International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology

(IJARET)
Volume 6, Issue 8, Aug 2015, pp. 21-31, Article ID: IJARET_06_08_003
Available online at
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/issues.asp?JTypeIJARET&VType=6&IType=8
ISSN Print: 0976-6480 and ISSN Online: 0976-6499
© IAEME Publication
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ESTABLISHING PROCESS FOR DESIGNING

OF ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS
Ar. Prateek Manke
Research Scholar, Deptt. of Architecture & Planning , MANIT, Bhopal, M.P., India,

Dr. Yogesh Garg

Professor, Deptt. of Architecture & Planning , MANIT, Bhopal, M.P., India,

Dr. Vinay M. Das

Associate Professor, Deptt. of Architecture & Planning , MANIT, Bhopal, M.P.,

ABSTRACT
The building designers are presently going through a transition phase. As
due to the known energy implications of poorly designed buildings and related
environmental issues, Government is imposing a number of controlling
measures. These include building energy codes, green rating systems, and
environmental clearance norms. At present very few guideline or support is
available to the architects to incorporate all the above additional
requirements during the design process. Standard architectural practice does
not cover the energy/environmental considerations in common projects unless
otherwise specified under scope of services. This paper is about formulating
the design process for energy efficient buildings. The necessary data for which
has been gathered through the survey conducted by the author from the
architects working in various capacities. The paper starts with discussion on
process and related aspects of designing energy efficient buildings. The sub
topics define the methodology for establishing design process, including
description of the participants and their selection criteria and, finally present
the outcome of the survey in the form of a matrix.
Key words: Design Process, Design Stages, Energy Performance, Factors
Cite this Article: Ar. Prateek Manke, Dr. Yogesh Garg and Dr. Vinay M.Das.
Establishing Process for Designing of Energy efficient buildings International
Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology, 6(8), 2015, pp.
21-31.
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 Ar. Prateek Manke, Dr. Yogesh Garg and Dr. Vinay M.Das

1. INTRODUCTION
An energy efficient building is the new buzzword these days. We often come across
with the terms like green buildings, high performance buildings and low carbon
buildings etc., and appreciate the efforts being made by the governments all over the
world to reduce energy demand and subsequently environmental impacts of the
buildings. The energy efficiency of the buildings is of utmost importance as buildings
consume around 40% of the energy consumed at any moment of time throughout the
world. Equally important are environmental issues, related to the developmental
activities, which include but not limited to increased pollution levels, depletion of
natural resources and green house effect etc. A number of energy codes, rating
systems and environmental norms have been devised to control the building energy
demand and related environmental impacts of construction related activities. The rules
and regulation being prescribed in these codes and rating systems are going to be
mandatory in near future and will have to followed by architects in their buildings.
presently the entire process is in transition phase as the policy makers are still
struggling to work out a feasible solution for implementation of the proposed norms
and regulations ,whereas the architectural practice is finding it difficult to cope with
this additional responsibility. The architects in most of the parts of the world
including India are already preoccupied and struggling with the automation in the
building approval process and, the challenge imposed by the municipal corporations
by delegating the powers for issuing building permissions of small to medium scale
constructions.
Presently there are no such guide lines/tools available to the architect community
to help them in incorporating the energy and environmental norms while designing.
Most of the tools available in the form of simulation tools are useful only after the
final design has been prepared. These tools can produce analytical reports, based on
the inputs or by importing BIM models of the buildings, showing the probable energy
consumption, carbon emissions, resources utilization and other details. Based on these
reports the architect with the help of simulation experts has to identify the problem
areas and redesign the building in part or the whole, and rerun the simulation until
compliance status is achieved. This iterative process is very time and resources
consuming and results in additional expenses to the architects and subsequently to the
owner.
Traditionally architects used to incorporate climatic and other environmental
factors while designing the buildings but, the availability of environmental control
systems and land/space constraints these factors started losing importance. This
resulted in poorly designed, high energy intensive and unhealthy building stock.
To overcome the above problems it is proposed to develop a solution for
integrating energy considerations into the design process. The paper addresses this
issue by first reviewing the design process, its various stages and tasks carried out in
each stage. Then the review of previous works of other researchers/scholars related to
it has been discussed to get an insight of the probable solution. To support the
findings of literature survey and, to identify the factors, which affect the energy
efficiency of any building, and to highlight appropriate stages for their integration, an
online survey was conducted. The findings of the survey formed the basis for the
development of an approach for integrating energy considerations into architects
design process, which has been presented in concluding part of the paper.

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 Establishing Process for Designing of Energy efficient buildings

2. BUILDING DESIGN PROCESS AND INFLUENCING

FACTORS
Bryan Lawson [1] in his book – “How Designers Think” has defined design as either
the product or the process. He has highlighted that design consists of a sequence of
distinct and identifiable activities, which occur, in some predictable and identifiably
logical order. Bryan Lawson [1] has stated that the design process is a negotiation
between problem and solution through the three activities of analysis, synthesis and
evaluation.

Analysis Synthesis Evaluation

Figure 1A generalized map of the design process (after Bryan Lawson)

Bryan Lawson [1] has credited two academics; Tom Markus (1969) and Tom
Maver (1970) to produce rather more elaborate maps of the architectural design
process, who argued that a complete picture of design method requires both a
‘decision sequence’ and a ‘design processes or ‘morphology’. They suggested going
through the decision sequence of analysis, synthesis, appraisal and decision at
increasingly detailed levels of the design process.

Analysis Synthesis Appraisal Decision

Outline proposals

Analysis Synthesis Appraisal Decision

Scheme design

Detail design Analysis Synthesis Appraisal Decision

Figure 2 The Markus/Maver map of the design process (after Bryan Lawson)
A brief introduction to the design as a process is given as further discussion on
design theory is beyond the scope of this paper. It gives a fair idea that design
decisions are not only intuitive but based on a logical sequence of stages.
The following guidelines (TABLE-1) of COA, India [2] are generally followed by
majority of Architects as far as the various stages and related major activities are
concerned. Based on the COA-India guidelines [2], the following design process
sequence has been generalized for the architectural practices within India. Following
fig.3 shows the phase wise grouping of design stages. The focus of the present paper
is on integrating energy considerations into early design phase because the decisions
made in this stage will have an irreversible impact on the overall energy performance
and environmental impacts of the building

CONCEPT PRELIMINARY FINAL DESIGN WORKING

DESIGN DESIGN DRAWINGS

EARLY DESIGN STAGE

Figure 3 Various stages of building design modified after (COA –INDIA)

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 Ar. Prateek Manke, Dr. Yogesh Garg and Dr. Vinay M.Das

Table 1 Stages of Design Process and Related Tasks ( elaborated after COA)
Design Related Tasks Remarks
Stage
 Ascertain Client's requirements, examine site
constraints & potential; and prepare a design brief for Information Collection
Client's approval.
CONCEPT DESIGN [STAGE 1]

 Prepare report on site evaluation, state of

existing buildings, if any; and analysis and impact of Site Analysis
existing and/ or proposed development on its
immediate environs.
 Prepare drawings and documents to enable the Environmental Impact
Client to get done the detailed survey and soil Assessment
investigation at the site of the project.
 Furnish report on measures required to be
Conceptual Design
taken to mitigate the adverse impact, if any, of the
existing and / or proposed development on its
immediate environs.
 Prepare conceptual designs with reference to
requirements given and prepare rough estimate of cost
on area basis.


PRELIMINARY DESIGN

Modify the conceptual designs incorporating

required changes and prepare: Preliminary Design
 The preliminary drawings,
[STAGE-2]

 sketches,
 Study model, etc., for the Client's approval Feasibility Study
along with
 Preliminary estimate of cost on area basis.

 Prepare drawings necessary for Client's/ statutory

Final Design
FINAL DESIGN

approvals and ensure compliance with codes,

standards and legislation, as applicable and,
[STAGE 3]

 Assist the Client in obtaining the statutory Byelaws Conformity

approvals thereof, if required.

Statutory Approvals

An architect has to prioritize among various factors to work out a feasible design
solution. This task is getting difficult day to day, with the advent of new and
unprecedented requirements and constraints, being imposed on built environments
due to technological and environmental changes. Every other day new penalties or
incentives are being announced to further complicate the job of architects.

3. REVIEW OF APPROACHES FOR INTEGRATING ENERGY

EFFICIENCY INTO DESIGN PROCESS
The designing of energy efficient buildings has been addressed in various books and
guides. Before formulating any methodology, it is imperative to review the available

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 Establishing Process for Designing of Energy efficient buildings

information on the same. Following are main points of study of some such resources
addressing the issue of integration of energy efficient design parameters into the
design process:

3.1. Koenigsberger approach

Koenigsberger et al.[3] in their classic book – Manual of Tropical Housing and
Climatic Design have acknowledged the three terms analysis, synthesis and
evaluation, as applicable to design process. Koenigsberger et al. have suggested that –
From the point of view of climatic influences on building design, the distinction of
three stages is essential. These do not constitute a complete and continuous process of
design, but indicate stages when climatic factors must be brought in considered in
conjunction with following other factors.

3.2. MNRE (Govt. of India) & TERI GRIHA approach

MNRE-GOI & TERI GRIHA manual volume-3[4] discusses about the energy
efficient building design and appreciates that design is the most important factor in
ensuring energy efficiency in buildings. According to the manual, the design of an
existing building cannot be altered without demolition; hence, it is imperative to pay
attention to the crucial aspect of energy efficiency at the design stage itself. The
manual has summarized the energy performance optimization techniques and have
allocated to various design stages.

3.3. MNRE & IIT, Bombay handbook approach

Another similar guide titled “handbook on energy conscious building” by MNRE &
IIT, Bombay[5] has defined energy concious buildings as the one which involve the
use of eco-friendly and less energy intensive materials, incorporation of passive solar
techniques (including day lighting features) and integration of renewable energy
technologies. As per guide [4] it also includes conservation of water and waste water
recycling, rainfall harvesting and the use of energy-efficient appliances in buildings.
Based on the study of available resources a framework for the proposed integrated
design process has been prepared and shown in following fig.4. Various associated
factors have also been identified and mentioned against each stage and task. If
referred while designing by the architects, can yield low energy and environment
friendly building stock.
Previous sections referred to the terms design process and energy efficient
building design, and their integration. In order to get the realistic view and formulate a
framework for the same, it is necessary to validated from the major actors of the field
i.e. the architects, which is discussed in the following pages

3.4. Feedback Survey from Architects

An online survey form was uploaded on http://archmanke.com and, various architects
were approached through personal contacts, online closed groups, local professional
bodies/forums and such other means. Through all these methods, the response from
fifty plus architects was recorded for deciding the future process. The response was
tabulated and then analyzed through SPSS. The analysis has been discussed below:

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 Ar. Prateek Manke, Dr. Yogesh Garg and Dr. Vinay M.Das

Figure 4 Proposed Framework for Energy Efficient Design

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 Establishing Process for Designing of Energy efficient buildings

3.4.1. Agreement with the Design Process: (Fig.5): The majority of the respondents
are unanimously in agreement with the integration of energy inputs in all the stages of
design process which will be adopted in this work.
60
50
40
30
20
Agree
10
Disagree
0

Figure 5 Agreement with the Design Process

Points/stages where the energy performance inputs are required

60
50
40
30
20
agree
10
disagree
0

Figure 6 Points/stages where the energy performance inputs are required

3.4.2. Points/stages where the energy performance inputs are required: (Fig.6)
Another important point into integrated design process is to validate sub stages
from energy consideration point of view. The survey result shows that respondents
want it to be incorporated from the first stage until the final stage of design process. it
is a good indication from the fraternity that energy efficiency and environmental
concerns are gradually penetrating into design practice.
3.4.3. Identification of design/construction parameters affecting energy
performance of buildings: (TABLE-.2) Following rankings have been suggested by
the respondents to the parameters according to their impact on energy performance of
buildings:

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 Ar. Prateek Manke, Dr. Yogesh Garg and Dr. Vinay M.Das

Table 2 Identification of design/construction parameters affecting energy performance of

buildings

Design/
Ranking Remarks
construction parameters

These play the most significant role in energy performance

1 Site location & Climate
of any building because of obvious reasons.
Building form and orientation, if properly managed, can
Building form and
2 effectively manipulate solar heat gains, provide daylight
orientation
and, natural ventilation.

Building envelop includes design of sunshades, openings ,

roof , skylights and thermal mass of wall ,and roof
3 Design of building envelop insulation. Appropriate selection of materials, shading
devices and thermal mass can reduced energy consumption
considerably.

Passive design techniques if integrated from the conceptual

design stage are the ultimate measures for controlling
4 Passive design techniques
internal comfort conditions and thereby the energy
consumption.
Thermal properties are very dependent on the material
5 Materials used
selection, and should be used sensibly.

Building type and usage Type and usage pattern determines the energy intensity of
6
pattern any building, and forms the part of O&M activities.

Landscape design if used can effectively control

7 Landscape design
microclimate, and provide visual comfort to the users.

HVAC, Lighting and other EER are required to be within limits to reduced energy
8
systems consumption. But should be resorted as the last option.

Integration of renewable Although it does not have direct effect, but can make the
9
energy system building self reliant and earn carbon credits.

Other measures include reduced hard cover, mutual

10 Any other
shading, right to light , etc which are project specific.

education level
B. Arch. P.G. Ph.D. Others

2% 2%

37%
59%

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 Establishing Process for Designing of Energy efficient buildings

ExperienceType Academic
Others
4%
4%

Professional
92%

TypeofProjecScale
OTHERS
10% individual
Building
33%

Large
Group/Com
plex
57%

AreaOfWork
International Level City Level State Level National Level

6%

28% 31%
35%

45
40
35
30 Aware
25
20 Not Aware
15
10 Currently Working on
5
0
Have worked on

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 Ar. Prateek Manke, Dr. Yogesh Garg and Dr. Vinay M.Das

Awareness Status
Aware
50
40
30
Not Aware
20
10
0

Greenbuil…
DesignBuil…
ECONIRM…

BentleyTas…
Currently Working

IES
EnergyPlus

Econnect
Equest
on
Have worked on

Figure 7 Results of other information collected through survey

4. CONCLUSION
This paper tried to discuss the proposed framework for the integration of energy
considerations into the building design process. For this, three major aspects,
identified earlier during the research work, were discussed to validate and, form a
base for future work. The first part touched the process, various stages and related
tasks of the building design process as such. The grouping into early design/
conceptual design, preliminary design and final design stage to assign the specific
tasks was also highlighted. The need to integrate energy considerations into early
design as well as each stage was acknowledged to reduce energy demands and
facilitate environment friendly development. For this, review of various approaches
proposed by other scholars/ guidelines was carried out and relevant points were
identified. Based on the review a framework for integration of energy efficiency into
design process was developed and presented. This framework was validated through
the feedback from architect fraternity, through an online survey conducted by the
author. The results were presented and analyzed to fix the following:
 Modified stages for designing energy efficient buildings,
 Ranking of various design/construction parameters according to their impact on
energy performance of the building, and
 Stages/points in the design process where energy considerations are required.
This has set the platform upon which a decision support system will be developed
to provide architects a real time feedback on the energy and other environmental
aspects, right from the early design stage itself. The system will also assist the
architects in following the norms / regulations prescribed under energy codes and
other rating systems, using an appropriate CAD tool.

REFERENCES
[1] Bryan Lawson, How Designers Think, Fourth edition, 2005, Architectural Press
(Elsevier).
[2] Council of Architecture, 2013. Handbook of Professional Documents. 18 ed. New
Delhi: Registrar , COA.
[3] Koenigsberger, et.al, 1984. Manual of tropical housing and building - part -1
(climatic design). s.l.:orient longman ltd

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 Establishing Process for Designing of Energy efficient buildings

[4] Mnre-Goi & Teri, 2013. Griha Manual (VOL-3) Technical manual for trainers
on building and system design optimization , renewal energy application. New
Delhi, India: TERI Press, New Delhi.
[5] J.K. Nayak, e. a., May 2006. Government of India - Ministry of new and
renewable energy.[Online] Available at:
http://mnre.gov.in/centers/about-sec-2/hand-book-on-energyconscious-buildings/
[6] Dharane Sidramappa Shivashaankar and Patil Raobahdur Yashwant. Earthquake
Resistant High Rise Buildings –New Concept International Journal of Advanced
Research in Engineering and Technology, 5(6), 2015, pp. 121 - 124

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