Page 64 - GRIHA Manual Volume I - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 64
Case studies of GRIHA registered/rated buildings 51
High effi ciency mechanical systems in the building ensure that the energy consumption of the
building is signifi cantly reduced. All desks are equipped with LED lights for task lighting which are
governed by motion sensors. So they turn on only when people are seated on their seats. This reduces
lighting load to 0.8 W/sq.ft. Extremely high effi ciency HVAC systems have been chosen. The HVAC
system has various components like pre-cooling of fresh air, heat recovery/exchanger mechanisms
to minimize energy consumption in HVAC. Overall, the complex has managed to reduce its energy
consumption by 47% below the GRIHA criterion 14 benchmark fi gures.
Once the energy performance index of the building was reduced, renewable energy systems
in the form of solar PV and windmills were installed to generate approximately 250 000 units of
electricity through renewable sources annually. The project has an installed 13.44 kWp of solar PV
and 18 windmills with power capacity of 4.75 kW each.
The project has taken drastic steps in order to reduce its water consumption as well. Use of low-
fl ow fi xtures throughout the complex has ensured that the building requires 65% less water than
conventional buildings for sanitary purposes. By planting only native trees and shrubs and using
high effi ciency sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, the complex has reduced its landscape water
requirement by about 50%. Over 55% of the water in the building is recycled and reused within the
complex.
The intent of making a green building is also refl ected in various materials used in the structural
systems and in interiors. Use of Post Tension slabs helped in reducing concrete requirement in slabs
and beams by 37%. Use of PT structural system has helped reduce the requirement of structural
steel by almost 50%. Use of Siporex blocks gives the walls of the buildings good insulation while
simultaneously using waste material like fl y-ash. Majority of the materials used for interior application
have high recycled content and are low-energy materials.
Overall, the One Earth complex has adopted very high standards for energy and water management
which is refl ected in their projected energy and water savings. The One Earth complex has taken
strong steps to minimize its environmental impact at various levels while simultaneously projecting
a very contemporary feel to the buildings and spaces, thereby proving the point that green buildings
can be as aesthetically pleasing as any conventional building and yet are able to have minimal
negative impact on environment.
High effi ciency mechanical systems in the building ensure that the energy consumption of the
building is signifi cantly reduced. All desks are equipped with LED lights for task lighting which are
governed by motion sensors. So they turn on only when people are seated on their seats. This reduces
lighting load to 0.8 W/sq.ft. Extremely high effi ciency HVAC systems have been chosen. The HVAC
system has various components like pre-cooling of fresh air, heat recovery/exchanger mechanisms
to minimize energy consumption in HVAC. Overall, the complex has managed to reduce its energy
consumption by 47% below the GRIHA criterion 14 benchmark fi gures.
Once the energy performance index of the building was reduced, renewable energy systems
in the form of solar PV and windmills were installed to generate approximately 250 000 units of
electricity through renewable sources annually. The project has an installed 13.44 kWp of solar PV
and 18 windmills with power capacity of 4.75 kW each.
The project has taken drastic steps in order to reduce its water consumption as well. Use of low-
fl ow fi xtures throughout the complex has ensured that the building requires 65% less water than
conventional buildings for sanitary purposes. By planting only native trees and shrubs and using
high effi ciency sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, the complex has reduced its landscape water
requirement by about 50%. Over 55% of the water in the building is recycled and reused within the
complex.
The intent of making a green building is also refl ected in various materials used in the structural
systems and in interiors. Use of Post Tension slabs helped in reducing concrete requirement in slabs
and beams by 37%. Use of PT structural system has helped reduce the requirement of structural
steel by almost 50%. Use of Siporex blocks gives the walls of the buildings good insulation while
simultaneously using waste material like fl y-ash. Majority of the materials used for interior application
have high recycled content and are low-energy materials.
Overall, the One Earth complex has adopted very high standards for energy and water management
which is refl ected in their projected energy and water savings. The One Earth complex has taken
strong steps to minimize its environmental impact at various levels while simultaneously projecting
a very contemporary feel to the buildings and spaces, thereby proving the point that green buildings
can be as aesthetically pleasing as any conventional building and yet are able to have minimal
negative impact on environment.
