NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

CHAPTER 11
APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY

SUBMITTED BY-
AARTI PAL
PARVINDER KAUR
DHARNA GARG
MANISHA GUSAIN
M.ARCH. (S.A.)
SEM 1
FUNDAMENTAL OF SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
PART 11 APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY

CONTENTS
FOREWORD
1 SCOPE

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2 TERMINOLOGY
3 APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
4 APPLICABILITY OF THIS PART
5 IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PART
6 SITING, FORM AND DESIGN
7 EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE
8 ENVELOPE OPTIMIZATION
9 MATERIALS
10 WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
11 BUILDING SERVICES OPTIMIZATION
12 CONSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
13 COMMISSIONING, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND BUILDING PERFORMANCE
TRACKING

ANNEX A Design strategies as per climate zones for various seasons

ANNEX B Prescriptive method for envelope optimization
ANNEX C Trade-off method for envelope optimization
ANNEX D Whole building analysis method for envelope optimization

LIST OF STANDARDS
 This Code (Part 11) covers the parameters from the point of view of sustainability
PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS LAND DEVELOPMENT

• The ancient Vedas have several references in them on environmental protection, ecological balance, weather cycle, rainfall phenomenon,
hydrological cycle and related subjects.
• Changes caused due to indiscreet human activities could result in imbalances in seasons, rainfall patterns, crops and atmosphere and

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degrade the quality of water, air, and earth resources.
CLASSIC EXAMPLES OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS.
 Temples and Dharmashalas were built with locally available stones
 Vishramvan, the palace built with local marble and alabaster for prince siddharth
 Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi was built
 The Taj mahal, stone jalis in the facia induce air movement and enable natural ventilation
 Fort in Mandu has elaborate rainwater harvesting techniques.
 The havelis in northern India were invariably built around a central courtyard
• These buildings provided comfort to the occupants.
• They were passive in approach with no external intervention,
• Diverse climatic conditions in our country resulted in evolution of different fabrics of built form, with the commonality being the focus
on harmony with nature.
• Industrial revolution came to India and changed many of these traditional sustainable practices in Indian buildings
• Power supply, artificial lighting, water supply and disposal, and thermal environmental control within built environment, were desired
and obtained
• With the industrial revolution, untreated water, effluents from chemical industries and organic waste were discharged into rivers and
water bodies, destroying our precious sources of water for domestic use.
• Modern buildings in India consume about 25 to 30 percent of total energy, and up to 30 percent of fresh potable water, and generate
approximately 40 percent of total waste.
• Various studies indicate that by 2050, the built up area of India may become four times the current mass, which may pose a major
challenge in preserving our fragile environment.
The significant modifications incorporated in this revision are:

a) Inclusion of definitions of a number of additional terms such as surface coefficient, surface resistance, thermal transmission and total
thermal resistance.

b) Greater emphasis on ensuring barrier free design for universal accessibility, as part of approach to sustainability.

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c) Review of provisions on materials and technologies for sustainability and their updating, wherever required.

d) Inclusion of guidelines for selection of window types.

e) Modification of the clause on refrigerants for air conditioning to include refrigerants, considering sustainability aspects.

f) Inclusion of provision for preparation of overall water balance chart, as part of water and waste management.
 3 APPROACH TO
SUSTAINABILITY

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APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
3.1 Need for Sustainable Development

 Building construction, occupancy and additions/ alterations including preventive and remedial maintenance are always energy and
material intensive.

 Large amount of primary form of natural materials, water, air, energy, etc, are consumed.

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 The energy and material resources required for a building can be categorised as embodied energy, recurring operation energy,
refurbishment energy, and end of life disposal.

 These elements and their use are inter-dependent.

 Need for integrated approach in general design development and construction practice.

 Conventional approach towards utilizing them is independent of each other and results in very low efficiency in material and resource use.

 An increasing trend to consume more natural resources per capita.

 Modern construction trends and changing sky lines of cities bear no resemblance to local climate and resource availability.

 Over-exploitation of natural resources adversely affecting biodiversity of our planet.

 A changing approach towards nature from (humanization of nature) to (naturization of human)and more recently towards sustainable
development.
 It is necessary to assess the association of various factors involved, rationalizing the impact of construction on neighbourhood and/or
building micro-climatic conditions to discern sustainability in the built environment.
3.2 Elements of Sustainability
The generalized design process towards sustainability should creatively address the following considerations:

 Set the design parameters to be implemented to be equal to or higher than benchmarking standards given in this Code.

 Make the basic performance requirements and set standards, applicable/ selectively adaptable to the climatic zone and geological
conditions in which the construction is proposed.

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 Have deep understanding of requirements of performance and human comfort in a building and its surroundings, considering building type
and use, quality of building and plumbing services as desired, needs of persons with disabilities and of different age groups, and other
parameters.

 Make efforts to maximize the use of traditional wisdom in design, wherever applicable, as it represents the knowledge about the long-term
behaviour of materials and technology and their strengths as well as weaknesses.

h) While having an open approach, assess new materials and technologies for their long-term impact in the context of the country and its
development priorities, before accepting them for use.

NOTE: The sustainable design process should be based on the principles of universal design as per Part 3, Development Control Rules and General Building
Requirements. of the Code, so as to address accessibility needs of persons with disabilities and persons of different age groups.
Functional requirements of buildings have to also measure up to the required comfort levels demanded for all types of user requirements
3.3 Life Cycle Sustenance

 The process flow from concept, design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance, and also decommissioning and
disposal at the end of useful life of structure, should be planned and important steps chalked out for sustainable development.
 This should also take care of possible reuse/recycle of materials/ components/structure or parts thereof.
 Ideally close the loop (cradle to grave) with regards to resources originally used.

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3.4 Technology Options

 The consequential building envelope to create harmonious development and productive living environment with neighbourhood and
building environments poses one of the biggest challenges in selection of building materials, technologies and practices.
 It may be a combination of natural and manmade materials with least embodied energy and also leading to use of rapidly renewable
resources.
 The trade-off between choice of the materials and technologies and their effect on environment has to be balanced with the aim of a
closed-loop system. As a holistic approach, all efforts should be made towards,

a) building materials out of agricultural, industrial and bio-wastes,

b) indigenous environment-friendly and acceptable cost-effective technologies

c) practices in identifying and pursuing sustainable developments amenable to local, cultural and resource diversity.

d) research and development applications.

d) building construction more adaptable to local climatic zone

e) use of traditional materials, technologies, vernacular design and construction practices.

3.5 Energy Efficient Design and Processes
 Optimum and efficient use of energy sources for life sustenance.
 Prior consideration on using non-fossil fuel energy
 The tapping of renewable sources of energy for lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation needs, deserve special attention.
 For example, an improved day light factor will reduce the day lighting needs by means of supplementary lighting with added health
benefits such as reduced eye strain (associated with constant elimination conditions).

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3.6 Reduced Embodied and Operational Energy
 Aim at reducing the overall embodied and operational energy involved in construction and operation of the built facility
 Adoption of local resources (natural and man- made) and skills.

3.7 Integrated Water Management

 Efforts are needed to substantially reduce per capita water consumption in buildings.
 Integrated and sustainable water management focusing on least anthropogenic water discharge from human activities should be
pursued.
 The use of water conserving fixtures, landscaping, rainwater harvesting, aquifer recharging and waste water recycling

3.8 Operation and Maintenance of Services

 Use of efficient building and plumbing services components and fixtures tailor-made to meet sustainability objectives
 Creating sufficient awareness among the users of building facility and its services, during the occupancy stage.

3.9 Monitoring Compliances

 The measures adopted during design, construction and occupancy stages should be monitored against norms as per this Code at
periodic time interval to ensure sustainability.
.
3.10 Corporate Governance
 The concerned top management should ensure association of all stakeholders including the training and awareness in pursuing and
achieving needs for sustainable development at all stages of building lifecycle (from design to end of life).
 The environmental impact assessment should be carried out and remedial measures based on the findings should be taken during the life
cycle of the buildings

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3.11 Disaster Preparedness
3.11.1 General
 Structural safety, health safety, fire safety and public safety taken into account in the building planning, design, construction, use and
occupancy, and end of life.
 The natural disasters such as earthquake, floods, cyclone, tsunami, landslides and avalanches; and man-made disasters such as nuclear,
chemical, and biological disasters, explosions, act of sabotage and terrorism.
 The severity index is another important factor which will be governed by geomorphology, wind flows and cyclonic vulnerability, and
climatic zone wherein the construction is proposed.

Note: See Part 6 .Structural Design. of the Code for structural design of buildings for various loads, forces and effects using various
building material options and structure systems.
3.11.2 Approach
 Disaster mitigation and management

 Preparedness through planning, protection, training and partnership measures with associated stakeholders.

 Protection of environment.

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 Integrating disaster management as a part of design development, construction practices and management, operation and maintenance
and end of life strategies.

 Multi stakeholder based planning, awareness, displays, mock drills and adequate training to both aged and young.

 Identification of risks during construction, risks during occupancy stages/operations and preparing disaster preparedness plan by
decommissioning.

 The occupancy type, density of occupancy and any specific/strategic aspects should be considered while working out disaster
preparedness plan to achieve minimum damages and/ or losses to lives, livelihood, properties and environment for the sustainable
buildings for least damages or losses.
3.11.3 Disaster Risk Assessment and Mitigation
The formulation of disaster preparedness plan for any location should comprise the following steps:
a) Step 1 . Identify the geomorphology; river, coastal and cyclonic proximity; and climatic zone related disasters risks.

b) Step 2 . Identify population, business related disasters and vulnerabilities.

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c) Step 3 . Carry out risk assessment through hazard analysis and vulnerability analysis including possible combining effects of multiple
hazards. Also include the effect on micro-climate and environment biodiversity.

Note: Coastal zones which are falling in high cyclonic flood zone, tsunami, and seismic zones of high intensity and landslide sensitive areas
should receive special attention.

d) Step 4 . Identify the socio-economic, socio-political hazards and vulnerabilities attributed to man-made disasters.

e) Step 5 . Prepare a disaster risk mitigation plan supported with sufficient budgetary provisions.

f) Step 6 . The disaster resistant building construction and infrastructure development features shall form part of the submittal to the Authority
for statutory approvals.

g) Step 7 . Establish/nominate a responsible senior person/safety officer as controller for regulating, planning and monitoring disaster
preparedness plan for whole project. Carry out all constructions, installations and operations in line with the disaster resistant features for each
of the vulnerabilities.

h) Step 8 . Prepare and have mock drills at regular intervals for creating awareness and response preparation amongst stakeholder involved.

j) Step 9 . Prepare operation manual for post- construction operation and up keep of disaster resistant features and equipment.
4 APPLICABILITY OF THIS PART
4.1 Where a building is erected, this Part of the Code shall be applicable to such building.
 In case of renovation or addition and/or alteration to an existing building
 Owner shall have opportunity to get an existing building or part thereof evaluated
 4.2 This Part of the Code may also be applied to the development projects.

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5 IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PART
 Provisions for building planning, design including material selection and structural design, construction, operation and
maintenance have been covered in National Building Code of India: Part 0 to Part 10.
• These also allow various options to be exercised.

 This Part of the Code discusses such options from sustainability point of view for guiding in their appropriate selection.
• Similar explanation applies to other materials as also other aspects in planning, design, construction, operation and
maintenance.

 A choice of material, design methodology, construction technique/methodology, operation and maintenance related options,
etc, is made to help achieve the objective of sustainability.

 This Part should, therefore, be implemented in light of the above while following the approach given in 3.

 The Authority may require submission and verification of relevant documents while applying for building permit, to
demonstrate compliance to the requirements of various provisions under this Part.
 6 SITTING FORM AND DESIGN

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6. SITING, FORM AND DESIGN
6.1 OBJECTIVE-

SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Encourage passive design strategies.
Guidelines that establish objectives for siting and form of residential, mercantile, industrial or other building occupancy
developments early in the design stage so as to address sustainability through design.
Objectives are not limited to, energy conservation, water conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
6.2 SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
6.2.1 Site Assessment Prior to Design
a) Protected areas such as floodplains; forest department areas; water bodies such as sea, lakes, rivers, wetlands, tributaries
and/or streams; coastal regulation, protected areas; defence areas; public parks and recreation areas (unless otherwise used for
the purpose of the park); natural contours/ terrain requiring protection and agricultural land (unless serving an agriculturally
related purpose such as storage, processing, transport, etc)

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b) establish the degree to which the existing soil at site and hydrology has been disturbed prior to development

c) site erosion protection measures taken including measures to preserve natural stormwater drainage system, top soil and
existing vegetation, minimise soil disturbance as specified in Part 10 .Landscape Development, Signs and Outdoor
Display Structures Section 1 Landscape Planning, Design and Development. of the Code;

d) identify and ensure diversion, avoidance of existing water, power, communication, sewerage lines, saving/replanting of old
trees,
e) Identify the removal of existing invasive vegetation on site and that no invasive vegetation is planted post completion

f) identify and ascertain the natural resources available onsite and surrounding areas and ensure optimum utilization of the same
in construction and post occupancy.
Note :A site assessment report for the building/development project shall be prepared.
6.2.2 BUILDING FORM, ORIENTATION AND SHADING
The development shall plan on locating, orienting and shading the building so that,

SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

a) there is adequate provision for external shading of the facades during the peak summer season;

b) there is adequate provision for vertical shading to prevent direct solar radiation and glare due to low altitude sun angles, specifically
on the eastern and western facades;

c) the building is oriented optimally based on sun-path and engineering analysis; and

d) there is adequate protection for the building envelope against thermal losses, drafts and degradation by natural elements such as
wind, dust, sand, snow, rainwater, hail, etc.

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Note:
1. A solar path analysis shall be done as an aid in arriving at optimum form and orientation for the building.
2. Appropriate shading design can be arrived at either through simulation approach or by using the prescriptive shading norms as indicated
in the SP 41 : 1987.Handbook on the Functional Requirements of Buildings(other than industrial buildings).
3. A design report showing both the optimum orientation and shading design strategies along with justification for the selection of the same
shall be prepared.
3.Thermal Massing
a) carry out building thermal massing studies to evaluate the impact on thermal mass on the consequent thermal transmittance and
energy performance of the building based on the sun-path analysis and local/equivalent weather data.

SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Note :A report showing both the optimal thermal massing and the choice and justification of the proposed wall material of the building
together with the design approach for decision making shall be prepared, together with other documents while applying for the building
permit.

4. Reduced Building Footprint in Multi-Storeyed Building Designs

a) The requirements for open spaces (within a plot) as specified in 8 of Part 3.

b) Development Control Rules and General Building Requirements. of the Code shall be complied with.

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c) In any case, at least 30 percent of the open spaces shall be maintained as softscapes (permeable surface on ground).

d) For areas where the calculated softscape area requirement is less than 10 percent of the total plot area, a minimum of 10 percent
softscape area shall be provided.

5. Optimum Building Volume

a) For air conditioned buildings, efforts shall be made in design to reduce building volume by reducing floor to floor and floor to
ceiling height without compromising the utility and functional efficiency of the building.

b) For natural ventilated buildings or mixed mode ventilated building, the optimum building volume and floor to floor heights to be
ascertained.

Note :a report on the design and justification of the same shall be prepared
6. Building Form Development Plan
a) The plan shall be in line with the decision making process of the project team and a narrative shall be prepared briefly

SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

mentioning the justification behind the selected building form and orientation of the building and shading devices to ensure that
the final design meets with the intent of this Part.

Note: A report shall be prepared on the evolution of the form of the building based on science of architecture, climatology and building
physics

7.Natural Ventilation, Cooling and Wind Effects

a) Strategies may include application of cross-ventilation and thermal comfort, factoring prevalent wind patterns, seasonality, stack
effect and other principles.
b) For high rise buildings, wind analysis shall be carried out to evaluate the impact of wind movement and natural air flow changes
because of the new building proposed to be erected.

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Note: A report illustrating the evaluation of the various natural ventilation and cooling studies to maximize natural ventilation or mixed
mode ventilation based on adaptive thermal comfort criteria for the project, shall be prepared.

8. Optimal Daylighting
a) It shall be demonstrated that at least 25 percent of the regularly occupied areas of the building achieve sufficient day lighting
with a minimum day lighting factor of 2 percent or as described in SP 41:1987 .Handbook on the Functional Requirements of
Buildings (Other than Industrial Building).

Note: A day lighting analysis study based on the proposed form of the building for the project shall be carried out and a report thereof
prepared.
9. Defining Building Service Life in Terms of Minimum Component Service Life

a) A building service life plan shall be prepared along with the design and construction documents.

SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

b) The plan shall clearly indicate the design service life and the minimum design service life shall be not less than 60 years for the structure
itself and not less than 10 years for various service components, equipment and systems within the building.

Note: All plan shall include dismantling, de-mounting and re-use plan.

10. Life Cycle Assessment (Optional)

The materials and assemblies may be selected based on their carbon footprint (GHG emission potentials) and/or a life cycle assessment of the
embodied energy of the product.

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 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
7 EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT
AND LANDSCAPE
EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

7.1 Landscape Planning and Design
 The landscape planning and design shall be in accordance with Part 10 .
 Landscape Development, Signs and Outdoor Display Structures, Section 1 Landscape Planning, Design and Development of the
Code.
 In addition, the provisions given in 7.1.1 to 7.1.3 shall be followed.

7.1.1 Landscape Design

• Proper landscaping helps in maintaining natural capacity of site for stormwater management, filtration, groundwater recharge and
maintenance of soil structure thereby contributing to soil organic matter, and preventing erosion.
• It helps in moderating microclimate through evaporation, transpiration and the uptake and storage of carbon in trees and other
vegetation.
7.1.1.1 Microclimatic conditions
An important role in landscape design and in working out irrigation requirements, as it accounts for the environmental conditions
specific to the landscape, including temperature, wind and humidity.

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• For example, a water body can increase the humidity and a wind funnel can increase the evapotranspiration rate and hence
the irrigation requirement.
 landscape irrigation calculations by applying a microclimate factor.
 The average microclimate factor is 1.0 and this refers to conditions where the landscape evapotranspiration rate is unaffected by
buildings, pavements, reflective surfaces and slopes.
 Higher microclimate factor increase due to landscapes surrounded by heat absorbing and reflective surfaces or due to exposure to
particularly windy conditions.
Examples –
• high microclimate factor areas include parking lots, west sides of buildings, west and south sides of slopes, medians, and
areas experiencing wind funnel effects.
• Areas with low microclimate factor include shaded areas and areas protected from wind.
• North sides of buildings, courtyards, areas under wide building overhangs and north sides of slopes.
7.1.1.2 External noise reduction/mitigation practices
 Need for reducing the noise at site shall be assessed.

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

• Quieter pavement or road surfacing, dense foliage, earth berms, barriers or screens, and scheduling maintenance activities
• Walls, fences and vegetation
• Use broad-leaved trees more than with the conifers and this further improves when foliage extends close to the ground.
• The best location for a noise barrier is either very close to the source or very close to the receiver while the worst position for
attenuation is halfway between them.
Note:Provisions of Part 8 .Building Services, Section 4 Acoustics, Sound Insulation and Noise Control. of the Code shall be followed.

7.1.1.3 Building shadow considerations on landscape

 Vegetation provides climate moderating benefits as well as benefits to human health.
• Most vegetation requires sunlight in varying degrees for their growth and maintenance.

• The buildings by their design, shade certain parts of the external areas for some part of the day or other.

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• External landscapes shall be designed taking the shading pattern of the buildings into consideration.

• For instance the northern side external areas of the building tend to be shaded for large parts of the day, while the southern side has
access to sunlight for most times of the day,

• the choice of vegetation should be based on the availability of sunlight along different solar exposures and the requirement of various
species of vegetation.

• Vegetation also has the potential to reduce the energy consumption of a building by providing shading and a cool microclimate.

• Vegetation and/or vegetated structures shall be kept in strategic locations around buildings to reduce energy consumption and costs
associated with indoor climate control
7.1.2 Hard Landscape Design

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

7.1.2.1 Pervious paving design
• helps in holding rainwater, reducing the rate of storm water flow, infiltrating storm water into the ground for reuse and also
helps in filtering the rainwater.
• helps in reducing the heat island effect
• The rainwater harvesting potential of pervious paving is subject to local geo-morphological formations and the use of the same
should be assessed based on local conditions.
. For example, in coastal areas, where the water table may be high and the water absorptive capacity is low, pervious paving
may not be as effective

7.1.2.2 Heat island effect and parking design

• HIE raises the localized temperature, impacting local climate/microclimate.
•Plants and animals may not thrive in areas affected by heat island.
•also exacerbate air pollution as smog
•Rising temperatures lead to increased cooling requirements, requiring energy and causing associated emissions.

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•Open parking areas consisting of concrete and asphalt absorb heat and contribute substantially to the heat island effect.
•Shading/use of light-coloured/high-albedo materials / open grid pavement for the sites non-roof impervious surfaces,parking
lots, walkways, plazas.
• The solar energy should instead be utilized for generation of renewable energy, thus serving the dual purpose of dampening the
heat island effect and reduction in use of fossil fuel for energy generation

7.1.2.3 Post-occupancy maintenance

A site maintenance plan shall be developed that outlines the long term strategies and identifies short-term actions should address issues
such as plant maintenance, integrated pest management, soil management, fertilizer use, rainwater harvesting, reducing freshwater
consumption, site safety, and irrigation allotment and schedule
 - EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE
7.1.3 Soft Landscape Design

7.1.3.1 Preserving top soil

• Healthy soils allow rainwater to penetrate, preventing excess runoff, sedimentation, erosion, and flooding.

• Soils also help clean and store water, and recharge groundwater.

• Healthy soils play a significant role in vegetation health.

• In areas of previously disturbed soils, soil function shall be restored to rebuild ability of soils to support healthy plants,
biological communities, and water storage and infiltration.

• It shall be ensured that adequate soil volume is made available for proper plant growth.

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• In order to protect soil horizons and maintain soil structure, existing hydrology, organic matter, and nutrients stored in soils, the
disturbance to healthy soil shall be limited.

• Typically, the first 200 mm soil depth is most conducive for plant growth, and is considered as top soil.

Note: See Part 10 Landscape Development, Signs and Outdoor Display Structures, Section 1 Landscape Planning, Design and
Development. of the Code.
7.1.3.2 Ecological design/conserving biodiversity

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

• A diverse range of species, especially native plants can provide habitat for native fauna, including important pollinator species (for
example, insects, birds and bats) that are necessary for plant reproduction, including cultivation of crops.

• biodiversity in landscapes helps in retaining soil nutrients and is more resistant to attacks by pests.

The following considerations shall be used:

a) Protection and use of existing vegetation .
• Such sites shall be selected that do not include habitat for threatened or endangered species.
• Site may be designed to minimise disruption to existing habitats.
• Trees designated as important by concerned local, state or central authorities shall be preserved.
• Mature trees are significant community resources because of their cultural, aesthetic, or historic relevance and shall be
preserved.
• Transplantation for mature trees within the site or to another site shall be explored, where vegetation clearing is necessary for
construction.

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b) Use of vegetation that promotes a regional identity and a sense of place .
• Native plants which are endemic to the location and appropriate non-native plants adapted to site conditions, climate, and design
which support biodiversity, reduced pesticide use and water conservation, shall be used.
• Only non-invasive plants that are nursery grown, legally harvested or salvaged for reuse from on or off- site shall be used.

c) Conservation of native endangered species .

Native vegetation that is endangered in the locality may be planted to conserve/enhance the gene pool of native vegetation and promote
biodiversity.
7.1.3.3 Landscape design for controlling solar gain

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

• Vegetation placed provides an opportunity to reduce energy consumption and costs associated with indoor climate control for
cooling.
• Trees, shaded trellises, green roofs, green facades and green walls to increase shading both on the ground and on the building
surface.
• Deciduous trees allow access to the sun in winter and provide shade in summer.
• Vegetation conserves building energy consumption, especially if the west, south-west, south- east and east facades of the building
are shaded.
• For buildings with natural ventilation, the vegetation species shall be carefully chosen such that they provide shade, but do not
significantly block cool breezes or any convective air currents.

7.1.3.4 Vertical landscaping and roof gardens

• Roof garden and/or green walls or vertical landscaping conserve energy

• by providing shading, reduces heat island effect,

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• helps (specially in dense areas) in maintaining a certain biomass critical for human health

• helps in reducing storm water flow rates through bio-retention.

Note: Required caution shall be observed in respect of water proofing requirement for the above.
7.1.3.5Urban agricultural practices/social forestry

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

•Growth of cities results in drastic reduction of green open spaces, depletion of trees, heat island effects,
•climate change.
•Proper attention needed in urban forestry and agriculture for contributing towards urban greening, heat reduction, storage of excess
storm water and maintaining flood plains.
• Large scale developments that exceed 10 hectare should be encouraged to fulfil minimum 5 percent bio-capacity required to
sustain themselves.

7.2 Rainwater Harvesting . Surface Runoff

7.2.1 Rainwater Harvesting
• Rainwater harvesting refers to collection and storage of rainwater .
• Aimed at harvesting surface and groundwater.
• Prevention of losses through evaporation and seepage.
• Traditionally practiced in the country, such as through Baoris, step wells, lakes, tanks, roof top collection systems, etc, to meet the
domestic and irrigation demands.

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• also helps to arrest groundwater decline and augment groundwater table,
• conserve surface water runoff during monsoon,
• reduce soil erosion and inculcate a culture of water conservation.
Two broad approaches to rainwater harvesting are:
a) Storing rainwater for direct use .
-for domestic and irrigation purposes --- collected either in the natural or man-made structures such as Nadi, Tanka, Kund, sand
filter bed, pond, rooftop rainwater collection structure.

b) Recharging groundwater aquifers ---promote water percolation through soil strata to recharge the depleting aquifers.
Note:For rainwater harvesting a reference to 4.5.12 of Part 9.Plumbing Services, Section 2 Drainage and Sanitation. of the Code may be
made. For further details, reference may also made to good practice [11(1)].
7.3 Water Elements and Irrigation Practices

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

7.3.1 Design and Post Occupancy Maintenance of Water Features
a) Use of chemicals likely to harm aquatic life, such as chlorine and bromine shall be avoided.

b) Maintenance activities to ensure that the water features do not create habitat for mosquitoes, shall be included.

c) Water features shall be designed such that they match or mimic water in the natural environment; and water features that are
incompatible with the local ecological context (for example, a lake in a desert) shall be avoided.

d)Water features shall be so designed that these are integrated with the site so as to utilize this water on site,

e) Non-potable water from sources such as gray water, reclaimed water or storm-water basins shall be collected and used for non-
potable applications.

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f) Design and maintain water features as natural ecosystems with water source(s), plants and aquatic organisms appropriate for local
conditions.

g) Water quality may be enhanced with the use of certain enzymes, mineral, and oxygen-based additives, especially during initial
establishment.

h) Natural swimming pools or other water features intended for human contact may require additional treatment methods such as
ozonation or thermal treatment.
 - EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE
7.3.2 Water Conservation and Irrigation Practices

• Selecting efficient irrigation systems -- planting vegetation appropriate -- using captured rainwater or gray-water -- reduce water
waste and conserve sources of potable water.

• Half of irrigation water may get wasted as a result of evaporation, wind, improper system design, and over-watering requiring
the following considerations which may be followed:

a) Low water demand vegetation (xeriscape) and high-efficiency equipment (for example, drip irrigation) and/or climate
based controllers for irrigation systems should be used.

b) If turf grasses are to be used, they should be selected, to be regionally appropriate and to minimise post-establishment
requirements for irrigation.
• The turf area should not exceed 30 percent of the total landscaped area.

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c) Reuse gray-water, captured rainwater and/or condensate water for irrigation to decrease potable water use for irrigation as
well as to create a net benefit to the local watershed by making the landscape part of the natural water- treatment process

d) If gray-water or wastewater is to be recycled for landscape irrigation, tests should be conducted to determine suitability for
reuse.
7.4 External Access Design

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

7.4.1 Reduced Environmental Impacts from Parking Facilities

Open parking areas, if largely made of concrete and asphalt, absorb heat and contribute substantially to the heat island effect. This shall be
mitigated by following the considerations given below:
a) Rendering these areas white or light in colour instead of black, so that they may reflect a lot of sunlight back to space rather than
absorbing it.

b) Providing shade and/or using light-coloured/ high-albedo materials and/or open grid pavement for the site.s non-roof impervious
surfaces, including parking lots, walkways, plazas, etc.

c) Limiting the net paved area of the site under parking, roads, paths, or any other use so as not to exceed 25 percent of the site area or
net imperviousness of the site not to exceed the imperviousness factor as prescribed in 4.5.11.2.1 of Part 9,Plumbing Services,
Section 2 Drainage and Sanitation. of the Code, whichever is more stringent.

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Additionally, the following shall be complied with:
1) More than 50 percent of the total paved area shall have pervious paving/open grid pavement/grass pavers, or
2) A minimum 50 percent of the total paved area (including parking) shall have shading by vegetated roof/pergola with planters, or
3) A minimum 50 percent of the total impervious paving area (including parking) shall be topped with finish having solar reflectance
of 0.5 or higher.

Note:The external access, including pedestrian walkways/ pathways shall be designed and developed in accordance with Part 3
.Development Control Rules and General Building Requirements. of the Code.
7.4.2 Long term Public and Private Transportation Plan

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

The long term public and private transportation plan shall take care of the following considerations:

a) Incorporating urban transportation as an important parameter at the urban planning stage rather than being a consequential
requirement;
b) Encouraging integrated land use and transport planning in cities so that travel distances are minimised and access to livelihoods,
education, and other social needs, especially for the marginal segments of the urban population is improved;
c) Improving access of business to markets and the various factors of production;
d) Bringing about a more equitable allocation of road space with people, rather than vehicles, as its main focus;
e) Encouraging greater use of public transport and non-motorized modes;
f) Enabling the establishment of quality focused multi-modal public transport systems that are well integrated, providing seamless
travel across modes;
g) Establishing enforcement mechanisms to ensure efficiency and enhanced safety for the transport system users;
h) Establishing institutional mechanisms for enhanced coordination in the planning and management of transport systems;
j) Introducing intelligent transport systems for traffic management;

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k) Addressing concerns of road safety and trauma response;
m) Reducing pollution levels through appropriate travelling practices, better enforcement, stricter norms, technological
improvements, use of electrically operated vehicles etc; and
n) Building capacity (institutional and manpower) to plan for sustainable urban transport and establishing knowledge
management system.
7.4.3 Bicycle Lanes and Pedestrian Access . Safety and Comfort

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

• Construction of cycle tracks and pedestrian paths in cities enhances safety ,
• Creative facilities like shade giving landscaping, provision of drinking water and resting.
• The use of the central verge along many roads
• At busy intersections and high traffic corridors, pedestrian crossing shall be constructed.

Design considerations for pedestrian and cycle/cycle- rickshaw friendly environment:

a) Use of following climatic design features for streets and public spaces to make them comfortable for pedestrians, cyclists and public
transport users
1) Planting of deciduous trees all along the pedestrian/cycling path to provide adequate shade in summer and allow solar access
in winter.
2) Considerations to overhangs, arcades and closely built buildings providing shading and comfort in summer to the public realm.
3) Orientation of streets to allow the desirable directional wind flow through streets and public spaces in summer and block
undesirable winds in winter
b) Signalization of junctions and mid-block crossings on roads to allow safe crossings at grade.

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c) Multimodal interchange and provision of good para-transport options
1) Distances between modal changes to be as per multimodal integration and connectivity requirements.
2) Closest convenient interchange access at stations for pedestrians, preferably within 50 m of station exits.
d) Proper street grid density to ensure small blocks and an interconnected street network
1) Street grid density of 7-10 km centre-to- centre/km2 for residential-mixed use neighbourhoods
2) 13-20 km centre-to- centre/km2 for commercial-mixed use neighbourhoods to provide adequate connectivity and frequent
directional changes for pedestrians.
3) Direct and shortest route/access to station through provision of cut-throughs for pedestrians and non-motorized.
4) Signalization of junctions and mid-block crossings on roads to allow safe crossings at grade at a maximum frequency of 200
m.
e) Provisions of dedicated lanes and signal prioritization for pedestrians, non-motorized transport and public transport on major
corridors.
 - EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE
f) Adequate street lighting for pedestrians and bicycles to ensure their safety; minimum illuminance being 30 lux for non-shopping areas
and 20 lux for shopping areas, bus stops and signalized crossings.

g) Commercial/hawking zones at regular intervals in accordance with the local byelaws/ masterplan (within 5 min walk from every home
in the city) to encourage walkability and increased street activity and to provide safety.

h) Amenities for public transport users:

1) Amenities at-grade crosswalks (and overpasses on highways) at intervals of 80-200 m, aligning with location of transit stops, type
of street/land use activities and neighbouring building entries and destinations.
2) Dustbins, letter-boxes, signages and other public amenities at street corners for high usability.
3) Accessible public toilets at every 500 m to 800 m distance, preferably located close to bus stops for easy access by pedestrians and
public transport users.

i) Barrier free environment to make public streets and crosswalks fully navigable by all persons including the persons with disability

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and the elderly.

j) Vertical mixing of uses such that all non-work trips are reduced to be under 500 m walking distance such that vehicular trips may be
eliminated for daily errands;
for example ---mixed convenient/community shopping uses with residential uses to reduce dependency on private vehicle
---shifting all short trips from private vehicle to walking, cycle-rickshaw or public transport.
7.4.4 Off Street Parking

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

The off street parking shall be planned taking care of the following objectives as per Part 3 .Development Control Rules and General
Building Requirements. Of the Code:
a) Provide convenient off-street parking and loading facilities in proportion to the demand created by the use;
b) For the safe and orderly movement of traffic - proper design and location of adequate parking, loading, and manoeuvring areas;
c) To protect neighbourhoods and surrounding land uses
d) To promote businesses, industries and commercial activities
e) To encourage the use of efficient forms of transportation.

7.4.5 Discouraging Subsidized Parking in Public Realm

• Discourage Subsidized parking in public roads and spaces

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• Parking management may be used as a demand management tool rather than a supply based tool, with the following considerations:
a) Discouragement to the use of car as a feeder or a general mode of transport, with park and ride facilities being only at stations
of mass rapid transport system (MRTS).
b) Providing parking only for servicing rather than for access, and only emergency vehicle access to be provided which can be
done through provision of mountable kerbs, etc, on pedestrian dominated streets.
c) No free or subsidized parking in public space and actual parking cost to be defined by market forces.
d) Enforcement of parking caps in areas with mass rapid transport access.
e) Park once-and-walk facilities in busy markets and residential/mixed use areas.
f) Strict enforcement of parking through self-regulating design.
7.4.6 Providing Neighbourhood Connectivity,Walkability and Safety

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

• reducing transportation demand and promoting walkability, and ensuring that the neighbourhood is a safe walkable place.
• These measures should include the following:
a) Vertical mixing of housing and community based uses to ensure vibrancy and safety.
b) Based on local climate, minimum 2 h daylight access to neighbouring buildings to be ensured through provision of
required street width-to-height ratios, in accordance with Part 3.Development Control Rules and General Building
Requirements. of the Code.
c) Block sizes and paseos .
For blocks where any one side is greater than 200 m in length, a public access cut-through for pedestrians and non-
motorized transport (NMT) shall be provided.
This ensures connectivity and walkability in the neighbourhood enabling short local trips to be made on foot.
d) The setbacks and boundary wall for commercial properties should be designed so as to also promote safety and
encourage pedestrian communication.

7.4.7 Ecology of Streets

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As streets constitute about 20 to 25 percent of the impervious cover of the city, they have a large detrimental effect on the heat
island effect and ecological character of a city.
The following design components should be integrated in street design:
a) Planting of trees as an essential component for all streets to provide shade to pedestrians and reduce solar gain.
b) Use of high albedo (diffused reflectivity) materials for paving and increasing greenery around to reduce heat island
effect.
c) Decreasing impervious surfaces through permeable paving, tree planting zones, etc, to increase groundwater infiltration
and prevent seasonal flooding.
d) Integrate natural storm water filtration and absorption into street design through bio-filtration beds, bio-swales and
detention ponds.
7.5 External Lighting Design

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

7.5.1 Landscape Lighting Design . Allowable Lighting
Power Density (LPD)

• Light pollution can disrupt circadian rhythms and

melatonin production, which has been linked to
serious health concerns.

• Reasonable use of outdoor lighting restores dark

night skies and preserves the ambiance of the night.

• Whether outdoor light is directly adjacent to a

species habitat or located at some distance is an

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

important consideration.

• light fixtures should emit minimum light as per the

specified total fixed lumens and only light the areas
as required for safety and comfort.

• In addition, the lighting shall be efficient complying

with the requirements of maximum LPD given in
Table 1.
7.5.2 External Signage Design

- EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE

• External signage may be designed to address the following main issues related to overall sustainability:

a) The signage shall be classified as external lit and internal lit and further classified based on functional requirements such as
emergency, way finding, etc.
b) The requirements of each type of signage are different and should be evaluated based on the same.
c) The recommended lighting power density is 130 W/m2, maximum for internally illuminated signage, and 25 W/m2,
maximum for externally illuminated signage.
b) Illuminated signage forms a substantial part of upward directed lighting. Efforts should be made to shield the lighting.
c) Paints, adhesives, etc, used in the signage should be of low VOC.
d) Fabrication of the signage should be using materials locally available and having a recycled content.

7.5.3 External Lighting

The facades may be lit with fixtures that are shielded, nadir (see Fig. 3) and the lighting power density of the facade lighting may be as
given in Table 1.

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7.5.4 Light Trespass Allowance
The light trespass allowance may vary for different site surroundings, and a light should also vary for different settings depending upon
the requirements.
The site settings may be kept as,
a) Dark . For rural setting.
b) Low lighting setting . For residential areas/ sub-urban areas and townships.
c) Medium lighting setting . For medium rise buildings, high rise buildings, commercial/ office areas and high density for
non- commercial area.
d) High lighting setting . For malls, entertainment areas and city centre areas.
 8. ENVELOPE OPTIMIZATION

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8: ENVELOPE OPTIMIZATION
The primary components of building envelope which affect the 8.1.1.1 Enhancement of thermal performance of walls.
performance of a building are: a) Thermal insulation (applying insulation on wall surface)
1) Walls,
2) Roof (including skylights and clerestories), • It reduces U- value of the wall
3) Fenestration (openings with or without glazing), • Always placed on hotter side of the surface
4) Floor, and • It also controls internal Mean Radiant Temperature by

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5) Surface finishes. isolating the interior from the impact of exterior.
• Insulation with infiltration (sealant) control reduces heating
WALLS: and cooling loads.
• Walls are a major part of the building envelope
• Exposed to external environment conditions such as solar • Thermal insulation broadly they may be divided into five
radiation, outside air temperature, wind and precipitation. categories:

Properties of wall to be considered: 1) Rigid or semi rigid blocks and boards - mineral wool,
• Heat Storing capacity expanded polystyrene boards
• Heat transfer - Thermal conductivity, Thermal resistivity, 2) Boards with impact or weather resistant surfaces suitable
Thermal absorptivity, Thermal emissivity, Thermal as exterior grade material;
reflectivity, Thermal capacity 3) Loose fill - cellulose, fibre glass
• Wall Material 4) Foam and dry spray - polyurethane or polyisocyanurate
• Wall thickness 5) Blankets, felts or sheets – fibre glass, mineral wool, closed
cell flexible elastomeric foam.
 8.1.1.1 Enhancement of thermal performance of walls.
Parameter Thermal Insulation Thermal mass (increasing wall thickness)
Application On Wall surface Storage mass exposed to direct sunlight should be dark
in colour to allow larger absorption.
Effects Reduces U- value of the wall
Placed on hotter side of the surface Enables time delay in impact of external environment on

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Controls internal Mean Radiant Temperature by internal conditions.
isolating the interior from the impact of exterior. Thermally massive walls have high thermal capacity,
Insulation with infiltration (sealant) control reduces Effective in hot- dry climate with larger diurnal range.
heating and cooling loads

Properties to Thickness, Thick – 100-200mm

consider Density, Thermal capacity
Thermal resistivity Thermal storage capacity
Thermal conductivity value at specified Density
Specific heat capacity of the materials.
Types Rigid or semi rigid blocks and boards - mineral
wool, expanded polystyrene boards
Boards with impact or weather resistant surfaces
suitable as exterior grade material; Materials such as concrete, brick and water have high
Loose fill - cellulose, fibre glass thermal storage capacity
Foam and dry spray - polyurethane or
polyisocyanurate
Blankets, felts or sheets – fibre glass, mineral wool,
closed cell flexible elastomeric foam.
 8.1.1.1 Enhancement of thermal performance of walls.
Parameter Air cavities Surface finishes
Application Providing air cavities in walls Applying light coloured paints on walls
Effects reduces heat gain factor Light colour- reflect solar radiation.
Performance is improved if the cavity is Ventilated If emissivity of the surface colour high, the heat flux into
Cavity provides resistance the building is considerably reduced.

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Properties to Thickness Absorption
consider Emissivity

8.1.2 Roofs
Thermal transmittance - exposed roof should not exceed 0.58 W/(m2°C).
Thermal transmittance Ceiling surface of Non- conditioned not exceeding 1.16 W/(m2°C).

Over-deck insulation is, considered advantageous over under-deck insulation in hot climates.
Preformed insulation In-situ application Conventional roof Other over-deck systems that
materials insulation practices minimise heat gains
Expanded polystyrene sheet. spray applied polyurethane Mud phuska Highly reflective and emissivity
Extruded polystyrene sheet. Brick bat coba. coatings
Polyurethane Inverted earthen pots Sloped roofs < 20degree slope –
Perlite board. Cellular concrete SR of 0.70 and minimum emittance
of 0.75.
Cool roofs: SR- 0.70 and a
minimum thermal emittance of
0.75
8.1.2 Roofs

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SP41 .Handbook on Functional Requirements of Buildings..
8.1.2.2 Green roof system 8.1.3 Fenestration

Improve the thermal performance and reduces UHIE of a Considerations while selecting a glazing
roofing system through 1) Dual pane or Single pane glazing.
• Shading – Roof is not directly exposed to the radiations 2) spectrally selective glazing (to keep off infra red and permit
• Thermal Insulation provided by thickness of the growing visible light).
medium Evapotranspiration and 3) Balancing the conflict between glare and light.
• Thermal mass provided by the green cover and the 4) Trading off window size and glazing selection.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

thickness 5) Dark or tinted glass may not necessarily provide good solar
• Lowering of ambient temperature by the green mass control.
thorough evapotranspiration 6) Not depending on glazing alone to reduce heat gain and
discomfort.

Frames:
Types of Green Roof:
• Wood, fibreglass, RCC and vinyl frames are better
Intensive Green Roof: Conventional Garden with insulators than metal.
• Frames should be designed with thermal breaks.
many Plants, trees , shrubs
• Sealing of the Gaps between Frames and Structural walls

Extensive Green Roof: Little maintenance Shading devices

a) External shading and screens/Jaalis,
b) Internal shading,
c) Use of solar control glass (spectrally selective), and
Modular Block Green Roof: Modular units with
d) Horizontal/vertical or angled louvers.
interlock, each unit units contains drainage system
an Plants
Major types of energy flow which occur through a
window impacting the HVAC energy consumption:

Temperature difference heat losses and gains in the form

of conduction, convection, and radiation .

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Solar heat gains in the form of radiation

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Infiltration : Air exchanges can influence indoor
thermal comfort
Parameters, to consider for thermal performance of a window to energy efficiency in AC Buildings
U-value of fenestration Solar heat gain Shading and adjusted SHGC Projection factor (PF)
coefficient (SHGC) of
fenestration .
Double glazing units, Additional glazing layers Exterior or interior shading
reduce the U-value reduces SHGC devices enhance the

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performance of windows with
Low-emittance (low-E) Tinted glazing, such as low SHGC.
coatings and gas fills bronze and green reduce Shaded Window SHGC =
SHGC Factor M x SHGC Valu.

Spectrally selective glazing, Refer Table 5.Pg: 861

including some low-E coated
glazing

Impact on lighting energy consumption

Harness natural light from Sun and sky to light the space.
Good day lighting in a building depends upon the Window design for natural ventilation
following factors: General guidelines for achieving effective natural ventilation:
• Window wall ratio (WWR) - Max. allowed 60% • Stack ventilation can be enhanced -Provide openings on
• Visible light transmittance (VLT) of glazing. the opposite side of the wall
• Day-lighting and window design .
• Day-lit perimeter zone for vertical fenestration

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8.1.3.2.2 Window design Types for non-
conditioned/mixed mode buildings

a) Horizontal pivot windows .

b) Vertical pivot windows
c) Casement windows
d) Top/bottom hung windows
e) Sliding windows . • Narrow room width; room depth =< 15m.
f) Tilting top vents
• For total area of openings (inlet and outlet) of 20 to 30 % of
The glazing system for windows in non-conditioned/mixed mode floor area, the average indoor wind velocity that may be
spaces is usually single pane/panel glazed units as the windows achieved is around 30 percent of outdoor wind velocity.
will be opened to allow ventilation. Thus there is less relevance
to install double glazing units with low SHGC and U- values. • Bottom side of the opening may be kept at 85 percent of
the height of the room taken from ceiling
8.2 Envelope Optimization Methods for Energy 8.3 Renewable Energy Integration in Envelope
Efficiency
• Prescriptive method: • Integration of Solar Thermal Technologies
Compliance with can be achieved by meeting or exceeding the • Integration of Photovoltaic Technologies (BIPV)
specific levels prescribed by Annexure B

• Trade-off method : The thermal performance of one

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component such as the roof can fail tomeet the prescriptive
requirements as long as other components perform better
than what is required to make necessary compensation.

Trade-offs are permitted only between building envelope

components.

• Whole building analysis method: performance. The

simulation programme takes into account the building
geometry & orientation, building materials, building facade
design & characteristics, climate, indoor environmental
conditions, occupant activities and schedules, HVAC and
lighting system and other parameters to analyse and
predict the energy performance of the building. Refer
Annex D
 9. MATERIALS

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9: MATERIALS
Why Important? Sustainable building material:
• Environment friendly
Extensive Activities such as extraction, processing and transportation, • Causes no adverse impact on health of occupants
material Manufacturing, activities in building construction and thereafter • Readily available
may pollute the air, soil and water, as well as destroy natural • Recycled and Renewable
habitats and deplete natural resources.
Construction sector in the country is a major consumer of energy 9.1.4 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Building Materials:

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resulting in the largest share of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.
LCA of building materials assess the potential environmental impacts
Most effective strategies: at every stage in the life cycle.
 Rehabilitation of existing building(shell and non-shell components). • It is a tool to determine the environmental suitability of any building
It reduces: material (to evaluate environmental impact and improvement
• Volume of solid waste generated required)
• Volume Diversion to landfills
• Environmental impacts associated with the production, delivery and use or
installation of new building materials
 Use of rapidly renewable materials, recycled materials
 Use of Local Regional Material

9.1.1 Environmental Concerns and Human Health and Safety

Aspects Related to Building Materials.
• Excessive extraction of raw material diminishes non-renewable
natural resources very rapidly
• Waste disposal pose problems.
• Extraction processes may also affect the wildlife.
• Transportation of material causes pollution.
• Generation of Hazardous waste during manufacturing which may
affect human health and environment.
 Relevant Criteria of Life Cycle Analysis 9.2 Materials and Recommended Sustainable
 Embodied energy Alternatives
 Resource reuse and upgradation Structural Recommended alternatives
 Recycled content Material.
 Reusable or recyclable
 Natural, plentiful Cement • Pozzolanas: Fly ash and slag , Rice husk ash (RHA),
 Bio-degradable Concrete Ready mixed concrete (RMC),Geopolymer concrete
 locally available ((GGBS)
 Rapidly renewable material •

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Recycled aggregate: Crushed concrete aggregate
 Materials compliant with clean air and clean water. • Precast/prefabricated/partially prefabricated
 Materials having low ozone depletion potential . concrete elements .
• Light weight concrete: Preformed foam concrete,
Ferrocement
• Light weight aggregates in concrete
• Masonry concrete blocks: Solid and hollow concrete
blocks, Autoclaved cellular (aerated) concrete blocks,
Lightweight concrete blocks, Preformed foam cellular
concrete blocks .
• Concrete stone masonry blocks .
Burnt clay • Hollow/perforated bricks
bricks and • Low and medium-fired bricks
tiles • Burnt clay flyash bricks
• Flyash lime bricks
• Red mud burnt bricks
• Lato bricks

Table 7: gives classification of building materials

based on their energy intensity
Traditional efficient building materials High Embodied energy materials
Earth • Adobe bricks Plastics • UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) window
construction • Adobe pouring construction frames
• Compressed earth blocks (CEB) • Rice husk plastic wood
• Soil based building blocks • Natural fiber composite panels and door shutters .
• Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP)
Timber • Timber harvested from sustainably managed forests
or social / agro-forestry plantations or reclaimed Metals • Use salvaged metal sections as far as possible.
(Eco-Mark
• Use scrap steel and Aluminium for non- structural

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Certification) (salvaged) timber.
• Saw milling waste and forestry waste. applications.
• Interior applications: agricultural or industrial wastes • Use metals with verified recycled content.
(phospho- gypsum, bagasse, cotton stalk, rice-husk, Surface materials
coir fibre, pine needles, Sisal Fibre and wood
residues) Floor & • Finish concrete flooring
Floor  Resilient flooring (bamboo and linoleum flooring)
Bamboo • Part 6- Structural Design -Section 3 -Timber and coverings  Terrazzo in-situ flooring and tiles
(use in Bamboo, Subsection 3B Bamboo. • Ceramic/vitrified tiles
• Part 7- Construction Management, Practices and • Wooden flooring
accordance
Safety. of the Code. • Stone
with)
Cob walls • Cob wall has good thermal mass properties, is fire External and • Plaster : Lime plaster, Cement plaster, Cement-
resistant; internal wall lime plaster, Gypsum plasters, Clay plaster,
finishes Sulphur plaster
Stone • Locally available (excavated) and undressed stone • Mineral and fibre based sheeting/boards:
to the maximum possible extent. Fibre cement sheets/boards ,Calcium silicate sheet,
• Part 5-Building Materials. Gypsum plaster board.
• Grit wash
Mortar • Lime mortar
• Paints and coating (low VOC Content)
• Cement mortar
• Stone cladding
• Mud mortar
• Metal composite panels (MCP)
• Lime sand mortar
• Wallpapers
• Lime pozzolana mortar
Building Fenestration and Detailing Thermal insulation materials
Glazing • Glass shall be selected with high recycled content
and shall be so sized as to minimise wastages. Use Non-organic
of glazing in fenestration shall be in accordance
Organic
(mineral fibres, glass
with 8.1.3. wool, perlites)
Organic
• Environment friendly -natural materials-cork,cotton and
wool)

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Door and Wooden frames- eligible for Certification for Eco-
Marking, • Less environment friendly materials -polyurethane
window
frames Metal frames – with thermal break (low conductive rigid foam and polystyrene
material) to reduce their conductivity.
Plastic and aluminium frames can be made of profiles Types of thermal insulation materials
filled with foamed insulation of polyurethane to offset Mineral • Glass wool
high heat conductivity. • Rock wool
Composite products – use either aluminium with UPVC wool • Cotton
or timber with aluminium, • Natural wool
Pure aluminium frames can be recycled.
Plastic • Extruded polystyrene
(produced as • Expanded polystyrene
 Climatic Control Material • Closed cell flexible elastomeric foams
foam)
These materials can be used for climate responsive designs as well as
for reducing the harmful impact on environment. Autoclaved aerated (cellular) concrete blocks. Preformed foam cellular
concrete blocks .
The thermal insulation of walls and roof shall be done in accordance Hollow concrete block .
with 8.1.1 and 8.1.2. Reflective Insulation materials .
Perlite and pumice products
Vermiculite products
Saw dust and wood shavings
 9.3 Construction Phase Material Storage and
Traditional • Straw-bale insulation Handling
techniques • Inverted earthen pot insulation . • Proper material handling and storage to provide a
• Brick bat coba continuous flow of materials.
• Mud phuska • For storage and withdrawal of construction materials from
• Broken ceramic mosaic tiles . storage places, first in first out policy should be followed.
• Cavity wall insulation
• Poured insitu cellular lightweight concrete
• Care should be taken to store moisture sensitive material
•

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• High SRI Paints Inflammable, volatile materials may need proper
segregated storage.
Covering or • Weather barriers
finishing materials • Vapour retarders
for thermal
9.3.1 Handling of Materials and Equipment
insulation • Improper handling may cause severe damages.
• caulks, expanding foams, weather-stripping
• Avoid overloading the equipment
Moisture and air
regulating of doors and windows, gaskets, door sweeps • Avoid injuries and hazards, accidents
materials • Proper training to handle equipments
• Cement based waterproofing products
• Operation manual should be reffered
Water proofing
materials • Plastic-polymer products :coal-tar, bitumen, • Periodic checking and inspection of equipments,
ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), carried out by authorized and trained person only
polyurethane and PVC
• Brick bat coba
• Bentonite clay
• Butyl rubber, crystalline and cementations
products.
 MANAGEMENT
10. WATER AND WASTE

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10.1 Introduction-
 Due to the overexploitation and growth of the country's economy is driving increased water usage across sectors.
 Waste water generation is increasing significantly and in the absence of proper measures for treatment and management, the existing
freshwater reserves get polluted.
 The municipal solid waste generation ranges from 0.25 to 0.66 kg/person/day with an average of 0.45 kg/person/day. In addition, large
quantities of solid and liquid wastes are generated by industries.

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 Unless properly managed, most of the wastes generated may find their way into land and water bodies exploiting them.
 This problem can be significantly mitigated through adoption of treatment, recycling and processing before disposal, and adopting
waste to energy technologies.
Objective-
The sustainable approach should finally adopt an integrated approach to water supply, water waste and solid waste management
aimed to create built facilities with zero anthropogenic waste design solution.

Broad aspects for achieving sustainable water and waste management:

Conceptualization stage Construction stage Performance and corrective action

Major considerations during planning and The existing water resources should first be Building use is a dynamic process and is
design include yield and quality of raw protected and integrated in the building constantly evolving. Also, Engineering
water sources, topography, geology, plan. Selecting materials and technologies, system designs are optimum solutions
population, usage, and treatment of waste which are water efficient and should be based on assumptions. So, appropriate
water. Since these vary from project to according to project peculiarities as well metering and corrective improvements
project, all solutions are unique. as environmental constraints. should be integrated in the design
10.2 Planning and designing of water supply system-
10.2.1 Planning and Design of Water Supply System

 Planning and design process begins with use analysis for demand assessment,
identification of project constraints and water sourcing.
 Hot water systems are energy intensive building component, selection of technologies

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that use clean fuels such as solar water heaters need to be included in the planning.
 It is recommended that an overall water balance chart be prepared indicating all supply
side resources, infusion of recycled water, and the actual consumption for potable and
non-potable and other purposes.
 This shall also incorporate water requirements for fighting fire, the extent of recycled
water use for different consumption depending on the level of water treatment and
reduction in freshwater intake through rainwater harvesting potential of the site.
 A reasonably accurate estimate considering a calendar year long demand-supply
assessment including demand fluctuations of the amount of water that should be
supplied, is needed early in the planning stage of project development.
 The average daily demand is especially important since it may be used to assess the
ability of available sources to meet continuing demands and to size raw water storage
facilities that may be required to meet sustained demands during dry periods.
 Later, during the actual design process, the peak demand is required to properly size
pumps and pipelines, estimate pressure losses, and determine water storage A typical scheme showing general
requirements so that it may be planned to store sufficient water and cater for daily water components of water management
demand. system.
 10.2.1.1 Availability of water
Surface water is water in river, lake or freshwater
wetland. Surface water is naturally replenished by
precipitation and naturally lost through discharge to 1 Under river flow - Throughout the course of the river,
the oceans, evaporation, evapotranspiration and sub- the total volume of water transported downstream will
surface seepage often be a combination of the visible free water flow
4 together with a substantial contribution flowing through
The total quantity of water available at any given time is sub- surface rocks and gravels that underlie the river and

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an important consideration. Some users have an its flood plain called the hyporheic zone.
intermittent need for water. Other users have a continuous
need for water. So accordingly, design considerations to For many rivers in large valleys, this unseen component of
be taken. flow may greatly exceed the visible flow. The hyporheic
zone often forms a dynamic interface between surface
water and groundwater, receiving water from the
Desalination . Desalination is an artificial process by
groundwater when aquifers are fully charged and
which saline water (generally sea water) is converted 2 contributing water to groundwater when groundwater is
to freshwater.
depleted.
The most common desalination processes are distillation
and reverse osmosis. Desalination is currently expensive Sub-surface water, or groundwater, is freshwater located
compared to most alternative sources of water. It may be in the pore space of soil and rocks. It is also water that is
economically viable only for high-valued uses, such as 5 flowing within aquifers below the water table.
household and industrial uses, in arid areas.
The natural input to sub-surface water is seepage from
Rain water harvesting is the collection and storage of surface water. The natural outputs from sub-surface water
rainwater, rather than allowing it to runoff. 3 are springs and seepage to the oceans. The input to a sub
surface water source can be increased by building
Rainwater harvesting may be employed to augment reservoirs or detention ponds
water availability.
10.2.1.2 Project constraints and source constraints
 Water quality requirements are directly related to intended use.
 The freshwater is intended mostly for human consumption, whereas treated waste water is intended to be used for non-potable uses.
All the water supplied shall meet or exceed appropriate water quality requirements as applicable for its use.
 Requirements include microbiological, chemical, radiochemical, and aesthetic requirements that are applicable to quality of water for
its respective uses.
 The quality of available water sources is often a very important factor in water system planning and design.

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 Cold and hot water proportion are drawn based on the local climatic condition of the region, type of occupancy and the general use
pattern in the local region.
10.2.2 Water Sourcing
 Following are sources of water that can be used-  In majority of cases, in view of operation and maintenance
Direct connection to an existing water system
considerations, it may be desirable to connect to an existing water
supply system. The final choice of source depends on many factors-
Indirect connection to an existing water
system(water hauling), • Proximity and capacity of existing systems,

Development of ground water resources,

• Necessary institutional arrangements for obtaining
water from existing systems,
Development of surface water resources
• Yield and quality of available ground and surface water
Revamping of traditional water sources, and sources, and

• Level of operation and management activity that is

Rainwater harvesting. reasonable for the water system being designed.

Source selection should depend upon environmental considerations, reliability, cost (including capital cost and operations and
maintenance cost) and water treatment facilities.
10.2.3 Hot Water Systems Planning and Design Approach
 The most common energy sources for heating water are fossil fuels namely coal, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, oil or
sometimes solid fuels.
 These fuels may be consumed directly or by the use of electricity.
 Alternative energy such as solar energy, heat pumps and hot water heat recycling may also be used as available, usually in
combination with backup systems supplied by gas, oil or electricity.
 The equipment used should be in accordance with the concerned Indian Standards available.

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 Large centralized hot water generation on electrical power should be discouraged and alternative clean and energy efficient fuels
with efficient hot water generator should be evaluated in the project having high hot water requirement.
 All hot water system shall be insulated with insulation to minimize heat loss.

10.2.4 Strategies for Water Efficiency

 Selection of water efficient products should be considered for both cold and hot water systems.
 Use of low flow fixtures for faucets, water closets, bath showers, hand-held bidet sprays, dish washers, aerators and clothes washers
should be considered.
 One of the important considerations to ensure performance of low flow products is to design systems with correct pressures.
 Low flow fittings should be considered mainly for areas with direct water consumption/human usage such as for wash basin taps,
sink taps, and shower head, bath faucet and other faucet taps.
 Situations where water is filled for other requirements such as bath tub fillers, washing machine and for situations where water is
filled, stored, used or situation where quantity of water supply may form the intent for which water is being drawn such as fire-
fighting system and swimming pools, need not be provided with water saving features/use.
 The strategy of water efficiency shall also include low flush and dual flush cistern/flushing mechanism.
 Technologies for high efficiency toilets and waterless urinals are emerging solutions but they need to be validated in the realistic
use environment.
 Dual piping is another strategy for efficient use of water.
 Planning and design approach to recycled water use should be integrated with dual piping systems and waste water reuse systems.
10.2.5 Strategies for Water Conservation

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 Storm water is a major opportunity for conservation. Rainwater harvesting and rainwater recharge, and rainwater storage/use have
a significant scope for conservation.
 Rainwater can be harvested by adopting the following means:
Storing rainwater for ready use, in
1 containers above or below ground.

2 Charging rainwater into the soil

The maintenance of rainwater harvesting

3 system is importance or they may not
perform during raining days.

10.2.6 Sustainable Design Detailing of Water Supply System Components

 For a system to be sustainable, the aspects of integrated performance, reliability, maintainability, life cycle performance
including under adverse conditions and capability to undergo corrections during the use phase of the buildings, shall be
considered.
 Quality assurance and quality control systems shall be employed to guide system design and execution.
10.3 Planning and designing of waste water system-
 This involves quantity and quality assessment study of-
• domestic water use-profile,
• scope of recycled water use,
• system conceptualization and integration with other water systems;
• planning for collection, treatment systems

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• treatment of on-site grey water and reuse.
• Sludge drying, composting and use for manure with proper hygiene
considerations.

10.3.1 Treated Waste Water Use for Landscape and Irrigation

 To reduce fresh water consumption for landscape/ irrigation, we can use-

• Grey water is untreated household waste water from bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs, and clothes washing machines.
• Reclaimed water is waste water that has been treated to levels suitable for non-potable uses.
• Collected rainwater is rainwater collected in cisterns, barrels or storage tanks.

 Appropriate systems to monitor the quality of treated waste water in accordance with the standard practices.
 Required safeguards should be provided and records of treated waste water parameters should be monitored on regular basis.
 Proper techniques for landscaping and irrigation in respect of selection of appropriate plant species, use of efficient irrigation
systems, etc, can result in substantial water saving
10.4 Water and Waste Management During Construction-
10.4.1 Water Use During Construction

 Use of potable water for construction should be avoided unless required.

 Use of treated waste water from appropriate sources with confirming the quality required.
 For sourcing of water, reference should be made to the statutory environmental provisions, if applicable.

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 Inadvertent use of non-potable construction water for drinking purpose shall be prevented by proper distinct systems with appropriate
markings.
 Wastage of construction water in piping network as well as storage tanks shall be prevented.
 Monitoring of water consumption shall be done by maintaining logs to control wastage and ensure its efficient use.
 Water efficient construction technologies should be considered.
10.4.2 Control and Use of De-Watering Output

 De-watering is essential for carrying out construction works below water table.
 De-watering operations generate enormous amount of water.
 Organizations should explore to store and use water obtained as a result of de-water either at the site or at another location
productively.

10.4.3 Management of Waste Water

 Construction sites may not have a waste-water disposal, hence, the arrangements have to be made within the construction site.
 Identify the areas to reduce the water consumption and re-use treated waste-water.
 In the absence of appropriate waste-water disposal facilities, unhygienic conditions may prevail.
 Wastewater at construction sites may contain residues of construction materials , oils and domestic waste. It should be possible
to treat water, specially containing residues of construction materials and re-use the same in construction.

10.5 Process Water Requirement and Effluent Treatment-

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 Certain processes, such as pharmaceuticals, hospitals, industrial processes, etc, need water quality specific to their needs.
 Water for such processes is to be provided in accordance with industry standards.
 Therefore, planning and design of water supply shall adhere to the concerned regulations and standards.
 Effluent treatment of some special processes is a cause of concern.
 The impact of treatment of water for supply as well as process effluent shall be assessed through environmental impact
assessment (EIA).
 Environmental management plans (EMP) should be developed to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts.
 In such situations, it is desirable to establish proper environmental management system (EMS) to ensure compliance to the
norms through defined managerial responsibility.
 For such special process facilities, proper water and effluent quality testing laboratory shall be established and records
maintained to control compliance parameters.
10.6 Planning and designing of solid waste management system-
 Solid waste generated in buildings, if not managed properly may result in unhygienic conditions.
 Collection and movement of solid waste often overlaps with building circulation and, hence can cause interference with the use.
 Thus, the interventions during planning and design are critical for solid waste management.
 The cumulative effect of improper solid waste management in buildings and its indiscriminate dumping in landfill sites, is an

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environmental problem of immense proportions.
 While reduction of solid waste it should also be considered to utilize the considerable scope of using solid waste as a resource for
waste recycled products and energy.
 Solid wastes recycle facilities should be considered for building complexes and reduce the need for transportation of wastes.
 Solid waste processing may include sorting out various materials and compacting for effective onward transport to re-cycling plants.

10.6.1 Documentation of Nature of Waste and Quantification

 The study should include identification of solid waste that may be generated during use, their characteristics and the anticipated
quantities.
 It may also be desirable to study the socio-cultural context affecting behavioral aspects of users to anticipate extent of their
participation in solid waste management process and appreciation of systems implemented.
 In planning solid waste management system from sustainability point of view, the role, responsibilities and response of users should
be considered.
 The context of users, characteristics of waste and expected quantities shall be documented for making strategic decisions.
10.6.2 Identification of Strategies for Solid Waste Management

 After Documentation, Possible technological solutions, strategic planning of solid waste management shall be developed.
 Reference shall be made to the statutory provisions governing building use and the environment. While developing strategies,
the following aspects shall be considered:
 Solid waste minimization;
 Space requirement for collection sorting, movement for sorting and for disposal, including on-site pre-processing and off-

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site transport in accordance with legal provisions;
 Effectiveness of possible alternatives;
 Environmental sensitivity for solid waste processing and constraints of off-site disposal;
 Organizational constraints of building occupants to participate and involve in management of solid waste; and
 Economic considerations of technology and their reliability.
 The strategic approach to solid waste management shall be documented as a report that shall form a basis of planning and
engineering services design.
10.6.3 Solid Waste System Planning

 Documented strategic approach should lead to planning of the system as the preliminary design begins to evolve. It shall include
appropriate physical space requirements for,
 provision for collection at suitable locations for solid waste;
 need for ventilation, washing, isolation and provision for persons performing duties of waste collection;
 provision of appropriate containers for wastes;
 circulation planning for solid waste from individual collection locations to central facility;
 segregation space with necessary illumination, ventilation, washing etc;
 treatment facility within the building or building complex for compacting for recycling and disposal;
 composting and manure generation systems in buildings.
 Composting and manure generation system can reduce, recycle, reuse and regenerate as per sustainability concept.
 The solid waste disposal system should try to use the combustible but non-recyclable items like dry plant parts, wooden wastes, etc,
for waste- to-energy system. Using combustible garbage items for energy generation will reduce volume of garbage to be disposed,
transportation along with requirement of land fill sites.
 Energy generation will reduce the carbon foot print of the area/ zone. A schematic plan for solid waste management shall be developed
and coordinated with the building plan.
 Schematic plan shall also indicate technologies employed in the process of solid waste management after due consideration to

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alternatives, cost implications to the project; statutory approvals that may be needed; specifications of civil and engineering works
needed to be executed,; etc.
 Documented plan shall be the basis for preparing detailed designs.

10.6.4 Design Detailing of Solid Waste System Elements

 Design of solid waste system shall coincide with detailed architectural and engineering design.
 While physical space requirements are necessary for the architectural design, design calculations for engineering services
requires inputs from various elements of waste management.
 System design detailing shall ensure that the components are compatible with each other. For instance, the design of
segregation facility shall consider aggregate space requirement arising out of various collection locations.
 Similarly, the quality of finishes should be compatible with the nature of waste and the processes needed.
10.6.5 Provisions for Waste(s) Requiring Special Management

 Wastes generated in special occupancies and processes need safe handling and disposal.
 Buildings are required to make special provisions, physical spaces and measures to collect, segregate, transfer and dispose of the
waste. Management system should be established and should define delegation of responsibilities, prerequisite competencies,
procedures, protection for personnel performing waste management duties and procedures for emergencies and disaster management.
3. Toxic and Chemical waste

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2. Radioactive waste
Disposal shall be carried out strictly in Disposed of according to the relevant
accordance with the Board of Radiation standards. Under no circumstances, these
1. Biomedical waste and Isotope Technology (BRIT)/ Atomic should be disposed into sewerage. Specific
Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) arrangements shall be provided for
Each of the waste types shall be collected regulations. In such cases, proper records management of emergencies such as
and segregated at designated locations, shall be maintained as required by the control of spread of toxic fumes and
with adequate precautions for safety, regulatory authority concerned. emergency health care to the exposed
disinfection and containment. The populations.
circulation route for waste shall be
segregated. Special care shall be taken for 4. Inflammable and combustible waste 5. Electronic waste
ventilation exhaust so that the same does
It is a potential source for fire hazards in These shall be taken care of in accordance
not mix with air intakes in hospital
buildings. Collection, segregation and with the applicable act, rules and
ventilation system. The hospital waste
handling of such wastes shall not be carried regulations relating to the management and
shall be treated using appropriate
out in vicinity of any source of ignition. handling of e-waste.
technologies like incineration, autoclaving,
Adequate provisions for spread of smoke
microwave or hydroclave.
and fire-resisting enclosures shall be
provided. Necessary fire protection
measures should be taken.
 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
11. BUILDING SERVICES
OPTIMIZATION
11.1 INTRODUCTION-

 Reduction in heating, cooling and lighting loads through climate-responsive designs and conservation practices can enhance the
energy efficiency of a building.
 In addition, an integrated project delivery (IPD) approach results in a well- designed, cost effective solution wherein all building
systems and components can in coherence facilitate overall functionality as well as required environmental performance.

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11.2 CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT-

Solar passive techniques that can be adopted in different climate zones of India are-

Optimum building orientation

landscaping (to reduce heat island effect)

Arrangement and shape of buildings

Effective surface to volume ratio

Location and size of openings on building
facade and other elevation
Glazing type and performance
Shading devices on windows and judicious
selection of building materials
Prior to developing the design drawings, the design team shall address the key target issues such as the following:

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Maximize
Harvest site Design assumptions and
efficiency -Energy
Building energy- — Project internal load assessment-
Building consumptions
Orientation- shall explore the Energy demand reduction
envelope- — Building should be optimized
Building location use of natural may be accomplished by
envelope provides a to avoid over-sizing
and its exposure to resources such as carefully analyzing the
starting point for of equipment rating.
solar direct daylight, variations initial design assumptions
determining heat Computer based
radiation affect the in ambient and by reducing internal
transfer coefficients design tools may be
HVAC design, day- temperature to heating and/or cooling loads
for external used to identify
lighting strategies reduce and interior lighting
walls/ceiling/ roof feasible energy
and the overall cooling/heating improvement. It can be
and glazing conservation
energy demand. demand and utilize achieved through multiple
measures for a
solar/wind energy design strategies.
building
11.3 NATURAL AND MECHANICAL VENTILATION STRATEGIES-
A thorough assessment of natural versus mechanical ventilation strategy should be performed to minimize the need for artificial
cooling by lowering the space temperatures (of attics) as well as eliminate/minimize the need for mechanical blowers. Following
are some of the important aspects which may be considered for the purpose:

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1 2 3 4

• Convective air • Wind pressure on a • It takes advantage • The function of

Wind-induced pressure differences

Wind towers
Stack effect

Night purging
currents may be building depends of the diurnal this tower is to
induced in a on wind direction, variation in catch cooler breeze
building by speed, shape of the temperatures to that prevail at a
exploiting building and lower the cooling higher level above
temperature location of its demand of the the ground and
difference between openings. The space. In regions, direct it into the
a space and the spatial cooling where a significant interior of the
environment techniques may be difference exists buildings.
adjacent to it as the explored through between day and
lighter warm air windows/ night temperatures,
rises to be replaced openings to induce this technique is
by cooler air. airflow from the useful for
windward side and dissipating heat by
outflow on the flushing the indoor
leeward side. space through
ambient cool air.
11.4 PASSIVE HEATING TECHNIQUES
In the climatic zones requiring indoor space heating, it may be explored to use the following strategies-

Direct gain method- Controlled sun may be permitted into the

habitable spaces through an opening to directly heat the floor, walls
or other internal components and objects, which, in turn, heat the air
within the room.

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Trombe wall- It is a thick solid wall with vents at its lower and
upper ends. This wall may be placed directly behind the glazing with
an air gap in between. The vents act as inlets of warm air into the
room and as outlets for flushing out cool air from the room.

Indirect gain- It may be placed between the glazing and habitable

space which prevents solar radiation from directly entering the living
space. The solar energy incident on wall is absorbed by the wall and
then indirectly transmitted to the habitable space over a longer time.

Solar chimneys- This system is incorporated into the roof. A solar

chimney is essentially a collector panel with minimum thermal
inertia on the south facade of the building. It absorbs incident solar
radiation and heats up the air inside the space

Sunspaces- Solar radiation admitted into the sunspace heats up the

air, which by convection and conduction through the mass wall
reaches the habitable space.
11.5 PASSIVE COOLING TECHNIQUES
 Passive cooling systems rely on natural heat sinks to remove excess heat energy from a building. They derive cooling directly from
evaporation, convection and radiation without using electrical energy.
 The building envelope can be designed to effectively exchange heat with the surrounding ambient air.
 In order to have an appreciable net heat flux between two bodies, the temperature difference should be significant (typically at least
7°C). Some of the techniques are as follows:

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• In this technique, night sky cooling may be very effectively used to dissipate the heat
Nocturnal cooling
stored in building envelope so that it is regenerated to store the day heat gain

• A water body on the roof may provide cooling where during summers it is covered with
Roof pond with insulation with a surface finish of low absorptivity. During the night, insulation is removed
and the heat stored in the day time is exchanged with the night sky. In winter, the operation
movable insulation of the movable insulation is reversed to allow heat gain in daytime and reduce heat loss
during the night.

• Due to incident solar radiation in courtyards, the air gets warmer and rises. Cool air
Courtyards from ground level flows through louvered openings of rooms thereby inducing
airflow.
11.6 PRE-COOLING OF VENTILATION AIR
To conform to the IAQ requirements, it is necessary to introduce outside air for ventilation of conditioned spaces. This enables
reduction in internal air-contaminants, as well as dilutes odor from occupants. The introduction of hot and humid air leads to
significant increase in cooling/heating load and, therefore, strategies, as follows, may be considered to minimize the energy
demand:

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Demand controlled ventilation-
Carbon dioxide or air quality sensors
may be used to check the level of
pollutants in the occupied space and
provide the indication to building Heat recovery - Pre-cooling of
management system to control the hot/cold outdoor air can be achieved
opening of outside air dampers by recovering energy from exhaust
thereby effectively providing streams of a building through either
ventilation on demand. heat recovery wheel, run around coils,
cross plate heat exchangers or heat Economizer cycles- In certain
pipes. This helps in lowering the climates, air and/or water side
installed capacity of cooling/heating economizer cycles may be used to
equipment. take advantage of lower ambient air
temperatures. Outside air load may be
reduced by pre-treating the air and
possibly combining strategies like
earth air tunnel and adiabatic cooling.
11.7 LOW ENERGY MECHANICAL COOLING TECHNIQUES-
It is desirable to explore possibility of using low energy cooling/heating techniques for indoor space as an alternate for compressor
driven energy intensive conventional air-conditioning systems. The following alternative technologies may be considered for
implementations to comply with the comfort criterion:
1. Evaporative cooling- It is suited for hot climates with low humidity. The cooling of air is achieved by simple evaporation of water
in air. In high humid climates, evaporative cooling may have little thermal comfort benefit beyond the increased ventilation and air

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movement it provides. Various types of evaporative coolers are as follows:

Direct evaporative cooling- It Passive downdraft evaporative

lowers the temperature of air by cooling (PDEC) system- It is a
using latent heat of evaporation Two-stage evaporative cooling- low energy passive system.
thereby changing water to vapor It does not produce humidity PDEC system does not need the
state. levels as high as that by blower and require only pump
traditional single-stage for re-circulating water. Some
Indirect evaporative cooling- evaporative coolers, but operate designs may even eliminate the
It is similar to direct at a lower efficiency. Two stage re-circulation pump and utilize
evaporative cooling but its evaporative coolers combine the pressure in the supply water
efficiency is low and it uses a indirect with direct evaporative line to periodically surge water
heat exchanger . In addition, cooling over the pads thereby eliminating
the cooled moist air does not the requirement for any electrical
come in direct contact with the energy input.
conditioned environment
2. Desiccant dehumidification/cooling systems- It provides a tool for controlling humidity levels for conditioned air spaces.

3. Geothermal heating and cooling- Geothermal exchange loop use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium
instead of the outside air temperature. As the ground is warmer than ambient air during winters and cooler than ambient air during
summers, geothermal exchange loop harnesses this phenomenon by exchanging heat with the earth through a ground to water/air

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heat exchanger. Geothermal exchange loop can be classified as closed looped system and open loop system. The pipes can be
installed in three ways, namely, vertically, horizontally and in a pond or lake, depending upon the availability of land area and soil
type at the chosen site.

4. Earth air tunnel system- As earth temperature remains constant throughout the year at a depth of 4 m to 5 m, an earth air tunnel
(EAT) is created by burying a pipe at this depth. Ambient air, thus sucked from one end is passed through EAT and depending on
the ambient temperature, air gets cooled in summer and heated up in winter.

5. Radiant cooling or thermally active building systems- These systems work on the principle of thermal storage of energy
(heating/cooling) within the building structure components such as slabs, false ceiling, walls, etc. Further the building components
radiate the heat/coolness to the building interiors thereby off-setting the heating or cooling loads. These systems specially work best
in climates with high diurnal variations. These systems can be integrated with the HVAC system or can operate independently.
11.8 HVAC SYSTEM-
The following may be considered with regard to planning, design and installation of HVAC system-

As the internal loads may not peak

Variable refrigerant flow

Unitary/Split Equipment
These are the systems for middle
simultaneously at any given time, a size commercial establishments like
Equipment Sizing

suitable diversity factor may be The unitary products like window air shops, small hotels, nursing homes,

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considered for sizing the equipment. conditioners and split units are restaurants etc and can provide a

systems
Multiple smaller machines, chiller ideally suited for stand alone smaller superior performance over
with multiple compressor or (VFD) applications like houses and shops. conventional unitary
on chiller may be explored for However, the IAQ and energy equipment/package units. However,
ensuring operation at highest efficiency need a special attention. the IAQ, redundancy and long
efficiency point in spite of variation refrigerant pipe lengths required,
in demand. need a special attention.

Chillers may be used either

These are ideally suited for all singularly or in groups and in either
medium and large scale projects that air-cooled or water-cooled options.
Central Plants

require air-conditioning wherein the Other energy saving strategies like

Chillers
chilled water is transported to remote heat recovery, low flow applications
air terminal units for heat transfer. on chiller and condenser, low
The benefits of central plants include approach cooling towers, use of
highest efficiency, reduced VFD, advanced controls, water
maintenance costs and overall lower economizers, lower fouling factors,
total installed capacity. etc, for reducing the energy demand.
 Primary-secondary (decoupled) system-

Chilled water pumping systems

Refrigerants are classified into two
In this system, flow rate through each
classes based on their toxicity, namely In a central plant, the pumping chiller remains constant and yet
Class A (Low chronic toxicity) and systems contribute to second accommodates a reduction in pumping
Class B (High chronic toxicity) They largest energy consumption
Refrigerants

energy, since the system water flow rate

are classified into four classes based
source and it should be carefully varies with the load.
on their flammability, namely, Class 1

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(no flame propagation), Class 2L analyzed for selection for highest
(lower flammability), Class 2 efficiency point and required head
(flammable) and Class 3 (higher only. There are following two Primary only variable flow(PVF)
flammability). Refrigerants shall be types of chilled water pumping system- In this system, flow varies
designated and classified for safety in system options: through evaporator. It helps in saving on
accordance with the accepted standard. initial as well as operating costs/energy.

Vapour Absorption System

TES is a technique ideally suited
Thermal Energy Storage

Alternate sources of energy

for utilizing advantage of
particularly waste steam/ heat
differential power tariff and
may be used for refrigeration.
power rationing during peak load
One such system uses water as
hours. The concept of thermal
the refrigerant and lithium
energy storage may be evaluated
bromide as the absorber. It has
to store the energy during the
less moving parts and hence
time when load is less than
results in lower power
installed capacity and releases the
consumption.
energy when the load is more
 Facilities such as server rooms

Server Rooms/ Data Room

Proper selection of a fan for a given
and data centre that require round application depends upon factors:
Air Handling Units

the clock operation and high • Required air flow;

Fan and Blowers

The air handling unit with VFD
may be considered so as to meet energy demand are beyond the • System pressure drop at
the varied air quantities for purview of this Part. However, as required flow;
smaller server and hub rooms are • Operating point;

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various seasons. This can work in
tandem with a variable frequency part of every building that has • Type of installation namely,
multiple computers, for such ducted or free flow;
drive.
installations use of dual fluid • Air flow configuration;
precision units may be • Nature of air to be handled; and
considered. • Space constraints.

The design of an ADS should take

into consideration the factors of Mixing Air Systems
Air Distributions

occupant variables and space

conditions. Occupant variables Variable Air Volume Systems
include activity level, metabolic rate
and clothing levels. Space Displacement Systems
conditions are influenced by dry
bulb and radiant temperatures, Under floor air distribution systems
relative humidity and air velocity.
Various types of air distribution
Chilled beam and slabs systems
methodologies are-
 Usage of accurate/sensitive

Variable speed drivers

The ductwork should be Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
are used for energy saving. These controls may save power by 10 to
appropriately sized and balancing 20 percent. Building control
drives may be used on condenser
Ducting

Controls
dampers need to be installed to system plays an important part in
reduce velocity losses. Ducts with water circulation pump (to
the operation of a building and

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larger cross sectional areas have modify the flow rate), cooling
tower fans (to modulate the speed determines whether many of the
much lower resistance and can sustainable design aspects
reduce fan energy significantly. of fan during low ambient). These
drives should be used on- included in the original plan
actually function as intended.

Condenser water circulation pump to change the flow during low load or low
condenser water to optimize the plant room efficiency
Cooling tower fan to change the speed of fan during low ambient to optimize
the plant room efficiency;

Water cooled chillers with VFD unload more energy efficiently on part load,

Primary and secondary chilled water circulation pumps.

11.9 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
 Efforts should be made to select electrical installations and systems which are energy efficient, while complying with the Indian
Standards for the same which provide apart from efficiency, the various other important requirements including relating to
performance and safety.

 The requirements for energy efficient design of electrical installations in buildings are classified under the following four categories-

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a. Minimizing losses in the power distribution system,
b. Reduction of losses and energy wastage in the utilization of electrical power,
c. Reduction of losses due to the associated power quality problems,
d. Appropriate metering and energy monitoring facilities, and
e. Reduction in losses due to usage of inefficient/ old motor, replacing motors with IE2/IE3 motors as per accepted standard.

 The active energy efficiency measures include making use of energy saving equipment, low energy lighting, efficient motors, low
loss transformers, efficient appliances, suitable power carrying devices and optimized electrical distribution.

 These active measures along with high efficiency standby emergency generating plants using diesel, natural gas, alternate fuel, etc
coupled with high efficiency uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems contribute towards sustainable development.

 Passive features include good practices like simple switching off (to turn off a device when not in use), paying attention to vampire
electric loads (associated with electronic appliances like computers), etc.
11.10 LIGHTING
 Lighting has a significant impact on building loads and energy usage.
 The lighting design should focus on providing high quality visual environment with an emphasis on energy efficiency.
 Renewable energy sources should be emphasized for lighting in the outdoor having access to ample sunlight.
11.10.1 DAYLIGHTING AND CONTROLS
 The optimal use of daylight shall be made to reduce the load of the electric lighting system by dimming or switching off

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luminaries when natural light provides ample illuminance for the task performed in the space.
 Daylight harvesting has a significant energy saving potential if it is integrated with the building design after comprehensive
understanding of site, building orientation, weather conditions, materials and system design.
 It is recommended to explore use of automatic light controls like those based on occupancy, timer, and dimmer.
11.10.2 ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING
Lamps, luminaries, ballasts and the controlling systems should be monitored for achieving energy efficiency through artificial lighting.
Factors that play crucial role in designing an energy efficient lighting system are:

 Reflectance,
 Design of interior spaces,
 Efficiency of lighting systems,
 Task lighting,
 Controlling systems, and
 Monitoring and maintenance.
11.11 LIFTS, ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKS-
 To minimize the environmental impact, the materials used for manufacture of lifts, escalators and moving walks should be recyclable,
shall not have a potential for depleting ozone layer, shall not be hazardous, and shall be easily disposable at the end of life cycle.

 As power consumption during utilization phase has the maximum environmental impact, lifts and escalators to be installed shall be
energy efficient.

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 In case of high rise buildings with multiple lifts having peak traffic demand, to increase the efficiency, the destination control system
wherein passengers key-in their destination before entering the elevator, which optimizes the number of trips made by the lifts, may
be installed.

 The controller groups the people such that the stops are minimized and travel time reduced.

 Electrical traction lifts should be preferred over hydraulic lifts.

 Use of high efficiency motors such as permanent magnet synchronous motors, or induction motors having minimum efficiency class
equivalent to IE2 as per accepted standard is recommended. The brake liner material should be environment friendly.

 It is also recommended to provide lifts with regenerative drives. The efficiency of the drive in both motoring and generating mode
should not be less than 0.8. LED lights should be preferred for illumination.
11.12 GOOD INSTALLATION PRACTICES
For installation of equipment and other installations, good installation practices with stringent quality control measures should be
followed which also results in easy maintenance and energy saving, subsequently.
11.13 COMMISSIONING AND HANDING OVER
 Commissioning is a systematic process to ensure that the installed systems perform according to the design intent and the

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owners operational needs.
 A commissioning plan should be created early in the design phase. The readings should be logged and tabulated properly.
 The operation and maintenance staff shall be adequately trained to optimally operate and maintain the systems.

11.14 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

The operation and preventive maintenance schedule should be diligently complied with. Operation should be specially focused, from
sustainability point of view, in areas which can result energy saving. Such savings shall be aimed at without compromising the design
intent.

11.15 ONGOING PERFORMANCE

Regular maintenance and cleaning, periodic calibration, monitoring emissions and leaks, purge operation, record keeping, proper
refrigerant levels, etc, help in continued peak performance of operation.
11.16 RENEWABLE ENERGY
All efforts should be made to utilize in the building, the renewable energy available in various forms. Following aspects may be considered
for the purpose:
1. Solar energy utilization- Solar energy may be utilized in building through the following applications:
Solar assisted
Solar water Solar steam Solar
air

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heating systems photovoltaic
conditioning
systems systems
systems
Steam can be generated It should be also
Hot water requirement in
on the roof top of attempted to utilize
buildings may be met
buildings through use of solar energy to operate
through use of various Direct energy
solar concentrators which vapor absorption or
types of solar water conversion systems that
can be used to meet vapor adsorption based
heating systems. Major convert solar radiation
requirement of steam in refrigeration/ air
types of water heating into electric energy.
buildings such as for conditioning systems.
systems are: Roof of buildings as
cooking and laundry, and Similar to solar water
i) Flat plate collector: well as other exposed
to meet the energy heating systems, such
Single glazed, double areas such as of parking
demand for other systems may also be
glazed; shade, can be installed
applications such as for designed with auxiliary
ii) Evacuated tube with solar PV system.
heating/preheating of air heat supply provisions
collectors; and Major
and so that they may also
iii) Water heating with
disinfection/sterilization operate during overcast
solar concentrators.
of instruments. days.
Major considerations while designing a building integrated PV system are:

 Sufficient spacing between consecutive rows of modules as per the sun-path diagram;
 Inclination of modules to match requirements as per latitude;
 Periodic cleaning of dust from the cover of modules;
 Matching of specifications of PV modules, array, power conditioning unit (PCU)/inverter, battery storage and wiring; and
 Checking of operating point of PCU/ inverter, depth of discharge of batteries

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Components of solar PV systems and factors of performance are as follows:

 PV modules-These contain solar cells. Cells having 16 percent efficiency are commonly used.
 Charge controller/inverter/PCU- It matches the output of PV modules with acceptable form of electricity Since power loss may take
place in this unit, efficiency should be more than 90 percent at full load and not less than 85 percent at 25 percent load.
 Battery bank-It is where energy can be stored in batteries for use during off- sunshine hours.
2. Wind energy utilization-

 If sufficient wind velocity exists at the site, it should be attempted to make use of available wind velocity through installing
wind turbine for power generation.
 Usually wind velocity increases with height, hence wind turbines may be installed on the roof of high rise buildings or between
two buildings causing Venturi effect due to their shapes, with due care towards structural safety considerations.
 Hourly wind data of whole year at the site should be the basis of machine selection, and not just wind velocity during few days
of the year.
 At some locations where wind and solar radiation both are available, and especially when wind is available during the time
when there is no or less solar radiation, hybrid wind- solar PV systems can also be considered.
 Wind energy systems may also be operated in hybrid mode with other sources of electricity such as diesel generating (DG) sets
to ensure availability of power throughout the year.
3. Waste utilization- It should be attempted to make full utilization of all wastes, especially waste heat and bio-degradable solid waste.

Waste heat utilization Solid waste utilization

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Waste heat available from different
sources such as exhaust gases and Bio-degradable solid waste generated
cooling water of electricity generators, within the building, such as kitchen
or any other process that discharges waste, human excreta, branches and
solid, liquid or gaseous hot waste, may leaves of trees, grass cuttings should be
be utilized directly through heat utilized through anaerobic digestion
recovery methods for heating process to produce combustible gas.
applications such as space heating, This gas may be utilized to replace some
service hot water, etc. Alternatively, the fuel requirement in the building. Manure
waste heat available can also be utilized is a by-product of such bio-gas digester
for operating vapor absorption or vapor that may be used to improve the
adsorption refrigeration/air conditioning economics of utilizing solid waste.
systems.
4. Bio-fuels- The term bio-diesel or bio-fuels is usually referred to liquid fuels that are not obtained from fossil based sources of energy
such as crude oil, but are obtained from plant species. In case of buildings where open space is available, attempts should be made to
grow such plants and use their oil to substitute some of the conventional fuel. For example, DG sets may use a blend of bio-diesel and
diesel or may even operate on 100 percent bio-diesel.

5. Hydropower- The flow of tides of an ocean or a stream is harvested to produce hydropower. As the water is released from the upper
reservoir to the lower reservoir it generates power using the hydro-kinetic energy of the water flower through a generator. The ability to

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use hydropower is limited on an individual building scale. On rare occasions, buildings can take advantage of streams to generate
hydropower on site.

6. Other renewable energy sources- Depending upon climatic location and site specific features, possibility of exploiting other
renewable energy sources, such as, geothermal heating and cooling systems should also be considered.
 PRACTICES
12 CONSTRUCTIONAL

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 THE FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES INCLUDES THE
FOLLOWING ISSUES:
A) Pre-construction Pre-requisites F) Effective Use Of Water

B) Planning For Sustainable Construction G) Construction Waste Management

C) Preparation Of Sustainable Construction Management Plan

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H) Post-construction Closeout
D) Planning, Monitoring And Control Of Environmental
Descriptors J) Construction Methodology For Heritage Buildings
E) Sustainable Work Execution Procedures; K) Alternative Use, De-construction, Dismantling, Demolition

12.1 PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND PRE-REQUISITES

• Sustainable construction bears upon developing the design proposal, which is efficient in terms of functional performance as well
as detailed out to ensure that the material resources and construction technologies are used efficiently during construction
stage.

• Frequent changes to the design during construction stage often lead to wastage and other resources, rework and redundant
handling and construction processes.

• Construction practices to execute design proposals, which inherently cause higher wastages and do not facilitate efficient planning,
should be avoided.

• The pre-construction stage proposal development should incorporate certain pre-requisites that lead to sustainable construction
practices (see also 12.4).
 12.1 PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND PRE-REQUISITES
• Architectural design should be detailed out so that use of materials and technologies may be
12.1.1 Architectural And Structural planned in advance
Design
• Structural design is critical in ensuring optimum use of materials.
12.1.2 Inclusion Of Sustainable • Specifically, benchmarks for the energy consumption, water utilization, waste generation,
Construction Needs In Feasibility reuse of waste generated during construction and operation phase should be established in the

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Report feasibility report for sustainable construction.
• It is desirable to evolve construction methodology on digital models so the physical
12.1.3 Construction Methodology
developments at site may be simulated under working conditions
• Construction materials and technologies used at site may impact the environment, especially
12.1.4 Mitigation Of Impacts Due To
during processing of materials, such as cutting, mixing, fabrication, etc causing noise, dust
Materials And Technologies Deployed and sometimes release of fumes.

12.1.5 Deployment Of Plants, • Failure to deploy plants, equipment and machineries in an efficient and effective manner may
Equipment And Machineries result in undesirable loss of fuel, and noise and air pollution.

• In order to ensure sustainable construction, the organizations involved should have a resolve
12.1.6 Procurement Policy and commitment to procure processes, services, works and supplies that help in achieving the
objective of sustainability.

12.1.7 Contractual obligations towards • The contracts shall make it obligatory on the part of the supplier (materials, equipment or
sustainable construction services) to follow sustainable practices and processes.

12.1.8 Assignment of responsibility for

• The responsibility for sustainability practices during construction shall be clearly assigned,
sustainability practices during
also explicitly assigning liabilities that may accrue on account of lapses.
construction
 12.2 PLANNING FOR CONSTRUCTION
A proper planning, considering peculiarities of project, helps ensure successful execution. The planned processes towards
sustainable construction may be far more effective than spontaneous actions taken without comprehensive planning at early stages.
Also, cost for mitigations and possible alternative strategies for mitigation may be better analyzed for arriving at managerial decisions.

12.2.1 IDENTIFICATION OF SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES DURING CONSTRUCTION

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12.2.1.1 Construction 12.2.1.2 Consideration to 12.2.1.3 Considerations 12.2.1.4 Prevention and 12.2.1.5 Identification of
methods review and environmental impact to social impact management of training needs and
impact on sustainability assessment assessment construction accidents workforce training

It is desirable to prepare Environmental Impact Dealing with social Efforts in prevention of The effectiveness of
a construction Assessment (EIA) impacts during accidents is often training programme shall
methodology and report systematically construction stage need insignificant as compared be assessed through
review the same from the identifies the risks and managerial decisions to to the problems in facing performance appraisal
point of view of its impacts and provide privileges to the consequences. system and corrections
impact on the suitability recommends mitigation affected populations and made as needed.
to achieve quality, measures. undertake actions to Deep excavation,
control of wastages, Framework of EIA is contribute towards scaffolds, shuttering and Training need
safety, resource defined in accordance deployment of social hoisting operations are assessment frequency
optimization, energy with the statutory infrastructure. known to be prone to should be determined
conservation, water use, requirements and, hence, accidents at sites. based on the type of
site contamination and it is essential to consider work and the human
pollution. the impacts so identified. resource competencies
 12.3 PREPARATION OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN
12.3.1 Establishment of
• Time, cost, quality, scope, risk, procurement, human resource, health and safety are some of the basic
Construction Project Management
project management processes that shall be elaborated.
Processes
12.3.2 Establishment of • Management systems approach sustains on documented voluntary initiatives, due monitoring thereof, and
Management Systems the same way be considered.
• Interfaces across various agencies involved in construction need clarity for effective coordinated decisions

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12.3.3 Establishing Site
which can lead to prevention of wastage of resources, reworks, rejections, delays and such other non-
Organization Structure
conformities detrimental to quality of work and delay in execution.

12.3.4 Establishing Energy • Data collected should be analyzed with respect to processes of significance in terms of consumption and
Consumption Data Collection, pollution.
Analysis, Documentation System • Appropriate documentation of fuel consumption logs, energy metering and execution processes shall be
and Creating Benchmarks planned and assigned organizational responsibility.

• Improper site planning is often reason for redundant material handling, processes involving unnecessarily
12.3.5 Overall Construction Site
long lead, wastage during multiple handling, inefficient deployment of equipment, etc.
Planning
• Circulation and movement of workers and visitors can be reason for unsafe working conditions.
12.3.6 Location of Infrastructure • Indifferent and ignored labour, on the other hand, can cause inherent inefficiencies in the system and lead to
for Labourers unreliable performance. Infrastructure for labour needs to be planned and budgeted .

12.3.7 Setting Up of Health and • Health and hygiene infrastructure is needed for the construction site as well and the labour infrastructure
Hygiene Infrastructure • As a part of hygiene infrastructure, potable water supply, waste water disposal and solid waste disposal
(non-construction) are planned in a proper manner.
12.3.8 Location of Facilities for • In special cases, the facilities for storage of hazardous materials may be provided very carefully. There may
Hazardous Materials be a case for locating such facilities off-site.
 12.4 PLANNING, MONITORING AND CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTORS
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) seeks to identify potential environmental impacts of the project, and formulation of an effective
environmental management plan (EMP) to prevent, control and mitigate the adverse environmental impacts, and ensuring the compliance
with the environmental legislations.
Depending on the nature of project, construction agencies shall be required to establish infrastructure and procedures for :

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12.4.1 Soil 12.4.2 Water Quality 12.4.3 Ambient Air 12.4.4 Noise 12.4.5 Tree 12.4.6 Traffic
Monitoring Monitoring Quality Monitoring Counting Survey
Monitoring
• Soil samples from • Samples shall to be • Ambient noise level • Survey shall be • Traffic survey for
representative collected and • The monitoring monitoring shall be conducted to continuous 24 h
locations in the analysed for locations shall be carried out at assess existing has to be carried
site and study area important relevant located on the representative trees in the project out to measure
shall be collected physical, chemical basis of locations in the site site in respect of number and type
and analyzed for and bacteriological predominant wind and study area over numbers, species of vehicles
important relevant parameters directions, land a period of 24 h to girth size, plan for passing on the
physical and use pattern and obtain hourly re-plantation or existing main
chemical • Should include at height of the equivalent making good for roads giving
parameters. least 3 surface & proposed stacks continuous noise trees being lost to access to the
groundwater (Leq ) levels . be finalized. project.
locations.
 12.5 WORK EXECUTION PROCEDURES
Work execution procedures should be described in a manner so that there is least wastage, rework and repair and acceptable
performance is achieved. In this respect, the reference to relevant Indian Standards for materials;
 quality assurance verification;
 material handling, storage, and protection;
 work procedures including working on materials/fabrication, placing/installation;

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 inspection and testing procedures of completed works;
 and protection after completion of work, need to be specifically addressed.

In addition to these considerations, the relevant works should be given specific attention as given below:

E
—xcavation and sub- Concrete work Steel, aluminium and Masonry works Surface finishing Handling and use of
structure works procedures other metal works and furnishing chemicals

Issues related to Wastage during

Soundness and Noise control on-site handling of Preparation of
noise and stability of finishing base;
vibrations during during cutting, materials; Protection against
formwork and welding, execution in proper environmental
excavation, spillage and human
other enabling hammering and plumb, plane and conditions during
piling, rock body contact;
structures; fabrication alignment to avoid and after finishing/
cutting, etc; supply and use log
suitability of operations; wastage of furnishing works;
control of describing
concrete mix to the prevention of finishing material for surface
damages to quantities and
prevailing waste; reuse of cut for making up for undulations are
surroundings; authorized person
environmental sections making up for the essential
prevention of conditions consideration
collapse; defects

12.6 EFFECTIVE USE OF WATER Refer sec 10.4 for details

 12.7 CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT
Storing of segregated
By proper disposal, waste waste in labelled Reuse and recycling not
materials which are likely containers/bins, and only reduces the land filling
to be dumped in landfills monitoring of stored load but is also economical
can be converted into 12.7.2 waste bins periodically and an eco-friendly step in
12.7.1 Identificatio
value added products by the trained/skilled construction.

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Constructi n, 12.7.3
personnel may prevent
on And Segregation wastage Reuse And
The important approach is Topsoil should be isolated,
Demolition & Storage Recycling
to reduce waste and effect Waste should be preserved and reused at the
Activities waste utilization is to Of Wastes stored within the site same site or at another
evolve design details such and such area should location where there is a
as optimizing use of be chosen, where demand for fertile topsoil
materials and employing further shifting is not for landscaping
technologies aiding in the required.
same.

Bio-degradable waste during construction shall Every waste resulting from

be collected separately and treated with bio- construction, remodeling, repair and
methanation, organic waste compactors, etc, or demolition of any civil structure of 12.7.5
12.7.4 Construction
subjected to composting. individual or organization shall be
Handling and and
Disposal of managed in accordance with
Construction and Demolition Waste Demolition
The person segregating the construction waste Waste Waste
Management Rules, 2016.
should be properly equipped for safety aspects.
 12.8 POST-CONSTRUCTION CLOSEOUT
Project closeout is a very significant stage from the sustainability considerations. While project management closeout should ensure that
the contractual obligations are complied with, the consequences of construction activities should also be appropriately determined.

12.8.1 Disposal Of Structures 12.8.3 Restoration Of

And Infrastructure For 12.8.2 Closure Of Tube 12.8.4 Re-use Of Top Soil

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Wells Dereliction Caused To Site
Construction

• Building and other structures • Abandoned tube wells are • While controlled site • Re-use of top soil as a
and other infrastructures may a risk to life. These shall dereliction is a good resource is an important
need to be demolished/ be closed properly. construction practice, the sustainability
reconstructed partly or site should be restored consideration.
completely. deploying appropriate
• It may also be explored to methods.
reuse the same as a part of • In case the construction
• These, including their water harvesting system. site does not leave
mechanical, electrical, • Project budget should adequate space for storage
plumbing installations, etc, include apportionment of of top soil, it is important
should be disposed of in a resources towards to identify another
manner so as to facilitate re- restoration. location in vicinity for
use of materials, components, proper storage until it can
installations, etc, by the same be reused at the same site
organization at another or in case it is found not
construction site or their possible to use in the
recycle. same site, it is taken to
other nearby site for use
as top soil.
 12.9 HERITAGE BUILDINGS AND NEW CONSTRUCTION
Heritage buildings should be given special attention during construction of a new building, especially if it is situated in close vicinity,
complying with the requirements of proper architectural controls in accordance with 18 of Part 2 ‘Administration’of the Code.
The following may also be considered while planning and executing such works:
a) Heritage contents, their characteristics and other building elements that need to be undertaken as scope of work.

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b) Construction techniques including diversion of utility services.

c) Competence and experience of execution agency to handle such works involving the use of traditional materials and technologies.

d) Approval of structural and chemical investigation and local understanding, of the heritage structure if it has merit of cultural
significance.

e) Project management processes especially pertaining to time, cost, procurement and risk assessment, risk management and risk
preparedness strategy, using the sequences appropriate to traditional works.

f) Scheduling of activities including review processes and inspections by designated competent persons.

g) Planning for enabling works and safety such as scaffolds, protection measures for other adjoining works.

h) Site management including circulation diversions.

i) Contingencies for unexpected damages to works and unforeseen structural behaviour.

j) Prevention of fire, flooding and other such emergencies and disasters during works.
 12.10 ALTERNATE USE, DECONSTRUCTION, DISMANTLING AND DEMOLITION
1. Due to changes in functional use over a period, deterioration in 3. If built facilities were not designed to facilitate
physical condition of building elements, etc, the productivity may deconstruction, the dismantling should be resorted to
decline below threshold. In such situations, effort should be made to in such a manner as to maximize retrieval of materials.
re-use of facilities with renovations or remodel for alternate use
retaining most of the building and its facilities . 4. Demolition operations shall be planned considering

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safety of workers; and avoiding damage to adjoining
2. While working on design details, it shall be ensured that the design properties; noise, vibrations and air pollution; disruption
should facilitate deconstruction, If design configuration and residual to continuance of activities in the vicinity; etc
service life is not consistent with functional requirements.
12.11 DISASTER RISK MITIGATION DURING CONSTRUCTION
 Sustainable construction practices shall address risks during  Deep excavations causing cave-in due to the lack of proper
construction stage from natural and man-made disasters. protection, earth saturation caused due to leaking city
sewers/water mains are common man-made disasters.
 Natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, cyclones,
flooding, etc, shall be considered during construction planning  Similarly, fire collapse of structural slabs leading to progressive
and adequately taken into consideration in risk mitigation collapse of slabs below, hoisting of space frames, trusses and
through the construction methods statement, generally concrete segments and operations involving coordinated
developed by the construction project management team lifting/hoisting using multiple cranes are some typical situations
and/or construction agency. that may turn disasters.

 Reference shall also be made to Part 6 ‘Structural Design’of the  Reference shall also be made to Part 7 ‘Construction Management,
Code for technical measures for natural disaster mitigation. Practices and Safety’of the Code for safety during various
construction operations
 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA
13 COMMISSIONING, OPERATION,
MAINTENANCE AND BUILDING
PERFORMANCE TRACKING
 13.1 GENERAL
While the guidelines covered for commissioning and handing over, operation and maintenance and building performance tracking are
applicable to majority of building occupancy types, many of these are particularly suited to buildings with high energy consumption such
as large office buildings, hospitals, hotels, retail malls, etc

13.2 COMMISSIONING AND HANDOVER

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Commissioning of building services typically includes natural ventilation, renewable energy systems, metering installation,
plumbing, lifts and HVAC systems commissioning, etc. Commissioning stage should record the consumption of energy (such as power
consumed by fan motors) and water used by plumbing and other systems that will help in reviewing and improving the systems for
efficient operation. The commissioning stage helps in identifying any remaining site activities and the training activities that need to
be coordinated.

• Typically, the first step in the commissioning process should involve formation of a
commissioning team that comprises the owner, users, occupants, operation and
13.2.1 COMMISSIONING maintenance (O&M)staff, and design professionals.
PROCESS • The next step is the preparation of the project requirements, which should address
building systems such as lighting, air-conditioning, water systems, etc, as well as the
design intent and the functional specifications for the key building systems.

• During the handover stage, records of meter readings for the different building systems,
13.2.2 HANDOVER and other data should be provided to the asset management team. A simple guide for
occupants will help the team understand the working of the systems in the building.
 13.3 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
 O&M programmes that focus on improving energy efficiency of building systems can help save energy without a significant capital
investment. From small to large sites, these savings can represent significant savings each year, and can be achieved with minimal
cash outlays.

 Effective operation and maintenance is one of the most cost effective methods for ensuring reliability, safety and efficiency of a

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building. Inadequate maintenance of energy-using systems is one of the major causes of energy waste.

 Energy losses from steam, air and water leaks, uninsulated lines, maladjusted or inoperable controls and from poor maintenance are
often considerable. Also, inadequate maintenance of systems that consume water, including plumbing, HVAC and landscaping
systems (as applicable), can result in excessive usage of water. Good maintenance practices result in substantial savings in
consumption of energy and water, and should be considered as a resource

13.3.1 Requisites of an O&M Programme

A competent O&M programme requires the participation of staff from operations, maintenance, engineering, training and administration.
The successful implementation of an O&M programme requires cooperation, dedication, and participation at all levels including among
managers, practitioners, and other technical staff.
Auditors who conduct performance review of the facility Activities related to O & M should be included in the implementation
should take a holistic approach, and should consider, plan; responsibilities should be designated to individuals; and time
lines should be outlined for completing these activities.
a) how the activities that are undertaken within the building
can be used to optimize energy efficiency in existing Training of the staff and awareness programmes should be
operations, and developed to ensure that there is full compliance among staff for the
b) how the newly implemented measures can improve the new procedures to ensure effective implementation of the energy
performance of the building efficiency programme.
 13.4 BUILDING PERFORMANCE TRACKING (MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION)
As part of the measurement and verification (M&V) process, an ongoing monitoring of the energy and water systems should be carried
out. This will ensure ongoing accountability of energy and water consumption during the life of building. Some of the main attributes
of a building performance tracking (measurement and verification) system include the following:
a) Monitoring of technical and energy performance during first three to b) Conducting an occupant survey annually for the first
five years of occupancy, to ensure that the performance targets during three years of the building. This will help in obtaining

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the operation of the building are in line with the expected performance feedback from the users regarding the effectiveness of
parameters. Energy metering may be provided for the following the designed systems, as well as identifying possible
applications: areas of improvement.
1. Lighting (interior and exterior);
In energy management and control system (EMCS) is
2. Air conditioning (heating/cooling);
one method of tracking the performance of the energy
3. Hot water systems;
consumed by the different building systems.
4. Renewable energy systems;
EMCS systems typically consist of electronic devices with
5. Energy meters for pumping of municipal water, grey water and
microprocessors and communication capabilities and utilize
irrigation water; and
widespread use of powerful, low-cost microprocessors and
6. Miscellaneous equipment such as elevators, computers
standard cabling communication protocols.
escalators, etc

13.4.1 FUNCTIONS AND CAPABILITIES OF AN EMCS

An EMCS may be known as building automation system (BAS), building management system (BMS), energy management system
(EMS), and facility management system (FMS).

Depending on its capabilities, EMCS can perform a wide variety of functions. At a minimum, the EMCS has a sensor(s) to measure
control variable(s) (for example, temperature and flow rates), a controller with the capability to perform logical operations and produce
control outputs, and a controlled device(s) that accepts the control signals and perform actions (for example, move dampers and valves).
 13.5 OPERATOR SKILLS AND TRAINING 13.6 CONTROL-SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
One of the key ways to enhance building operations and Maintenance of the control system is critical in ensuring its
maintenance performance and thereby achieving the efficiency performance after installation and commissioning. Many factors
goals of buildings/facilities is handling by well trained building can cause degradation of the control systems performance
operators and managers. post-commissioning such as:
To operate buildings efficiently, in addition to a good controls

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infrastructure, the following may be desirable a) Overrides of automatic control by operations staff, a frequent
Increasing the skill level of Providing adequate engineering problem, generally driven by customer complaints;
operators and maintenance supervision of work by b) Drift or failure of sensors;
personnel; this can be technicians to ensure that c) Failure of actuators;
accomplished by providing the knowledge of fundamental d) Corroded or failed wires and their connections;
building operators with frequent processes is properly applied for e) Improper changes to control schedules (sometimes temporary
proper training and incentives operation and maintenance changes become permanent changes by oversight); and
for performing well. actions. f) Degradation or failure of controlled devices.
Providing These problems can be prevented by good operation and
incentives for maintenance practices, such as a reporting system for all
achieving overrides, periodic re-commissioning of the control system, and
efficiency goals. maintenance of the control system and the physical components it
Providing operators with system actuates.
performance feedback; this can Educating everyone who
be achieved by providing easy- influences the decisions relating System inspection, testing and evaluation can be automated via
to-use system diagnostic to planning, budget, design, and continuous monitoring tools.
information to correct problems procurement of energy, water
and to understand the cost and related systems.
impacts of improper operations.
NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA