Dear Inspired Readers,

We are proud and excited to launch

Volume 6
our new website www.inspiredgreen.in
which will feature all our published
www.inspiredgreen.in
magazines as well as the green building
platform. The green building platform
is an interactive tool which lists
green building developers, product
manufacturers and service consultants
in the field of green making Inspired to be GREEN the easiest
way to make green building projects in India.
Stay inspired,

Contents
Isabelle

for those inspired by green, written by the experts

A cool & inspiring interview with
Ar Sharukh Mistry.

2
An article explaining the concept of eco
housing, penned by Ar.Anshul Gujarathi.

8
Our green project of the month, LEED
Platinum Kirloskar’s corporate office.

20
inspired to be
An article explaining the concept of Net
Zero Energy buildings.

26
Green aspects of LEED INDIA’s gold
certified TN Legislative Assembly.

32
Biofilms in cooling towers, the technical
aspect explained in simple terms.

36
We are happy to receive your queries,
comments and contribution
130, Old Mahabalipuram Road,
Shollinganallur, Chennai - 600119.
Ph : +91 98432 68083
isabelle@inspiredgreen.in www.inspiredgreen.in
BIEC - USGBC Certified green building. Awarded as the best steel structure in India by INSDAG for the year 2008 - 09

An Interview
with
Ar Sharukh Mistry
For 3 decades Renu, Sharukh and their team have
practiced “natural” Architecture, constantly innovating
to include every known sustainable means to strive
towards an ever lighter footprint. Known for his
integrity and inspirational leadership, Sharukh’s
tireless Endeavour towards holistic architecture takes
its inspiration from his keen observation of man’s
interaction with nature.
Known also for his talks which he does a lot of –
Sharukh likes to take his audience on a journey of
creative exploration. Despite running a diverse practice,
ranging from tsunami rehabilitation projects and SOS
villages to giant exhibition centers, the Mistry team’s
interactions with their clients, the earth on the site,
the project managers and contractors, the trees, and
the laborer’s children make it unmistakably clear that
Sharukh’s architecture definitely has a heart.
2005- Tsunami rehabilitation along east coast of India Roger Federer at a Tsunami village

Bamboo structure for a driving range @ clover greens golf course

Craftsmanship from Bastar @ the SOS Children’s village ,Raipur.

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 3

 1.What are the 3 most important parameters for
you as an architect in your approach to a green
building?
First do a stretch, then shake, rattle and roll and you are ready.
that’s it that’s all you need.-I am just kidding. Well on second
thought this would be what most animals would do when they
start their day, so why not me.
Now let me take you through the process that I follow.
Being an architect I have asked myself –frequently
Is my mind crowded?
Am I full of myself ?
Am I full of problems ?
Am I full of solution ?
Is there another way? Yes of course there are many. So I will start
by asking 3 question ?
1) Can I go in empty ?
Going in empty gives me the courage to believe is the infinite
power of the self, where you actually start to trust, yourself .You
allow the power of trust to work for you. You start to believe that
you have. What it takes.
2) Can I be Vulnerable?
Because only when you become vulnerable you become open and
that openness allows you to receive. You tweak your antenna and
you start to connect to the larger web of life. Get zapped just like
ET did in the movie.
3) Can I Listen deeply?
No, not only to your clients but also to the language of the land on
which you are about to build . Because as Derrick Jason says- this
language is older than words. At Mistry’s we believe that all sites
have stories and if you walk into that story with humility, respect,
in silence, leaving your architectural baggage at the door,-you
come back with a lot of learning.
Take off…. @ Hyderabad park
In Buddhist tradition it is said that listen not only with your mind
and ears but also with your hearts. The Zen master THICH NATH
HAN tell us –“One aspect of deep, listening is allowing what is
said to come from emptiness and RETURN to Emptiness”

2. From where do you get your inspiration(s)?

I try to be alive to my immediate surroundings, because I believe
that the source is ever present. So inspirations can come from
anywhere – from a heap of garbage or a beautiful rainbow behind
it. It all depends how you see it.

3.In your next life what would you like to be? Why?
In my next life I want to be a forest. Why? Let me explain. I have
a belief that –all evolution ultimately in this circle of life does one
thing …..it helps to build the earth. I started to think this way after
I read that it takes 1000 Years to build one inch of soil all over the
earth. The forest therefore does an amazing job towards that goal.
Also the dna of the forest is intimately connected to water around
the world. I’d love to be a gentle giant. May be a vad(banyan)

Rishtar @ Yercaud
4.What project challenged you the most and
why?
The letter below might explain
6. What are you doing if
you are not designing a
building?
I have hit 60 this year. I have grown
old but I have not grown up (my
children tell me to grow up when
I am fooling around and that is
most of the time). At MA we believe
as someone said’ You cannot do
anything meaningful unless you
are having fun doing it, and I keep
dreaming of different ways to have
fun. I travel to places of natural
beauty, I dive with my son in the
Andaman island and I golf. I am at a
high when I am outdoors.
Inspired to be GREEN thanks Ar.Sharukh Mistry, for sharing his valuable thoughts with us which was
inspiring and thought provoking.
5. Can you give us a (short) recipe
on how to become a successful green
architect?
Whatever your stage in life it is never too late to
become a successful green architect. So start
today. You just have to turn to nature and your
inner nature…..to your own inmitable way. That
way you continue to be Yourself and nobody’s
shadow. Your uniqueness will automatically
come to the fore. Remain open and trust
yourself and slowly and surely you will receive
the message.
At Mistry Architects we follow these steps when
we start to design.
Some of them have already been mentioned
earlier. So I shall not repeat.
a) Trust your intuition.
b) Be a little more right brained than left
c) Become native to the place.
d) Don’t miss out on enthusiasm.
e) Be playful, don’t forget to have fun.
f) Make children the measure of your response.
Wake up the child in you.
7. Where do you see the green
building movement in future
and how can India avoid
green-wash?
We cannot avoid green wash. It is part of the process unfortunately. Once
business finds ‘meaning’ in the triple bottom line of people,planet,and
profit, I hope it stops this practice.
Having said that, it is important to create awareness about this problem.
IGBC has started to “review all the buildings that have received
accreditation to see if they are performing to standards”, that they have
agreed to .We are going to be relentless about this follow up. We want
everybody to understand that it is a continuous process.
A lot of people confuse the green building rating system with sustainable
green design. The rating systems are tools for measuring performance,
but meaningful green design goes way beyond the brownie points of a
rating system. “The soul of the green building” movement can never be
in its rating system .It has to be in……. issues of emotion, cultural context
,playfulness, empathy,meaning,community, intuitiveness and all the
right brained issues. These are integral to any good design. But they are
intangible and not easy to measure e.g. we still don’t know the true value
of forests, rivers and oceans.
It simply means, that in the natural world the principles of green
are in perpetuity. So in the human green building endeavor it
cannot be a one-stop shop. It is an everlasting cycle.
Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 5
 GREEN
Common Wealth
XIX COMMON WEALTH GAMES Games 2010
DRI is proud to be associated with Common
Wealth Games 2010, after their successful
contribution in providing a breathe of fresh air at Beijing
Olympics 2008. The CWG 2010 Authorities are working
towards making the Commonwealth Games 2010 as the
‘Greenest’ and the most energy efficient international
sports event till date in India.
DRI is a fast growing HVAC&R company with global
footprints. DRI's products and systems are maintaining IAQ
in prestigious buildings all over the world : Beijing Airport,
China; Olympia Technology Park, India; Thai Parliament,
Thailand; National Theater, Malaysia; Pacific Controls,
Dubai; The City, Brazil; University of North Carolina Science
& Media Building, USA . . . and many more.
The companies “Green” products help to optimize energy
performance of Air Conditioning systems resulting in
considerable reduction in installed tonnage, reduction in
utility bills for entire life cycle, enhanced IAQ and productivity
and reduced health risks. As the largest manufacturer of
the energy saving air-conditioning equipments in India,
the company is supplying “Heat Recovery Wheels (HRWs)
and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVi)” for installation in
the various venues of the Games for their 100% energy
recovery & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) requirement. The
equipments will assist in maintaining high indoor air
quality in the following air conditioned stadiums which are
likely to receive the large number of spectators:
 Major Dhyanchand Stadium
 Indira Gandhi Stadium(IGI)
 Weight Lifting Stadium
 IGI Wrestling Stadium
 Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool
Greening of the venues
The construction and renovation of the venues for the XIX
Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is being undertaken
keeping in mind the Green vision of the Games. Green
initiatives for verticals such as land, energy, water, waste
and air have been taken to reduce the carbon emissions
from the Games related activities.
G reen products help to optimize
energy performance of Air
Conditioning systems resulting in
considerable reduction in installed
tonnage, reduction in utility bills for entire
life cycle, enhanced IAQ and productivity
and reduced health risks.

Vertical Green initiatives undertaken by most of the competition venues

• Use of DRI's Heat Recovery Wheels to reduce air-conditioning tonnage
• Extensive use of efficient lighting fittings such as CFLs, LEDs and TL5
Energy • Use of double glazed windows
• Buildings designed to maximize natural day lighting
• Integrated building management systems for stadiums
• Use of paints with low VOC
•• Better
Use IAQ (Indoor
of paints Air Quality)
with low VOC with DRI Fresh Air Energy Recovery Systems
•• Strategic
Better IAQlandscaping
(Indoor Airwith dust,with
Quality) gaseous pollution
DRI Fresh absorbing
Air Energy and carbon
Recovery sequestering plant
Systems
Air species landscaping with dust, gaseous pollution absorbing and carbon sequestering plant
• Strategic
Air
species
• Installation of carbon dioxide sensors to monitor Indoor Air Quality
• Use of low flow fixtures to reduce water consumption
• Water efficient chillers
• Use of low
Sensor flow
based fixtures
fixtures to fittings
and reduceused
water consumption
Water
• Water efficient
Rainwater chillerssystem
harvesting
• Sensor based
Treated fixturesfor
wastewater and fittingsand
flushing used
Horticulture
Water
• Rainwater harvesting
Landscaping system
through drip irrigation
• Treated wastewater for flushing and Horticulture
• Fly ash bricks
• Landscaping through drip irrigation
• Use of recycled PVC for flooring
Waste
• Fly ash bricks
Treatment of wastewater through STP and centralized units
• Use of of
Reuse recycled PVC fordebris
construction flooring
Waste
• Treatment of wastewater through STP and centralized units
• Over 30% green cover at all venue
Land • Reuse of construction debris
• Strategic biodiversity landscaping
• Over 30% green cover at all venue
Land
• Strategic biodiversity landscaping

Beijing 2008 showcased the best in technology,
infrastructure, facilities, and of course sportsmanship,
creating an indelible mark in history setting standards for
future display. DRI was privileged to have contributed to
the making of the history and setting standards.
and external loads. For green buildings, this system can
assist in scoring substantial LEED points in conjunction
with systems like chilled beams.
About DRI

The company has strengthened its leadership position
across the industry through the launch of its evolutionary
technology – India's first DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air
System), the ULTIMA Series. The ULTIMA Series signify
a sea-change in the prevailing scenario not only in our
country, but also in several other countries. The fresh air
is delivered at lower dew points and desired temperatures
enabling decoupling of control of internal building loads
Desiccant Rotors International (DRI), a Pahwa group
company, is a world leader in fluted media technologies
specializing in desiccant and enthalpy rotors and cassettes
and evaporative cooling pads. DRI has a worldwide
network of sales offices all over India, USA, Brazil, Europe,
UAE, Turkey, Africa, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan,
Korea and Australia.
More at www.drirotors.com

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 7

A new perception to housing:
The Eco Housing Initiative

A leaf is born on the plant stem. It takes in sun,

air, soil nutrients and efforts of mother plant
to grow to its optimum. Then it starts preparing its own food
Pune is the pioneer city for launch of Eco-housing
Certification Program. It represents one of the most rapidly
expanding cities in western India. Program implementation
and nurtures other new born leaves. It is aware of the Global in Pune was in partnership with stakeholders including the
warming & Climate change around itself but accepts the urban local body; Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC),
cruelty of nature with grace. When it dies it becomes a part leading developers, architects, housing finance institutions
of the mother earth and serves as manure for other leaves to and technology providers. Implemented by the International
grow resistant to the changes. In its entire life cycle LEAF Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) with support
survives on the available natural resources and later does from United States Agency for International Development
not leave back any alien component for disposal. (USAID) and the Global Development Alliance (GDA), the
Eco-housing initiative addresses the challenge of containing
We were like the Leaf until we started intervening with the the ever-increasing demand for resources through
machines. Artificial living was adopted by us humans for our interventions spanning policy and market development.
utmost comfort. With our growth we have caused harm to
other living entities. They are paying the price for our deeds.
As the effects of climate change are felt across the
world, both authorities and individuals are gearing up
‘Eco-Housing’ comprises of
towards the task of constructing eco friendly homes more
seriously. Fuelled by increased demand a new industry of
environmentally benevolent
eco friendly-home building has grown up and a multitude
of technological innovations have created a store of eco
and sustainable construction
friendly building materials and techniques. The term ‘Eco- practices, resulting in healthy
Housing’ comprises of environmentally benevolent and
sustainable construction practices, resulting in healthy and and productive indoor
productive indoor environment, with lesser consumption of
natural resources. It portrays energy efficiency, economical environment, with lesser
benefits due to reduced use of electricity and water, saves
time through low maintenance, improves health by reducing consumption of natural
exposure to synthetic chemicals and helps preserve the
environment. resources.
The program has been characterized by specific
interventions, including the development of Eco-housing • Site Planning
performance assessment tool, integration of Eco-housing • Environment Architecture
policy and fiscal incentives, demonstration projects, capacity • Energy Efficient Lighting
building and the development of a sustainable institutional • Solar Water Heaters
mechanism to mainstream Eco-housing practices. • Efficient Building Materials
• Water Conservation
For assessment of the environmental performance of the
• Segregation of Waste
buildings, in all 88 measures are listed under eight broad
• Other Innovative Technologies
categories, with each individual category describes a set of
measures that need to be fulfilled.
ACTIVITY
ECO-HOUISNG CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Project wising to apply for Eco-housing

certification Promoter/Developer

Joint Eco-housing Certification

Registration
body/Online on Eco housing Website

Evaluation STP/CEE/Designated Evaluation Agency

Provisional Certification STP/CEE

Final Certification Joint Eco-housing Certification body

Above figure represents the process activity the residential POINTS ACHEIVED ECO-HOUISNG RATING
scheme registered for the same. Every measure has been
assigned points depending on its impact on environment, and 500 *
its relevance to local conditions. As per the points rating are
awarded that further prove the benefit of rebates in municipal
501 – 600 **
taxes. The ratings are parallel to the rebates offered which 601 – 700 ***
are briefly mentioned further. 701 – 800 ****
> 800 *****
“Environ”
Nyati

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 9

 I
n Pune the first scheme with awarded a
5 star rating is Nyati “Environ” ph I, II,
III. The conventional luxury scheme with induced
measures for ecofriendliness today stands proud with a five
star rating. Nyati Environ in Vishrantwadi is a mega township
par excellence that is bound to capture the imagination of
the city. The apartments have been conceived to match the
aspirations of a dream home. Striking first impression is
incredible, and the sheer aesthetics of the sky rising towers is
surely a treat for the eyes. Designed on the highest technical
standards all the apartments bear an aura of quality and
style. A complete architectural marvel is blended with 76 of
the 88 measures listed in the certification programme and
avails a total of 856 points with a five star rating provisional
certificate.
The scheme has 14 buildings that are oriented as per
site limitations. Only 8 buildings are oriented as per the
environmental benefits. Remaining 6 buildings are added
upon with special measures to reframe daylight and heat
gain. The chajjas are extended in the south & west facades
with 30% wall to window opening ratio. The terraces areas
are extended to avoid direct sunlight on the walls. Daylight
and wind factors were tentatively studied for all the buildings
with considerations of surroundings and atmospheric
parameters. All the considerations were evaluated with the
building simulations software.
Apart from architectural interventions the scheme is
proposed with photovoltaic street lighting for driveways,
solar water heating, STP, waste water recycling plant,
Vermi composting, rain water harvesting, native plantation,
100% CFL for lighting and part use of eco materials for
construction. With shading analysis the shadow pattern was
studied and the areas deficient of shadows were supported
by trees with good foliage. The overall landscape plan was
devised in order to reduce the heat island effect. A special
notification has to be give to the developer for the onsite
labour welfare programme. Provision of labour camps for
150 laborers with well maintained and hygienic amenities
can be witnessed even today. Health-check up camps,
regular pesticides, mobile crèche and school are the added
advantages for laborers at Nyati site. As innovative measures
the developer takes measures for waste segregation and
Minimum material wastage, proper
reuse on site.
on site storage and material contamination are
added features. In all the concept of eco housing was
triggered with the scheme and taken up to possible optimum
level in spite of extra investments at the developer’s cause.
A Totality approach:
Energy efficiency has proved to be a cost-effective strategy
for building economies. Though efficiency often takes a
secondary position to new power generation as a solution
to global warming. This can be very well counted in the
scheme of Orange County ph II. This scheme is not
certified under the rating system but the developer had a
deeper vision to entitle it as GREEN. The next phases III
& IV of Orange County are registered for the certification
aspiring for a 5 star rating. (The schemes are currently in
the evaluation stage). As noted that building’s location and
surroundings play a vital role in regulating its temperature
and illumination thus nestled in an open plot near Baner
Pashan link road, the scheme provides ambient lux levels and
100% cross ventilation for all rooms on all floors. Three side
open flats have proper placement of windows with opening
ratios derived from simulations result in apt lighting as per
day light factor. The use of artificial lighting is thus reduced.
All CFLs - was the policy decision in the scheme. The entire
scheme including flats, common areas, parking areas and
even the labour camps display the use of CFLs and LEDs.
Almost all points in flats have “Green Energy”
as primary source & grid energy as “Stand by”. All flats
have solar- DELTA- Innovative Solar Water Heating
System. Approx. 55% of domestic electrical consumption
is minimized due to the system. Provision of fully
programmable solar water heating system of 4000 LPD is
designed. Differentiating from conventional, there is no big
solar water tank on the roof. Instead, each flat is provided
with one insulated hot water tank of the capacity- for 2BHK-
150LPD & for 3BHK-200LPD, fitted with electrical heating
coil of 3KW rating with ISI mark thermostat. There is also
be Programmable Logic Controller based automation to
ensure that each flat gets fixed quantity of hot water, and
also the electrical heater maintains the minimum reserve
level of hot water at any given time.
 All the light points have time & motion sensors with a
minute’s stand by. One of the two lifts is running on “Green
Energy” with special features of no machine room, gear less
and weight-sensing lift. The energy consumption will be as
per the weight inside the lift thus empty running prevents
energy loss. Every flat will have Blink Free Changeover
(BFC) switch, which limits use of current from “Green
If the consumption exceeds
Energy” up to 1.5Amp.
1.5Amp, the system will change automatically
from “Green Energy” to “Grid energy”. A
unique competition is created amongst the
residents to achieve zero units of electricity
consumption, thus a higher goal is achieved.
This Green energy is free of cost to flat holders.
The generation system have two windmills located on top
of the terrace, each of capacity 5KW peak & 36 solar PV
panels, each of capacity 120W totaling to 4.3 KW peak,
which will be able to produce, combined together, 15KW
peak i.e. maximum 60 units per day. The Hybrid Power
Collector (HPC) is designed to generate electricity even
at wind speed as low as 2m/sec. Along with above major
parameters additional steps towards eco friendliness are
highlighted as follows:
• Root zone system for grey water which is further
diverted for flushing and irrigation.
• Sewage treatment plant on site
• Vermicompost pits
• Native plantation throughout the site & Surroundings.
• On site farming for basic vegetables
• No Generator back up
• Designated parking lot for vehicles which will
use”Alternate fuel”.
• Electric charging point for charging of vehicles will be
provided which will use “Green Energy” only.
• All WC are with dual flush system with a flow rate of
3L & 6L per flush
• Separate chutes for collection & separation of 100%
bio-degradable, and non-biodegradable wastes.
• The manure from bio-degradable wastes, will be
utilized 100% green. Within the site itself.
• For next phases: with Eco Housing Certification:
Reduction in property Tax of corporation from 10 to
50% for flat owners
• Reduction in power bill for each & every flat as well as
for common areas which will be almost zero.
With all the above efforts MR.SONIGRA
SANDEEP R. proudly reveals a total saving of CO2
emission of 195 tonnes/year. With an extra investment of
250 Rs/sq.ft. against the construction cost of 1650 to 1700
sq.ft he is availing a profit of 20 to 25%. With the driving
Motto that “Nature has solution for everything. Only you
should look at it” he looks forward to give to the world a
Net Zero Energy Building and Net Zero Carbon Building.
With a payback of 12 years when he can show the courage
to in-built the technologies any other developer can go for
sustainable construction, because that is for own children.
India’s population is projected about 1.26 billion by
the year 2016. This is 2.4 per cent of world’s total area &
18 % of the world population. With this pace, India will
overtake China as the most populous country by 2050. 400
million people are expected to migrate in next 40 years from
rural places. All the above statistics indicate pressure on
natural resources, water shortage, soil exhaustion & erosion,
deforestation, air & water pollution, etc.
With an eco vision let us all work towards the greater
cause. With going GREEN we need to adopt the behavior
of leaf in totality. Part acceptance in living standards will not
serve the purpose. This is not a Mr. or Ms. GREEN Title
race. So, Believe, Behave and Be -GREEN.
Brief about the author:
Eco Solutions is founded &
headed by Ar.Anshul Gujarathi –
An architect from Sir J J college,
Mumbai and a post graduate in
Environmental architecture from
Pune University.
Eco-solutions gives special
emphasis on Environmental
Consultancy, Eco Interiors and
renewable energy solutions. The
firm offers assistance in obtaining
Green Building Ratings and has
been instrumental in obtaining
1st Eco Housing Certification
for a leading construction group
in Pune. She can be contacted at
ecosolutions2009@gmail.com
Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 11
 Powered by
Auroville Energy Products

www.aep-auroville.com
India's first online shop for solar components

Compact Solar Power System

PS 07 is a compact solar power system
including the control unit and the load
supply. 12/9/6/3 V outlets are provided to
supply small loads like a small TV, radio,
cassette-cd players.
Applications- Camping & leisure,
expeditions, weekend house, camping,
rural electrifications.
Wins order from State Bank of India for 545 ATMs
Solar Charge Controllers

V ortex Engineering, a pioneer and leading provider of Rural

ATM’s (Automated Teller Machines), announced India’s
first large-scale rollout of Solar ATM’s. This rollout follows the
The CML series is a sophisticated solar
charge controller family for low-cost
applications. The electronic circuit is
winning of an order from State Bank of India for a deployment of
equipped with a microcontroller that
545 ATM’s across semi-urban and rural India. Of these 545 ATMs,
provides high-efficiency charging
over 300 will be solar-powered. technology together with a number of
Vortex’s Solar-powered Gramateller Duo ATM’s have been outstanding status display, warning and
developed in collaboration with IIT Madras. Built on years of R&D, safety functions.
with a steady focus on rural needs, these are innovative low power
consuming ATM’s tailor-made for semi-urban and rural areas. Phocos' MPP-Tracker
This ensures maximum performance
A conventional ATM consumes about 1000 W of power and from the solar array at all times and in
requires an air-conditioned environment—another 1500 W—for all weather conditions. The MPPT can
functioning. Thus, a conventional ATM consumes about 1800 units yield an energy gain of up to 30% from
of power every month. the PV array (with the average gain being
10%-25%).
The Solar Revolution:
Vortex Gramateller Duo When a Central Unit is used, up to 16
Power consumption Reduced by 1728 units per month (up to 96% saving) MPPTs can be used together in one system.
CO2 emission Reduced by 18,500 kg/year
Air-conditioning Not required Some of the other products
Optimum for semi-urban and rural areas

Solar powered ATM’s consume less than 100 W of power and do

not require air conditioning, thus consuming less than 72 units
per month. This indicates a saving of 1728 units per month and at
least Rs 1,20,000 per year (at a conservative commercial rate of
Rs 6 per unit) when compared to a conventional ATM installation.
Compared to conventional ATM installations, Vortex’s solar-
powered Gramateller Duo ATM’s reduce CO2 emissions by at least Lamp Set LED Flashlight Laptop Adaptor
18,500 kg per year.
Vortex’s Solar-powered Gramateller Duo ATM is the latest product The AEP Solar Shop is situated in the International Township of
in the company’s well-known Gramateller Rural ATM series. With Auroville, South India. The team consist of highly motivated and
built-in Biometric capabilities, Gramateller ATM’s have been dedicated staff providing solar related services for many years.
used by the Government to disburse wages under the MGNREGA
(Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) Auroville Energy Products
programme. CARE, Auroshillpam
For further information, please contact: Auroville 605101
Nishant Maller/ Nikhila Kesavan TamilNadu, India
20:20 MEDIA Phone : +91 (0)413 2622 581; aep@auroville.org.in
+91-9840070444/ +91-9840124036/ 044-30985600
Marketed & Supported by Anchor Electricals Pvt. Ltd.
 Lighting Control
A Necessity for Today’s Buildings for a Better Tomorrow

T ypically the largest electrical load in a commercial building is lighting which accounts for 20-40% of the
average business’ electric bill. While light is a commodity essential for productivity, lighting is a business asset
that should be managed as a critical component of both the building and the organization that occupies it. Generally, this
entails investing in a good lighting design, which in turn utilizes the right lighting equipment, to maximize visual comfort
while minimizing operating costs and carbon footprint.
Automated controls can save up to 40% of this power by providing the right amount of light, where and when it is needed. These
same controls can also help provide a safer, more productive work environment while reducing building operation labour.

How Does It Save ?

Energy = Watts x Time
Saving lighting energy requires that you either reduce the lighting wattage or reduce
the run-time. High efficiency electronic ballasts, compact fluorescent lamps and
reflectors all focus on reducing the connected lighting wattage.

Controls focus primarily on reducing the run-time

This is especially true of relay-based automatic Lighting Control Systems to eliminate
waste while maintaining occupant satisfaction and productivity.

Three Control Strategies

The Lighting Control Systems rely on three strategies to reduce run time:

Scheduling is by far the most common.

Effective systems allow lighting to be scheduled by area or function to automate
common sense… when lighting isn’t needed, turn it OFF.

Motion sensors are used in those areas where occupancy is much less predictable,
such as conference rooms and rest rooms. Passive Infrared Sensor detects small
human movements to turn lighting ON in these areas.

Daylighting takes advantage of natural light by using sensors to reduce the run-time
in day lit spaces. For a successful application, all of these strategies must take into
account how occupants use the space. In some areas, such as offices and classrooms,
this means allowing Manual Overrides.
When Should one Consider Lighting Automation?
Lighting control is always a good idea. The only question is whether the lighting should
be controlled automatically, manually or both. Some practical indications that lighting
automation makes sense:
• Building codes may require it.
• A building automation system exists or is planned.
• You can identify more than 2 hours a day of wasted lighting operation.
• Lighting control strategies fit. The most sophisticated lighting control system will
not be effective for a 24-hour-a-day operation with no day lighting.
• Room for improved building management. Enhanced central control can reduce
labor cost and improve building maintenance.
• Lighting can be used to enhance the security system.
Lighting systems use lamps and ballasts to produce light, and various controls
to turn lighting on and off via switching and raise and lower its output via
dimming. Basic controls—e.g., a simple wall switch—rely on human initiative.
Automatic controls switch or dim the lights automatically in response to an
input signal—e.g., programmed schedule, occupancy, available daylight—and
thereby save energy by turning off or lowering lighting when it is not needed.
Automatic shutoff controls are now a staple in new buildings because of energy
codes, and daylight harvesting controls are now beginning to be required in
upcoming Green Buildings.
When the digital revolution caught up to lighting control, advanced lighting control
options became available that go beyond conventional automatic lighting control
capability in terms of capabilities, integration, flexibility and scalability. An advanced
control system should offer:
• A choice of control method (dimming or switching) for different control
tasks, enabling a complete offering of control strategies that go beyond
energy code compliance;
• Individual control of light fixtures (via unique address), enabling greater flexibility
and allowing workers to control their own lighting, a best practice demonstrated in
research to improve worker job and environmental satisfaction;
• Ability to configure and reconfigure lighting control zones as space needs change
using PC based software, avoiding the cost of and hassle of rezoning by rewiring
fixtures and controls;
• Central management capability with remote access, allowing facility operators to
optimize the performance of the entire building (or campus) control system via
software installed at a single workstation;
• Easy integration and data sharing (such as real time occupancy status) with
building automation and other building systems, including capability to partner
with utilities and implement a demand response program;
• Elegant equipment and wiring configuration enabling the above features and
benefits—including lighting energy cost savings of up 40-50% —to be economically
achieved.
The Lighting control solution should be cost effective and easy to design/specify, install, First, the controller can be sized to the
use and adapt. In either case, digital controllers are networked with controls such as application—with one controller, for example,
switches, occupancy sensors, photo sensors and compatible software using digital controlling all of the outdoor lighting as a group,
communication architecture. with a series of small controllers dedicated to
each indoor light fixture to provide individual
Proprietary approach like Panasonic Full 2 Way System offers the advantage fixture programming and control.
of the entire control solution being delivered by a single manufacturer, with Similarly, the ballast may be fixed-output or
assurance that all components will work together as specified, and with clear dimming, based on need, without being tied to
accountability and remedies. dimming ballasts throughout the application.
And finally, the controller may be able to
The point of control resides in dimming ballasts or in relays distributed close to the loads
work with off-the-shelf 0-10VDC dimming
they control. If the point of control is the ballast, an additional piece of equipment—
ballasts (and controls) from any reputable
the relay-based controller—is eliminated, but this type of solution is generally more
manufacturer, providing choice while reducing
expensive, as more expensive digital ballasts are required. If the point of control is a
costs due to the lower price point of analog
controller with one or more relays, three benefits are achievable that can increase cost
effectiveness. ballasts.

Lighting control is the future of lighting and offers building owners and managers one of today’s greatest opportunities for
saving energy with better lighting.

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 17

 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: AN OXYMORON?
A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined.

Such critics of the concept of sustainable development
also suggest that it should instead be termed as “sustainable de-
growth”, since they believe that environment and development
(or growth) are antithetical to each other; that is, environment
degradation is the price that needs to be paid if development is
to be achieved. Deteriorating environment is often linked with
increasing economic activity, requiring deforestation, energy
consumption etc. “Development” is usually held responsible for
environmental damage, while environmentalists are accused of
being “anti-development”! Even a popular economic concept, such
as the “Environmental Kuznets’ Curve” suggests that environment
degradation increases, with an initial rise in per-capita income, and
later decreases with further development.
Environment and Development: Antonyms?
However, to view environment and development as antagonistic
terms is to have a very narrow viewpoint. Once the perspective
is broadened, development and environment can be seen as
complementing each other.
Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use that aims
to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that
these needs can be met not only in the present, but in the indefinite
future. In other words, development that meets the needs of
current generation without compromising the needs of future
generations is termed as sustainable development (as defined
by the Brundtland Commission). Thus, when development is
viewed in terms of “quality of life” and not mere “numbers”, the
complementarity between environment and development comes
to the fore.
Linkages between environment and development
To refute the notion that environment degradation is a necessary
condition for growth and development, I suggest two propositions,
which assert that environment and development can, and should
exist simultaneously.
Firstly, development can help conserve environment. Thus, both
growth and environment conservation can be achieved together.
Constructive intervention can help enhance the quality
of environment; and development facilitates constructive
intervention. Thus, development can not be provided as an excuse
to hamper environment. In fact, progress in the field of science
and technology has given us the tools to protect the environment.
Efficient electrical appliances, fuel-efficient vehicles, better
methods of recycling and waste disposal, the concept of green
architecture and many other such techniques are all a result of
scientific advancements, which have been made possible due to
investment in the field of technology.
Undoubtedly, technology has made us lazy and seemingly
insensitive towards nature and environment, but no one can deny
that technology alone has opened up possibilities of adopting a
greener lifestyle. It is, therefore, our choice: whether we wish to
use technology to conserve or destroy the environment.
others are deeply affected by water pollution, soil contamination,
acid rains, depletion of bio-diversity and other forms of pollution.
Thus degradation of environment clearly affects employment and
growth.
Moreover, noted economist and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen
asserts that environmental plunder affects distributive justice,
which is an important branch of development. Pollution is caused by
the affluent classes (effluents from industries, vehicular pollution,
wastage of resources etc.) but its ultimate effects are borne by the
disadvantaged (scarce resources, contaminated water, poor air
quality etc.). Sen strongly condemns this “disguised manslaughter”.
This clearly highlights the fact that severe environment damage
can retard rather than promote development, through its strong
distribution effects.
These linkages unambiguously underline the complementarity
between environment and development. Without doubt, one can’t
exist without the other.
Sustainable development: how can we achieve it?
Surely, sustainable development is not an “out of reach”
phenomenon. To achieve it, we just need some simple
measures, common sense, practicality and sensitivity towards
the environment. We need an integration of developmental and
environmental concerns. Every society, at each level can contribute
towards conserving the environment. The government can make
intelligent policies and ensure strict implementation of the laws. In
addition, a system of incentives and disincentives could be devised,
aimed at protecting the environment. For instance, efficient
appliances (CFLs etc) could be subsidized, while pollution causing
vehicles (fuel-guzzling SUVs) could be taxed heavily. Educational
institutions can also contribute by spreading awareness and
internalizing the issue in young minds, with the help of NGOs.
Enterprises can fulfil their corporate social responsibility by
minimizing wastage in their offices, using efficient equipment
and adopting environment-friendly production processes. At the
individual level, simple steps like minimizing wastage of paper,
water and electricity at homes, avoiding littering in public places
and above all, being aware and conscious of environment issues
can go a long way in repaying our debt towards the environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, I would yet again assert that sustainable development
is, by no means, an oxymoron. Instead, it is a phrase that needs to be
incorporated in our lives at each level. It is an ideology that should
be the foundation of government policies, if we genuinely wish to
leave behind a clean and green Earth for our future generations.
Parul Gupta, Student, M.Sc. Economics,
TERI University,New Delhi

Secondly, environment degradation can ultimately lead to reversal

of development. Thus, harming the environment to achieve
“higher growth” is surely a risky prospect.
Without a clean and green environment, development has no
meaning. The starkest example of this proposition would be a
person who earns a 7-digit salary, but suffers from respiratory
diseases due to air pollution and hence has to spend a huge portion
of her/his income on medical expenses!
In addition, pollution and depletion of natural resources adversely
affects livelihoods of all those who are directly dependent on the
environment. Fishermen, cultivators, dairy farmers and many
 Green
Project of
the Month

The KBL Corporate Office needed to be rooted strongly in the

local context with global reach outlook and reflect the client’s
commitment to the environment, quality and excellence. The key
focal point of this project is the collective commitment by the client
and the architect to build green.

KBL
Corporate
Office,
Pune
 “Don’t worry about the future...
Create it!”-S.L. Kriloskar
The architectural design encompasses a building that is clearly
a high technology facility with “water” as a prominent theme in
the form of three shells depicting water droplets on the main
building facade. These shells incidentally protect the south
and west facade of the building against the sun as well. The
orientation of the office is in north south direction with open
office concepts which partly overlook inside the landscaped
atrium with natural light filtering in through skylights and
remaining on the outside. The building envelope including
the high performance glass provides a good thermal barrier.
The offices have columnless spaces which gives a flexible
design. The work stations are aligned at 90 degree to the glass
facade for better light penetration. Cabins/meeting rooms are
placed linear and also have a view of the outside. Open decks
overlooking the atrium acts as common meeting spaces for
informal discussions.
Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 21
Green features at KBL....

Building foot print are planned in such a way that Glazing to enhance and to provide daylight to the front
maximum open space is available. facade..

Workstation equipped with task lighting & it’s height has More than 75% of spaces are lit with daylight and more
been planned at lower level for better vision. than 90% of spaces have view to exteriors.

Landscaped terrace gardens irrigated through STP China Mosaic tiles for the terraces, with skylighting for
treated water. the interiors.
At a glance
HVAC Consumption
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
Jun-09 Jul-09 Aug-09

Total HVACTotal HVAC

Consumption DesignDesign HVAC Consumption
Consump HVAC Consumption
The HVAC consumption analysis of the project for the three consecutive
months depicts the difference in the kWh power consumption for the
HVAC. This difference is possible due to the various factors such
as the sustainable design features, appropriate selection of energy
efficient fixtures. And the ventilation is exceeded by 30% than the
ASHRAE standard.

Treatment of STP situated within the campus,

which meets the 100% water requirement of
the landscapes.

Building LightingBuilding
Consumption
Lighting Consumption
Building Lighting Consumption
25000.00
25000.00

20000.00
20000.00

15000.00
15000.00 ActuA
ConsC
10000.00
10000.00 Desig
D
LightL
5000.00
5000.00

0.000.00
Jun-09
Jun-09 Jul-09
Jul-09 Aug-09
Aug-09
Actual Lighting Consumption Design Lighting Consumption

The building lighting consumption analysis of the project for the

three consecutive months depicts the difference in the kWh power
consumption for the lighting. The effective utilization of daylight
is shown in this project. And the internal lighting LPD is less than
Use of fabric canopy on the southside as a
0.75W/sqft.
shading device.

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 23

Photovoltaic system installed on terrace which generates Use of grass pavers for the entire parking area.
around 2.5% of the building’s total energy.

FSC Certified wooden flooring for CMD’s room. CRI certified carpets for meeting rooms and cabins.

Apart from green design features KBL features green strategies such as encouraging public transportation for the employees, and
providing the opportunity to use alternate fuel vehicles, green design education and green house keeping policy.

Venkataramanan Associates, Pune are the architects of this project,

and their design intent for building it green is very much evident.

And the LEED consultants for this project are Environmental Design
Solutions, whose guidance has enabled the project to bag the LEED
India “Platinum” status for the project.

Inspired to be GREEN appreciates Kirloskar Brothers Limited,

for spreading the importance of sustainability by building their
corporate office GREEN.

hitect.
Thora t, Project Arc
Ar Vinayak
Introduction
In the pursuit of energy efficiency and needs, excess electricity is exported to the utility grid.
sustainability, net-zero energy buildings (ZEB) The nonrenewable energy is thus canceled out.
are an exciting next step. A ZEB is a residential or
The net-zero site energy definition encourages
commercial building that consumes a net total of
aggressively energy-efficient designs, can be easily
zero energy from nonrenewable sources (such as
verified through on-site measurements, and has
utility electricity, natural gas, or oil). These buildings
the fewest external fluctuations that influence
are so energy-efficient that they can rely mainly on
the ZEB goal. Johnson Controls considers this the
renewable energy generated on-site. They typically
net-zero “gold standard” for buildings. Additional
use nonrenewable energy such as utility electricity
discussion of the relative merits of net-zero/
and natural gas at times of year when renewable
near-zero strategies can be found in a conference
energy does not meet demand. But at times when
paper from NREL, “Zero Energy Buildings: A
the on-site generation is greater than the building’s
Critical Look at the Definition” (2006).

Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies,

Oberlin College, Ohio

Absolute Zero
Net Zero Energy
commercial buildings –
an inspiring vision for today.
Clay Nesler
Vice President, Global Energy & Sustainability
Anne Shudy Palmer
Senior Research Associate

Johnson Controls, Inc.

About the integrated design process
When compared to traditional design and construction,
integrated design techniques allow for much greater efficiency
improvements, sometimes at a lower capital cost, by tightly
connecting functions of various building components. Typical
thinking suggests that each unit of energy savings costs more
than the previous unit of savings. While this might be true at
the component level, it is no longer relevant at the system (or
building) level. For example, properly designing the levels of
insulation, solar gain, and thermal mass might allow a building
to eliminate much of the capital cost related to heating and
cooling systems.
In order to achieve radical increases in energy efficiency, the
right steps need to be taken in the right order in the design or
renovation process. First, and most important, designers need
to define what services the building must provide – and then
define the design problem around only what must be provided.
Hawaii Gateway Energy Center, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Common Features of Zero-Energy Commercial Buildings
The eight zero-energy buildings profiled later in this paper have
a number of characteristics and design concepts in common.
They are not large
All eight buildings are one or two stories tall and comprise
less than 15,000 square feet. The authors believe that is mainly
because the ZEB concept is new and is being tested – not because
it can only work in small buildings. However, a building’s size
and especially its shape do significantly affect its ability to meet
a ZEB goal using only renewable energy generated on-site.
Energy modeling performed by NREL and DOE shows that it
would be harder for three-story buildings to meet ZEB goals
with on-site resources and extremely difficult for buildings of
four or more stories. That is because multi-story buildings have
relatively higher load densities, relatively less roof area for PV
systems, and relatively less daylighting potential. Although this
might seem like a major limitation of ZEB design, it does not
affect most U.S. commercial buildings, which on average are
one story and 8,000 to 16,000 square feet.
Providing services that aren’t desired or necessary, or are of
higher quality than needed, will make it harder to achieve a
net zero result. For example, how much space is really needed?
How much lighting is necessary for the space?
After the design problem is closely defined, it is essential to
look for ways in which the necessary services can be provided
for free (daylighting, passive heating/cooling/ventilation).
If the services cannot be provided for free, then ways must
be found to provide them most efficiently. In the process of
designing the most efficient system, it’s important to think
about how systems can be coupled together so that waste
streams from one can be used as inputs elsewhere (thermal
integration, gray water recycling, etc). After the loads are
reduced, then the supply system should be sized and integrated
into the rest of the design.
Challengers Tennis Club, Los Angeles, CA
Efficiency comes first. Every bit counts.
Energy saved in a ZEB is energy that the building doesn’t have
to produce. An effective methodology to achieve maximum
building efficiency is:
1. Load reduction: Reduce every energy-consuming load to the
minimum and eliminate unnecessary loads. In a new building,
start with a design that includes only the energy services that
are actually necessary.
2. Systems efficiency: Meet the remaining loads as efficiently
as possible. Optimize the efficiency of the system as a whole,
in addition to the individual components. (For example, make
sure that pumps, motors, fans and insulation are optimally
specified for the facility.)
3. Regenerative systems: Use waste energy for useful purposes.
4. Renewable systems: Generate power on-site and renewably.
One notable effect of extreme efficiency is that, as lighting and
HVAC systems get more efficient, plug loads become relatively
more important and a more significant target for reduction.
Thus, choosing the most energy-efficient devices becomes
essential to achieving net zero energy use.
Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 27
Integrated design and operation are necessary.
Zero-energy buildings achieve their goals best when all
parties involved – from owners to architects to contractors
– share the zero-energy vision and collaborate throughout
design and construction. Further, facility operators and
building occupants, who control system settings and plug
loads, must actively participate to make the building achieve
its design goals.
On-site renewable energy is a priority.
Renewable energy generated on-site has the most permanence
over the life of the building. Land off-site that produces
wind or solar energy for the building may eventually become
more valuable for other uses, and purchasers of renewable
energy from distant sources have less incentive to reduce the
building’s energy use initially and maintain low use over time.
This does not devalue purchases of renewable power – it simply
highlights the motivational and permanence advantages of on-
site renewable energy generation for those buildings that have
this option.
Monitoring and verification prove the
achievement.
Once a ZEB is in use, careful monitoring and verification are
needed to back up the design claims and, often, to identify and
correct improperly constructed or functioning systems. The
owners of buildings that share this monitoring data are helping
to disseminate actual information about the performance
of ZEBs, and that should reduce the risk and accelerate the
construction of new ZEBs.

IDeAs Z Squared Design Facility, San Jose, CA

“In five years, anyone
would be crazy to
design a building that
isn’t green. But I’ll bet
you that Greenbuild in
five years won’t just be
about green buildings.
It will be about zero net
energy buildings, and
about technologies to
increase the amount of
excess energy building
owners can sell on
the grid.”
Former President
Bill Clinton,
Greenbuild Keynote
Address, November 2007

Conclusion About the author

By shifting the focus from a percent energy savings
goal to an absolute goal of “zero,” net-zero energy
buildings offer a clear and inspiring goal for
new buildings, and a significant way to improve
building energy sustainability and to reduce the
environmental impact of buildings.
In some cases net-zero energy buildings have
been shown to be cost-effective when compared
to traditionally constructed buildings. In other
cases, building owners have invested in ZEBs to
demonstrate their commitment to renewable
energy, the climate, and other non monetary values.
The proof of concept provided by these buildings,
combined with the increasing efficiency and lower
costs of renewable energy technologies, should
lead to the growing adoption of ZEB techniques
and technologies within the commercial building
marketplace. More experience with zero energy
buildings will also lead to an awareness of best
practices that will drive the cost lower and reduce
perception of risk associated with concept.
Clay Nesler is the Vice President, Global Energy
and Sustainability for the Building Efficiency
business of Johnson Controls. In this role, he is
responsible for overall energy and sustainability
strategy, policy, communications and innovation on
a global basis. He is also a member of the Johnson
Controls sustainability leadership team responsible
for setting overall sustainability strategy and policy
across the corporation.
Since joining Johnson Controls in 1983, Clay has held a variety of leadership
positions in technology, new product development, marketing and strategy
in both the US and Europe. He has been active in ASHRAE as an author,
speaker and technical committee chairman. He is the recipient of the 2005
CoreNet H. Bruce Russell Global Innovator’s Award for development of the
Solutions Navigator™ game board-based collaborative planning tool. He is
also listed as the co-inventor of ten U.S. Patents. Clay received his BS and
MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign.
Clay currently serves on Wisconsin Governor’s Task Force on Global
Warming, the Executive Committee for the Energy Efficiency Forum in
Washington, D.C. and the advisory committee for the Climate Registry.
 Insulation of Buildings
When designing a Green Building and addressing the issue of energy-efficiency, one
of the most important factors is the design of the building envelope system. Heat is
gained in a building (from a warmer exterior environment) through conduction of

Don’t walls and roof and hence use of THERMAL INSULATION is the most essential.
Insulated buildings have less heat transfer through the building envelope when
compared to conventionally constructed buildings, resulting in less heat gain or heat
loss to the exterior environment. This directly translates to less energy-consumption

let the and lower operating costs for air-conditioning.

Basics of Insulation

energy
While insulating a building, the most critical elements of the building envelope are
the exterior walls, roof and flooring. It is best to use materials with low thermal
conductivity [W/m2K] for these elements. Construction materials like AAC-blocks
or hollow brick blocks should be preferred over concrete and conventional bricks.
Higher thermal insulation can be easily achieved by covering roof, walls and floors

escape with insulation which are available in different specifications on the market. The
most commonly used materials for insulation of buildings are:

• Extruded polystyrene (XPS)

from
• Polyurethane (PUR)
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Over-deck roof insulation

your
building!
Final layer
(Tiles, paving-
by slabs or roof garden)

Mr. Zafer Ansari

Geo-fabric
General Manager,
Marketing & Sales STYROFOAM*
DOW Building solutions Waterproofing
membrane
Screed or brick batt
coba to create slope
Roof slab

Why Over-deck roof insulation?

• Extreme temperature variations
• Protection against thermal loads
• Expansion contraction cycles
• UV protection (tiles/ballast/garden)
• Membrane protected against mechanical damages
Simulation results - roof surface: Insulated roof with gravel:

• Surface temperature is estimated 75 deg C and 73 respectively

• XPS insulation thickness of 75mm (R-15) reduces the temperature to 27.5 deg C
• When the desired room temperature is 25 deg C, the air-conduction load is reduced to minimal resulting in less consumption of
energy / savings on electricity bill.

1.Wall 5.Fastener
2.Screed 6.Render
3.Adhesive 7.Mesh
4.STYROFOAM IB 8.Render
Insulation 9.Finish

Application Choosing the “RIGHT” insulation

The majority of Insulation products come in boards which can • 100% closed cell structure
be installed very fast on the exterior. The best way is to install • High resistance to water absorption
any kind of insulation on the outside of the wall or roof to make • High compressive strength
maximum use of the insulation effect. Over-Deck application • Low thermal conductivity
for roof and EIFS for walls, these applications are most effective • High Mechanical Properties
and largely recommended by architects/consultants for optimum • Fire Classification
energy conservation.

Payback of Insulation
Insulation of the building envelope is definitely a wise decision to save on energy-cost. To accurately calculate the energy-savings,
an energy simulation should be done for the whole building.

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 31

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly

Client: Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Block A, Chennai

Certification Achieved: LEED Gold under LEED India New Construction

Green Building Consultant: En3 Sustainability Solutions

Key Highlights: The TNLA-Block A has achieved LEEDTM Gold certification from the Indian Green Building

Council (IGBC), making it the first Assembly / Senate green building and India’s largest governmental building to

receive this level of recognition.

SUSTAINABLE SITE PLANNING

• The project is in ideal location with close proximity to
public transportation thereby minimizing transportation
pollution and strain on local infrastructure.
• Being built on a previously developed site, the project has
taken great care to protect existing structures and trees,
transplanted several trees and preserved the
high quality top soil throughout the construction phase
to reuse the same for landscaping.
• Provision of battery charging stations and in
an effort to promote use of alternative and low emitting
vehicles and to reduce transportation pollution.
• Provision of carpooling spaces within the premises in
an effort to promote and ride sharing to reduce transportation
pollution as well as strain on the local infrastructure.
• The entire site has been well-planned with lot of open
and landscaped spaces to promote bio-diversity
• The project also has planned for covered car parks in
order to reduce local heat island effects and provide more
comfort for all the occupants.
• Rain water harvesting tank and pits have been provided to
harvest water on-site and ensure post-construction runoff is
less than pre-construction runoff.
• Green roofs and reflective roofs have been planned
for the project to reduce heat islands and to minimize
impact on micro climate and also reduce heat ingress into
the building.
 LEED Gold Certified
WATER MANAGEMENT
• native / adaptive species
Water is an integral part of “TNLA Block A” building and
every effort is been taken to minimize water use within
the site.
• 100% of the waste water generated on-site is
reused within the site itself for landscaping and toilet
flushing and no water is let out of site thereby conserving as
much water as possible
• All landscaping areas have been planted with
of vegetation which require
little or no irrigation after few years thereby reducing the
water requirement significantly.
• By installing water efficient fixtures such as low flow dual-
flush toilets, sensor based urinals and hand washes and
reusing treated water for flushing the building has reduced
the overall water consumption by over 52 %.
TNLA’s Block A was inaugurated on 13th
March by our Honarable Prime Minister
Dr.Manmohan Singh, the grand function was
attended by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chair person
of ruling in the presence of Karantaka Chief
Minister Mr.B.S. Yeddyurappa, Andhra
Pradesh Chief Minister Mr.Rossaiya, Union
Cabinet Minister of textile Mr.Dayanidhi
Maran, and other dignitaries too.
Inspired to be GREEN feels happy in
having such a pioneer project in Chennai,
which shall be an outstanding example for
demonstrating the importance of Green, and
shall contribute towards spreading the green
movement in Chennai. And we also wish the
project team for their colossal effort which
made this possible.
Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 33
 ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING
• The building’s shape and exterior cladding has been
designed as a smooth arc which gleams obliquely against
the linearity of the neighborhood as against a standard block
construction and helps reduce the direct heat radiation on
the building thereby reducing energy consumption.
• The exterior of the building is a combination of shaded
windows, energy efficient low-e glazing and a
screen that incorporates traditional ‘kolam’ designs in a
effort to reduce overall heat ingress into the building and
save on energy.
• Use of energy efficient air conditioning system
that ensures delivery of fresh, filtered air to every room
thereby maintaining thermal comfort while reducing
energy consumption is another notable feature.
• Use of efficient lighting systems to reduce the
overall energy consumption.
• In line with international standards, the refrigerants used
in the air conditioning system are environmentally friendly
very low ozone depleting and global
and have
warming potential.
• Provision of a detailed metering system to ensure that
adequate measurement and monitoring of all
systems in the building has been done to continuously
monitor the building post-occupancy as well

OPTIMIZATION ON MATERIAL AND RESOURCES

• storage and collection of
Provision of space for
recyclable materials such as paper, glass, plastic,
metals and establishment of contracts with recycling agents.
• The project has very special focus on materials and every
effort was made by the contractors and designers to ensure
that materials and resources were utilized optimally. Almost
all of the construction waste has been recycled
or reused within the site itself thereby diverting almost
nothing to the landfills.
• In addition to the use of rapidly renewable materials
other sustainability attributes such as materials with a high
percentage of recycled content, materials that are locally
available and responsibly harvested wood products such as
plywood and veneer have been carefully selected and used
in the project.
• Another important feature of this building is a number of
materials shall been extracted and manufactured
locally/ regionally thereby reducing the pollution
associated with transportation.

TNLA was created with a vision

to introduce a new level of
environmental consciousness
throughout the entire State of
Tamilnadu as well as the country
at large. It has emerged as a
leader in sustainable urban
development and has set the
tone for future developments in
this region of the world. Below
is the photograph of the Chief
Minister of Tamil Nadu looking
at the LEED Gold Plaque with
the Green Building Consultants
for the project Ms. Deepa
Sathiaram and Mr. Sathiaram
Ram of En3 Sustainability
Solutions. Also seen in the
picture are Mr. S. Rajarathinam,
Secretary to Chief Minister
and Mr. S. Ramasundaram,
Secretary PWD.
 INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
• In order to support enhanced IAQ and long-term well-being
of all occupants, adequate fresh air has been planned as
per international ASHRAE standards.
• The entire building is a non-smoking building thereby
ensuring the health and safety of all its occupants.
• All adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings used in the
building are low VOC (volatile organic compounds)
paints thereby having minimum organic emissions that are
harmful to humans.
• All the composite wood products used have been
View of interior of assembly hall
purchased to ensure that they do not contain urea
formaldehyde that can be potentially harmful for
occupant health.
• By design, majority of the occupants of the building
will have control over their lighting and air
conditioning set points thereby giving them the flexibility
to control their own environment
• The building has been designed to provide thermal comfort
for the occupants as per international standards.
Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 35
BIOFILMS
in COOLING
TOWERS

What are Biofilms?

Bio Films are layers of bacterial colonies which form saccharide or
“sugar” Linkages between themselves. This results in the formation
of a film or slime layer on any surface in the water circuit. They
utilize nutrients and other microbes present in water to multiply
and increase in thickness.
Biofilms are a result of evolution by microorganisms to survive in
fast moving streams of water. They use the linkages to strongly
adhere to any surface or substrate. The structure of these
biofilms is referred to as “wovenmatrix Colony”. This makes
biofilm removal a major challenge in cooling towers.
The matrix is basically water. The microbes are dispersed in this
matrix of water. Biofilms are made up of 85-95% water.
The temperature and free nutrient availability in cooling
towers make themideal for biofilm growth.
The protection afforded to the microbes by the slime allows for
rapid multiplication in the numbers of bacterial colonies causing
the biofilm to increase in thickness. Increase in the thickness of the
biofilm results in various problems in the cooling circuit.
Economic effects 100
80
Reduction of heat transfer efficiency: Bio films have one-fifth
60
the conductivity value of carbonate scale. Hence 1mm of
40
bioslime has the same effect as a 5mm carbonate scale layer.
20
As is clear from the above Graph a carbonate scale of around 0
5 mm thickness reduces the heat transfer efficiency by 1 2 3 4 5 6
approximately 27%. Thickness of Scale in mm
7 8 9 10
Energy loss in %
Increase in Corrosion: Sulfate and Iron Reducing Bacteria
in the circuit can greatly increase the corrosion rate in the
pipelines. If unchecked this can even result in the need for
changing of the entire pipeline.

Friction Loss: Biofilms function as stagnant films of Water. This reduces

the effective pipe diameter. Hence these films result in increase of
friction losses leading to higher head requirements. For Power Plant
and Industrial Cooling Towers the circulation rates are so high that
even a marginal increase in head loss or pump head requirement
leads to a huge increase in BKW and Energy costs.

Shutdown for Cleaning: If biofouling reaches a level where shutdown

and cleaning of the cooling towers are required then the process
shut down costs in industry or Zero power generation costs in power
plants are enormous. If not properly controlled this can occur with
greater frequency causing huge losses.

Complex Biocide Programs: If disinfection is not satisfactory,

Complicated Biocide Programs with frequent change in biocide’s
become necessary. These result in high chemical costs.

Problems with conventional disinfectants

Bio fouling of a circulation
system with hypochlorite after 1 year
• Disinfection effect of Chlorine is highly pH Dependent – Almost
nil beyond pH > 8
• Chlorine Forms toxic byproducts like chloramines and halo forms
(THM), which are cancer-causing agents.
• Chlorine has limited action against biofilm & Blue green algae.
• Chlorine is ineffective against certain deadly pathogens like
Legionella.
• High risk in storing and handling Chlorine Gas.
• Statutory Regulations are high for storing Chlorine Tonners.
• Rapid degradation of hypo chlorite concentration.
• When organic biocides are used certain bacteria & pathogens
become resistant over a period of time and hence the treatment
program needs to be continuously revised.
• Biocides are generally proprietary and hence expensive.

Health effects
Circulating water systems operate mostly between 30-40 Deg C. These
are ideal breeding ground for various pathogenic & resistant bacteria.
Bacteria like Legionella residing in the bio film can reach critical
pathogenic concentrations and result in outbreaks of Legionnaires
disease. It is essential to keep bio films under check to prevent any
such outbreaks.

Same system with chlorine dioxide after 1 year

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 37
Advantages Of ClO2 for Cooling Tower Disinfection
• The disinfection (oxidation) effect of chlorine dioxide is
significantly better than chlorine in the same concentration.
• Oxidation potential of chlorine dioxide is approximately 2.5
times that of chlorine.
• No formation of toxic chloramines and haloforms (THM) –> no
bad smell or taste.
• Compared to other biocides, chlorine dioxide has a
considerably stronger disinfection effect against all types
pathogens like viruses, bacteria & algae.
• Long residence time: even chlorine-resistant germs, such as
legionella, are destroyed safely and completely by chlorine
dioxide.
• Disinfection independent from the pH value > ideal for
disinfection of high alkaline pH water.
• Destroys & eliminates biofilms in cooling tower.
• Chlorine dioxide is highly selective in its reactions for example
it does not react with ammonical nitrogen and hence the
consumption and dosage requirements are generally much
lower than that of other disinfectants.
Chlorine Dioxide – Ideal Disinfectant for Cooling
Towers Disinfection
Chlorine Dioxide is becoming increasingly popular in the field
of water treatment as the disinfectant of choice for many water
treatment applications. The chemical formula for Chlorine Dioxide
is ClO2. The properties of chlorine dioxide seem to be an ideal mix
of the salient properties of Ozone and Chlorine.
Chlorine Dioxide is environmentally friendly, and in fact, is a
pollution protection technology, that assists in protecting the
environment and human health, from bacteria and by-products
formed from other disinfection methods.
Chlorine dioxide cannot be transported or stored for long periods
and needs to be generated on site using safe generation methods
with the required safety trips and monitoring systems.
• Acid/Chlorite
• Chlorine/Chlorite
• Three Chemical- Acid/Chlorite/Hypo

Mechanism of Disinfection by ClO2

Chlorine dioxide disinfects by disrupting metabolic cycles of
microorganisms. This makes it effective against even virus spores.
This characteristic of chlorine dioxide also ensures perfect
disinfection of the water eliminating bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae,
protozoa etc.
Chlorine Dioxide is approximately 2.5 times more oxidizing than
chlorine and hence is able to penetrate tough biofilm layers. This
makes chlorine dioxide the ideal disinfectant for biofilm removal.
The mechanism of disinfection coupled with its very strong oxidizing
nature allows chlorine dioxide to destroy chlorine resistant biofilms Targeting legionella
and many other chlorine resistant germs.

Safe & Efficient Generation of ClO2 About Grundfos

Decades of experience and research have revealed, that many
disinfection tasks can be accomplished much better with the
addition of chlorine dioxide. Grundfos Alldos offers solutions for
effective and safe disinfection: the Oxiperm® chlorine dioxide
generation systems.
Though ClO2 offers plenty of advantages safe & efficient generation
is a Challenge.
This is because ClO2 gas is unstable & explosive above a certain
concentration which requires adequate safety interlocks in the
ClO2 Generator.
Efficient & Reliable generation is required to optimize the chemical
usage and get maximumyield.
Oxiperm ClO2 Generators: Grundfos Alldos offers easy to Operate,
fully PLC based ClO2 Generators to ensure complete safety & highly
efficient production of ClO2.
Types of systems:
Grundfos is the world’s largest pump manufacturer, based in
Denmark with more than 18,000 employees globally. Grundfos
produces electric motors for the pumps as well as a considerable
amount of electric motors for separate merchandising.
Furthermore, Grundfos develops and sells state-of-the-art
electronics for controls for pumps and other systems.
It’s the full range supplier of pumps and pump solutions,
represented in every part of the world. The Chennai facility of
Grundfos is one of the first LEED Gold rated building in India.
About the authors
The authors of this article are Mr Gangaprasad, Senior Segment
Manager CBS & Dosing - 9840927901, Mr Feroz Asst Manager
Sales - 9840948720 and Mr Anirudh Application Engineer -
9282145181.

Oxiperm - pro 162: upto 10g/hr (using 7.5% NaClO2 & 9% HCl)
Oxiperm 164D : upto 2000 g/hr (using 7.5% NaClO2 & 9% HCl) Inspired to be GREEN thanks the authors on behalf of the readers
Oxiperm 164C : upto 10,000 g/hr (using 25% NaClO2 & 33% HCl) for spending their valuable time in explaining the concept
Oxiperm 166 : upto 10,000 g/hr (using 25% NaClO2 & Cl2 Gas) biofilms in cooling towers in simple terms.
 Disinfection Systems for Swimming Pool and Water Treatment

Use our specialist expertise to be sure you get both the right
water quality and a lower chemical consumption. On the basis of your
specifications, we can design, install and commission complete dosing systems.

Grundfos Pumps India Pvt. Ltd. Toll Free No. : 1800 - 345 - 4555
118, Old Mahabalipuram Road,
Thoraipakkam, Chennai-600 097, India. SMS PUMPS to 55050
Phone : +91 44 24966800
Fax : +91 44 24966969 Website : www.grundfos.in
E-mail : salesindia@grundfos.com E-Mail : salesindia@grundfos.com

Ahmedabad : (079) 4006 3618 | Bangalore : (080) 2649 2660 | Bhubaneshwar : (0) 99370 34044 | Coimbatore : (0) 97910 11130 | Chandigarh : (0) 97791 25824
Cochin : (0) 98474 28872 | Delhi : (011) 4222 6090 | Hyderabad : (040) 2373 1014 | Kolkata : (033) 2231 1837 | Madurai : (0) 99401 12407 | Mumbai : (022) 2686 0706
Maldives : (960) 3322400 | Nagpur : (0) 92252 14096 | Pune : (020) 3240 3640 | Raipur : (0) 99935 83536 | Surat : (0) 97250 45271 | Vizag : (0) 98666 60391
Jaipur : (0) 97846 42582 | Goa : (0) 99701 55976 | Lucknow : (0) 99360 98222 | Indore : (0) 98930 98763 | Rourkela : (0) 99370 48005
 An Efficient Way of Air Conditioning
HMX Ambiator is an innovative, eco-friendly, highly
energy-efficient and a healthy alternative to conventional air-
conditioning. It offers 100% fresh, filtered and cool air with
low carbon foot-print.
HMX Ambiators work on the combination of new generation
sensible cooling technology & an advanced adiabatic cooling
which is also called IDEC (Indirect-direct evaporative cooling)
technology. The core of HMX technology is new generation,
highly energy efficient (EER between 25 and 40) patented
technology (patent pending) sensible heat exchanger also called
DAMA (Dry Air Moist Air).
HMX Ambiators achieve machine outlet Dry Bulb
Temperature (DBT) below the concurrent ambient Wet Bulb
Temperature (WBT) thus providing a comfortable, pleasant,
and healthy indoor environment for various applications.
This HMX Ambiator’s capability puts it in a different league
altogether from any DEC (direct evaporative cooling) system.
Psychrometric representation of HMX Ambiator’s
working principle.
HMX Ambiators work on the principle of two-stage evaporative
cooling i.e. IDEC (Indirect Direct Evaporative Cooling).
During the indirect cooling stage there is a drop in the dry bulb
temperature without adding moisture to the primary air. Then the
cooled primary air is passed through the adiabatic heat exchanger
i.e. direct cooling stage, and thereby the cooled primary air has
a further drop in temperature while picking some moisture /
humidity in the process.
The above process is shown below in a psychrometric chart:

HMX Ambiators are having an installed base of over 6 million CFM in India and growing.
Psychrometric Chart based on barometric pressure of 1013 mbar
Moisrture kg/kg
0.03

0.025

0.02

DEC 0.015
IEC
C 0.01

B A 0.005

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
Dry bulb temperature in Deg C
Salient features & benefits – HMX Ambiator
Advantages Limitations
Lower capital cost Lower cooling
temperature 24 Deg C*
Very low power Relative humidity 60-
consumption 70% as against 40-60%
achievable with a
conventional AC system
100% fresh air on Ambiator is somewhat
continuous basis against bulky and has to be
10% , superior clean mounted in open space
indoor quality
* - Its the temp. achieved in the indoor space. At machine outlet the temperature will be below the ambient wet bulb temperature
Source: TERI Document DCS 001
Salient features & benefits – HMX Ambiator
• Energy-efficient – Saves upto 60% of the energy compared
to conventional air conditioning, having high energy
efficiency ratio (EER) between 25 & 40.
• Safe & Cool – 100% fresh air application, clean and
filtered air flow, excellent indoor air quality (IAQ), no sick
building syndrome (SBS).
• Eco-friendly – No CFCs involved, zero ODP (Ozone
Depletion Potential), and help reduce GHGs (Green House
Gases) significantly.
• Reducing chances of infection - Helps reduce viral density
in the air thereby reducing the chances of infection from
contagious virus in air e.g. swine flu.
• Versatile – Options of variable speed drives, PLC / micro
processor based control systems, remote management and
integration with existing control systems / BMS (Building
Management Systems) and EMS (Energy Management
Systems)
• Excellent ROI & payback period
• Patented Technology - New generation patented* sensible
cooling technology heat exchanger (*patent pending)
• Flexible – can work in tandem with existing conventional
air-conditioners
Applications include
HMX Ambiators offer new generation, low carbon, comfort
conditioning solutions for your commercial and industrial
requirements like:
• Comfort air-conditioning for indoor spaces
• Industrial ventilation and cooling
• 100% fresh air applications
• Inlet air cooling to increase the efficiency & output of gas
turbines, air compressors and large DG sets etc.
HMX Ambiator – Winner of ISHRAE Awards of
Excellence 2010 for “Green & Sustainable” category
HMX Ambiator’, exhibited at the ACREX 2010, has won the
ISHRAE Awards of Excellence 2010 in the category of ‘'Green
& Sustainable Product'. The HMX Ambiator was also nominated
Comparision of Conventional AC system with Ambiator
Conventional AC Ambiator based AC
Can provide 20-24 Deg C & 30- Can provide less than 26 Deg C
60% RH for 96% time in a year & RH in
range of 60-70%
Power requirement : ~1.2kW/TR Power requirement only 0.5-
0.6kW/TR; demand savings also
possible
Typically 10% fresh air 100% fresh cool air
Sick building syndrome No problems of sick building
envisaged syndorme
Poor indoor air quality Excellent indoor air quality
CFCs causing ozone depletion Eco-friendly. No CFCs allowed
in two more categories “Innovation” and “Indoor Air Quality”.
ACREX 2010 was held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre,
Mumbai, from 17th-20th Feb'10. The Clean Technology Group
of A.T.E. Enterprises and HMX Systems jointly participated in
this exhibition and had exhibited HMX’s products such as HMX
Ambiator, HMX Economizer & a model hybrid air conditioner.
About A.T.E.
A.T.E. is committed to a sustainable development and offers
an integrated approach to green technologies and products.
A.T.E.'s Clean Technology Group was created as a response
to the growing need for innovative technology solutions to
mitigate the impact of climate change and to promote sustainable
development. Our areas of focus are comfort conditioning and
water. For comfort conditioning, we provide HMX Ambiators,
which are manufactured by HMX Systems Private Limited,
Bengaluru (www.hmz.biz) - a Group Company of A.T.E. HMX
Systems has been instrumental in developing this patented *
sensible cooling technology system in comfort conditioning
space (* patent pending).
According to the World Bank technical paper WTP 421, on
Evaporative Air-Conditioning (EAC), “The final air leaving
an indirect-direct EAC is generally 3 – 4 Deg C cooler than
what could be achieved with a direct EAC unit alone”. HMX
Ambiators are made robust to withstand the water / climate
conditions in India and are also equipped with UV treatment
units to ensure circulated water is free from bacteria and other
such germs and no foul smell comes through the system.
Contact details
A.T.E. Enterprises Pvt Ltd.,
7 Shreenivas Classic, Baner Road, Pune 411 045, India.
Tel +91 | 20 | 27293942 Fax +91 | 20 | 27293308
Email hmxambiator@ateindia.com
Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 41
 The simple solution would be to replace the traditional glass
cleaner with an environmentally preferable product. After all, an
environmentally preferable glass cleaner will clean the mirror
and will do so while reducing the health and environmental

A cleaner, healthier future.

impacts. However, in Healthy High Performance Cleaning, we
must also consider the process of how the glass cleaner is used
in addition to ancillary tools and equipment. Depending on how
the product is applied, the amount of vapors that are potentially
As JohnsonDiversey, you expected us to deliver the best, most effective portfolio
released during the use of the product can vary greatly. For
of cleaning products. You relied on our world-class innovation and service to make
example, if the product is sprayed on the mirror with a trigger
cleaning and sanitation more efficient. You valued partnering with us to address
sprayer in a fine mist, it will cause more vapors than if the
the most challenging needs. You looked to our leadership in making a cleaner,
cleaner is applied in a stream.
healthier future for the world.
The vapors can be even further reduced if the cleaner is applied
Now, we’re simplifying our name under one powerful brand—Diversey—to to a wiping
better cloth. In fact, micro-fiber clothes are preferred over
reflect our world leadership in the commercial cleaning and hygiene other types of wiping clothes because of their proven ability to
business.
As Diversey, you can continue to expect us to deliver the very best pick up and remove dust and small dust particles. Healthy High
products,
services and partnership. And you can count on us to do even more to Performance
deliver real, Cleaning forces us to consider both the product
sustainable value. and the process to Achieve our goals.

We’re Diversey, and we’re leading the world toward a cleaner, healthierManaging
future. a building is a huge responsibility. As an asset it can
be worth tens of millions of dollars and some historical buildings
are irreplaceable. The materials of construction, energy and
other products used in building operations have an enormous
environmental impact.
The impact of cleaning chemicals and processes makes an
indelible impact on the lives of the people who work, visit and
live in the building. Thus, Stewardship is about “care” for a
building far beyond the basic operations.

J HEALTHY HIGH
ust imagine where we would be today without the
means to remove harmful and unwanted contaminants
from our buildings. Contaminants like bacteria,
viruses, molds and fungi can adversely affect human health.

PERFORMANCE
Common dirt dust and soils can be contaminated with pesticides
and other chemicals. Poor indoor quality is often associated
with improper cleaning products and procedures. Aside from
the obvious impact on health issues (respiratory illnesses,
allergies, headaches etc) the cleaning products and procedures
can also impact an organization financial bottom line. Without a
doubt cleaning is important to protect our health as well as the
CLEANING
buildings in which we live and work.

Healthy High Performance Cleaning programs are designed to

improve a buildings environmental quality and sustainability
A pathway to
with a cost neutral or cost reduction impact on operations.
It is a unique, all inclusive approach to cleaning that helps Sustainable Cleaning
ensure a clean and safe work environment, increase employee
productivity and satisfaction and enhance the value and integrity
of buildings
Diverseywhile reflecting
India Pvt. Ltd organizational mission and values.
A - 8, Laxmi Towers, Bandra Kurla Complex
In most cases400the
Mumbai 051product issue seems to get the maximum
attention. To66444222
Tel: 022 further illustrate the point, consider the use of a
www.diversey.com
traditional glass cleaner used to clean a restroom mirror. Some
of these products are made with alcohol and ammonia. These
ingredients help remove fingerprints and other soils, and quickly
evaporate to leave a streak-free surface, even when over-applied
or not wiped off thoroughly. When these ingredients evaporate,
restroom occupants may be exposed to low levels of vapors that
remain in the room. The vapors can potentially be circulated
throughout the building by the ventilation system exposing the
building’s occupants who may never have entered the room. Author:
Finally, the vapors are exhausted to the outdoors where they can Mr. Abhay Desai
contribute to atmospheric Smog and pollution. Director Marketing South Asia.
What do we mean by Stewardship? Here are the 10
Stewardship Principles we follow:
1. Go beyond Appearances
Clean to protect health and the environment first and appearance
second. It is not what is seen that is the real area of concern. Even
buildings that appear clean can be extremely unhealthy. Thus, focus on
cleaning for health and the environment. In most cases the appearance
will be addressed at the same time.
2. Take a Holistic Approach
Clean and maintain the building as a whole, not just as separate
components. Cleaning and maintenance in one area of a building can
impact other areas. For example, VOCs from stripping and recoating
a floor in one area can migrate to adjacent areas or even the entire
building via the HVAC system. Appropriate actions must take place to
insure the health and safety throughout the entire building.
3. Educate and Communicate
Commit to people, education and communications. Buildings don't
get dirty or get cleaned by themselves. These activities are dependent
on people! A successful Healthy High Performance Cleaning program
should involve both the cleaning personnel and building occupants.
Get people involved, keep them involved by celebrating and
communicating successes, and let them know the value/benefits of
the program.
4. Scheduled Routine Maintenance Cleaning Personnel Responsibility
Scheduled maintenance that is frequent and thorough is the most
The role that cleaning workers play in a Healthy High
efficient and effective method for building maintenance. Concise
Performance Cleaning program compared to a traditional
plans and records are a must.
cleaning program is very similar when we look at the
5. Plan for Accidents day-to-day responsibilities for keeping facilities clean,
Specific procedures need to be developed to address accidents. removing trash, and restocking restroom supplies, etc. In
Plans should address weather-related problems as well as common a Healthy High Performance Cleaning program, cleaning
spills (e.g., coffee), water leaks, smoke or air contamination by a personnel are part of a Stewardship Team, not a group
chemical spill. of individuals responsible for cleaning the building. The
importance of their role in maintaining a healthy indoor
6. Minimize Exposure
environment should be elevated in stature throughout the
Reduce human exposure to harmful contaminants and cleaning
facility. The result is improved communications, which in
residues. Workers should always use the appropriate personal
turn means there are fewer problems that can be solved
protective equipment. Areas where work is taking place should
more quickly and with less aggressive or toxic materials.
have adequate ventilation. Work schedules should be established
to minimize exposure to building occupants. Finally, products used
should be the most environmentally preferable to accomplish the task. Occupant Responsibility
7. Minimize Residue Defining Healthy High Performance Cleaning programs
Use micro-fiber cloth to minimize chemical, particle and moisture also identifies the critical role played by occupants. For
residue when cleaning. The products that are used for building example:
maintenance due to their ability to quickly and efficiently remove ■ Cleaning a simple coffee or beverage spill becomes
oils, soils, living organisms, etc., can also contribute to a building's more difficult over time as the spill dries. As it seeps
problem if used incorrectly. into the carpet and dries, it can require more aggressive
stain cleaning agents to remove. The time it takes for
8. Ensure Safety an occupant to report a spill directly affects the type of
Keep workers and building occupants safe and secure at all times. cleaning product that is used for removal.
9. Reduce All Pollutants ■ Occupants who eat in their work areas may leave food
Minimize the amount of pollutants entering the building with a crumbs in and behind desks, this may require the need to
concerted effort toward source removal. It is significantly more use toxic pesticides if the crumbs attract insects or rats, a
effective in terms of both time and money to keep contaminants out of huge problem in urban areas.
the building than to try to remove them once they have entered. ■ Those who work in clutter, or who create excessive
amounts of trash, or who don’t
10. Safe Disposal Recycle, increase the amount of time custodial workers
Dispose of cleaning waste in an environmentally appropriate manner. need to maintain the area, resulting in less time to perform
other vital tasks.

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 43

A cleaner, healthier future.
As JohnsonDiversey, you expected us to deliver the best, most effective portfolio
of cleaning products. You relied on our world-class innovation and service to make
cleaning and sanitation more efficient. You valued partnering with us to address
the most challenging needs. You looked to our leadership in making a cleaner,
healthier future for the world.

Now, we’re simplifying our name under one powerful brand—Diversey—to better
reflect our world leadership in the commercial cleaning and hygiene business.
As Diversey, you can continue to expect us to deliver the very best products,
services and partnership. And you can count on us to do even more to deliver real,
sustainable value.

We’re Diversey, and we’re leading the world toward a cleaner, healthier future.

Diversey India Pvt. Ltd

A - 8, Laxmi Towers, Bandra Kurla Complex
Mumbai 400 051
Tel: 022 66444222
www.diversey.com
 h
it ed
n
w it
o i m
si sL
Mr. Rakesh Verma

cus a ie has been involved

is tr with Green Buildings
D
e rmdus and Products for the last 10

ing V t In
years. He is a Civil Engineer
r & PGDMM, currently working for

In
s pi
e sheres Everest Industries as Business head
for boards & panel division . With his deep

A
n ak Ev
s)
knowledge about building materials he is sharing

rR
some insights on green construction materials:
s
M ine
s
Bu What is your stake on “Recycled content”

rds and how does Everest incorporate

o a
(B
M
G.
Does Everest products have multiple
applications in buildings?
Yes, Everest products have multiple applications in
buildings as mentioned below
As Improving building envelop performance
• Exterior cladding
• Roof tile underlay
• Roof sarking
• Over deck insulation
As Energy efficient materials for building interiors
• Thermally and Acoustically effective internal
partition systems i.e. it adds to the betterment of
values along with other insulation materials.
• False ceilings and ceiling linings for interiors.
• Wall linings (general and wet areas)
• Dry wall partitions
• Flooring Substrate.
The need of the day is products which can be used in many
different ways. There is a wide selection of boards available
on the market, which can be used for false ceilings,
cladding, dry walls and partitions. A board which is used
as partition, ceiling or wall is asked to provide excellent
sound insulation, thermal insulation, water and moisture
resistance as well as fire-protection. Modern buildings are
designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind and the
materials must match the individual design requirement.
this in it’s products?
When waste is generated during a process, we look at it as
“useless” material and dump it on a landfill site. Industrial
processes producing huge amounts of waste and the safe
disposal is becoming a major problem. This waste material
may be dumped or reused as a “raw-material” to produce
other goods and materials. Everest’s Fibre Cement Boards
has post industrial recycled content i.e. at least 35 % of
flyash (waste from coal based thermal power stations)
and 5% of recycled pulp. Therefore use of post industrial
recycled content material in boards is atleast 40% , thus
helps in conserving the new virgin material. Reusing waste
of course, has many benefits; first it reduces the need for virgin
materials and secondly reduces the amount of dumped waste
and saving energy in the process. Using Everest Fibre Cement
Boards which are produced with recycled content will earn
the project points in the LEED rating system.
In your experience, does “Green doesn’t
mean more expensive”?
Green construction has to face a misconception of being
more expensive than conventional buildings. This is not true
when you consider life cycle and operating costs and look
at a building in a holistic way. Not all “green” materials are
more expensive than conventional products. Some green
products may come with a higher price due to a higher
production cost. The idea of green products is that they use
RECYCLED CONTENT WHICH IS CHEAPER THAN
VIRGIN MATERIAL, THE PRODUCTION SHOULD
USE LESS ENERGY to lower the carbon footprint, and THE
MANUFACTURING PROCESS IS PREFERRED TO BE
LOCALLY IN THE COUNTRY. All three factors contribute
to a less energy consuming product which could be cheaper
than conventional materials.
To work for future generations and bring more awareness
about green building construction is a great motivation for
Mr Rakesh Verma and we hope that this is a common goal of
all our “Inspired to be Green” readers.

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 45

l e e d
decoded Sustainable Sites Credit 7: Heat Island Effect

Intent
To reduce the heat island effect (thermal
gradient difference between developed and
undeveloped areas).

Heat Island effect

An urban heat island (UHI) is a metropolitan area
which is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural
areas. The temperature difference usually is larger at
night than during the day, and is most apparent when
winds are weak. Seasonally, UHI is seen during both
summer and winter. The main cause of the urban heat
island is modification of the land surface by urban
development which uses materials which effectively
retain heat. Shaded parking
Requirements
For Non-Roof
• Minimum 50% of the parking area to be
undercover (or)
Covered parking
• Shade for parking lots, walkways within 5 years
(or)
• Open-grid pavement system for a minimum of
50% of the parking lot area.

For Roof
Grass pavers
• Install green roof for 50% of the roof area (or)
• 75% roof surface with SRI given in table below.

Green Roof
A roof a building that is partially or completely
covered with vegetation and a growing medium, High SRI paving
planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may
also include additional layers such as a root
barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. it
helps in absorbing rainwater, providing insulation,
and to lower urban air temperatures, whereby
reducing heat island effect on roof.
Green roof
SRI Paint
SRI is the value of the any material (such as paint)
which corresponds to the overall ability to reject solar
heat. The higher the value the higher is it’s ability to
reject the heat. Usually paints with higher SRI value
are lighter in shades such as white. High reflectance roof

Roof Type Slope SRI

Low sloped roof <= 2:12 78
Steep-sloped roof >=2:12 29
This article is written by Santhosh M IGBC AP, Final year student of Architecture at Hindustan College of Engineering, Chennai.
 What is geothermal cooling? Why air-conditioning tonnage
Geothermal (or Geo-exchange) is a type of HVAC System (Heating,
(TR) is reduced & energy
Venting, and Air-Conditioning). efficiency (EER) is increased using
The earth absorbs almost 50% of all solar energy and remains a geothermal?
nearly constant temperature of 10°C (50°F) depending on geographic A typical "Air Conditioner" operates
location. Working with an underground loop system, a geothermal as follows. Heat is transferred from
unit utilizes this constant temperature to exchange energy between the enclosure components by circulating air
the building and the earth as needed for heating and cooling. around and through them, the air is then cooled,
Geothermal is the most efficient Air-conditioning system because dehumidified and returned to the enclosure
the ground temperature stays stable and has no regard for the above without the admission of air from the outdoors.
ground ambient temperature. A geothermal heat pump simply takes The heat is removed from this air within the
advantage of this low temperature energy source and pumps it up to air conditioner and discharged by means of a
a usable level to cool/heat the building. Geothermal Heat Pumps are vapour compression refrigeration cycle. This
very different as compared to "Air to Air" Heat Pumps. "Air to Air" takes place in a hermetically sealed system,
Heat Pumps absorb energy from the outdoor air which fluctuates on utilizing either an air-cooled or water-cooled
a daily basis. Geothermal Heat Pumps draw energy out of the ground condenser coil. A schematic of a typical Air
which stays relatively constant year round. Conditioner
Lifecyle
is illustrated
cost
Geothermal Conventional
analysis
Chiller Geothermal Geothermal Lifecyle
Factor
City Chiller EER cost
kW/TR kW/TR EER Geothermal Conventional
Equipment
analysis & +10-20% -
Ahmedabad 1.15 0.48 10.46 25.01 Installation
Factor

Bangalore 1.12 0.45 10.72 26.81 Maintenance

Equipment & Equal Equal
+10-20% -
Installation
Operational
Chennai 1.27 0.51 9.48 23.69 - 30-50 yrs
Cost/annum
Maintenance Equal Equal
Hyderabad 1.23 0.53 9.75 22.58 Chiller
Operational
Jaipur 1.11 0.43 10.85 27.61 Equipment
Cost/annum >25- yrs 30-50 yrs
<25 yrs
Lifespan
Kolkatta 1.25 0.49 9.57 24.65 Chiller
Cooling
Equipment >25- yrs <25 yrs
yrs
<10
Mumbai 1.16 0.46 10.34 25.85 Tower
Lifespan
Ground
Cooling Heat
Nagpur 1.16 0.48 10.39 25.13 Renewable
- <10- yrs
Exchange
Tower
NCR 1.17 0.47 10.28 25.73 Make-up
Ground Heat No Yes
Water Renewable -
Pune 1.13 0.44 10.65 27.13 Exchange
Energy
Make-up Lower
No Higher
Yes
Demand
Water
Opportunity
Energy
for Carbon Lower
Yes Higher
No
EER Comparision Geothermal vs. Air Source Cooling Demand
Credits
Outside Temp 32.2oC 37.7oC 43.3oC Opportunity
Geothermal 17oC 17oC 17oC Opportunity
for Carbon Yes No
for
Credits
Air Source 10.5oC 9oC 8oC Yes No
Accelerated
Opportunity
Depreciation
for
Life cyle Cost Yes
Lowest No
Higher
Accelerated
Depreciation
Life cyle Cost Lowest Higher

Geothermal
Cooling
The most efficient Air-Conditioning system Mr. Grant Morrison,
Director Geothermal India
www. geothermalindia.com
Auditorium at Apollo Nursing College Chennai.

Building Size 5,124 sqft

Building Usage Auditorium for lectures, presentations and meetings

Type of System Open-loop Ground Heat Exchange (GHX)

Units 5 x 5TR Water-to-Air Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)

Energy Savings 35%*

Project objectives Results

Provide highly efficient Thermal Comfort • Geothermal HVAC Chiller kWh = 0.58
to Apollo Hospitals • Geothermal HVAC System kWh = 0.89
• Tested at 24 Deg C space cooling

Assess the design skills of Geothermal • Geothermal India Building Simulation predicted Chiller kWh = 0.58;
India • 99.3% accuracy to actual independently measured and verified data at the site
• Geothermal India Building Simulation predicted System kWh = 0.88; 99.3%
accuracy to actual independently measured and verified data at the site

Attempt an Open Loop application for • Geothermal India achieved the first Open Loop Geothermal HVAC in India
Geothermal HVAC • Open loop conserves water
• Conventional HVAC loses 1-3% of water through cooling tower

Evaluate Geothermal HVAC performance • The Geothermal HVAC solution is about 35% more efficient than a comparable
in a tropical climate Conventional HVAC solution in Chennai
• A higher-end Geothermal HVAC unit would achieve an additional 25% efficiency
for the same project (0.43kWh)

Benchmark Geothermal HVAC project

pay-back compared to Conventional HVAC • The Geothermal HVAC Project at Chennai will achieve project pay-back in less
based on predicted usage than 2 years.

Methodology
Geothermal India utilized the following technologies:
1. eQUEST from the US DOE (Department of Energy) with
proprietary add-ons for Geothermal HVAC solution sizing and
building simulation
2. Revit MEP for HVAC low-side design, schedules and
additional building simulation
3. Autodesk Ecotect for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
to assess and visually display Thermal Comfort and Airflow to
validate the solution sizing and low-side design.
Geothermal India performed three Building Simulations & then
compared to results to a manual reconciliation calculation to
ensure our designs deliver on our promise.
Design inputs:
1. Hydro-geological survey
2. Auditorium building plans and specifications provided by
Apollo Hospitals
3. Ground Source Heat Pump product specifications
4. Heat load factors - people, equipment provided by Apollo
Hospitals
5. Indicative hours usage per annum provided by Apollo
Hospitals
6. Chennai weather conditions from ISHRAE weather file
7. Conventional HVAC system for comparison

About Geothermal India

Geothermal india™ is the first company to successfully design and implement open loop geothermal airconditioning solutions in
India. Geothermal india’s™ geothermal execution experience offers India air-conditioning with the lowest cost of ownership. Lowest
cost of ownership is the sum of acquisition & installation costs of air-conditioning together with its operation & maintenance costs.

Inspired to be GREEN I Volume 6 I 49

Why
build
drywalls
instead of
plastered-
brick-walls?
A drywall is constructed with
a steel framework. On both sides
plaster boards are fixed to the
frame. The air-gap between the two
panels can be filled with insulation to
increase the thermal performance, fire
rating as well as sound insulation.

Construction Materials
around the globe
Brick is used as construction material since hundreds of years
– and it is still used in India! Looking across the sea to America
we observe that nobody has the time and money to spend to
construct solid brick walls. In Europe solid bricks were replaced
by hollow brick blocks or AAC blocks which are much bigger
in size and come with a high thermal performance for external
walls. In much the same way drywall construction replaced solid
brick walls for internal partitions. This is very popular for office
spaces, hotels, hospitals and residential applications. There are
several advantages of drywall construction which make this form
of construction increasingly popular in India.
Faster Construction Time
The time of construction for drywalls is much less than for
brick walls. For the drywall, panels need to be screwed to the
framework on both sides. Brick walls need to be built brick by
brick over a longer period of time to allow the mortar to dry.
Less work
source of pictures: www.mydigitalfc.com
Reduced emissions through transport
Brick-construction is heavier and requires more transportation for
the building material as compared to drywall construction.
Less waste
About 10% of bricks are broken during transport of construction;
this waste is often dumped or brought to landfills. The waste
generation with drywalls is much less as the material comes in
light and easy to handle panels.
Higher thermal performance
Drywalls with filled insulation material will increase the
efficiency of air conditioning as the transmission-losses through
the walls are reduced.
Selection of boards
Different materials can be chosen as drywall-construction, the
most commonly used are :

To build a partition in the size of 3 meter by 2 meter, about 4 • Gypsum Boards,

panels and one steel frame is required. The materials are easy • Fiber Cement Boards &
to transport and require not much labor. Constructing the same • MDF Boards
wall out of bricks will require hundreds of bricks and a good
amount of mortar, the labor intensity for this construction will
be much higher.

Less use of water

Construction of brick-walls requires water, what can be saved by
constructing drywalls.

Less use of sand

Construction of brick-walls requires lot of sand for plastering,
which can be saved by constructing drywalls.
 GREEN DATA CENTER
Air outlet 28 Deg C
Air Inlet 18 Deg C
Data
centers run 365 days, or 8760 hours, a year. Densely
packed server racks generate ever increasing computing power,
which is almost completely converted into heat. India develops
to the world’s biggest data-center hub and the continuous growth
over the last years will continue with tremendous speed. These
great business opportunities come along with challenges for
power generation and cooling.
The world’s information is transferred through servers and data
centers which need to be powered by electricity and cooled to a
temperature between 19 and 26 degree celsius. Excellent HVAC
design of data centers is vital for functioning of the datacenter
and also to achieve energy-efficiency and high reliability.
Energy-efficiency in data centers plays a vital role not only
for the environment but also for the financial returns. Energy
consumption for cooling of data centers takes more than 40% of
the total power. Green data centers use the energy of the ambient
to harness power savings and this approach could be deployed
mainly in regions of India, where winter ambient temperature
are 18 degree celsius and below. The energy savings with this
approach to use free outside air is substantial and it needs a
careful selection of the site and all good practices to be applied to
ensure the savings are achieved.
CRAC : Precious Airconditioning with free cooling mode system.
28 Deg C
CRAC Unit
Service racks
19 Deg C
Closed-circuit air-conditioning systems maintain the ideal room
temperature and humidity conditions for sensitive IT. Cold
supply air is conveyed to the data centre via the raised floor, and
the heated air returns to the CRAC/PAC unit. Today, due to ever
increasing heat loads, this process basically takes place via a
network of hot and cold aisles.
Green Data centers in India are the need of the today. Detailed
planning and selection of best performing systems will lead to
energy savings of about 30 – 40%. The key points of a green data
center design include:
- Variable cooling delivery with external ambient air usage
deployment.
- Airflow management with relation to DELTA/ difference in
supply/return temperatures
- Room/rack layout in relation to load pattern to be deployed
- Component power efficiency
- Power and workload management
After the green design of the data center there is only “e-waste”
left to deal with, but that is another story…
We thank Rajesh Balakrishnan, Managing Director from Stulz-
Chspl (India) Pvt Ltd for this valuable information. Read more at
www.mycooldatacenter.com / www.stulz.co.in