Issues This Week

High Rises to Turn Over Green Leaf, Get Energy –Efficient:-

By law Simplified use of energy efficient glass, that cut down use of lights, ACs to get Mandatory:

New Delhi: High Rises in the capital are all set to become greener. It may soon become mandatory for high rises in Delhi to use “Energy –Efficient glass” on their exterior that allow ample sunlight in but keep the heat out, cutting down on use of lights and air-conditioning.

The Delhi Urban Act   Commission (DUAC) has sent a proposal, among others, to the Urban Development ministry for approval. “This is a part of the proposal on simplified building by Law for Delhi”, said a senior official.

DUAC chairman Raj Rewal said the plan for any building will have to ensure use of energy-efficient glass, apart from other measures, DUAC had also recommended extra floor area for ration for green building as an incentive.

The NCR is also going green. In fact, Gurgaon is way ahead of the capital with 15 such buildings. Five of them have highest “Platinum certification of the US” Green buildings Council’s Leadership in Energy and environment Design (LEED).

One of these, the headquarters of the Institute of Rural Research and Development (IRRAD) is built as green as possible. The building has 7,000 Litre strong tanks to save rainwater and solar panels that produce 35kw of electricity per annul, enough to take care of the building’s need.

But some external feel that just using energy-efficient glass won’t make a building ‘Green’ ”Eight percent facade of most buildings is enveloped by the glass, which lets in a lot of heat. We need design interventions, “ said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, Executive Director, Center for science and Environment.  

Green FAQs

What is green Building?

A green building is one which uses less water, optimises energy efficiency, let’s in enough sunlight conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for its occupants as compare to a conventional building.

What are its benefits?

An energy efficient building can lead to 30-50 per cent energy saving and 20-30 per cent water savings. Not only will you save to lot of money in power and water bills, you’ll also get a healthier environment to live in. And of course, it’s good for environment!

Are Green buildings more costly to construct?

The incremental cost depends on the building’s design. Thought it might cost more than a conventional building, it will be made up by the fact that you will save more annually in energy and water costs.

Does it make more time to construct a green building?

It doesn't take more times, especially if design parameters are frozen at one go then only a little more additional effort is required. The rating of the building also has no impact on the project time schedule

Could only Large-sized building be green buildings?

For a building to be rated a green building many parameters have to be followed. All of these may not be replicable in your house. But you can adopt a lot of energy-savings and environment-friendly measures in your house and lifestyle.