GREEN BUILDING

Author:- A. Udayan P. Doifode, Author:- B. Shubham B. Ajmire

2nd Year Civil, G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering And Management, Amravati
Email ID.: ud11@in.com , shubhamajmire@gmail.com

Abstract:
The Buildings are part of basic needs. It is for protecting us from Nature's extremes: cold, heat, wind and Rain.
But these structures affect the shape of our environment. Constructing and operating buildings required enormous
amounts of energy, water, and materials and create large amounts of waste. Where and how they are built also affects
the ecosystems around us in countless ways. And the buildings themselves create new indoor environments that
present new environmental problems and challenges. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more
apparent, a new field called Green Building is arising to reduce that impact at the source. Green building is a natural
evolution of the building sector, responding to an emerging set of economic forces. It is not a passing fad, but the way
things will have to be done in future. Green or sustainable building is the practice of creating healthier and more
resource efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. It is the building which
uses less water, optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier
spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building.

INTRODUCTION
India has given high priority to the energy
sector. Allocation of public funds has risen from 15%
to 27% in the last three decades. Despite of best
efforts, there exists a wide gap between supply and
demand affecting the development process of our
economy adversely. The rapid growths of population
and economic development have put severe stress on
the natural resources, infrastructure and environment
of the country. For the projected growth rate of 8%
GDP (Gross Domestic Product), the energy demand is
expected to grow by about 5% while the power supply
demand may grow more than 10% annually.
Energy Conservation Act of 2001 has
provided a framework for promoting energy efficiency
(EE) in the country. Bureau of Energy Efficiency
(BEE) has been set up to facilitate implementation of
the provision of the Act. . Bureau of Energy Efficiency
(BEE) is in the process of preparing a draft for ECBC
(Energy Conservation Building Code) which will be
mandatory for all new and old buildings having
buildup area more than 1000 sq. m. Or all commercial
buildings having a load of 500 KWh. As per the Code
INDIA is divided into five climatic zones and
depending upon the zones, norms are prescribed to use
energy efficient building materials, intelligent Gadgets,
Domestic appliances.
The term "Green" refers to environmentally
friendly practices from building design to the
landscaping choices. It also Optimist & Economic
energy use, water use, and storm water and west water

reuse.
Hence the terms "Green Building" apply not
just to products, but to construction strategies, building
design and orientation, landscaping, building
operations, maintenance. And more the less impact a
building has on human health and the environment, the
greener it is.
In short Green building is a design and
construction practice that promotes the economic
health and well-being of your Family, the community
and the environment. A smart step toward personal
economic rewards. Green Building has positive social
and environmental ramifications that assert your
commitment to the future and the way we live for
years to come.
NEED FOR ENERGY SAVING IN BUILDINGS
Construction Industry in India is growing at a
stunning 30%. Boom in Real Estate in our Energy
starving country is again imposing high power and
energy requirements threats.
The residential and commercial sector consumes more
than 25% of the total electrical supply usage of the
country and major portion of this is utilized in the
buildings. Hence saving in energy is building is an
important strategy to combat the problem of energy
crisis in the country.
The present day buildings that are designed
and used, symbolize un-restrained consumption of

energy, be it a five start hotel, commercial

establishment, Govt buildings or a residence complex.
Thus there is need to design and develop the new
buildings on sound concepts of sustainable efficient
use of energy and also apply suitable retrofit options to
existing buildings that could substantially improve the
energy efficiency.
ENERGY USE PATTERN IN BUILDING
In Lighting
60%
In Air Conditioning
32%
In Other Application 8%
In Conventional Indian Building, energy
Consumption is 200 kwh per sq. meter and this energy
consumptions can be reduced to 120 kwh per sq, meter
and a saving of about 40% may be achieved.
ENERGY
SAVING
BUILDING DESIGN

THROUGH

GREEN

An integrated approach to building design involves

judicious use and application of

Bio climatic & solar passive architectural

principles.

Use Energy
constructions practices.

efficient

materials

and

Use of energy efficient systems & equipments.

Efficient
practices

waste

and

water

management

Use of renewable sources of energy to the

extent economically feasible.
ORIENTATION OF BUILDING
The first task of the building designer is
orientation of the building. The placement of the
building in north-south direction, reduces the heat
energy input in the building, increases overall
ventilation and provides thermal comfort to the
building and also makes available light energy from
the north.

environmental condition the output of man is

enhanced. In the favorable environment the efficiency
of man, to carry work, increases up to 100%. In
comfortable environment men put his best effort and
get the best results. People of olden days were aware
of this fact and they should plan the city and design the
building to enhance natural energy in buildings. After
going through long years of history, even today it is
true because fundamental principle of vastu shastra is
very much valid and used in energy efficient building
design i.e. exploring energy from nature for comfort in
its natural form without conversion.
ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN WITH VASTU
SHASTRA
Vastu shastra identify the solar energy, wind
energy, fire, water and atmosphere as positive energy
resource, which is to be exploit for creation of positive
built environment. Vastu shastra also gives the
guideline about the orientation, which is most suitable
for exploiting heat and daylight or both energies to be
extracted. The type of activity or provision of
functional spaces co associated to orientation is
mentioned in this ancient book. Vastu shastra also
suggests site planning particularly landscape plan with
name of appropriate species or plants. All such type of
guidelines and directions leads to positive modification
in microclimate and total physical & psychological
comfort condition.
Similarly based on orientation, in modem
theme of energy efficient architecture, the thermal
zoning of building is done considering sun and wind
movement daily, seasonally and annually. Than spatial
planning is aimed to extract and apply all types of
natural energy for provision of comfort. In line of that,
landscaping around the building is also done for
positive corrections in microclimate.
DESIGN FACTORS
Following are the factors that are to be considered for
energy efficient building design:
1.
Climatic factors

WAYS OF GREEN ENERGY FOR BUILDING

2.

Site Planning

The use of energy from nature in its natural

form is described in Vastu and in modern design,
energy is used after conversion. Ancient book - Vastu
shastra is nothing but set of guidelines to locate and
design a building in such a manner, so that abundantly
available natural energy in environment may be
explored and comfortable built environment may be
obtained. It is well known fact that under healthy

3.

Building Materials

4.

Form and texture of building

5.

Lighting

6.

Landscaping

7.

Service integration

Microclimate refers to the climate of the site.

Modifying the microclimate is one of the factors that
can help in conserving energy. Topography of the site,
vegetation and water bodies greatly influence the solar
radiation and air movement in and around the building.
Landmasses typically reflect more of the radiation
while water bodies tend to absorb more.
2. a. SUN PATH
Orientation of the building requires study of
sun-path diagram. Sun's apparent path varies according
to the latitude. Its position in the sky is not uniform
throughout the year. The building has to be oriented
such that it receives maximum solar radiation during
winter and minimal radiation in the summer. Sun path
diagrams are useful for designing shading devices.
Reflected radiation from ground causes glare and
uncomfortable illumination inside the space. Ground
cover like grass, lawns are preferred to concrete or
paved tiles in the site because the grass does not reflect
radiation into the buildings. In hot dry climates, it is
advisable to avoid openings on the western walls.
2. b. WIND
In places where there is little wind, wind
scoops are used to induce ventilation. When there is a
strong prevailing wind as in Hyderabad, wind scoops
are all aimed in the same direction. Places where there
is no prevailing wind direction; wind towers with
many openings are used. E.g. Dubai.
Wind tower at GBC, Hyderabad is used to pre
cool the air for cooling. This reduces the cooling load.
Wind flow direction changes where land meets
water. During daytime the wind flow is from water to
land and in night, the direction is vice-versa. Buildings
having water bodies in and around the site require

Choice of building materials is a- key factor in

determining the heat gain inside the buildings. Initially
shelters were built to protect man from sun, wind and
rains. Now, as life styles are changing, buildings are
becoming a status symbol for man. Corporate offices,
information technology parks, mega malls have a
similar facade irrespective of the location and the
functional aspect. Technological advancements in
heating and ventilation has given the freedom of
erecting solid boxes with reflective glazing all around.
3. a. GLASS AND GREEN HOUSE EFFECT
It is essential to study the heat transfer
properties of glass in order to select the best glass for
buildings. Glass has four interactions with solar
radiation. It partly transmits, absorbs, reflects and
radiates the incident radiation.
The short wave solar radiation passes through
the glass whereupon indoor objects absorb it. As these
objects warm up, they increase their emission of
radiation in the long wave portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum. Since glass is opaque to this
radiation, the energy is trapped. The glass creates a
heat trap and the indoor temperature begins to rise.
This is called the green house effect. Energy efficient
design should help m avoiding the use of glazing or
should help in signing minimal glazing in buildings.
Table 1 gives the effect of some glazing types.
India

DegC

U-value
W/M2

2. SITE PLANNING

3. BUILDING MATERIALS

Transmissivi
ty

Climate plays a significant role in the design

of buildings. Macroclimate refers to the climate of a
particular region. The latitude and longitude of that
particular place experiences a unique climate with
respect to annual rainfall, temperature, humidity and
wind conditions. The design parameters are different
for each climate zone. For example, a cold and cloudy
climate requires space heating whereas a hot and dry
climate needs design parameters for space cooling.
Hence, it is very important to design according to the
climatic conditions.

spaces to be located depending on the wind flow

direction to introduce natural ventilation. Kitchen,
dining, living could be placed on the windward side to
receive breeze. Bedrooms and balconies could be
placed on the leeward side to gain heat during cold
nights.

Yearly
Min.

Single blue
tinted( 6mm)

0.57

6.17

20.6

4.8

29.7

Single
reflective
coating (6mm)

0.33

6.12

20.4

40.5

29.13

Single low E
film on glass
(3mm)

0.82

4.34

21.6

42.9

30.5

Glazing Tile

1. CLIMATIC FACTORS

Single
clear
glass(3mm)

0.9

6.31

21.2

Yearl
y
Max

Yearly
Avg.

43.1

30.4

3.b. MASONARY FOR WALL

Construction type (outside to inside)

Time Lag(Hours)

Brick unplastered (22cm)

6.48

Brick unplastered (33.5cm)

9.84

Brick (33.5 cm) Plaster (1.6cm)

10.32

Brick (22 cm) insulation (5cm)

6.82

Wood (17.5cm)

12.25

Concrete (10cm) insulation (5cm)

1.94

lighting so that glare is avoided.

Windows should be high on the wall, widely
distributed, and of optimum area. Daylight will be
more uniformly distributed in a space, if it is not
concentrated in one window. There are various ways to
project light onto the ceiling. Light shelves are most
often placed above eye level to prevent reflected glare
from their top surface. The overhang also reduces glare
by blocking the view of the bright sky in the lower
window. Louvers can be provided to prevent glare
from the glazing above the light shelf.
6. SERVICE INTEGRATION

Thermal mass is a massive, dense wall to

absorb heat. The wall may be a solid masonry wall or
cavity or insulation wall. Due to the thickness of walls,
there is a delay in transmission of heat from one side to
the other. So the heat gained by the external wall is
transmitted to the interior space in the evening. This
warm air is useful to heat the space during cold nights.
Table 2 gives the data of time lags of construction
types.
4. FORM AND TEXTURE OF BUILDING
4. a. FORM
Solar radiation is minimum when the surface
area to volume ratio is minimum. Domical roofs and
vaults are ideal for minimal heat transfer. Small domes
made of sun dried mud bricks work well in very hot
and dry climates like Egypt. Small vents allow the hot
air to escape and a small amount of light to enter.
Small courtyards provide outside sleeping areas at
night.
4. b. TEXTURE
Cities like Jaisalmer have their traditional haveli
intricately carved so as to reduce the exposed wall
surface and the artistic carvings also provide shading
on each other. Extensive use of chajja (overhang for
shading) is found at Mysore palace.
5. DAY LIGHTING
The pattern and configuration of openings and
shading devices help to allow or block sun's radiation
into the space. Natural lighting is introduced into the
building through glazed openings, skylights, light
shelves, clerestories, etc. Direct day lighting causes
glare and brings in heat. Diffused lighting is preferred
in such climatic regions. Externally reflected
component can be used as a source of indoor day

In places where natural lighting and

ventilation cannot be achieved, the selection of energy
efficient systems is important.
6. a. LIGHTING
Use light colored surfaces for ceilings, walls,
floors and furniture. Use local or task lighting to avoid
unnecessary illumination of non-work areas. Use day
lighting to complement electric lighting. Use high
efficiency lamps (high pressure sodium, metal halide
and fluorescent) and efficient luminaries. Use the full
potential of manual and automatic switching to turn off
lights that are not required at any particular time.
6. b. HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR
CONDITIONING (HVAC)
High efficiency is possible when a complex of
buildings can be heated and cooled for a district plant.
Cogeneration can be an efficient way to supply a
building or complex of buildings with electricity, hot
water and even chilled Avatar. By generating the
electricity on site, the heat normally wasted can be
used for space heating or domestic hot water. The
waste heat can also be used to drive an absorption
refrigeration machine to generate chilled water for
summer cooling. Integration of mechanical equipment
with building structure or exposing it cuts down cost
and is more efficient.
6. c. ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL
SYSTEM (EMCS)
To control and operate equipment for heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning, or for lighting and
process equipment, an energy monitoring and control
system can be used. A typical Energy management
control system is configured into a network that
includes sensors and actuators at the bottom level,
micro-processor controllers in the middle, and a
computer at the top with a modem to allow remote

monitoring and control of the building energy systems.

For a typical commercial building, an EMCS can be
cost effective in reducing the energy use for HVAC
and lighting system.
GREEN BUILDING FEATURES
Green Building have Many Advantages &
Features. Some important Fractures are indicating
below.

'Energy efficient equipment for air conditioning

and lighting systems & Use of onsite renewable
energy. Measurement and verification plan to
ensure energy & Water savings.

Reduction of building footprints to minimize the

impact on environment.

Minimum disturbance to landscapes and site

condition.

Use of Recycled and Environmental Friendly

Building Materials.

Use of Non-Toxic and recycled/recyclable

Materials.

Efficient use of Water Recycling

Indoor Air Quality Improvement for Human

Safety and Comfort.

Effective Controls and Building Management

Systems Installation of high efficiency irrigation
methods and selection of vegetation which have
low water consumption.

Recycling of construction debris to other sites.

Use of building materials having a high recycled
content.

Use of rapidly renewable materials. Declaration

of site as "Non-smoking" area or have
designated area of smoking.
Providing daylight and views for the occupied
areas.

GREEN BUILDING IN INDIA

India has seen strong economic growth in
recent years. In 2007, its gross domestic product was
US$1.1 trillion 1 on a nominal basis, though on a
purchasing power basis, it was the fourth largest
economy in the world at $4.7 trillion (IMF, 2008). As
the fourth largest energy consumer in 2009, India

emitted 1,539.1 Mt of carton emissions in 2009 or

4.94% of the global total that year (BP Statistics.
2010).
Construction Industry in India is one of the
rapidly growing sectors and contributes significantly to
the Nation's economy. The sector contributes to 10%
of India's GDP. Indian construction sector Is growing
at a rate of 9.2% as against the world average of 5.5%.
The sector is likely to record higher growth in the
coming years.
In 2001, the Indian government enacted the
Energy Conservation Act (EC. A 2001), which
promotes energy efficiency and conservation
domestically. EC A 2001 also authorized BEE to
establish an Energy Conservation Building
Code(ECBC).
In 2009, the Indian Green Building Council
(IGBC) is actively promoting green buildings in India.
As a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry,
IGBC is comprised of construction companies,_
architects, product manufacturers and research
institutions.
RENEWABLE ENERGY IN GREEN BUILDING
In a world of rising heating cooling and
electrical costs, we need to conserve and lessen our
footprint. Conservation and energy efficiency are
behind the ideas incorporated in the design: a high
performance building envelope, low-toxic paints and
materials, energy efficient windows and lighting, water
efficient plumbing fixtures, recycled materials and
locally produced sustainable materials.
1. Passive Solar Heating & Cooling:
Passive solar building design uses the
buildings windows, walls and floors to collect, store
and distribute the sun heat in the winter and reject
solar heat in the summer,
2. High Performance building envelope:
A high-performance building envelope is
essential to minimize the energy required to
operate the facility and maintain interior
comfort levels for ihe occupants. For
archiving that
we can uses insulated concrete forms (ICE) in the
lower level of the
building.
3. Cool day light & advance lighting:
Cool day lighting is the practice of using
natural light to illuminate building spaces.

Rather than relying solely on electric lighting

during the day, day lighting brings indirect
natural light into the building.
Lighting incorporated into the "Green"
building addition is high performance and low
energy use. This includes
fluorescent
lighting that measures light levels to ensure a
constant level of light through out the entire
Great Room.
4. Geo thermal healing cooling:
Geothermal systems use energy from
the earth to heat and cool homes and
businesses.
The temperature of the earth is relatively constant all
year allowing it to
regulate temperatures within
the structure. These systems are two types of system
Open loop system & Close loop system.
Geothermal heating cooling systems use
25%50% less electricity than the conventional methods, it
also requires less surface
area and the life span
of the system is around 25 years.
5. Recycled & sustainable materials:
The rainwater from the roof drains into the
pond west of the facility and into rain barrels placed
around the facility. Diverting rainwater to the pond
will prolong the use for educational programs and the
rain barrels make the water available for watering the
landscape.
RENEWABLE ENERGY NEEDS TO RUNING
AT HOME
Renewable energy and green design can help
to give you a healthy and efficient house that is also
environmentally friendly and saves you money in the
long term.
New Homes:

Orientation the sun to take advantage of

passive solar heating and lighting.
Build an energy efficient structure, creating a
well insulated envelope that requires less
energy of heat and cool low E windows lo
prevent the loss of heat.
Energy star appliances and lighting fixtures
save energy.
Low E windows to prevent the loss of heat
Use of advanced energy systems: geothermal
healing,
cooling,
masonry
heaters,
photovoltaic cells, solar hot water, and wind
turbines.

EXISTING HOMES:

Replace lights with compact florescent bulbs

or LED bulbs and fixtures.
Replace water fixtures with low How units.
When replacing appliances look for the Energy
Star models.
When repainting or replacing furniture or
carpeting, choose low-toxic emissions.

CONCLUSION
As the build environment account for 40% of
global carbon emission, the green building
movement as an unprecedented opportunity to
make a major contribution to new global
carbon reduction targets.
The common carbon metric will be piloted by
the leading green building rating tools and
available to all those who are dedicated to
promoting the understanding and development
of a green low carbon and sustainable built
environment.
The green building movement and technology
is for the benefit of individuals, society,
country and global environmental concerns at
large.

REFERENCES
http://www.greenbuilding.com
http://www.eere.energy.gov
httt://www.ecw.org
http://www.bp.com
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Journal of Indian Institute of Architect November.
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3) Building Construction and Material by Shushil Kumar
4) Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Govt. of India, Energy
Conservation Building Code (ECBC), user guide, July
2009.
5) MNES 2001. An Introduction to Solar Water Heating
Technology; New Delhi: Ministry of Non Conventional
Energy Sources; 27pp
6) IPCC 1996. Technologies, Policies and Measures for
Mitigating Climate Change IPCC Technical Paper 1;
Geneva: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;
84pp.
7) TERI 2000. TERI RETREAT:Creating a Sustainable
Habitat; TERI vision; Issue No 27;New Delhi: The
Energy and Resources Institute 7pp.