious award Mr. Rajvanshi said, "We are delighted to receive winner of the Globe
this prestigious international award at the hands of HRH Crown Princess Victoria. This Sustainability
award recognises and confirms NARI's philosophy that high tech solutions based on Research Award
2009.
local resources can be developed appropriately by a rural organization to solve the basic
problems of the people residing in such areas of the world." THIS PAGE RIGHT
NARI, (www.nariphaltan.org) is an NGO and a non-profit research and develop- An electronic
ment institute. It was established in 1968 by Mr. B.V. Nimbkar who remained its first rickshaw by NARI - A
president till 1990. Since then Dr. Nandini Nimbkar is the permanent president. The sustainable trans-
institute undertakes research and development in agriculture, renewable energy, animal port option.
Nari.p65 19 6/26/2009, 6:11 PM

husbandry and sustainable development. It is situated in the rural town of Phaltan in

Maharashtra state. Phaltan is about 100 km from Pune and 300 km south-east of
Mumbai. The Institute actively collaborates with researchers in other organizations and
institutes such as NFCL, NCL, BARC, TIFR and BAIF, UF (USA) and UNE (Austra-
lia).
One of the main categories in the product portfolio of NARI is renewable energy in
which they have talked about their sustainable products and systems. Its solar powered
ethanol distillation plant which was set up in 1980s at their campus was capable of
distilling 50 l/day of 94% (v/v) ethanol from NARI's Madhura sweet sorghum hybrid.
The solar collector area was 38 sq. m. About 70% of the energy for distillation came
from solar energy. A solar detoxification pilot plant was also set up to treat distillery
effluent at the NARI campus. It could clean 200 litres of diluted distillery waste in two
days. The photo catalyst chemical used could be recycled and the waste water had 90%
transmittance and hence was fit for discharge in waterways. Additionally, NARI has
developed a biomass gasifier for loose agricultural residues like sugarcane leaves which
are the major pollutants of air.
NARI has also developed technologies for a green, pollution free sustainable trans-
port system for developing countries. The institute has manufactured pedal rickshaws,
motor assisted pedal rickshaws and electric rickshaws; all of which have been exported to
Europe and America. NARI can transfer their technologies under license to any inter-
ested party.
Mr. Rajvanshi the director of NARI and the originator of the Lanstove concept has
over 30 years of experience in the field of renewable energy, r&d and rural development.
He has a B.Tech degree in mechanical engineering from IIT Kanpur and has a Ph.D.
from the University of Florida, USA. He left a very lucrative career in the US to come
back and settle down in rural India. He is the author of the national policy on Energy
Self Sufficient Talukas, which was run by MNES, New Delhi. In 1998, he was inducted
in the U.S. based Solar Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj
Award for rural development in 2001. In 2004 his work on the electric cycle rickshaw
was awarded the Energy Globe Award (also called the Oscars of Energy). He has authored
and co-authored 135 publications in various national and international journals includ-
ing 35 editorial articles on sustainable development and spirituality in some of the
major newspapers and magazines of India. THIS PAGE LEFT
Contact: The solar detox pilot
Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) plant located at the
NARI Institute.
Tambmal, Phaltan-Lonand Road
P.O.Box 44 THIS PAGE RIGHT
Phaltan-415523, Maharashtra, India The institute is
tel: (02166) 222396/220945 situated in the rural
email:nariphaltan@gmail.com/ anilrajvanshi@gmail.com town of Phaltan,
web: www.nariphaltan.org Maharashtra.
Nari.p65 20 6/26/2009, 6:59 PM

A HEARTH
WITH A HEART
Parul Zaveri and Nimish Shah of Abhikram capably adhere to the
principles of old world sustainable architecture to create a simple
yet tasteful retreat for danseuse Mallika Sarabhai in the outskirts of
Ahmedabad.
PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY ABHIKRAM
WHEN Mallika Sarabhai was planning her

farm house near Gandhinagar in the out-
skirts of Ahmedabad, Gujarat she very as-
tutely left it in the capable hands of Nimish
Shah and Parul Zaveri of Abhikram. Their
ideology of wanting to re-establish the rel-
evance of the use of traditional materials,
technologies and craftsmen in the contem-
porary built environment context, very
much matched up with her desire of what
an ideal house should be.
Her brief to them was simple, she
wanted a house which adhered to all the
principles of sustainability and provided
for a simple and tasteful retreat. The bud-
get was to be moderate and the principles
MVS Residence at the farm.p65 22 6/26/2009, 6:27 PM

a hearth with a heart feature
of Vastu Shastra had to be incorporated.

Keeping these tenets in mind the ar-
chitect duo pruned down the practice of
elaborate drawings and in fact made do
with just three in the initial stages aided
by a few more sketches later on in the ex-
ecution.
A young contemporary city based con-
tractor was commissioned by Parul Zaveri
and appropriate supervision was provided,
OPPOSITE PAGE
for the smooth and efficient execution of
TOP View of the
the design concept. farm from the
The sustainable architectural con- verandah.
tinuum began with the use of thick brick
walls which would facilitate the exclusion OPPOSITE PAGE
of heat and which in turn would render BOTTOM North
the indoors with a cool ambience, mini- eastern verandah,
mizing the use of air conditioners. Struc- where the arches
meet.
tural arches in brick were used to lessen
the loads on the lintels which were con- THIS PAGE TOP &
structed out of thin Kotah stone. This de- BOTTOM Details of
tail greatly reduced the use of cement and the China mosaic
concrete, once again a feature in keeping work in the toilet
with the sustainable vision for the house. courtyard.

The inclined roof made up recycled

wooden rafters and Mangalore tiles was
slung 90 cms beyond the supporting walls.
The roof was equipped with a sprinkler
system which very simply and efficiently
would bring down the temperatures dur-
ing the hot months.
The house was composed of two bed-
rooms, a living, dining cum kitchen area,
attics and a verandah. A swimming pool
was later incorporated into the scheme.
Mallika Sarabhai's residence had at its
core a courtyard which had a central
sunken area providing for a multitude of
uses. It could be used as a lounge with the
simple use of thick 'Gaddies' or even filled
with water to create an indoor plunge pool
of sorts. On special occasions it could be
converted into an artistic water body by
floating candles and flowers. The roof cov-
ering the central courtyard was set higher
than those of the rest of the house allow-
THIS PAGE TOP &
BOTTOM
ing for hot air to rise and escape and in
Recycled windows turn creating a constant ventilation cycle
and decorative mud of fresh air in the interior of the house.
plaster on the Bringing the goal of sustainability even
exterior walls. closer the architects employed Rajasthani

a hearth with a heart feature
craftsmen to coat the exterior walls with mud plaster an ancient Indian technique which
would once again help in the reduction of the indoor ambient temperature. The tradi-
tional technique was adhered to in its full form with additional embellishments on the
mud wall, those being of it being punched with a small steel utensil to create interesting
hollows. These were further decorated with mirror pieces rendering the façade with a
stunning look.
The sustainable architecture continuum was adhered to once again in the area of
woodwork. Every piece of wood used in the construction of the house was procured
from old sites which were being torn down. Old window shutters were fitted in an
upside format to make use of the openable parts but at a lower level. This made sense as
ventilation was required more at the floor level, as all the sleeping and lounging was
planned on mattresses and cushions placed directly on the floor.
The outdoor toilet was beautified with intricate china mosaic detailing; once again
sustainability was at the foreground, as this is traditionally achieved with the use of
recycled glazed tiles.
The flooring all over the house was constructed in situ, in various colours using the
IPS (Indian Patent Stone) method by traditional craftsmen.
Initially 6 sq mts. of solar panels were installed to take care of the energy required for
the pumping of water. However this was augmented with solar batteries and some more
energy needs were offset so much so that apart from the lights and fans, the fridge,
toaster and a computer were also being run on renewable energy. THIS PAGE LEFT
Mud plastered wall
This eco friendly, sustainable house has withstood the test of time well; it is now 12
calls for moderate
years since its conception and it can still cater to needs of the growing family with its maintenance
multitude of activities.
With this house it has been proved that architecture in itself only mirrors and em- THIS PAGE RIGHT
braces the sensibility of the architect and the owners and here it is sustainability which Central courtyard
is more than evident. with a sunken area.

THE ECO-FRIENDLY
PRECURSOR
The IOCL headquarters in New Delhi is designed as an energy-
conscious, state-of-the-art, green building and emerges as the best
and the most intelligent corporate office in the country, if not in the
region…
TEXT BY SAVITHA HIRA PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY STUP CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD.
STUP Consultants.p65 26 6/26/2009, 6:21 PM

the eco-friendly precursor feature
THOSE who know architect Abhin Alimchandani would within minutes of interacting
with him realise that the man is a store-house of knowledge with quick references from
pages of architectural world history. Responding to a situation with sliver-sharp focus
OPPOSITE PAGE
coupled with the panache of a well-read and well-heeled professional, has facilitated his Buildings are
company STUP Design Consultants' growth as one of the leading players in the grow- positioned to ensure
ing infrastructure development projects in and out of India. that the longer
The contract for designing and constructing the Indian Oil Corporation Headquar- facades face north
ters' building in Delhi was won by the company through a national-level architectural and south and the
design competition. STUP's cutting-edge steel and glass design was conceived as a green shorter facades face
building projecting the twin concerns of sustainability and the optimal use of energy in east and west to
a futuristic composition. Inspired by the blade of a knife, its geometries are juxtaposed maximise thermal
efficiency, resulting
with a composition of blocks and cores proportioned with great care so as to define an in energy saving.
aspect ratio ideal for the latitude of New Delhi. The blocks create a unifying geometry,
whilst they simultaneously frame the building against the sky. The block-n-core con- THIS PAGE LEFT
figuration also helps the structure respond to the seismicity of Delhi. The sky frame is
Basically the building is a composite construction, designed in steel and concrete fitted out with a
and broadly comprises the Executive Block, General Office Block & Board Room Block passive cooling
that have been imaginatively grouped to form an interesting architectural composition function: its sleek
resulting in dramatic un-built spaces between them. While the Executive and General steel frame houses
stainless steel
office blocks are physically integrated, the Board Room block, which is somewhat sepa-
fly-masts supporting
rated is linked by two glass bridges at upper levels, floating as it were in the open central tensile fabric
space. This space is fitted with a sun-screen on top creating a semi-shaded open atrium. structures hanging
Visualised from the sky, the building resembles a semiconductor chip; its defining like kites or
character, the sky frame is lined with silicon: solar collectors and photovoltaic cells glit- suspended parasols.

ter as they catch sunlight and transmit the energy for building use. The sky frame is
fitted out with a passive cooling function: its sleek steel frame houses stainless steel fly-
masts supporting tensile fabric structures, hanging like kites and suspended parasols,
providing shade to the carefully shaped Atrium Plaza located below. In fact, the Atrium
Plaza is conceived as a rather innovative concept and is one of the highlights of the
project, paying homage to the India Habitat Centre. It provides a grand naturally-
PREVIOUS PAGE cooled entrance, where the curved surfaces of the building channelise wind across the
RIGHT fountains and greenery of the fabric-shaded court; and the natural evaporative cooling
A solar garden provides an effective green alternative to the conventional climate-controlled atrium.
where green dunes IOCL is conceived as a building incorporating passive and active solar architectural
are juxtaposed with strategies and innovations: both generating energy as well as minimising energy con-
solar panel lined sumption. Its three-block architectural configuration very cleverly overcomes the inher-
beds, photosynthe- ent limitation of the site caused by a fuel station occupying one of the vantage corners.
sis and photovolta-
ics bringing energy
Above all, the building blocks are positioned so as to ensure that the longer facades face
to the landscape. North and South and the shorter facades face East & West. Such a disposition of blocks
maximises thermal efficiency of the building, resulting in significant energy saving. While
THIS PAGE TOP the North & South facades are fitted with structural glazing, perhaps the most stunning
The interiors are aspect of the building is built into the road-facing southern facades, where stainless steel
best exemplified by brise-soleils form a spectacular array of photovoltaic sunshades, at once protecting the
the conference hall, building from the harsh southern sun while simultaneously capturing its energy and
with its sleek transferring it to a battery bank. This is a commendable example of the architects'
custom designed
response to branding as this innovative façade of steel, glass and silicon projects an image
fittings in steel and
glass, contrasted
of immense sophistication. At once futuristic and state-of-the-art, it projects the notion
with suspended of a clean and green energy on the very façade of IOCL's corporate headquarters.
wooden plates IOCL's position as a progressive 21st century organization meeting the challenges of
sweeping across the a globalised world is sustained through the use of steel and metal: through sharp lines
ceiling.. and edges of the building and the hint of stainless steel in the railings, the sunshades,

the eco-friendly precursor feature
the spider fittings, the suspended canopies and fly masts, and
perhaps most expressively in the stark cantilevered steel staircases The project is envisaged through a biocli-
projecting the image of the refinery in a most metaphoric man- matic approach with optimized operations in:
ner. Internally, spaces are column-free and some of the rooms Climatisation - Reduced heat gain in sum-
command a spectacular view of the adjacent garden. Like Alvar mer by locating cores on east and west and
Aalto, the work spaces have been organized on a rectangular grid orienting building north-south.
with lobbies, ducts and staircases taking a circular form. The Heat retention in winter - minimum en-
facilities and the recreation areas are also curves. A suspended ergy loss and passive cooling techniques.
steel and glass staircase, with a cantilevered steel staircase and a Lighting - Maximum Daylight penetra-
minimalist stainless steel frame suspended five floors holding large tion
curved panels of glass defines the VIP entrance to the northeast. Passive Solar Design - Evaporative cooling
The feeling of suspension is heightened by the large curve in a in plaza is achieved with natural wind
metallic suspended canopy descending from the sky frame and guided by aerodynamic forms flowing over
framing the entrance below. aeration ponds and fountains. Alternative
The interiors are best exemplified by sleek custom-designed energy sources have been used such as pho-
fittings in steel and glass. An effective use of LED fixtures brings tovoltaic cells and solar collectors.
colour and light, while rooms are defined by minimalist straight Recycling - Recycled water is used for land-
lines and rich stone, always framing views and welcoming natural scaping, aeration ponds, cooling and
light. The sustainability theme is reflected in the lighting con- flushing.
trol system where the lights adjust their intensity to compensate
the daylight, while the variable refrigerant air-conditioning system works in consonance
THIS PAGE LEFT
with the building management system to effectively optimize energy consumption. Framing views and
At dusk, the building and its water walls light up, through an array of invisible and welcoming maxi-
subtle lights, concealed in the landscape, creating a calm and peaceful ambience, as the mum daylight
day descends into night. This is an architecture designed in homage to the man who penetration.
loved gardens and gave Delhi its wonderful architectural institutions: Joseph Allen Stein,
while the white metal and the strong simple lines are inspired by the architecture of THIS PAGE RIGHT
Richard Meir's white buildings….where the sun plays an enabling role, providing light At dusk, the building
and its water walls
and shade, while simultaneously defining forms in space.
light up, through an
This is architecture in homage to Energy. A building forged by the movement of the array of invisible and
sun, its shape and form, its orientation, reflecting the sun's path across the sky, while its subtle lights,
glittering steel features reflect the sun and the unique shining futuristic silicon façade concealed in the
harnesses its energy…. landscape.

Grow Your Own Fresh Air
Plants lead to fresher indoor air, increasing

productivity by almost 20%.
I
ndian environmentalist, Kamal principles of green architecture, Kamal Meattle, the environmen-
Meattle illustrates eco friendly Kamal Meattle initiated the talist opts for an air cleaning
ways to combat indoor air Paharpur Business Centre and system involving plants instead of
pollution with the help of three Software Technology Incubator traditional HVAC equipments
easily available and maintainable, Park (PBC™-STIP) in New Delhi. used in the past at this business
house plants. These institutions are an eco- centre, rendering it an eco-friendly
friendly oasis for businesses and sustainable building.
With a vision to reshape commer- promoting the generation of The environmentalist with the
cial buildings in India using unpolluted air in indoor spaces. help of IIT and similar organiza-
tions discovered three common
green plants that help grow fresh
air indoors. At the TED 2009
conference, Kamal Meattle
demonstrated how it was pos-
sible to generate fresh air in the
confines of an office or any other
living space with the help of the
said houseplants. He illustrated
how these plants if placed in
strategic spots in homes and
offices can give rise to cleaner,
chemical-allergen free indoor air.
The three plants utilised in the
process were the Areca palm
(Chrysalidocarpus lutescens),
The Paharpur Business Centre Mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevi-
and Software Technology eria trifasciata) and the Money
Kamal Meattle Incubator Park. plant (Epipremnum aureum).
Emphasizing more on this
green concept, Mr. Kamal
Meattle said, "We will now be
Kamal Meattle (eco living).p65 30 7/1/2009, 1:04 PM

grow your own fresh air eco living
Plants if placed in strategic spots in homes and

offices can give rise to cleaner, chemical, allergen free indoor air.
Areca palm Mother-in-law's tongue Money plant

(Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), (Sansevieria trifasciata) (Epipremnum aureum).
replicating this concept in a much bedroom plant as it converts of 8 hours a day. Furthermore, the
larger way at GreenSpaces a carbon dioxide into oxygen during Government of India published a
notified SEZ in the city of night hours in the absence of study describing this building as
Faridabad, where we intend to sunlight. The third plant com- the healthiest building in India.
use over 60,000 indoor plants. The monly called the Money plant or The study was based on a
demonstration will clearly prove Pothos is helpful in contributing to research which proved that the
that 'green is green' and will an elevation in the quality of incidence of eye irritations were
elucidate that it is possible to indoor air by eradicating formal- reduced by 52 percent, respira-
reduce the consumption of energy dehydes and other volatile tory ailments by 34 percent;
in buildings from 40% to 10% chemicals present in it. headaches were reduced by 24
through technology, lifestyle These plants lead to fresher percent, lung impairment by 12
change and an educated design indoor air, increasing productivity percent and asthma by 9 percent
plan. Not only will people avail of by almost 20%. Additionally in comparison to other buildings.
purer air at work but it will also these houseplants not only Kamal Meattle has been an
result in a substantial drop in the convert CO2 to O2 but also act as environmentalist in India for a long
carbon foot-print". He also added, effective filters of common air time. In the year 1980, he helped
"At the Paharpur Business Centre, pollutants. The concerned plants India's apple industry develop a
we have a full-fledged IAQ (Indoor were tested successfully for 15 less wasteful form of packaging,
Air Quality) division called years at the Paharpur Business resulting in the saving of several
'Cleanair' which provides consult- Centre and Software Technology acres of forest trees.
ing services on indoor air quality Incubator Park in New Delhi, India Contact
issues to companies." proving their effectiveness Paharpur Business Centre &
The Areca palm plant com- conclusively. The research con- Software Technology
monly known as the living room ducted at this organization further Incubator Park,
plant eliminates CO2 by convert- confirmed a 42 probability of Nehru Place Greens,
ing it into oxygen. Another com- increase in one's blood oxygen by New Delhi 110019, India
mon plant, the Mother-in-law's one percent if one stayed indoors tel : (011) 41207171
tongue is also known as the in such a building for the duration web: www.pbcnet.com
Kamal Meattle (eco living).p65 31 7/1/2009, 3:33 PM

A LOW ENERGY USE

APPROACH
Biome Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd of Bangalore believes
that using natural elements while constructing any edifice; will
vastly improve the life of its occupants.
TEXT BY SHEETAL M. PHOTOGRAPHS LAVANNYA GORADIA
COURTESY THE ARCHITECT
THE real estate sector in Bangalore is growing rapidly, however this current
trend has wreaked havoc on the environment. Keeping this in mind, the inex-
haustible effort of Chitra Vishwanath Architects has been able to make a differ-
ence with over 500 buildings, across geographies. These have been built with
ecological ethics in place over a period of 18 years. The company is now known
as Biome Environmental Solutions Private Limited after merging with the like
minded company Rainwater Club.
The founders, Chitra and Vishwanath and their efficient team believe that
sustainability can be achieved without compromising on the aesthetics of a build-
ing and still provide equal or more comfort levels than the current energy-inten-
sive trends.
Moreover, The Rain Water Club has an extensive record of providing knowl-
edge services in water management and rainwater harvesting, ecological waste
water treatment and sanitation practices.
Chitra K Vishwanath Architects has designed several real estate development
projects; these include residences, institutions and hospitality projects. In all
THIS PAGE TOP these structures the underlying design plan has always been aided by ecological
The walls are built principles, integration of water and energy and proper land-use. The institute has crafted
with stabilized mud some remarkable sustainable projects and Mr. Rajagopal Kadambi and Mrs.Jyothi
blocks and left Rajagopal's home is one amongst them. Bearing in mind the owners' passion for art, the
totally unplastered. entire house is planned for a display of artefacts and antiques collected by them over
time.
THIS PAGE BOTTOM
The natural light
During the construction of this house special attention was paid to its sustainable
filters in through values and its benefits. For instance, the walls were built with stabilized mud blocks and
strategically fitted left totally unplastered; this ensured a minimum amount of maintenance and a saving
coloured glasses in on cost could be well accrued over time. The walls are niched and the clever alcoves
the ceiling. planned draw attention to the display of art pieces. The Kota floor is understated and
Chitra Vishwanath.p65 32 7/1/2009, 3:07 PM

a low energy use approach feature
provides just the right foil for the beautiful furniture collection laid over it. A very smart
sustainable idea employed in the house is the use of natural light filters achieved with
the help of coloured glass panes fitted in the ceiling at strategic points. The end result is
aesthetically spectacular too.
The roof of the house is composed of ribbed hollow clay blocks; these provide insu-
lation and it is seen that the rooms are cooler by a few degrees. A part of the roof is
constructed with mud blocks and forms the vault roof which further re-defines the
volume of space. This has just a minimal steel mesh covering it.
Once the occupants shift into their new home, they not only get busy with the
arrangement of their personal articles but they also have to take into consideration the THIS PAGE TOP
proper arrangements for their daily requirements of water, electricity and other services. LEFT View of the
To solve the problem of an adequate and steady water supply Biome Environmental dining area, illumina-
Solutions Private Limited equipped the Rajgopal residence with an efficient rainwater tion is achieved with
harvesting system. The system which was installed not only collected and recycled the the help of a lamp
rainwater but it recharged a well too. This ensured that the rain water was sent back to made of recycled
the earth without polluting it or without it passing on into the city sewer. Additionally glass.
the black and grey water from the toilets was treated naturally and the water so obtained
THIS PAGE BOTTOM
was again employed for the irrigation of the accompanying farm. LEFT The house is
Biome Environmental Solutions Private Limited through its work prefers practising consciously planned
sustainability sincerely and considers it as a luminous green initiative. At this respon- to accommodate the
sible architectural firm the team believes in following those values that make proper use art and antique
of local and traditional resources in an optimized manner. collection of the
Contact: owners.
Biome Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd
1022, 6th Block, 1st Floor, HMT Layout, THIS PAGE RIGHT
The roof is made of
Vidyaranyapura Main Road, Vidyaranyapura, ribbed hollow clay
Bangalore - 560097 blocks which
tel: (080) 41672790 insulate the house
email: contact@biome-solutions.com and keep the
web: www.biome-solutions.com interiors cooler.
Chitra Vishwanath.p65 33 6/26/2009, 7:11 PM

THE ZERO
CARBON HOUSE
Diseno Earle architects are responding to the increasing demand for
modern sustainable design as clients become more knowledgeable
about renewable energy products and their benefits.
TEXT BY SHEETAL M. PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY THE ARCHITECT
AS the residents of the Costa Del Sol gradually wake up to global environmental needs,
THIS SPREAD
The water features
Diseno Earle begins to plug the architectural abyss that envelops eco-housing strategy
are an important part in Southern Spain. The philosophy behind Zero Carbon House is a lesson to all on how
of the cooling we can reduce our growing carbon footprint, without compromising in style and com-
dynamics and a fort.
mirage psychology A team of architects at Diseno Earle have designed a highly unique and contempo-
for the zero carbon rary villa with two specific objectives in mind; first to achieve a virtually zero carbon
house. footprint and secondly to reduce running costs to an almost self-sufficiency level. By
harnessing and exploiting natural elements within the design the architects believe the
OPPOSITE PAGE
home will be 80 percent more efficient than a similar sized home, with 75 percent less
TOP
The striking profile
waste than a traditional design. All this will go towards a massive reduction in running
of the house hides a costs. The villa is to be sited on a plot overlooking the La Quinta Golf Course and will
multitude of energy be built using sustainable construction methods ensuring total regard for the local
saving strategies. environment and social footprint.
GBD - The Zero Carbon house.p65 34 6/26/2009, 5:40 PM

the zero carbon house feature
Whilst virtually every architectural feature contributes to the overall sustainability of

the project, by no means has the design element been forfeited over ecological function.
This is a strikingly original home packed with the kind of superlative features one would THIS PAGE BOTTOM
want to experience in 21st century luxurious living. The 3, 125 square metre plot pre- The house is on
sented a major challenge to the architects, long and narrow and sitting on a 45 degree three levels, a
gradient, there is virtually no flat land. However, it does have stunning views over the 'floating' glass
golf course to the famous La Concha mountain backdrop to Marbella. The total project walkway leads to
build will be 650 square metres. The house is on three levels, a 'floating' glass walkway the entrance which
leads to the entrance which opens into the upper level of a double-height glass atrium, opens into the
upper level of a
drawing the eye through 180 degree of panoramic views. This level includes a kitchen, double-height glass
dining room and main living room. A swimming pool and two terrace areas are also atrium, drawing the
located at the same level, with a separate guest house at the far end of the plot. eye through 180
Stairs lead down to a lower level which houses three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a degree of panoramic
master suite, TV room and family room. Additionally a plant room located on the views.

basement level contains the water holdings tanks. The kitchen, opening out onto an east
facing terrace, positioned to take advantage of the morning sun and partial shading is
provided by a pergola. The main living area is connected to the kitchen and dining room
by a bridge which passes over water.
Externally the most apparent feature is the roof line which sits wing-like above the
building line. The roof form and its distance from the building is what holds the solar
panels at the correct angle to maximize effectiveness whilst also taking care of privacy.
Less direct heat is transmitted into the house and the space between the two rooflines
allows air to pass over the building adding to the cooling effect. Perimeter adjustable
louvered vents are also located just below the building roofline allowing cooler air to
pass through rooms while removing the accumulated hot air. Glass forms a major struc-
ture of the structure. However, to prevent excessive conduction, the 'double skin effect'
is utilized along with adjustable louvered panels. The main living area hovers above a
'mirage' of water which appears to merge with the swimming pool but is in fact part of
the cooling system. Fed by a canal which runs adjacent to the length of the pool, this
THIS PAGE TOP
LEFT The V-wing
30cm-deep 'mirage pool' cools the air passing over it, and so contributes to the over all
roof shape affords dynamic of the cooling process.
the PV array a A rainwater reclamation system will be installed and grey water will be recycled from
maximum exposure holding tanks situated in the basement. The pool will be saline, negating the use of
to the sun and standard pool chemicals.
minimum exposure A photovoltaic system will supply the electricity to run a radiant heating system
to the eye. within the floor. The adjustable louver-wall convection system will optimize heat cap-
ture during the day and retain the warmth by night. Geo-thermal energy will provide a
THIS PAGE TOP
back-up cooling and heating system. In keeping with the design ethos, only wood from
RIGHT Outer view of
the entire house. verified managed sources will be used as will low VOC paints and LED lighting. Envi-
ronmentally sensitive smart glass technology reacting to sunlight will reduce the cooling
THIS PAGE BOTTOM load through self-adjusting opacity levels. The kitchen layout optimizes storage design
A schematic plan of to decrease waste and all appliances will be the latest low energy, water-efficient models.
the house. The villa is available to purchase and will be completed at the end of 2009.

green talk cooling towers
THIS FORGOTTEN FORM OF

ARCHITECTURE IS BACK AS A
MODERN AND TRENDY
ELEMENT OF PRESENT DAY
ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS
TO HELP SAVE ON PRECIOUS
ENERGY WITH THE HELP OF
A PASSIVE COOLING
CONCEPT.
L
ike other forms of sustain
able architecture 'cooling
towers' are also a very
efficient step towards bringing
down global warming. 'Cooling
towers' the name itself indicates
its function; these are heat
removal devices used to transfer
process waste heat to the atmo-
sphere.
Some of the other common
preferred names for cooling
towers are; wind scoops, wind
scrappers, and wind catchers
etc. Presently facing stiff competi-
tion from commercial air condi-
tioners, these efficient devices
deserve to be studied as a bio-
climatic solution in today's energy
starved times. However the
context of landscape, form, use,
construction, maintenance and
utility will have to be taken into
account simultaneously.
A cooling or wind tower
functions on several principles;
first a wind catcher is capped The windcatcher of Dowlat-abad in Yazd is one of the
and has several directional ports tallest extant windcatchers
at the top (traditionally four). By
closing all but the one port facing
away from the incoming wind, air
is drawn upwards using the
The Return Of
Coanda effect; that is the ten-
dency of a fluid jet to stay at-
tached to an adjacent curved
Cooling Towers
surface that is very well shaped.
This generates significant cooling
ventilation within the structure
below, but is not enough to bring structure below, but there should which is then trapped within,
the temperature below ambient be a significant air gap above the unable to rise up to the less
alone - it would simply draw hot qanat (a water management dense surface air. A wind
air in through any cracks or system). A qanat has a substan- catcher, however, can create a
windows in the structure below. tial amount of water, as there are pressure gradient which sucks at
Therefore, the key to generat- frequent well-like reservoirs along least a small amount of air
ing frigid temperatures seems to its path. Completely shaded from upwards through a house. This
be that there should be very few the sun, a qanat also aggregates cool, dry night air, being pulled
cracks at the base of the thick the cold, sinking air at night, over a long passage of water,
Colling towers.p65 38 7/1/2009, 2:18 PM

cooling towers green talk
Wind Tower
Exhaust Wind Direction

Wind
Air Drawn
into Qanat
Cooled
Basemant
Low Pressure Zone
Earth
Earth
Air Current (cooled by convection and evaporation)

Water flowing in qanat
Earth
The Didcot power station repre-
Working of a wind scoop. sents an industrial cooling tower.
evaporates some of it and is Navkar Architects. The skylight in cools the incoming air.
cooled down further. the house acts as a solar chim- A combination of traditional
The cooling or wind tower is ney, pulling out the hot air of the methods of sustainability along
an efficient medium of air condi- house towards the turbo ventila- with modern architectural solu-
tioning and has been extensively tors on either side, which in turn tions seems to be the answer to
used throughout the Middle East. throw out the air. While wind today's need of the hour. 'Zero
In fact it is seen that it has catchers, strategically pull in the energy buildings' is what is
already made a foray in contem- cool breeze and distribute it to all required in the present day
porary architecture in Iran. Paris- the bedrooms. A water tank scenario or at least near zero
based architects Herve Richard above the wind catcher further energy use construction.
from France and his Iranian wife
Shiva Tolouie have carried out
extensive studies on this subject
in the town of Yazd, central Iran,
for almost five years.
In India this system was only
limited to the desert region (e.g.
Rajasthan and some parts of
Gujarat) but now a revival of this
ancient form of passive cooling is
seen all over our country. These
days more and more of present
day architects are relying partially
if not entirely on this form of a
cooling concept. At the Sohrabji
Godrej Green Business Centre at
Hyderabad, Ar Karan Grover has
used wind towers for catching
wind and then tunnelling it An ab anbar with double domes
through a shaft. This passively and windcatchers in the central
cooled air is then circulated. desert city of Naeen, near Yazd.
Another example of an effi-
cient employment of wind
catchers is the Khadke House in
Pune, a home designed by
Colling towers.p65 39 6/26/2009, 5:36 PM

Green For Grey
This 3000 sq. ft. haven is the green initiative of a team of people which
recycles the organic waste generated at the central kitchen of MbPT.
L
earn how with a little created and nurtured by a very the recycling of the organic waste
meaningful effort you can environment conscious group of generated at the premises of the
grow your own food and employees of the Mumbai Port central kitchen. Bitten by the
magically do away with waste at Trust. We are talking about the 'green' bug and led by Dr. R. T.
the same time. a dedicated terrace garden of the central Doshi and under the able guid-
team’s heartfelt work bears fruit. kitchen at the MbPT which lies ance of Shri Dipak Suchde the
deep in the heart of the Victoria team has very capably managed
In contrast to the vast sea, load Dock. to create a terrace farm, housing
carrying cranes and dust and This 3000 sq. ft. haven is the and nurturing more than 150
smoke spewing trucks is a bio- green initiative of a dedicated varieties of herbal, medicinal and
diverse hot spot heart-fully team of people which facilitates flowering plants.
Fresh organic produce

obtained from the
terrace farm of the
central kitchen of the
MbPT.
MBPT City farm (Eco Living).p65 40 7/1/2009, 3:21 PM

green for grey eco living
The Tailed Jay butterfly, a welcome visitor.
The roots penetrate no further

than the stone slabs.
Some plants a are planted

directly on the floor.
The farming technique fol- friendly farming entails the opportunity for all especially the
lowed at the MbPT kitchen terrace soaking of a biomass consisting young. Such community urban
garden is called 'Natueco' and is of leaves from the trees surround- farms can bring individuals closer
the brainchild of Professor S. A. ing the kitchen building, in a 4 day forming strong bonds of unity.
Dabholkar. Natueco affects the old diluted culture. This culture is There are some misconceptions
environment and the farmer in a made from cow dung, cow urine, too, such as there is a fear of a
dynamically positive manner. jaggery and water. Subsequently foul odour emanating from the soil
There are several advantages this biomass is layered with or an increase in flies and other
which are intrinsic to this very topsoil, mulched and left in a insects. It is very clearly evident
innovative farming technique. It heap for 30-100 days. The nutrient that these are fallacies provided
not only brings down the cost of rich soil thus derived is now the technique is followed correctly
farming dramatically but also the capable of recycling the kitchen and in fact the only things that
effort of waste disposal is done waste which is added to it in proliferate are pretty birds and
away with. Secondly as food is appropriate quantities on a regular butterflies. Another misplaced
grown right at the site of its use, basis. The planting material so worry is that the roots may
the food miles are totally negated obtained; entirely from the site penetrate the slab. it is noticed
and people are converted into itself is then housed in scrapped that the roots of the plants only go
happy 'locavores'. If the poor and oil or paint drums, once again a down as much as the soil and
needy were to follow this low-cost bye product of port activities. penetrate no further.
method of growing food they Once the apt saplings are planted This ingenious method literally
would not only ably handle the the abundant sunlight and a little spins gold in the way of precious
problem of garbage disposal but care and watering is all that is food, from absolute waste and
deal with malnourishment above required to produce a healthy helps in the recycling and reusing
all else. Liberating the urbanites yield of fruits, grains and veg- of free available resources at the
from the commercial dependence etables. same time letting loose a burst of
of food the happy bye product This simple and 'doable by all' green amidst the drab concrete
would of course be the aspect of farming technique is only filled port environment.
a substantial reduction in the with benefits; with the integration Contact
carbon footprint. of agriculture in to daily life it www.natuecocityfarming
The actual method of this eco gives rise to a unique educational .blogspot.com
MBPT City farm (Eco Living).p65 41 7/1/2009, 12:06 PM

Get Your Green On
One of their retail outlets.
O
mved a store that gives and beauty aids. Some of the incense and 100% chemical free
the Eco-conscious authentic products ethically body, hair and face care prod-
something to smile manufactured by them are high ucts.
about, with a comprehensive quality organic spices, herbal Sourcing and using the infinite
range of organic, eco friendly dyed organic bath and bed linen, wisdom of Indian Gurus and
products manufactured within pvc free yoga mats, non toxic inspiring craftsmen and artisans
the guidelines of Ayurveda!
Priti Mehta and Sucheta

Khandwala are founders and
directors of Omved a retail chain
of stores marketing the largest
range of pure and natural prod-
ucts which are made following
the Vedic traditions of ancient
India. They sell only that which
comes for the earth and will go
back to be earth- merchandise
with a complete karmic cycle. It is
the newest venture of the J. E.
Hammer Group, a privately held
multi-national, multi-business
conglomerate. Herbal healiing Rajais.
They have researched and
revived several old methods of
manufacturing key products
meant for household use, food
Omved Phoenix.p65 42 6/26/2009, 5:25 PM

get your green on eco living
not only stock up on authentic eco

friendly products but the retail
outlets are well stocked with
pamphlets and fliers on various
subjects from 'knowing your
Doshas' and 'analysing your
Chakras' to rating the 'toxicity of
your homes' and 'how to read
labels'. Wellness and Optimum
health is what they want for their
patrons and they ably provide for
it with the sustainable bridge
between modern life and the over
5000 year old Vedic wisdom.
'Om' means the absolute and
'Ved' means knowledge, to live in
complete wisdom and awareness
is the founding principle of
Omved. Since the products are
based on the eternal principles or
'Sanatan Dharma', they are not
Bronze/kansa Dinnerware. religious in nature but spiritual
and so universal in their applica-
tion. The products and services
offered by this brand are in a
class of their own, thus Omved is
not a store but a guide to living
from the remotest part of our practices and try to minimize their natural, eating natural, and feeling
country and finally creating a impact on the environment beautiful from the inside out!
range of products that satisfy considerably. The packaging of Contact
stringent codes of quality and the products too is ably managed Omved Lifestyle Pvt Ltd
aesthetics has been a long yet with recycled ware and it is seen Plot No 19, Road No 9
satisfying journey for these very that only water based inks are Midc, Andheri,
environment conscious founders employed in the printing of all Mumbai 400093
of Omved. They commission only their labels and stationary. Tel 9122 28203154/32911679
those tradesmen and manufactur- Shopping at Omved is particu- Website: omved.com
ers who adhere to fair trade larly special and holistic as you Email:customercare@omved.com
High quality organic spices. Non toxic incense.
Omved Phoenix.p65 43 6/26/2009, 5:24 PM

green talk bentley's green definitions
BENTLEY'S NEW BUILDING

PERFORMANCE GROUP
FOCUSES ON SOLUTIONS
THAT ADDRESS THE IMMEDI-
ATE GLOBAL NEED TO CRAFT
AND SUSTAIN ENERGY-
EFFICIENT, ECO-FRIENDLY,
SECURE EDIFICES.
A
ccording to the U.S. Green
Building Council -- whose
LEED certification program
has become the de facto stan-
dard for sustainable building --
buildings consume 72 percent of
electricity, 39 percent of energy,
and 14 percent of potable water
in the United States alone.
Globally, buildings use 40 percent
of raw materials and account for a
significant portion of the green-
Bentley's
house gas emissions that affect
climate.
The infrastructure community
Green Definitions
is rising to the challenge to
develop buildings that consume
fewer resources, generate less
waste, and cost less to operate.
In response to this global call for leverage the content of building ness developers, industry experts,
high-performance buildings, information. Together, these and sales and support profession-
Bentley launched a new group in products enable rigorous building als with specialized knowledge
September 2008 to help archi- analysis and simulation for and broad experience in building
tects, engineers, construction improved building performance. performance issues. "Sustaining
professionals, and owner-opera- "The creation of our new infrastructure is what we focus on
tors design, build, and operate Building Performance Group at Bentley, and building perfor-
better-performing, more sustain- underscores Bentley's long-term mance is emblematic of our
able buildings. commitment to providing compre- purpose," Eckhouse said.
Bentley's new Building Perfor- hensive software solutions for Bentley's building performance
mance Group focuses on solu- sustaining infrastructure," said products enable those who
tions that address the immediate CEO Greg Bentley. "It will make design, build, and operate
global need to create and main- available a growing number of structures, to fulfill three potential
tain energy-efficient, environmen- highly integrated, advanced requirements, one is to comply
tally friendly, safer buildings that software tools that architects, the existing and emerging govern-
also set the benchmark for engineers, and low-carbon ment regulations around the world
occupant comfort. Among the consultants can deploy to ad- associated with energy efficiency,
group's current offerings are dress the increasing demand for carbon emissions, water con-
Bentley's recently acquired buildings designed with lifecycle sumption, earthquake, wind and
Hevacomp line of building ser- performance in mind. These flood resistance, and other
vices design software and the Tas better-performing buildings will performance-related parameters,
software for in-depth energy be more energy and water the second parameter is to
analysis and simulation. The efficient, will emit less carbon consider and compare design
Hevacomp product line is an waste, and will be safer to alternatives with early-stage
important addition to Bentley's operate and work or live in." conceptual design software and
portfolio of solutions that help Headed by Vice President the third factor is to calculate the
sustain infrastructure and the Noah Eckhouse, the Building impact of design and design
environment because Hevacomp's Performance Group is comprised changes on building performance
substantive analysis applications of a team of highly skilled busi- with engineering precision.
Bentley-1.p65 44 6/26/2009, 5:23 PM

eco lodge eco living
Eco Lodge
It is an ideal tropical resort

located in North Queensland,
Australia offering a tree-house Pure natural spring water which originates
style accommodation. from the property's own pristine waterfall.
A
re you looking for a takes advantage of the pure the rich aboriginal cultural heri-
relaxing and luxurious natural spring water which tage, while at the same time
holiday without putting originates from the property's own generating sustainable business
the environment at the risk? pristine waterfall. This water is development in the tourism and
Then your quest is over, Daintree tested regularly and provides total hospitality operations of the Eco
Ecolodge would be the perfect supply for guest usage and resort Lodge. They have developed
eco-friendly holiday destination operations. It is the purest water management systems, through
for you and your family. in the region. One of the many policy and protocol frameworks,
attributes that makes the Daintree to ensure best practice tech-
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa has Spa one of the most unique spas niques, such as energy manage-
been voted as the world's leading of the world is its natural setting, ment, waste management,
eco lodge at the 2007 World which allows guests to be fully environmental management, to
Travel Awards. It is an ideal immersed in nature, from the time name a few, are carried out in the
tropical resort located in North they arrive at the property and day to day business of the lodge.
Queensland, Australia offering a most importantly after each To further Daintree's commit-
tree-house style accommodation. treatment. ment to best practice sustainable
As you succumb to indulgent The beauty of the Daintree tourism and ecotourism, strategic
sleep-inducing massages and region is due to the variety of alliances have been developed
mud, salt and hot oil treatments nature featured, a total of 8 with various commonwealth and
in a sheltered valley in the wildlife habitats - billabong, open state government departments.
Daintree, you can rest easy in the grass land, mangroves, riverine, One of these departments is the
knowledge that all the water is low land rainforest, creeks, and Australian Greenhouse Office
treated on site and the lodge has cane to estuary habitat. Of (AGO). Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
a strong focus on preserving and Australia's 36 mangrove species, formalised a partnership with
proclaiming the original heritage 28 are found in the Daintree. AGO under the Greenhouse
of this valley. "We own this land Ecotourism is a proactive tool Challenge which focuses Daintree
freehold, but we don't do anything within the sustainable tourism Eco Lodge & Spa’s efforts on
without asking the original elders," framework that Daintree Eco reducing greenhouse emissions
says lodge founder and owner Lodge & Spa utilises to protect and most importantly, requires
Terry Maloney. "The three Ps - and preserve the properties - Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa to
people, planet and profit - you've natural environments (rainforest, satisfy detailed audits and energy
got to have them in balance." river systems, mangroves), management assessments
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa biodiversity and ecosystems and carried out by AGO.
Daintree Ecolodge.p65 45 6/26/2009, 5:23 PM

Q & A hiren patel
Q&A with Hiren Patel
Model of a project designed by architect Hiren Patel. Architect Hiren Patel

????
environment conscious design ing a LEED AP the quality of my

ARCHITECT HIREN PATEL concept of our historical build- designs has scaled considerably.
TALKS ON ACQUIRING A ings, a wonderful idea towards I now work on my projects
LEED AP TITLE AND DIS- the appreciation of our valuable keeping the landscape of the site
CUSSES HIS PLANS FOR heritage. According to me we at fore; the stepping stone to
AUTHENTIC SUSTAINABLE should positively promote the assessing a project is by studying
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS green building concept, as this the dynamics of the space around
IN THE FUTURE. would then result in making our it. A building is a tangible struc-
environment cleaner and more ture which needs to be in sync
health oriented. Also for a greener with the landscaping that circum-
What is your perception on India apart from the thrust on scribes it. After getting the tag of
the current green building sustainable construction we will LEED AP I try and work more like
scenario in India and how do have to cut down on the current a 'scientist' rather than an archi-
you think the builder and use of energy in order to avoid tect.
designer could further pro- disastrous outcomes.
mote this concept? Having received the LEED
The green building awareness is What made you take the accreditation, how much
growing rapidly in India. Archi- LEED AP exam and how has importance is given to issues
tects and builders have now this impacted your practice? related to sustainability in
started thinking of a building I was very excited and interested your new projects? (Please
keeping in mind its environmental in taking the LEED AP exam as I share details on your current
impact. It means one has started wanted to understand the LEED sustainable projects.)
taking the hazardous effects of concept. It was a particularly After receiving the LEED accredi-
non-planned construction seri- pleasurable experience to prepare tation, my level of confidence has
ously. This further inspires one to for the exam as it transported me increased and my entire team is
compare and learn from the to my school days. After becom- more focused in this direction.
Q & A Hiren Patel.p65 46 7/1/2009, 12:09 PM

hiren patel Q&A
Furthermore, we have now started convinced to do that little extra bit sustainability?
working on projects with in the way of building a truly In India sustainable construction
sustainability at the core of the sustainable and low environment is still a niche concept and even
design plan. We don't work on a impact structure. In the execution though it is not very apparent
project to merely get the LEED of our work nowadays, we also try now, this method of architecture
certification but we try to design a to blend in the aspect of carbon would be very beneficial to the
sustainable green project which credits and would like to synchro- community at large and a positive
would be of some help in saving nize it with the LEED certification impact on society could be
our planet. achieved if viewed in totality. I
We keep a close watch on the The LEED AP exam was strongly believe that sustainable
project points and try to tie up the initiated by US green build- design should now form the
loose ends in such a way, that ing council or USGBC; how mainstream of architectural
there are no short comings in the relevant is the rating system education and if one looks care-
original scheme. This entire to our buildings in India? fully the essence of the entire
process is adhered to in spite of it There is bound to be some concept becomes visible.
being very complicated and many variation in the rating system of
a times we have had to motivate both countries and this invites a
the team to work on this with lot of open criticism in the build-
dedication as it requires a lot of ing fraternity at this end. Person-
documentation and precise paper ally I feel that sustainable building
work. techniques should go beyond a
Currently, we are working on rating system and should acquire
some residences, an office more of an ethical bend. How-
building and a factory for LEED ever I am sure, a system will be
certification. We also have on established eventually, to suit
hand a mass housing project and Indian conditions and it is now the
an apartment complex for the job of both architects and builders
same. Housing segments are my to make an effort to propagate
company's prime area of work. In and strengthen this concept..
following the principle of
sustainability it is seen that many What are your visions on the
a time the client too has to be mainstreaming of
Q & A Hiren Patel.p65 47 6/26/2009, 5:20 PM

promotion havells eco-living
Havells Eco-Living
H
avells India Ltd. is reck of household, commercial and lighting needs. Targeted at end-
oned as a billion-dollar- industrial electrical needs, all users, architects and consultants,
plus organisation and one these products are available at the showroom caters to the rising
among India's largest and fastest Havells Galaxy outlets in Delhi, need of the customers by provid-
growing electrical and power Mumbai, Noida, Gurgoan, ing a one-stop-shop for their entire
distribution equipment manufac- Lucknow, Kolkata and Bokaro as electrical needs. It offers varied
turers. Havells launched its well as with all the electric designer category products,
consumer electrical products dealers and retailers across the catering to the vast market
such as CFLs, fans, modular country. It introduced its new dynamics and specifically de-
switches and luminiaires. Being range of green CFL called 'Lilliput'. signed for use in a variety of
focused on product innovation As the name suggest, it is small indoor and outdoor applications
and energy efficiency, the com- in size and circumference and along with long life and low
pany launched CFLs rather than complies with RoHS (European maintenance costs.
GLS-ordinary light bulbs which are norms on Restriction of Hazard- Acquiring a number of interna-
an energy deficient light source. ous Substances), Certified tional certifications, Havells and
Additionally, the company European approval. its brands have emerged as the
launched E-Lite, the T-5 FTL fixture Havells energy efficient fans in preferred choice for electrical
that gives more light output and the premium category have also products for discerning individu-
consumes less energy compared started making a mark in the als and industrial consumers both
with a conventional FTL fixture. international markets for fans. The in India and abroad.
The company offers all these company has taken the initiative Contact:
products across categories at to reach directly to the consumers QRG Towers,2D, Sec - 126,
multiple price points and applica- through 'Havells Galaxy' - a one Express way, Noida - 201304
tions. Covering the entire gamut stop shop for all electrical and tel: (020) 4771000
Hevells Prom.p65 48 7/4/2009, 11:03 AM

bee star rating of office buildings promotion
BEE Star Rating of Office Buildings

T
he rapid increase in the health or productivity of the
energy intensity of commer- occupants.
cial buildings has been There is also vast scope for
engaging the attention of the energy efficiency improvements in
Government for some time. existing buildings. With the
Though the overall share of advancement of the energy
commercial sector in electricity efficiency practices and technolo-
consumption is only about 6.6%, gies, it is possible to cut down
it has been growing at a rate of energy costs significantly in
11-12% over the last few years. buildings by initiating a system-
This rate of increase in energy atic energy audit followed by
consumption is much more rapid implementation of cost effective
than the rate of increase in the energy efficiency measures.
floor area of commercial build- Implementations of the
ings, which is about 9% per year. recommendations of energy
This increase in energy intensity of audits have resulted in verified Dr. Ajay Mathur,
commercial buildings is energy savings 20 to 40% due to Director General, BEE
especially alarming since the increased efficiencies in end uses
overall energy intensity of the such as lighting, cooling, ventila-
Indian economy is declining at tion, refrigeration etc. Energy
about 2% per year. cost savings resulting from
Several studies have borne out energy efficiency measures Programme provides public
the fact that our building design directly benefit building owners recognition to energy efficient
does not take into efficiency and occupants. BEE is promoting buildings, and create a "demand
aspects consideration. As a the implementation of energy side" pull for such buildings.
result, in commercial buildings, efficiency measures in existing Buildings with a connected load
the annual energy consumption buildings through Energy Service of 100 kW and above are being
per sq. m. of the floor area is Companies(ESCOs) which considered under the BEE star
about 200 kWh or even more. provide an innovative business rating scheme.
Efficient design alone has the model through which the energy- Five categories of buildings -
capability to reduce the same to savings potential in existing office buildings, hotels, hospitals,
120-160 kWh. Before 1973, the buildings can be captured, and retail malls, and IT Parks in five
year of the first energy crisis, the the risks faced by building climate zones in the country have
energy consumption of new owners can also be addressed. been identified for this
buildings in all the industrialized The performance-contract based programme. The Star rating for
countries was about 200 kWh/ payments for energy savings office buildings would help the
sq.m, but it has now reduced achieved through the interventions building owners in cutting down
drastically as most of the devel- carried out by the ESCO ensure the operating costs with reduced
oped countries have adopted that savings are achieved, and electricity bills and create a
building energy efficiency codes that the payments by the building stimulus for the design of efficient
for the design of new buildings. owners to the ESCO are related to (ECBC compliant) new buildings
BEE introduced the Energy the achievement of these savings. for the up-gradation of energy
Conservation Building Code In order to further accelerate efficiency of existing buildings.
(ECBC) in 2007 for new, commer- the energy efficiency activities in The programme is initially
cial buildings having a connected the commercial building sector, launched in the following 3
load of more than 500 kW. (Nor- BEE has now developed a Star climatic zones for air-conditioned
mal domestic connection is 4 to 6 rating programme for office and non- air-conditioned office
kW). ECBC defines norms of buildings which is based on the buildings:
energy performance for various actual performance of a building i. Warm and Humid
building components, and takes in terms of its specific energy ii. Composite
into consideration, the climatic usage in kwh/sqm/year. This iii. Hot and Dry
region. The application of these programme rates office buildings It will be subsequently ex-
norms lowers the building's on a 1-5 Star scale, with 5 Star tended to other building types and
energy requirement without labeled buildings being the most climatic zones within this year.
affecting the function, comfort, efficient. The Star rating www.bee.gov.in/ecbc.php
Bee Prom-1.p65 49 7/4/2009, 11:34 AM

green event greenbuild 2009
Greenbuild 2009
T
he much awaited up at the Greenbuild for stupen-
Greenbuild expo, a green dous educational sessions,
event dedicated to green famous speakers, green building
buildings is scheduled for the tours, special seminars and
month of November 2009 . It will networking events. The expo will attendees came to Boston to
highlight the role of buildings highlight the role of buildings and partake in this momentous event.
and its function in protecting its role in protecting and improv- There were persons representing
and improving the environment. ing the environment. all 50 states, 85 countries and 6
Greenbuild has experienced continents. The courses held in
Buildings play a critical role in tremendous growth since it's the year 2008 offered the first
protecting and improving our inception in 2002. USGBC has glimpse of the new curriculum in
environment and the health of the worked through many challenges accordance with LEED 2009. The
people who occupy them. to accommodate the demand for LEED for new construction, LEED
USGBC's Greenbuild conference new exhibit space as many eager for existing buildings and LEED
and expo endows an incompa- and well-respected companies for commercial interiors technical
rable chance to unite with other contact them each day. Every year review workshops will continue to
green building peers, industry Greenbuild offers a wide selection be offered through local chapters
experts, and influential leaders as of USGBC LEED (Leadership in through the end of first quarter
they share innovations in the Energy & Environmental Design) 2009. These older technique
green building movement. workshops taught by highly reviews will be for those who still
Greenbuild is a reckoned qualified LEED faculty and wish to prepare for the current
conference and expo committed experts. These workshops take LEED AP exams or for those who
to green building. Its 2009 ses- place before and after the confer- are currently working on a LEED
sion will be held from November ence education sessions. project. Greenbuild promises to
11-13 in Phoenix, Arizona. Thou- Greenbuild 2008 in Boston be the perfect venue for spread-
sands of building professionals was truly a display of revolutionary ing the messages of green to all
from all over the world will team green concepts. More than 28,000 concerned individuals.
Greenbuild 2009.p65 50 6/26/2009, 5:20 PM

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NOT FOR SALE

by design YOUR GUIDE TO ECO FRIENDLY LIVING

A LOOK AT THE REVIVAL

Cover page July 09-1.p65 13 7/1/2009, 3:37 PM

Mala Bajaj GREEN EVENT

4 I green by design july 2009

Editor's Note & Content.p65 6 7/1/2009, 2:08 PM

Pay for 24 and get 29 issues

I am enclosing a cheque/DD No. Dated drawn on ( name of bank )

City State Pin Code

To subscribe online log on to www.home-review.com

HR Subscripation advt.p65 2 6/9/2009, 10:55 AM

green market products

Alwitra’s Solar Waterproofing

Century's FSC Certified Biltec's AAC Systems

Tata's Solar Water Heater

8 I green by design july 2009

Green Market.p65 8 6/26/2009, 6:45 PM

products green market

Wacker's Vinnapas® Luminous Power's SMF

InnovLite's Lighting Systems

july 2009 green by design I 9

Green Market.p65 9 6/26/2009, 6:45 PM

green market products

Recycled Eggshell Stationary

Freelplay's Mini Lanterns Recycled Cardboard

10 I green by design july 2009

Green Market.p65 10 7/1/2009, 12:03 PM

products green market

Herman Miller's Be Recycled Macadamia

Scrap Lights Made From Twice

july 2009 green by design I 11

Green Market.p65 11 6/26/2009, 6:46 PM

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ENERGY

12 I green by design july 2009

Obama-1.p65 12 6/26/2009, 6:39 PM

Avani Residence.p65 14 7/1/2009, 12:11 PM

canny construction feature

along with the planted greenery.

july 2009 green by design I 15

Avani Residence.p65 15 6/26/2009, 5:56 PM

Avani Residence.p65 16 6/26/2009, 5:56 PM

canny construction feature

july 2009 green by design I 17

Avani Residence.p65 17 6/26/2009, 6:55 PM

18 I green by design july 2009

Nari.p65 18 7/1/2009, 12:05 PM

nari’s award winning lantern feature

july 2009 green by design I 19

Nari.p65 19 6/26/2009, 6:11 PM

husbandry and sustainable development. It is situated in the rural town of Phaltan in

20 I green by design july 2009

Nari.p65 20 6/26/2009, 6:59 PM

WHEN Mallika Sarabhai was planning her

MVS Residence at the farm.p65 22 6/26/2009, 6:27 PM

a hearth with a heart feature

of Vastu Shastra had to be incorporated.

july 2009 green by design I 23

MVS Residence at the farm.p65 23 6/26/2009, 6:27 PM

The inclined roof made up recycled

MVS Residence at the farm.p65 24 6/26/2009, 6:28 PM

a hearth with a heart feature