[Thematic Report] GREEN ARCHITECTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

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[Thematic Report] GREEN ARCHITECTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
by Dalima Thapa \| 20-04-2021 01:52 0
It is an emerging concern, whether a certain material used in buildings or houses, contains toxicants. Toxicants may be carcinogenic, or otherwise, can impact the health of humans as in respiratory, neurological, or other systems of the human body. For instance, paint on the wall may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs); particleboard may contain formaldehyde; flooring may contain phthalates; and furniture is often coated in flame retardant. Each has the possibility of containing toxicants. Fortunately, there's LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rating system which have a series of rating system for the design, operation, construction and the maintenance of the green buildings. The main objective is the development of a structure that make the building owner and the operator to be environmentally responsible and utilizes the resources efficiently. So here comes the concept of green architecture/building. Green Building is described as a structure that ensures efficient use of materials, water, energy and other resources without depletion of nature and minimal generation of non-degradable waste. The green buildings concept was already prevalent in India from the time of our ancestors who revered the five elements of nature Earth as 'Prithvi,' Water as 'Jal', Agni as 'Energy', Air as 'Vayu', and Sky as 'Akash'. A green building needs to use building materials that will reduce energy consumption, that are non-toxic, reusable, durable, affordable and can minimise waste in manufacture and use. Hence, the following are the raw materials generally used for green architecture- Earthen Materials Wood Bamboo SIPs Insulated Concrete Forms Cordwood Straw Bale Earth Bags Slate/ Stone Roofing Steel Thatch Composites Natural Fiber Polyurethane Fiber Glass Cellulose Cork Polystyrene and isocyanurate Natural Clay Non-VOC paints Natural Fiber Floor Fiber Cement Stone As on date, there are 5,975 projects, equivalent to 7.55 billion sq ft, of green buildings and green built-environment in the country. These green projects, from the government and private sector, have adopted IGBCs’ rating systems such as Green Schools, Green Factory Buildings, Green Campuses, Green Townships, Green Cities, etc. Here are some of the most inspiring green architectures in India- 1. Rajiv Gandhi international airport, Hyderabad :- The Rajiv Gandhi airport, commissioned in 2008, is one of the leading examples of highly environmentally sensitive infrastructure design and management in India. 2. Suzlon One Earth Campus, Pune :- The Suzlon one earth campus situated in Pune boasts of being one of the greenest corporate campuses in the world. Suzlon One Earth is said to derive its inspiration from large Indian historical campuses like Fatehpur Sikri and the Meenakshi Temple complex in Madurai. 3. Global Design Studio of Shilpa Architects, Chennai :- The Global Design Studio of Shilpa Architects Planners Designers was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating for New Construction by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). The eco-friendly office space includes benefits such as lower operating costs and a reduced carbon footprint. 4. HMEL Township Bathinda, Punjab :- The project – HP Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) township was one of the most simplistic in design, yet interestingly garnished with green & eco-smart features. The project was added with a lot of value addition in terms of its eco-friendly features like rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment plant, solar water heaters, insulated walls and ceilings. 5. Infinity Benchmark, Kolkata :- Located in Salt Lake City in Kolkata, the company is Kolkata’s first LEED platinum rated structure. Green features of the building include- rooftop terrace garden, insulation layers in walls and ceilings that help in reducing heat consumption, zero discharge rainwater harvesting system, smart indoor air quality monitoring system that senses the CO2 and occupancy levels, effective glazing for natural lighting, low carbon footprint in construction, utilization of recyclable construction materials, etc. 6. Raintree Hotel, Chennai :- Raintree is considered fifth hotel in India and first in south India to get an Ecotel certification in 2006. Conservation of energy and water, solid waste management, employee environmental education and community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to the environment are the main focus areas of the hotel. 7. AnsalEsencia, Sector 67, Gurgaon :- The Esencia Township, undertaken by Ansal API, was completed as the first project for Green Rating by GRIHA under the Integrated Habitat Assessment Norms. It is often referred to as the greenest community in the NCR (National Capital Region). Esencia had employed several innovative technologies to make sure it reduced the impact it had on the environment. These were some of the green architecture in India. We know green buildings use less energy, water, create less waste, and are healthier to live, work, or go to school in than standard buildings. Hence, it's high time to think about the environmental consequences and so, get going towards a green lifestyle. We can go green in a variety of different ways, and as such, builders and construction workers must do their part as well. Rajiv Gandhi international airport, image source :- https://greenbuildingsindia.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/rga-1.jpg Suzlon One Earth Campus, image source:- https://www.suzlon.com/in-en/careers/one-earth Global Design Studio of Shilpa Architects, image source :- http://shilpaarchitects.com/global-design-studio-of-shilpa-architects/ HMEL Township Bathinda, image source :- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HMEL_Township,Bhatinda,Punjab.jpg Infinity Benchmark, image source :- http://www.infinityitpark.com/project/infinity-benchmark/ Raintree Hotel, image source :- https://greenbuildingsindia.wordpress.com/tag/raintreel-hotel-chennai/ AnsalEsencia, image source :- https://greenbuildingsindia.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/ansal-esencia-green-township-in-gurgaon/

Dormant user Dalima Thapa

3 Comments

Yuseon Mentor says :
Hi Dalima,

This is you mentor Yuseon:D

Thanks for the well written thematic report for April. You have introduced examples of raw materials that could be used for eco-friendly construction, and real existing architectures in India.

It would have been even better if you have included your opinions rather than listing examples, although they were very appropriate:) Also, loved how you cited the resources of the pictures you used.

Looking forward to your next report,
Yuseon
Posted 30-04-2021 01:32

Debbie Mentor says :
Hi Dalima,

This is your mentor Debbie. :)

Thank you for sharing some of the ideas used in Green Architecture and some examples in India. Out of the ones you??ve mentioned, the first Ecotel, Raintree, sounds interesting! For a business to make profits, it might be difficult to make such a decision, but hopefully we??ll see more of Ecotels in the future.

Good job with the article and keep up with the work!

Green Cheers,
 Debbie
Posted 23-04-2021 00:47

Sandhya Adhikari says :
Hey Dalima,
I do hope you are fine there and doing great with your works,
Thank you so much for sharing about Green Architecture and Environment with various examples,
The component used for constructing green building are really eco friendly and sustainable,
Keep writing,

We are eager to read much more from you in coming days.

Regards,
Sandhya
Posted 20-04-2021 13:48