Page 38 - GRIHA Manual Volume IV - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 38
Building planning and construction 29
CRIteRIon 16
ReduCe eMbodIed eneRGy of
ConstRuCtIon by AdoptInG
effICIent teCHnoloGIes And/
oR low-eneRGy MAteRIAls
Introduction
Current practices include the use of high-embodied energy materials, such as cement, concrete,
steel and so on, in the construction of buildings. The demand for these materials is constantly
increasing due to growth in the construction sector.
Research has demonstrated that bricks, cement, and steel are the three highest embodied
energy-intensive materials used in building construction. Increased production of these materials
will lead to increased depletion of natural resources and virgin materials. It also contributes to
increased generation of CO .
2
Solutions
The aim of the criterion is to replace at least a part of the high-energy intensive materials with low-
energy intensive materials and/or utilize regionally available materials with energy and resource
efficient technologies. Few examples of technologies and/or materials, which are less-energy
intensive are given below.
Pre-stressed slab elements: In case of pre-stressed concrete, predetermined forces are applied on
the concrete structural members using high-tensile steel. The structural element is exposed to
the anticipated stresses that would be experienced during service. This assists in reduction of the
section of slab. The advantage of pre-stressing of slab elements is that it can lead to slabs, which are
25% lighter than conventional reinforced cement concrete (RCC) slabs .
1
Micro concrete roofing (MCR): MCR tiles are made from a carefully controlled mix of cement, sand,
fine stone aggregate, and water. These can be used to replace the fired clay tiles, wooden shingles,
slate, CGI sheets, and so on and have several advantages over them. MCR is quite cost-effective and
durable. These are lighter than other roofing tiles and, therefore, require lesser under-structure to
support them. Additionally, they reduce the amount of heat gained through the roof.
Perforated brick masonry: Perforated brick masonry comprises of high strength hollow bricks
with perforations of 50%–60% . These perforations act as sound and heat insulators and provide
2
considerable savings in materials.
Stabilized compressed earth blocks: These blocks are made up of mud stabilized with 5% cement lime
and compacted in block-making machines with no burning. A good walling material such as burnt
1 Sustainable Building Design Manual Volume 2 ( 2004), New Delhi: TERI, Prepared under European Union co-funded ASIA-URBS project
under the leadership of Institut Catala d’Energia (Spain)
2 Ibid
CRIteRIon 16
ReduCe eMbodIed eneRGy of
ConstRuCtIon by AdoptInG
effICIent teCHnoloGIes And/
oR low-eneRGy MAteRIAls
Introduction
Current practices include the use of high-embodied energy materials, such as cement, concrete,
steel and so on, in the construction of buildings. The demand for these materials is constantly
increasing due to growth in the construction sector.
Research has demonstrated that bricks, cement, and steel are the three highest embodied
energy-intensive materials used in building construction. Increased production of these materials
will lead to increased depletion of natural resources and virgin materials. It also contributes to
increased generation of CO .
2
Solutions
The aim of the criterion is to replace at least a part of the high-energy intensive materials with low-
energy intensive materials and/or utilize regionally available materials with energy and resource
efficient technologies. Few examples of technologies and/or materials, which are less-energy
intensive are given below.
Pre-stressed slab elements: In case of pre-stressed concrete, predetermined forces are applied on
the concrete structural members using high-tensile steel. The structural element is exposed to
the anticipated stresses that would be experienced during service. This assists in reduction of the
section of slab. The advantage of pre-stressing of slab elements is that it can lead to slabs, which are
25% lighter than conventional reinforced cement concrete (RCC) slabs .
1
Micro concrete roofing (MCR): MCR tiles are made from a carefully controlled mix of cement, sand,
fine stone aggregate, and water. These can be used to replace the fired clay tiles, wooden shingles,
slate, CGI sheets, and so on and have several advantages over them. MCR is quite cost-effective and
durable. These are lighter than other roofing tiles and, therefore, require lesser under-structure to
support them. Additionally, they reduce the amount of heat gained through the roof.
Perforated brick masonry: Perforated brick masonry comprises of high strength hollow bricks
with perforations of 50%–60% . These perforations act as sound and heat insulators and provide
2
considerable savings in materials.
Stabilized compressed earth blocks: These blocks are made up of mud stabilized with 5% cement lime
and compacted in block-making machines with no burning. A good walling material such as burnt
1 Sustainable Building Design Manual Volume 2 ( 2004), New Delhi: TERI, Prepared under European Union co-funded ASIA-URBS project
under the leadership of Institut Catala d’Energia (Spain)
2 Ibid
