Green Building Guide
Basic
Contents
Introduction
What is Green Building
Elements of Green Building
Building envelope
Energy-efficient design
Sustainable building materials
Install energy-efficient appliances
Use renewable energy sources
Water conservation
Indoor air quality
Recycle and reuse
Conclusion
Introduction
The Basic Green Building Guide is an ultimate resource for sustainable
building practices! This guide is designed to provide you with expert advice,
product recommendations, and practical tips to help you build and maintain
eco-friendly buildings.
Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner, this guide will help you
make informed decisions and take the first step towards a more sustainable
future. From energy-efficient building materials to renewable energy
systems, our guide covers everything you need to know to create a healthy,
comfortable, and sustainable living or working environment. So, let's get
started and build a greener future together!
What is Green Building ?
Green building, also known as sustainable building, is an
approach to construction and design that aims to minimize the
negative impact on the environment and human health, while
maximizing resource efficiency and sustainability.
Green building involves the integration of various elements and
systems, such as renewable energy systems, green roofs, energy-
efficient lighting, and water conservation technologies, to create
buildings that are more energy-efficient, environmentally
friendly, and socially responsible.
Overall, green building promotes a more sustainable and
healthier built environment that benefits both people and the
planet.
Green Buildings In India
The green building movement in India began to gain momentum in the early 2000s, with the formation of the Indian
Green Building Council (IGBC) in 2001. The IGBC is a non-profit organization that works towards promoting
sustainable building practices in India and was established with the support of the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII).
In 2003, the IGBC launched the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system in India
with USGBC. LEED is a globally recognized rating system for green buildings, which evaluates the sustainability and
environmental performance of buildings based on various criteria, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and
indoor environmental quality.
Since then, the green building movement in India has continued to grow, with an increasing number of buildings
being designed and constructed using sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Several government initiatives, such as
the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and the Smart Cities Mission, have also played a key role in promoting
green building practices in the country.
Green Buildings In India
There are several green building certification agencies operating in India. Here are some of the major ones:
1. Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) - A non-profit organization promoting sustainable building practices in India
through its various rating systems.
2. Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) - A national rating system developed by TERI and MNRE,
evaluating buildings based on criteria such as site selection, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste
management, and indoor environmental quality.
3. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) India - A globally recognized green building certification
system adapted for use in India by IGBC, evaluating buildings based on criteria such as sustainable site
development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
4. Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) - Developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), providing a
framework for designing energy-efficient which is now mandatory in many states in india.
5. Green Energy Movement (GEM) by ASSOCHAM - A green building certification system developed by ASSOCHAM
and IGBC, evaluating buildings based on criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor
environmental quality, specifically designed for small and medium-sized buildings.
1. Building Envelope
The building envelope is the physical barrier that separates
the interior of the building from the exterior environment.
A high-performance building envelope is critical to achieving
energy efficiency and sustainability. Use materials such as
cross-laminated timber (CLT), structural insulated panels
(SIPs), or insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for the building
envelope to provide high levels of insulation and minimize
energy loss.
Insulation in Envelope
Thermal insulation in buildings refers to the use of materials that reduce the transfer
of heat between the interior and exterior of a building. The purpose of thermal
insulation is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while minimizing the
energy required to heat or cool the building.
Commonly used thermal insulation materials include fiberglass, cellulose, foam
board, and spray foam. These materials work by creating a barrier that slows down
the transfer of heat through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Effective thermal insulation in buildings can help reduce the energy consumption
and associated greenhouse gas emissions of a building's heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system. It can also help prevent moisture buildup and
condensation, which can lead to structural damage and mold growth.
Building Envelope
Porotherm Bricks Fly Ash Bricks
Porotherm bricks facilitates thermal They are used as replacement
insulation resulting in cooler for normal clay bricks and has
interiors in hot seasons and warm better properties than it.
interior conditions in cold seasons.
Building Envelope
Sand free concrete Octagreen Non voc paints
Sand free concrete are an excellent source Non voc paints are free from harmful
for plastering walls,works well where there volatile organic compounds,they are low
is shortage of [Link] can be replacable in odour,dust and stains can be easily wipe
with sand free concrete in most cases. out with soaps and detergents.
Building Envelope
Eco water proofing coats Green Roof
Eco water proofing coats are the type of Roof coating with a layer of lime powder or eco
water proofing coating that are non toxic [Link] is also an excellent practice,clay
in nature. pots filled with sand and solar [Link] of the
choices can be implemented for green roofing.
2. Energy-Efficient
Design
Consider the orientation of the building Use materials like low-emissivity (low-e)
to maximize natural light and reduce the coatings on windows, fiberglass or
need for artificial lighting. Use energy- cellulose insulation, and ICFs to provide
efficient windows and doors, and ensure a thermal envelope that minimizes
proper insulation to reduce heating and energy loss.
cooling costs.
Natural Lighting
Designing a building with natural lighting involves several considerations, including:
1. Site analysis: Conducting a site analysis to determine the orientation of the building,
the amount of sunlight available at different times of the day and year, and any
shading from surrounding buildings or trees.
2. Building orientation: Orienting the building to maximize exposure to natural light, with
the primary living spaces facing south or east.
3. Window design: Using large windows with low-e coatings and proper glazing to
reduce heat gain and glare, while still allowing natural light to enter the building.
4. Light shelves: Incorporating light shelves above windows to reflect natural light
deeper into the building and distribute it more evenly.
5. Skylights: Installing skylights to bring natural light into interior spaces, such as
hallways and stairwells.
6. Interior design: Using light-colored materials for walls and ceilings to reflect natural
light and incorporating interior glazing or clerestory windows to distribute light into
deeper spaces.
7. Automated shading: Using automated shading systems to control the amount of
sunlight entering the building and prevent glare and heat gain.
By incorporating these design strategies, architects and designers can create buildings
that are well-lit with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving
the comfort and well-being of the occupants.
Natural Ventilation
Designing a building with natural ventilation involves several considerations, including:
1. Site analysis: Conducting a site analysis to determine prevailing wind patterns and the
potential for cross-ventilation.
2. Building orientation: Orienting the building to maximize exposure to prevailing winds, with the
primary living spaces facing the direction of the prevailing wind.
3. Window design: Using windows that can be opened and closed to allow for natural ventilation,
and positioning windows to take advantage of prevailing winds and create cross-ventilation.
4. Atria and courtyards: Incorporating atria, courtyards, and other open spaces into the building
design to promote natural ventilation and provide a connection to the outdoors.
5. Stack ventilation: Using stack ventilation to create a natural flow of air through the building,
with hot air rising and exiting through high-level vents and cool air entering through low-level
vents.
6. Building materials: Using materials that can absorb and release heat, such as thermal mass
walls, to help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation.
7. Climate-responsive design: Designing the building to respond to local climate conditions, such
as using shading devices to block direct sunlight in hot climates, and designing for air
movement in humid climates.
By incorporating these design strategies, architects and designers can create buildings that are
well-ventilated with natural airflows, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and improving
the comfort and well-being of the occupants.
Energy-Efficient Design
UPVC doors and windows Exterior weather proof
UPVC frames are environment emulsions
friendly(100% recyclable)durable, Weather proof emulsions are an
sound & dust proof and ultraviolet excellent source to reduce the impact
[Link] products are fire of heat on exterior walls heavy rainfall
resistant too. and moisture protection.
Energy-Efficient
Design
Double Glazed Glass or Anti
Glare Window Film
Double glazed windows are designed to increase
insulation by up to 40%.double glazed glass
automatically lowers energy bills. As double glazed
windows reduce the loss of heat during winter and
coolness during summer, Anti glare films acts similar
to the double glazed glass,it is applied on the glass
surface.
3. Use Sustainable
Building Materials
Choose materials that are locally sourced, recycled, or
renewable to minimize the environmental impact of your
construction or renovation. For example, bamboo, reclaimed
wood, or cork flooring are eco-friendly alternatives to
traditional hardwood floors.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood has previously been used for an
application, usually for a building or structure,
including barns, industrial buildings, water tanks, gym
bleachers, ships, etc.
Reclaimed lumber is simply wood with a past life used
for a new purpose.
4. Install energy-efficient appliances
Choose Energy Star-rated appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines,
and dishwashers. These appliances are designed to consume less energy and
reduce your utility bills.
SUPER Q SERIES BLDC AB-QM – Pressure AIS Ecosense Enhance – CF8M012 Cast Stainless
CEILING FANS – 1200mm Independent balancing and High Performance Energy Steel Ball Valve 3- Piece
[“48”] Electronic Control Valves Efficient Glass (Screwed)
Superfan Danfoss Asahi Leader Valves
5. Use Renewable Energy Sources
Consider using solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal heating and cooling systems to
generate renewable energy and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. Use materials such
as standing seam metal roofing or solar roofing tiles to harness the power of the sun and
generate electricity for the home.
Solar Roof Tile
Visaka Atum
6. Water Conservation
Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce
water usage. Harvest rainwater for irrigation purposes and use
water-efficient landscaping to reduce water waste. Use
materials such as permeable pavers or porous concrete for
driveways and walkways to allow rainwater to infiltrate into the
ground and recharge the aquifer.
Water Aerators
These water saving devices will control the amount of water that flows through the tap
without affecting the water pressure as they mix the water with air.
Ecomist water saving nozzle Quamist 360 – Dual Mode WATER SAVING AERATOR 3 X22 DUAL FLOW ROTATE
for Taps/Faucets (0.5 LPM) Water Saving nozzle for LPM – (PACK OF 2) SWIVEL AERATOR
kitchen and shower mode
Earthfokus Earthfokus Eco 365 Eco 365
7. Indoor Air Quality
Ensure good indoor air quality by using natural ventilation, air purifiers, and avoiding
toxic materials such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints and finishes. Use
materials such as low VOC paints, natural wool insulation, and natural flooring materials
like linoleum or wool carpet to improve indoor air quality.
G1 Air Conditioner Filter AOP MINI – SPLIT A/C & G1 HVAC Panel Filter JCB Exhaust Fans
CASSETTE A/C
G1 Wonders Ultrapure G1 Wonders JCB Air Tech
8. Recycle and Reuse
Choose materials that can be recycled or reused, such as glass, metal, and plastic. Consider
using salvaged materials from demolition sites to reduce waste and save money. Use
materials such as recycled glass countertops, reclaimed wood flooring, and salvaged metal
roofing to reduce waste and provide a unique design aesthetic.
1.100% COMPOSTABLE Automatic Organic Waste Gobble Max ( waste
GARBAGE BAGS – 17X19 SMALL Converter – ECOFREIND composter )
Eco 365 Envicare Daily Dump
9. Transportation
Consider your transportation options when selecting your
location. Choose a location that is near public transportation
or has bike lanes and pedestrian walkways to reduce your
carbon footprint. Use materials such as permeable paving, bike
racks, and covered bicycle storage to encourage alternative
modes of transportation.
Conclusion
Green buildings can support the environment in several ways:
1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Green buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, using renewable energy
sources and efficient building systems to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during operation.
2. Conserving natural resources: Green buildings use sustainable materials and construction practices, reducing the
demand for non-renewable resources and minimizing the amount of waste generated during construction.
3. Improving indoor air quality: Green buildings often incorporate features such as natural ventilation, low-emission
building materials, and air filtration systems that help improve indoor air quality, supporting the health and well-being of
building occupants.
4. Encouraging sustainable transportation: Green buildings are often located in areas that promote sustainable
transportation options, such as walking, biking, and public transit, reducing the demand for fossil fuel-based
transportation.
5. Enhancing biodiversity: Green buildings can be designed to incorporate green roofs, living walls, and other features that
support biodiversity by providing habitat for plants and animals.
Overall, green buildings can help support a more sustainable future by reducing the environmental impact of buildings,
promoting the use of renewable resources, and creating healthier and more livable spaces for building occupants.