Green buildings are those that optimize energy consumption and in many cases, produce their own energy. Green buildings are also those that minimize the utilization of raw materials or use recyclable raw materials to reduce the wastage of resources. In a nutshell, green buildings minimize our carbon footprint, in whatever way possible.
While green buildings require some additional investment over normal buildings, this investment is generally paid back (due to energy savings, water savings, etc.) in a couple of years. Thereupon, it's pure profit. All our buildings (including residential ones) can be constructed/modified to become greener.
Green buildings do not reduce the comfort level for people living in them (as far as possible) and in most cases, they create a more healthier/relaxing environment, when compared to normal buildings.
While green buildings require some additional investment over normal buildings, this investment is generally paid back (due to energy savings, water savings, etc.) in a couple of years. Thereupon, it's pure profit. All our buildings (including residential ones) can be constructed/modified to become greener.
Green buildings do not reduce the comfort level for people living in them (as far as possible) and in most cases, they create a more healthier/relaxing environment, when compared to normal buildings.
During the recent TFSC meet at the Raintree hotel, Chennai, representatives from two green factories (buildings) - Grundfos Pumps & TRITAN Leather Works Pvt. Ltd, gave a presentation on the various steps taken by them, to make their concerns greener.
Some Features of Grundfos Pumps Green Building/Factory:
- First Gold Rated building in India under LEED.
- Power and Water savings = Rs. 21 Lakhs per Year (ROI = 2 Years)
- Day-light Windows and acoustic ceiling creates natural lighting that minimizes the requirement for electric lights in many parts of the campus, during the day. This saves a lot of energy.
- Double skinned brick walls and double glazed U glass minimize heat influx into the building (and hence the energy spent on cooling is lesser).
- Solar Panels that generate electricity on-site which in-turn runs equipment like solar pumps, etc.
- Grey water recycling and rain water catchment/recharge pit to replenish the ground water table.
- CO2 monitoring sensors to maintain enough fresh air for each person.
- Raw material used for furniture is recyclable and 10% of material used for construction was either refurbished material or salvaged from other Grundfos properties.
- Reduction in potable water usage by using water-less urinals, low flow fixtures, etc.
- Large open area for landscapes, replanting of trees (within the same compound), planting of native plants, sprinklers for lawn/drip irrigation for trees, etc. conserve water.
- Charging facility for battery operated vehicles.
- Thermal storage system, High CoP Chillers.
Some Features of TRITAN Leather Works Pvt. Ltd Green Building/Factory:
- Light tubes, that use sunlight naturally illuminates the factory, reducing electric light usage.
- Changing to more efficient lights and using solar street lights reduce ongoing power consumption.
- Climate control measures, usage of water sprinklers on the roof to reduce heat in summer.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- 30% of the factory is reserved for landscaping.
- Grey water recycling, workers clean their own utensils.
- Waste recycling: Leather waste is recycled into soles, etc. & electronic waste is given to e-waste recycling agency.
- Green measures have resulted in good profits due to reduced running/maintenance costs.
Why then, are all buildings/factories in our country not constructed as Green Buildings/Factories?
