Vernacular architecture

AR411 Green Building Techniques

Module1. Climate responsive buildings, advent of green

building movement in India, relevance to SDGs Vernacular architecture refers to the traditional, Local Traditional
materials techniques
often indigenous, building styles of a specific
region or culture, characterized by the use of
local materials, traditional construction
E V S Kiran Kumar Donthu, PhD techniques, and designs that respond to the Cultural Climate
local climate and cultural needs significance responsiveness

Climate responsive building-Cold climate Climate responsive building-Cold climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Hot climate

Climate responsive building-Hot climate Climate responsive building-Humid climate

Climate responsive building-Humid climate Climate responsive building-Humid climate

Climate responsive building-Humid climate Climate responsive building-Humid climate

Climate responsive building-Moderate climate Climate responsive building-Humid climate

 Timeline of green building movement in India Green building definition
Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which the buildings
Traditional practices
Indian Green Building
IGBC rating National Action Plan for
Climate Change
ECBC 2017
Eco Niwas Samhita 2018
and their sites use and harvest energy, water and materials and reducing building
Council (IGBC)
Energy Conservation
GRIHA Rating
impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design,
Act (EC Act) construction, operation and maintenance.
Making a green building requires a holistic approach towards sustainability. It
2000 2007 2015 takes care of site, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and indoor
2004
environmental quality and all these together without compromising one other
Pre 2000s 2001 2005 2008 2017
A green rating system which we are seeing today is some thing which certifies it.
It is like to write an exam after you study a course.
Energy Conservation
NBC 2016 with section
on Approach to
term is popularized after the USGBC (United States Green
First LEED Platinum rated Green Building Code (ECBC
2007)
sustainability Building Council) was founded in 1993. Other countries have also their own rating
LEED rating Building Hyderabad EDGE rating system
system according to their environmental needs.

Timeline of green building movement globally Energy Conservation & Sustainability Building Code (ECSBC)

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a govt. body used to provide star

rating for buildings based on the energy and water efficiency.
In accordance with section 14(p) of the Energy Conservation Act,
2001, the purpose of the Energy Conservation and Sustainable
Building Code (ECSBC) is to provide norms and standards for energy
efficiency and its conservation, use of renewable energy and other
green building requirements for a building.
This Code also provides two additional sets of incremental
requirements for buildings to achieve enhanced levels of energy
efficiency and sustainability that go beyond the minimum
requirements
Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Green building rating by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)

Code, Standards & Voluntary rating systems Energy conservation act 2001
Codes The Energy Conservation Act, 2001, is a law in India enacted to promote efficient energy use and
Codes are specific regulations or laws that prescribe mandatory requirements for construction, design, and conservation. It established the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) as the key body to implement and
safety practices. They are typically enforced by governmental or regulatory bodies. Eg., NBC 2016, ECBC enforce the act's provisions.
2017, ECSBC 2024 etc., The act focuses on various aspects like setting standards for appliances, establishing building codes
Standards for energy efficiency in commercial buildings, and setting energy consumption norms for energy-
intensive industries.
Standards are established guidelines or criteria that provide a basis for consistent practices. They are often
created by professional organizations or industry groups and can cover a wide range of topics, including It provides a framework for promoting energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and creating
safety, quality, and performance. Eg., ISO standards, BIS standards, a culture of energy conservation.
Voluntary ratings
Establishment of BEE The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, amends the Energy
Voluntary ratings are assessments of an organization's performance against specific criteria, often used to
Standards and labelling Conservation Act, 2001, primarily to enhance energy efficiency,
demonstrate commitment to certain values or standards. Eg., LEED, IGBC, GRIHA etc.,
Building codes promote renewable energy, and establish carbon markets in India. The
Codes are legally enforceable rules and regulations, while standards are voluntary guidelines for best Energy Consumption norms amendment focuses on incentivizing the use of non-fossil fuel sources,
practices, and voluntary ratings are assessments of an organization's performance against certain criteria strengthening the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), and introducing a
Energy efficiency programs
carbon credit trading scheme.
State designated agencies
Energy conservation building code Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is developed by The The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is referred to a technical
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) which was set up under the Energy process established under the Environment Protection Act of 1986,
Conservation Act, 2001. specifically the EIA Notification of 2006
It provides minimum energy efficiency standards for design, Conventional buildings often fail to consider the interrelationship among
construction of buildings and to reduce the use of energy without building siting, design elements, energy and resource constraints, building
affecting the building function or comfort, health and productivity of systems, and building function. Applicable for building & construction
the occupants projects 20,000 m2 built-up area
The building systems that are discussed in the ECBC EIA is a technical exercise, to predict environmental impacts, assess their
Building envelope significance and provide recommendations for their mitigation.
Lighting noise and vibration, archaeology & cultural heritage,
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning(HVAC)
air quality, landscape & visual character,
Water heating and
Electric power and distribution ecology, sustainability and socio-economics.
contamination,
water quality & hydrology,

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) Green buildings for SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known
as the Global Goals, are a set of 17 interconnected goals
adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.
They act as a blueprint for achieving a better and more
sustainable future for all by 2030, addressing critical
global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate
change.
These goals are designed to be universal, meaning they
apply to all countries, rich and poor, and emphasize
leaving no one behind in the pursuit of sustainable
development.
Green buildings for sustainable environment Green buildings for sustainable economy
A resilient built environment A resilient built environment
combats climate change by enabling grows green jobs and supports the
affordable and clean energy. regeneration of resources and
It also accelerates the adaptation to, natural systems, providing socio-
and mitigation of the impacts of economic benefit through a
climate change on our most thriving circular economy
vulnerable regions and
communities.

Green buildings for sustainable society CII Sorabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad

The social dimensions of a resilient

built environment can future-proof Year of construction: 2003

communities by addressing equity

and climate justice issues. Architect: Karan Grovar,
Karan Grovar & Associates, Baroda, India.
They can provide healthy
environments and fairer access to Location:
vital social infrastructure such as Next to Shilpa ramam, near Kothaguda
cross roads, Hyderabad
schools, hospitals and green spaces.

Total area - 23,562sq.m

Ground coverage -1,175 sq.m
Built- up area - 1,900 sq.m
Landscaped area - 19,107 sq.m
 CII Sorabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad CII Sorabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad
concept:
The circular form of the building minimizes the surface of the walls, which are Landscape/ open spaces: Natural lighting: windows
exposed to enormous heat and has maximum retention of open and green areas. Small courtyard provided in this building acts as thermal regulator .

All paved areas are supplemented by tree plantings, which will ensure that they are
shaded with in five years.

More than 3.5 acres of landscaped area out of 5 acres total site.

Building form is compact circular form with a central courtyard and small courtyards
in between the rooms. These courtyards provide more natural lighting and conserve
energy by put off the lights during day.

North light roof for the exhibition space which receives lowest solar radiation and The location and size of fenestration were determined by solar
provides natural lighting. On the south tilted roof they placed Solar PV panels. orientation. Two strips of windows (day light window, view window) are
there. Natural light in work areas.

Vertical strip windows are also given to get more lighting into the indoor
N
spaces. Blinds to control excess solar radiation.
The courtyard acts as light well to the adjacent work area through the windows
Solar panels
North light looking in to the courtyard. The use of semi-open walkway and the foyer, coupled Sky light in the roof which acts as a light well and allows natural light to
with smaller courtyards, provides opportunity to take in direct light. the office in the first floor and also to the stair case.
Toilets, stores are placed at east side of the building which acts as a barrier to
control the solar radiation in to the interior spaces. And also they reduce the
exposed surface area on the west side rooms.

CII Sorabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad CII Sorabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad
Heat insulation: glazing Energy conservation: A.C Energy conservation: Lighting devices
Heat insulation: walls
Argon filled glazing: to improve the thermal performance of the glazing the Here wind towers with indirect evaporative cooling systems have been integrated lighting designed according to the nature of the activity being carried out
230mm insulated aerated concrete blocks have been used for wall construction. And
space between the glass panes is filled with inert gas. Because these gases with the HVAC system for pre cooling fresh air and so as to reduce energy inside. Day light sensors are installed in all spaces to dim or switch off lights
the slate cladding on the walls also reduce the heat intake.
have a higher resistance to heat flow than air they are sealed between the consumption. (with dimmable ballasts) when daylight is adequate for a task.
window panes to decrease the U-factor. Wind tower itself made of hollow masonry, and acts as a thermal mass. At the
intermediate levels hollow grid was constructed with fly ash brick. It is cooled Occupancy sensors also help in monitoring the lighting consumption, such
periodically (mostly during nights when the temperature is low) by trickling water that they can be switched off when the room is not occupied.
from the top of the tower.

Wind tower

Pozzolana Portland cement with fly- ash content has been used instead of paint for a
smooth and better finish
A.H.U
Heat insulation: roof
Conditioned space
Roof gardens act as roof insulation to ingress of solar heat. And it also prevents
Renewable energy is also generated with in the site. Photo Voltaic panels have been
formation of heat islands on the roof and acts as insulation to ingress of solar heat.
installed on the roof of the exhibition space. The roof orientation and inclination
have been designed considering the efficiency of the PV panels. about 17% of the
total energy costs are supplied by on-site photo voltaic system
LEED Rating of CII GBC, Hyderabad Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT, Kanpur

Category Total possible points Achieved points

Location: Kanpur, India
Floor area: 17,500 Sqm
Sustainable Sites 14 12 Architect: Kalvinde Rai and
Chowdhury Architect and Planners)
Water efficiency 5 5
Year: 2008
Energy & Atmosphere 17 12

Materials & Resource 13 9

Indoor environmental quality 15 12

LEED Evaluation :
Innovation & Design process 5 4
Rating : LEED NC V2 platinum
Total Points 69 52 Year : 2003

Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT, Kanpur Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT, Kanpur
Passive design features

The building layout was planned ensuring that the longest Existing landscape and vegetation are largely protected and preserved.
facades of the building are oriented towards north and
Sustainable site planning to resources and minimize disruption of natural
south. The building layout was modified to impact
minimum disruption of natural condition and trees ecosystem. Passive strategies such as Earth Air Tunnel and thermal storage
provided to enable reduction in energy consumption for conditioning the
Water body to cool the micro climate. building.
Orientation of building : North South.
Integrating the water body with design for optimal microclimate.
External shading devices : Shaded roof and windows. Architectural design optimized as per climate and sun path analysis,
achieving reduction in energy consumption.
Optimized window design by selection of Low E glass Efficient glazing for openings which minimize solar grains in summer, heat
and external shading. loss in winter, and maximize natural daylight.
Daylight integration in all living spaces. Roof shaded by bamboo trellis with green cover to cut direct heat gain.
Provision of an internal court shaded by louvers that allow free air
Envelope design movement.
Natural light and ventilation through skylights & ventilators in common
Optimization of building envelope by use of insulated spaces.
cavity walls, insulation of roof, and surface finishing that Rain water from the building and surrounding area collected and routed
reflects a major part of solar heat. through a sedimentation tank to water body for AC cooling. Overflow is led
to a groundwater recharge pit.
Cavity brick wall with insulation.
Efficient lighting design with controls and integrated day lighting.
Roof insulation with fiber glass. 30% of internal lighting demand met from renewable energy source
through photovoltaic panels.
Shading on roof. (Double glass for windows.)
Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT, Kanpur

Energy Performance Index (EPI) of CESE building is predicted to be

45.43 kWh/m2/annum, which is 41.3% less than the TERI GRIHA
benchmark.
In comparison to a conventional building 59% energy savings are CESE, IIT Kanpur

predicted in the CESE building.

The Centre has attempted to conserve& utilize resources efficiently,
recycle, reuse and recharge the systems at every stage of design and
construction of the building.
The building has completed its evaluation process and has achieved
FIVE STAR TERI GRIHA rating. The evaluation committee has awarded a
final score of 93/100 to the building.
It was a collaborative effort of all the consultants including Energy
consultant, architects, and the client

AVANI is a residence located in Jubilee Hills

at Hyderabad. IGBC GreenHomes Rating system addresses
The site has a Natural lake view on one side
& Golconda view on another side.
Site Efficiency
Considering the Natural topography &
beautiful views the house is designed Water Efficiency
which has office, library, exhibition space,
open sit outs, courtyard, water body,
swimming pool, Gazebo, open to sky Toilets Energy Efficiency
etc..,
Building Materials
*No. of Occupants: 10
Indoor Air Quality
 Natural Topography
The south side of the site is
completely vegetated. Roof covered with High SRI coating and roof garden >
80% of Roof Area

High Albedo roof coating with high SRI

Landscape & Natural
Topography>30% of site
area

Natural Rock on the north Roof garden

west of the site is retained.

Site Area:1869.3 Sq.m

Built up Area: 1829.7 Sq.m
Residence and Office 10
occupants

Uniformity in flooring levels

Hydraulic Lift

100% covered parking.

Charging facility for electric Rest room
cars and scooters.
 More than 40% landscape
has drought tolerant native
species. Rain water
reuse for
landscaping

Turf area is Reduced to Runoff from roof

less than 20% of 100%
landscape

Overflow recharges Rain Water Storage-

adjacent natural lake 5,000Lts (30%)
Species are planted in different zones
based on water their consumption.

Pressure regulating
device Separate Over Head Tanks for Flushing &
Gardening

1,100 LPD H

L1 L2
Treated water Water meter
Storage Level controllers
STP

5,000 Lts Pump Pump

capacity
100% Reuse

Treated Grey Water Rain Water Storage

Energy efficient pumps

 - Value (0.52 W/SqmK) Flycon
Blocks for external walls
Fixture Base line Proposed
Water Closet 6/3 LPF 4/2 LPF
Faucets 7.6 LPM 5.2 LPM
Shower 7.6 LPM 5.2 LPM

Gypboard False ceiling

thermocol

Double glazed Low- E glass for all conditioned areas. High Efficient VRF Air Conditioning
System
Low U- value R410 refrigerant 12HP unit of COP :
3.5
Low SHGC

U- Value= 1.8 W/m2K and SHGC=0.28 Heat Recovery Wheel

 3.84kWp Hybrid solar PV system which
generates 10 units/day.

CFLs

BEE Star Rated T8 & T5 lamps Solar Water Heater of

- 300 LPD capacity
Automatic control Systems
( Motion Sensors)

Ceiling fans for comfort

Hydraulic lift 8% of the building electricity consumption is

produced by PV panels
Energy Star rated Refrigerator

Waste collection bins &segregation of different

wastes
Power Conditioned Unit(PCU)

MPPT

ACDB
Brick waste and waste Cement mortar are re
used
Battery Bank
AC Loads Steel and empty cement bags are sold to local
Grid vendors for recycling.

Home appliances for

Day time use- 3.2 kW

Overall Energy performance - 100% of waste is diverted

23% more energy efficient than the base case from landfills
Rapidly renewable material bamboo is
extensively used in the flooring
Salvaged wood used in door and windows

80% of materials are regional

Natural woolen Carpets in the major

areas like living, drawing and
bedrooms.

Zero VOC paints for all interior

finishes.
Skylight in the courtyard
Building Flush out:
Full length windows
All the doors & windows of the building will
Natural lighting & Ventilation
be kept open for 10 days after the painting
in Bathrooms
work.
Sun pipes in the parking garage
and in the cellar rooms make
efficient use of daylight.
 Design approach for sustainable buildings
Fresh air systems in the conditioned areas.

Natural ventilation in all unconditioned areas

Exhaust fans for Kitchens & Toilets

Natural lighting & Ventilation in Bathrooms

Passive Design Energy eff. Controls to
Biodegradable House keeping chemicals (Geometry Technologies reduce the Integration of
Orientation, (star rated energy (motion, Renewable
Envelope design/ lighting and occupancy, energy
Materials) equipment) security sensors