MMBC - VIII

Module 4

Faculty - Prathiksha R
Rishab Sharma
Syllabus Overview
CONTACT PERIODS : 4 (Studio+Lecture) per week
CREDITS: 4
PROGRESSIVE MARKS : 50
VIVA MARKS : 50

TOPICS COVERED:

Green Building Concepts:

Green Building Concepts, Various Green rating agencies in India, Green Construction, materials

(Activity 3)

Net Zero Energy Building Concepts -

Case Study - http://fairconditioning.org/showcase/net-zero-energy-nze-building-at-cept-university/

What is a Green
Building?
What is a Green Building?
Green Building

Green building (also known as green construction, sustainable building, or eco-friendly building) refers to both a
structure and the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient
throughout a building's life-cycle: from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation,
and demolition. [Source: "Basic Information". Green Building. US EPA.]

Green building also refers to saving resources to the maximum extent, including energy saving, land saving,
water saving, material saving, etc., during the whole life cycle of the building, protecting the environment and
reducing pollution, providing people with healthy, comfortable and efficient use of space, and being in harmony
with nature. Buildings that live in harmony; green building technology focuses on low consumption, high
efficiency, economy, environmental protection, integration and optimization.

Ref: https://www.tejjy.com/big-data-in-construction/
CII - Sohrabji Godrej
Green Business Center
in Hyderabad,
What is a Green
Building concept?
Green building concept

The `Green Building’ concept is gaining importance in various countries, including India. These
are buildings that ensure that waste is minimized at every stage during the construction and
operation of the building, resulting in low costs, according to experts in the techniques
associated with the `Green Building’ include measures to prevent erosion of soil, rainwater
harvesting, use of solar energy, preparation of landscapes to reduce heat, reduction in usage of
water, recycling of waste-water and use of energy-efficient practices.

Designing green buildings requires a thorough understanding of the environment and the
resources it has to offer. So, while creating sustainable architecture, everything from design
conceptualisation to execution has to be done keeping in mind the larger impact of the activity
on the site surroundings as a whole. Let's explore how green building techniques can be applied
to building design and construction

Ref: https://archiroots.com/green-building-concepts/
1. Site Analysis and Planning
● Understanding the site is a crucial step in
determining the overall design and materiality of a
project.
● Consideration of factors like sun exposure, wind
patterns, and existing vegetation guides architects
in optimizing the building's relationship with its
surroundings.
● Resonating with the concept of green buildings,
strategic site planning involves harnessing natural
features to enhance energy efficiency.
● This includes aligning structures to maximize solar
gain, utilizing prevailing winds for natural
ventilation, and preserving existing trees for
shading.

Ref: https://www.tejjy.com/big-data-in-construction/
2. Energy-Efficient Design
● Architects can embrace passive design strategies to
minimize reliance on mechanical systems.
● This involves creating well-insulated building
envelopes to regulate indoor temperatures,
strategically positioning windows for natural light and
ventilation, and incorporating thermal mass to store
and release heat.
● Furthermore, integrating renewable energy sources,
such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal
systems can also enhance a building's sustainability.
● By combining these elements, professionals can
significantly reduce energy consumption and
contribute to a lower carbon footprint.

Ref: https://archiroots.com/green-building-concepts/
3. Environment-friendly Materials
● Selecting sustainable materials is integral to the
concept of green buildings.
● Using materials with low environmental impact and
favouring the ones that can be locally sourced helps
reduce transportation-related emissions.
● Further, utilizing recycled or repurposed materials can
help minimise waste while also promoting a circular
economy.
● For example, incorporating sustainably harvested
wood, recycled steel, and energy-efficient glass
ensures that the building materials align with green
building principles, supporting both environmental
conservation and responsible sourcing.

Ref: https://archiroots.com/green-building-concepts/
4. Water Conservation
● Integrating water-conserving features, such as
low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and
greywater recycling aids in efficient water
management.
● Additionally, designing landscapes with native,
drought-resistant plants minimizes irrigation needs.
● These strategies collectively reduce water
consumption, contribute to water conservation
efforts, and mitigate the environmental impact
associated with traditional water use.
● In addition to resource conservation, these measures
often lead to lower utility costs for building occupants.

Ref: https://archiroots.com/green-building-concepts/
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
● Prioritizing indoor environmental quality involves
designing spaces that promote occupant well-being.
● Designers can also consider selecting materials with
low emissions, providing ample natural light, and
ensuring proper ventilation.
● Further, incorporating green spaces within the
building, such as atriums or living walls can contribute
to improved air quality and a connection to nature.
● These design elements create a healthier and more
comfortable indoor environment, positively impacting
the physical and mental well-being of occupants.

Ref: https://archiroots.com/green-building-concepts/
6. Waste Reduction and Recycling
● For the purpose of waste management, professionals
must consider minimizing construction and operational
waste through strategies such as recycling programs,
efficient material usage, and the reuse of materials.
● Implementing construction waste management plans
can ensure that the waste is diverted from landfills,
contributing to a more sustainable construction
process.
● Additionally, designing spaces that encourage
recycling and waste reduction practices among
occupants promotes a culture of sustainability within
the building.

Ref: https://archiroots.com/green-building-concepts/
7. Smart Building Technologies
● Integrating smart building technologies enhances the
operational efficiency of the concept of green
buildings.
● Automated systems for lighting, heating, and cooling
can be programmed to adapt to occupancy patterns
and external conditions.
● For example, sensor-controlled lighting systems can
reduce energy consumption by responding to natural
light levels or occupancy.
● Using smart technologies contributes to the dynamic
and responsive nature of the building helping optimise
resource utilisation.

Ref: https://archiroots.com/green-building-concepts/
Green rating
agencies in India
Green rating agencies in India

In India, the Green Building Code is a mix of many of codes and standards contained in the
by-laws of the National Building Code, the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and in the
norms set by the ratings programs, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-India
(LEED-India), the standards and guidelines put down for the residential sector by the Indian
Green Building Council (IGBC), TERI-GRIHA and other such certifications as well as Bureau of
Energy Efficiency (BEE). Basic and general guidelines for efficient energy usage in the National
Building Code (NBC) do exist but they are merely guidelines.

Ref: https://archiroots.com/green-building-concepts/
1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
● LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an
internationally recognized green building certification system developed
by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides third-party
verification for buildings using strategies aimed at improving performance
across key environmental metrics—such as energy and water usage, CO₂
emissions reduction, sustainable site development, material efficiency,
and indoor environmental quality.
● The LEED rating system is seen as a global benchmark for green buildings
and has been adopted by over 57 countries, including India. It is widely
recognized by developers, architects, and builders for constructing core
and shell buildings as well as interior spaces. The LEED Platinum certification
awarded to the CII – Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre in Hyderabad
in 2003 was a landmark event that kickstarted India's green building
movement and brought global recognition to the country's sustainability
efforts. This building was also considered the world’s greenest building at
the time.
● As of June 5, 2014, the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) took over
the management of all LEED rating systems in India. Since then, LEED
standards have been customized to align with Indian environmental and
climatic conditions, allowing for region-specific designs and operational
practices that enhance environmental performance in Indian buildings.

Ref: https://www.tejjy.com/big-data-in-construction/
2. IGBC (Indian Green Building Council)
● The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) was formed in 2001 by the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), marking the formal beginning of the
Green Building Movement in India. The movement gained real
momentum in 2003 with the LEED Platinum certification of the CII – Sohrabji
Godrej Green Business Centre in Hyderabad.
● IGBC defines a green building as one that uses less energy, water, and
other natural resources, creates less waste and greenhouse gas emissions,
and provides a healthier environment for occupants compared to
conventional buildings. These buildings are also referred to as sustainable
or high-performance buildings. The goal of green construction under IGBC
is not just marginal efficiency but optimization of local ecology, the use of
regional materials, and significant reduction in resource demands.
● IGBC’s green building standards focus on key sustainability criteria:
sustainable site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, use
of sustainable materials, and indoor environmental quality. While India
currently does not have a mandatory or comprehensive green building
code, IGBC's rating systems are voluntary and widely adopted in the
construction industry.
● Even after LEED certification processes were transferred to GBCI in 2014,
IGBC continues to play a crucial role in promoting and developing green
building practices suited to Indian conditions, with a focus on awareness,
training, and policy advocacy.

Ref: https://www.tejjy.com/big-data-in-construction/
3. GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat
Assessment) by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute)

● The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment,

conceived by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute), and
developed jointly with the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy, Government of India has been adopted as the
national rating system for green buildings by the Government
of India in 2007 providing basic prerequisites for green
buildings in terms of predefined parameters.

Ref: https://www.tejjy.com/big-data-in-construction/
4. IEP (Integrated Energy Policy)

● In January 2016, the Integrated Energy Policy (IEP) was

formulated by GoI providing a roadmap to develop energy
supply options and increased exploitation of renewable
energy sources. In addition, for promotion of Renewable
Energy, Government has amended the National Tariff Policy
for electricity in January 2016.

Ref: https://www.tejjy.com/big-data-in-construction/
5. BEE Star Rating

● To create a market pull for energy efficient buildings, BEE

developed a voluntary Star Rating Programme for
commercial buildings which was launched by Ministry of
Power 2009 which is based on the actual performance of
a building, in terms of energy usage in the building over its
area expressed in kWh/sq.
● Energy Star-rated buildings in India earn substantial
benefits compared to non-green buildings; in particular
40% greater energy efficiency compared to standard
buildings and significant lower operations costs.
● Based on industry data, approximately 85% of Energy-Star
rated buildings use a system with energy management
controls and 50% use lighting system motion sensors to
qualify for the Energy-Star certification.

Ref: https://www.tejjy.com/big-data-in-construction/
6. GEM (Green & Eco-Friendly Movement)

● In 2017, ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of

Commerce & Industry of India) launched the “GEM
Sustainability (Green) Certification Program” with the
objective to promote environment friendly green building
design and construction.
● GEM Sustainability Certification Rating Program is based
upon BEE ECBC 2017 and NBC 2016. It aims to address the
sustainability of a given development throughout its
lifecycle from design through construction to operation.

Ref: https://www.tejjy.com/big-data-in-construction/
Net Zero Energy
Building Concepts
NET ZERO ENERGY BUILDING

A net-zero energy building (NZEB) is a building with zero net energy consumption. In such a
building, energy consumed is equal or sometimes less than the energy generated by renewable
energy technologies installed on site. Various passive and active strategies are deployed to
ensure that the building consumes as less energy as possible but works efficiently at the same
time. Considering that buildings consume the maximum energy in a city, NZEBs can be a
significant step towards building energy efficiency.

Ref: https://carbse.org/net_zero_energy_building
NET ZERO ENERGY BUILDING

Ref: https://carbse.org/net_zero_energy_building
NET ZERO ENERGY BUILDING

Ref: https://carbse.org/net_zero_energy_building