Construction and Architecture Magazine 12 july august 2011

Cover Story

Green Projects

ACC is trendsetter in
green genre offering
visible benchmarks for the
conversion of old
buildings in metropolitan
cities.

W

hat ACC has accomplished, in a
short space of time, from this
mix of commercial, industrial
and residential structures, clearly
demonstrates that green buildings do not
necessarily have to be designed as
Greenfield projects but can easily be
conceived as simple yet imaginative
solutions for restoration and renovation
jobs as well. Considering the pressure on
natural and economic resources, perhaps a
day will come when all buildings – new and
old – will be compelled to go green. In April
2010, Cement House received the Gold
Shield from Indian Green Buildings Council
in the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design under New
Construction and Major renovation
category. It is the first old building to be
awarded 'green building' status.
A Green Head Office Building
Cement House has just been transformed
into a green building. It stands more
prominently than before in Mumbai's busy
Churchgate area, flanked by the bustling
Churchgate Railway Terminus and the
imposing BB&CI Building (now the Western
Railway Headquarters). When ACC was
incorporated in 1936, its registered office
was in a building called Esplanade House
located in Fort, then Mumbai's main
business district. Additional space was
taken in the nearby Forbes and Rallis office
buildings.The company decided to build its
own head office and acquired a plot of land
opposite Churchgate Station. An all-India
competition in 1938 invited leading
architects of the time to submit designs.The
design submitted by Ballardie Thompson &
Mathews was chosen as the winning entry.

'Sustainable development'
is an integral part of
ACC’s business philosophy
Ballardie Thompson & Mathews were
reputed architects of the time with several
notable structures to their credit including
EID Parry's head office Dare House in
Chennai, Construction of the company's
head office building was completed during
the Second World War period. The new
building was requisitioned for use of the
Royal Air Force and vacated only in 1946.
Project Orchid
Cement House was taken up for
renovation in 2008, with Knight Frank
India, as project management consultants
and Niteen Parulekar Associates Limited
as the architects. The complex assignment
of renovating and refurbishing the old
building was titled Project Orchid. The
project's aim was to retain the building's
art deco façade but transform the interiors
into an contemporary workplace that is
energy-efficient and exemplary of ACC's
rich tradition and values. The 70-year old
building has now become a well equipped
and ultra modern office.This work involved
modernization of all the elements of this
structure with added features of intelligent
lighting, climate and access control, stateof-the-art office equipment and utilities,
modular furniture, workstations and well
equipped conference rooms.
Unfolding Space
The best part of the refurbishment is an
open office plan with no cabins or cubicles.
A central shaft in the core of the building
has been redesigned to serve as a readymade grand atrium around which offices
on each floor are laid out. All employees
from the junior most to the Managing
Director of the company now sit in open

024 » July -August 2011 » Construction And Architecture Magazine

spaces.While many companies in India have
had open office plans, especially banks and
travel houses, few if any of them have chief
executives seated in open spaces. Storage
and utility areas on each floor are aggregated
and located as a common facility. All these
now leave substantial space for use as open
corridors, lounges and just open spaces.The
ample use of glass further accentuates the
sense of space.Three unused terraces in the
building have been converted into green roof
gardens complete with thick grass, cobblestones, pathways, flowers and even palm
trees. Sturdy native plant species have been
chosen that conserve water.
Energy conservation:
The building's interior décor maximizes
the use of daylight rarely seen in large
buildings of this kind. The absence of
partitions, the wide windows and the huge
central atrium have together flooded the
office interiors with natural daylight that
make electric lights redundant for most of
the day. Optical and motion sensors
provide automatically controlled lighting to
workspaces based on occupancy. Similarly
the new air-conditioning systems regulate
the flow of cool air depending on ambient
temperature and occupancy in different
sections of the office. The use of solar
water heaters together with daylight
harvesting, intelligent lighting and cooling
systems help reduce overall energy
consumption by 25 per cent.
Recycled elegance
The materials selected for use in flooring,
ceiling, furniture, wall coverings, carpets,
partitions and various housekeeping items
are non-toxic and mostly high in their
recycled content or amenable to future
recycling. Only low Volatile Organic
Compound paints, adhesives and sealants
have been used to safeguard the indoor
environment:
A green building
Cement House has been awarded the Gold
Shield under LEED New Construction &
Major Renovation rating of the Indian
Green Building Council. It is the first
project in the country to be registered
under the criteria of major renovation of
an existing building. The transformation of
Cement House visibly demonstrates

A Modern Office
In its new renovated identity, Cement
House is quite probably among the
most modern offices in Mumbai.There
are brand new conference halls,
meeting rooms and breakout areas in
every floor. Each conference room has
the latest facilities in video projection,
telephone conferencing and videoconferencing. Each room is named
after one of ACC's many cement plants
across India.

ACC's culture of being a planet-friendly
organization without boundaries which
fo s t e r s t e a m wo r k a n d e f fe c t i ve
communication.
What are the advantages of doing a
green building? Can it save your
money on operating costs, thus
driving up your net yield? Elaborate
on the same?
The initial cost of constructing a green
building is slightly expensive with a payback
period of 5 to 6 years. The advantages of a
green building are many; firstly it provides a
healthier and more comfor table
environment for our employees to work in.
Environmentally, it incorporates energy
and water efficient technologies, makes use
re c y c l e d c o n t e n t m a t e r i a l s f o r
construction and includes renewable
energy technologies. Green Buildings
reduce construction and demolition waste,
and are easier to maintain and are far more
sustainable that normal buildings. The
transformation of our Head Office has
enabled us to reduce our power and water
consumption substantially by 25% and 50%
respectively. Cement House is the first
project in India to be registered under the
criteria of major renovation of an existing
building.
In the making of green projects what
are the pros and cons considered
before considering the building for
any kind of certification?
In India, the negatives of a green building
are highlighted more that the positive side
of it. Most important of them all is the cost of
constructing a green building.Yes constructing
a green building is costlier than constructing a
normal one. Approximately, the cost of
constructing a green building is 10 percent
higher than a normal building as the
equipments that go into a green building like
solar panels, wind energy sources are
extremely expensive which add to the cost of
the construction.The workforce required to
construct such buildings has to be highly
efficient and such workforce is hard to find. All
these factors add to the hurdles in
constructing green buildings. However the
advantages have surpassed the negatives way
beyond.There are lots of lifelong advantages to


a green building. Green Buildings reduce
carbon emissions and hence play a very
important role in conserving the environment.
These buildings save money, starting the very
first day of being into use. One most crucial
benefit is it reduces the demand for electricity
and water as such structures can do more with
less of these utilities. Green building, both
residential and commercial buildings maintain
a high resale value.The latest to add to the list
of pros of Green Buildings is that today even
the Government is providing incentives for
such buildings.
What are the company's plan
towards green sustainable projects
and materials in near future? How are
they going to implement in their
current and under developed
projects?
'Sustainable Development' is an integral
part of our business philosophy & various
processes incorporate these guidelines
based on our and Holcim Group's learning.
Over the years,ACC has been instrumental
in introducing step-changes in Sustainable
Development of Cement Industry.
Sustainable development is recognized by
us as a process of development that "meets
the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”. We
believe this constitutes balancing the Triple
Bottom Line - defined as the achievement
of three interdependent and mutually
reinforcing goals of economic development,
social development, and environmental
protection. Hence as a corporate we will
continue to contribute to sustainable
developments.We have just completed our
4th Green Building which is a control room
in Chanda. We have also launched 2
environmentally cements known as
Concrete+ and Coastal+.
Another
remarkable green initiative by ACC is to
utilize wastes of all kinds to generate
energy replacing coal consumption in
cement industry. This initiative is known as
Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials (AFR).
The AFR unit specializes in finding
substitutes for coal consumption in the
production of cement. With this initiative,
t h e c om p a ny c o- p roc e sse s n on biodegradable wastes including plastic
wastes to generate energy for
manufacturing cement with zero emissions.
This process has been successfully initiated
in many ACC's plants situated at Orissa,
Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh,
Rajasthan to name a few. ACC also was
among the first companies in the country
to utilize fly – ash and slag.

Cover Story:

Cover Story

Green Projects

Green Projects

Kalpataru Square is
designed and
conceptualized on
green building
initiatives addressing
energy efficiency,
conservation of
resources and the
minimization of
detrimental effects of
construction.

Kalpataru Square is first
of Asia and 6th of world's
commercial building
that has received the
prestigious rating of
Platinum level
certification LEED Core
& Shell (LEED-C&S) V.
2.0 from the US Green
Building Council.

Age of eco-friendly
and sustainable buildings

Kalpataru Square is designed and conceptualized on green building initiatives.
Green design addresses energy efficiency, conservation of resources and the
minimization of detrimental effects of construction. Kalpataru Square is the first
building in Asia and the sixth in the world to get Platinum Level Certification LEEDCore & Shell (LEED-C&S) v. 2.0 from the US Green Building Council. It has also been
awarded 3 star rating by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, and Govt
of India). With its green designing aspects, it also benefits for 20-22percent energy
savings, 25-30percent water consumption savings, reduction in carbon emissions, and
reduction in light pollution.
Green solutions and the uniqueness:
Kalpataru Square is structured on the basis
of unique green initiatives to increase
sustainability of the project.With its features
like sky-lit atrium designed to harvest natural
sunlight thus saving on artificial lighting,
sensor lighting in the staircase, terrace
garden adding to the heat insulation, use of
low-flow-high-efficiency water fixtures,
sewage water reclamation plant (SWRP) to
treat the sewage (soil and waste water),
provision of rain-water harvesting, recycling
of water and irrigation system in place
resulted in conservation of water and
energy. Also introduction of double glazed
high performance glass has resulted in
reducing heat and noise. Apart from others,
elevators with destination control system,
well-equipped Building Management System
(BMS) ensures optimum utilisation of energy


resources that benefit to conserve 20-22
percent energy. Many green materials are
also used in the construction of the project
such as concrete with 20 percent fly-ash
which is the waste generated from the power
plants, 90% of steel used is re-rolled steel
(made of scrap), flyash blocks with 85% of fly
ash content, making it further strong in all the
sense and converting it into an unique
environment friendly project.
Tell us about the process of achieving
the world class standards for this
project? How was it qualified? How
was this achieved technically and
structurally?
The process of achieving world class
standards without compromising on quality
was challenging enough but the team at
Kalpataru Square was very efficient and the
challenges were overcome successfully by

Technological Innovation

Kalpataru Square is a project based on Green Building initiatives, so most of the
innovations are towards the green. Some of the innovations are use of low-flow-highefficiency water fixtures to conserve water, a terrace garden which shields the
building from the external heat thereby saving on power costs, over deck insulation
for the roof done by extended Polystyrene insulation, and native vegetation giving an
advantage of low maintenance.Also we have used Energy Simulation studies to guide
us on correct choice of materials that helped us save energy, without diluting the
architect's original vision for the project.

Cover Story

Cover Story:

Green Projects

Green Projects

Difference from the rest of the current lot:
The key differentiator of Kalpataru Square from other commercial projects is an
efficient use of space with large and efficient floor plates, the appearance, finish, the
sustainability initiatives and the safety and security aspects. Kalpataru Square has
been honored with the distinction of Platinum Level Certification LEED Core &
Shell V.2.0 from the US Green Building Council last year. Kalpataru Square has also
won 5 star rating for 'Best Office Development' at Asia Pacific Property Awards
2010 in association with Bloomberg television.
various ways like selection of energy
efficient equipment and material,
appointment of lighting consultant,
selection of appropriate landscaping,
irrigation system, covered parking systems,
top soil preservation, energy simulation
studies, etc.The entire process was qualified
on the basis of the output which did not
compromise on quality and at the same
time was eco-friendly. Kalpataru Square is
first of Asia and 6th of world's commercial
building that has received the prestigious
rating of Platinum level certification LEED
Core & Shell (LEED-C&S) V. 2.0 from the US
Green Building Council. This is the one of
the highest ever green building standard in
the world from the U.S Green Building
Council (USGBC). The USGBC confers the
certification to a project for lower
operating costs and increased asset value,
reduction of waste sent to landfills,
conservation of energy and water, healthier
and safer environments for occupants and
reduction of harmful greenhouse gas
emissions. LEED for Core and Shell version
2.0 constructions cover base building
elements, such as the structure, envelope
and building level systems, such as central
HVAC.
Brief us about the challenges involved
and how did you overcome them?
Under site development, a careful selection
of plant species and planting beds had to be
made for landscape design. The challenge
here was in designing the landscape with
low maintenance for large areas at the same
time the landscape design had to meet the
aesthetic goals of the project. So here, the
landscape was designed with native plants
which require low maintenance. The
external lighting had to be designed such
that no light trespassed into the night sky, so
this was tackled with a highly reflective and
a green roof to reduce urban heat island
effect. For water efficiency, the challenge
here was to choose more energy efficient
equipment without compromising on goals

of water efficiency, so the project chose
low-flow-high-efficiency water fixtures and
treated all black and grey water volumes to
tertiary levels. This treated water was
prioritized for use for landscape irrigationwhich was very low as mostly native
vegetation was preferred, next the treated
water was used to meet flushing
requirements, and the balance used for
meeting HVAC requirements. Energy
conservation is the most stressed upon
feature in any green building, mainly
because that is one of the few areas, where
there is a tangible and a highly visible benefit
of going green. The use of highly efficient
HVAC system, including design features such
as heat recovery, variable frequency drives
along with efficient lighting design and
building envelope design such as appropriate
glass that allows the right amount of daylight
to come through without increasing the heat
load resulted in a saving of more than 22%
savings. For material selection, use of green
materials has been done to the maximum
extent possible and also the 45% of the
material used has been sourced within the
500 mile radius to optimize the energy that
goes into transportation. Finally for better
indoor environment quality, use of LowVOC
materials has been done to protect the
occupants from the health hazards while
improving upon the water and energy
efficiency in the building, the quality of
environment within the building was not
compromised.

Sustainable design and construction

T

he basic essence of a Green
Building is very succinctly
summarized by the US Green
Building Council (USGBC) as follows:
Green Building design strives to
balance environmental responsibility,
resource efficiency, occupant comfort,
well being and community sensitivity.
The Green Building design includes all
players in an integrated development
process, from the design team (building
owners, architects, engineers and
consultants), the construction team
(material manufacturers, contractors
and waste haulers), and maintenance
staff and building occupants. The initial
cost for developing a green building
may be higher (5-7%) than that of
conventional buildings but the long
term benefits – tangible and intangible
are many. This extra cost can be
recovered in 2-3 years through energy
savings and low operational and
maintenance costs.

BROTIN BANERJEE, MD & CEO, Tata Housing
Development Limited, talks on the advantages of
Green Buildings in today's times.
Environmental pollution tends to
have several stereotypical culprits
such as the automotive industry and
big oil, but the average building emits
more global warming contaminants
than all other sources combined.
How seriously have the real-estate
developers taken up this issue?
Real Estate developers have started
recognizing the importance of green
developments, more specifically with the
entry of corporates such as Tata Housing,
Godrej, Mahindra Lifespaces; have given
impetus to corporate social
responsibilities in the realty sector, which
was not the case before. Green initiatives
forms essential part of corporate social


responsibility of a responsible developer
but also acts as a key differentiator for
their projects. More and more customers
today have also started recognizing and
are giving preference to buildings
developed under green norms as they
understand the economic as well as
health benefits from such developments,
this again have also put pressure on
developers who did not consider going
green as an important aspect for their
business. According to relevant sources,
there is expected to be around 92.9
million sq mt (1 billion sq ft or 1,000 mn sq
ft) of green developed area in our country
by 2012.

What are the currents norms for
green buildings in new construction
and do they differ in the process of
redevelopment structures?
Re-development refers to the process of
reconstruction of the residential /
commercial premises by demolition of the
existing structure and construction of a
new structure, by utilizing the potential of
the land by exploiting additional TDR, FSI as
specified under the Control Regulations of
Municipal Corporation. Green Building
Stipulations currently followed:
Design and architecture: Design and
architecture of a green building, including
landscaping and the exterior design,
should ensure there is more shaded area
and also the area to plant and grow local
species of plants within the plot.
Conservation of water has to be aimed
in various ways. Rain falling over the
whole area of the complex should be
harvested and used in the building.The
toilet design should be chosen to flush
with minimal water and plumbing
should have separate lines for drinking
and flushing. Used water from kitchen
and bath has to be treated and reused
for gardening.
Use of solar/wind energy:The solar and
wind energy has to be used to
supplement the electrical grid power.
Rooms are to be designed to use the
natural light so as to minimise the usage
of electricity. CFL and LED light fixtures
save the energy. Efficient insulation in
walls, ceilings and floors should be used
for better temperature control.
Solar water heating: Fully
programmable solar hybrid water
heating systems make available hot
water instantaneously on 24×365 basis.
Such a solar water heating system will
save at least 7.2 units/flat/day for an
average of 300 days.
Sewage and garbage processing:
Presently, sewage is treated by physical
and biological treatment units using
conventional method. In another
natural treatment system, they use
wetland species for sewage treatment.
This ancient technology using wetland
species is named root zone cleaning
system. Such a root zone of plant along
with the soil system plays an important
role in wastewater treatment. The
treatment efficiency is 90 to 98 per cent.
What measures are taken for new
construction projects and what are
the challenges involved in acquiring
the certification and sustaining it?
On the face of it, just by looking, it may not
be possible to differentiate between a
conventional building and a green one.The
differences areWelcome Lounge at SuzlonskinEarth
literally under the One and

With growing awareness
about green buildings and
higher demand for the
same, the market for such
eco-friendly structures is
expected to reach an alltime high.
embedded in the philosophy underlying
the development and in the incorporation
of sustainable systems that allow the
structure and the occupants of the
building to be in harmony with the
environment outside at many different
levels. Building green can involve many
facets, but the main objectives include
efficient use of land and energy, water
conservation, improved indoor air quality,
and resource conservation, primarily by
using recycled and regional materials.
Green building brings together a vast
array of practices and techniques to
reduce and ultimately eliminate the
impacts of buildings on the environment.
Conventionally built buildings use more
energy than necessary. Designing and
operating buildings from an energy
efficient perspective can significantly
reduce the waste in energy, water usage
and materials. The five main aspects
currently adopted are design and
architecture of a green building, water
conservation, use of solar/wind energy,
solar water heating and sewage and
garbage processing.
What are the parameters
considered for acquiring
certification? In what ways does it
help any project under
construction?
Different levels of green building
certification are awarded based on the
total credits earned. However every
Green Home should meet certain
mandatory requirements which are nonnegotiable. The certification recognizes
the building as a whole & its living / work
environment and not the individual
products. However, green building
products can contribute to points under
the certification system. In attempting to
meet these requirements, green building
practitioners identify products /
e q u i p m e n t t h a t h ave d e s i re d
environmental performance attributes.
Certification provides an independent,
third-party verification that a building or
neighborhood development project
meets the highest green building and
neighborhood performance measures.
LEED certification is the internationally
recognized distinction that a building or


neighborhood development is
environmentally responsible, profitable
and a healthy place to live and work.
Besides this which are your projects
on green lines? What level of LEED
certification are you planning?
Tata Housing Development Company
Limited has been the biggest proponent of
Green initiatives in the Indian Real Estate
space. It pioneered sustainable green
developments at a time when such
concept did not even exist. As a
responsible corporate citizen, all projects
of Tata Housing are sustainable green
developments under the guidelines of
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
The company's first green development
executed under this motto is Xylem,
which is also Bengaluru's first LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environment
Design) Gold-certified green IT Park.The
company's other properties such as
Aquila Heights in Bengaluru and Raisina
Residency in Gurgaon are also IGBC Gold
certified green developments, while the
company's premium luxury villas at
Lonavala is platinum rated by IGBC. Tata
Housing is developing over 45 million sq ft,
which is under various stages of
developments, all built under the
guidelines drawn by IGBC.
What is the current buzz in the
making the green building
structures? Tell us about the new
trends in material and its impact in
the future structures?
With growing awareness about green
buildings and higher demand for the same,
the market for such eco-friendly
structures is expected to reach an all-time
high. The day is not far off when going
green and constructing green buildings
will be the norm of the day and green
buildings will play a catalytic role in
addressing issues of climate change. In fact,
over a thousand green buildings have been
registered with the Indian Green Building
Council (IGBC) till date. IGBC certifies
green buildings based on their energy
efficiency and sensitivity towards the
environment.
What are the company's plan
towards green sustainable projects
and materials in near future? How
are they going to implement in their
current and under developed
projects?
All our projects, be in the value home
segment or ultra premium luxury
segments are cer tified green
developments having the platinum or silver
ratings. So even in future we will follow the
green norms for all our developments and
will be pre-approved sustainable green
developments by IGBC.

Cover Story

Cover Story

Green Projects

Green Projects

Mayur Shah, MD,
Marathon Group says
the biggest challenge faced
by companies with
reference to green
technologies is the high
initial, capital expenses
(capex) costs on Green
Constructions.

All about
green structures

G

reen construction is an entire new
concept in India. It has been picking
up fast across all the segments of
constructions. Thanks to the global
awareness about the environment. The
biggest challenge faced by companies with
reference to green technologies is the high
initial, capital expenses (capex) costs.
Typically, the return on investments for
green equipments is projected to be more
than five years. In the current economic
scenario, such a long term investments are
difficult to factor into business plans. The
long term scenario also introduced higher
risks through unforeseen circumstances.
Also green technology was seen to
require above average footprints. This in
turn increased logistical costs and
sometimes affected rental related
expenses. Further to tackle the
technological aspects of green buildings,
expert consultants are required for
designing sustainable green projects.
Availability of raw materials and the
updated technology that is required for
constructing such projects is also a major

hurdle. In addition to this time required for
completion of documentation process
further delays the schedule fixed for
project completion.The material/products
which are being used in the green
construction is also not available in India.
Most of the time we (developers) had to
import it from the international market,
which is escalating the construction cost
of the project.
This project (Marathon Futurex)
what ways does the concept of
sustainable building incorporates
and integrates a variety of strategies
across project lifecycle?
The eco-friendly project, titled ‘Marathon
Futurex’, is unique for its design,
construction, energy, water efficiency
and building management system. This
project is designed to utilize the
maximum sun-light throughout the year.
This was possible through the Low
Emittance Glass (Low E Glass) which
helps in minimizing artificial cooling to
keep a room at the desired
temperature. We have brought this
specialized Low E Glasse from the
Shanghais as they are playing a key role
in reducing the energy consumption
while offering more light and less
heating effect at the same time, which is
generally not possible. With its
initiatives, Futurex is expected to bring
down its energy consumption by about
20 per cent. Our green initiatives for
energ y conser vation are also
recognized by IGBC which honored
Marathon Futurex with a GOLD precertification rating according to LEED
standards. Marathon Futurex adopted
several approaches to conserve water,
including low-flow toilets and urinals,
aerators on faucets, reclaimed water for
irrigation of site planting, native plants
for landscaping, energ y-efficient
lighting.Fly ash and micro silica has been
used in the construction. Low volatile
paints have been used in the building.
Flooring materials are chosen such that
they do not contain harmful volatile
organic compounds (VOCs).
Most of the products are available in
India as mostly green products are
locally sourced. But there is very low
m a nu f a c t u re r a n d c o n s u m e r
awareness in the market. What is
your take? Do you think Indian
brands need to help raise consumer
consciousness?
Our experience is that the green products
are not available in India, most of the time
we have to source it from international
market, which is adding the cost of the
construction further. In our case, we had
sources the specialized Low E Glasses
from Shanghai. Similarly, there are many
other things; the developers had to
depend on China.

While India is on the way to
becoming a genuine green building
market, there is still a dearth of
building materials needed for these
structures. Do you foresee that the
demand for such products will go up
in the future and as that happens?
Indian Real Estate market is stepping in to
the next level of construction which is all
about 'Green Building Features'. However
so far as green building concept is
concerned, our markets are still in
promising phase. Therefore green
products are not easily available in Indian
markets and developers have to import
these products from international
markets. However we are quite optimistic
that 'Green Building' segment has very
bright future in Indian Real Estate market
and there will be increase in demand for
the same from both commercial as well as
residential segment of real estate which
will create a market for the our suppliers
of the green products in our market.

The eco-friendly project,
titled ‘Marathon Futurex’,
is unique for its design,
construction, energy,
water efficiency and
building management
system.This project is
designed to utilise the
maximum sun-light
throughout the year.


There is a large gap between the current
situation and where we should be.
Standards for various products needs to
be defined, credible third party testing and
certifying agencies have to become
available. Tell us the level of competition
and the theory of experience curve? Will
start working and eventually the
availability will increase and costs will
come down.
As far as standards are concerned for the
green construction, they are already
defined and at par with the US Green
Building Council. The certification issued
by the Indian Green Building Council
(IGBC) has same parameters that the
USGBC had. The difference between the
situations is only the tax sops and
incentive. I think, going ahead, the Indian
authorities too consider of similar
benefits to the green projects that would
bring down the cost of green projects
substantially. Also the changing trend
would make ample availability of green
products in India; the same could offer
relief in increasing cost.
In future do you intend to construct
more such sustainable structures?
How the future looks like for green
buildings? What impacts will the
p r i c i n g f a c t o r p l ay i n t h e
competitive matured market like
India where material cost keeps
fluctuating?
The concept of Green Building is in its
initial phase in India. Naturally it will take
some time to spread awareness about
the same amongst the various
stakeholders of real estate sector i.e.
developers, manufacturers, raw material
suppliers, authorities and prominently
buyers. Other aspects like setting up
benchmarks and quality control
mechanism for raw materials used for
green construction will develop
simultaneously once the sector will enter
to the next phase of growth. On
economical front though green buildings
may be costly compared to conventional
structures, the recurring expenses on
energy saving, water resources and other
resources could be immense in long-term.
I think as this awareness about green
projects increases over the period of time,
demand for the eco-friendly
constructions will keep on moving on
upward trajectory which will lead to
overall construction cost down to a
certain extent, which will again vary on
various factors such as geography,
availability of raw materials,
transportation costs etc.We at Marathon
Group are adopting green construction
techniques through innovation
and
research. We are quite optimistic that
there will be a strong demand for ecofriendly houses in coming future.

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Green Projects

Green Projects

Engaging Earth
Green buildings can have tremendous benefits, both
tangible and intangible. The most tangible benefits are
the reduction in water and energy consumption right
from day one of occupancy.

Today developers are
more aware about the
potential global warming
impact of buildings and
have started adopting and
implementing
green/sustainable
strategies in their projects
to mitigate the same.

Te l l u s a b o u t yo u r g re e n
compliant or sustainability
projects which you are currently
developing? What standards or
norms have you adhere to?
For PRIL, Sustainability has become a
commitment more than a word. PRIL
understands the importance of
sustainability in today's world and
hence we are engaging our earth with
thought, sustainability, design and
technology to create projects that
create wonderful and lasting
experiences for the people that
inhabit them while preserving and
utilizing our resources efficiently. It


follows the LEED India Core and Shell
standards for one of our projects Patel Estate in Mumbai, and IGBC
Green Township standards for our
integrated township - Neotown,
Bangalore South.
What are the advantages of doing
a green building? Can it save your
money on operating costs, thus
driving up your net yield?
Elaborate on the same?
Green buildings can have
tremendous benefits, both tangible
and intangible. The most tangible
benefits are the reduction in water

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Green Projects
and energy consumption right from
day one of occupancy. The energy
savings could range from 20 – 30 %
and water savings around 30 – 50%.
The Intangible benefits of Green
buildings which cannot be easily
quantified include enhanced air
quality, excellent day lighting, health
& wellbeing of the occupants, safety
benefits and conservation of scarce
national resources. Green Buildings
can also enhance marketability of a
project.While it is true that initial cost
for construction of a green building is
high owing to some elements like
solar panels or wind energy sources
etc. but over the lifetime of the
building the savings more than make
up for the impending cost. Green
building measures can be
incorporated with very minimal costs
and yield massive savings.

The Green building
movement in India has
started bringing in
awareness about increasing
building efficiencies that
reduce the operating cost
and enhance building
performance during its lifecycle. With the current
construction boom in India,
most developers, owners,
governmental agencies,
private companies want to
implement these strategies
and thereby a buzz for
making green buildings.

Environmental pollution
t e n d s t o h ave s eve r a l
stereotypical culprits such as
the automotive industry and
big oil, but the average
building emits more global
warming contaminants than
all other sources combined.
How seriously have the realestate developers taken up
this issue?
Awareness on sustainability in
the real estate sector is on the
rise. Today developers are more
aware about the potential global
warming impact of buildings and
have started adopting and
implementing green/sustainable
strategies in their projects to
mitigate the same .
The
percentage of the developers
who adopt green building
practices as compared to the
overall construction industry in
India is minimal and has to
increase by spreading awareness
through conferences, workshops
and seminars. Government
should also encourage
developers by extending SOPs to
them.
Implementing green building
practices when investing can
lower operating costs thus
driving up your net yield. How
true is this statement? How is it
justified?
Implementing green building practices
does reduce the operating cost
through energy efficiency, water
efficiency and intelligent choice of
materials. In addition, the ROI of
additional green features in buildings
have now reduced to almost 2 – 3
years as the additional green building
features have become less expensive
and more efficient.
What are the current norms for
green buildings in new
construction and do they differ in
the process of redevelopment
structures?

Welcome Lounge at Suzlon One Earth

The current green buildings norms
focus on sustainability in site, water
efficiency, energy efficiency, emphasis
on local materials and incorporating


more daylight in indoor spaces. In the
new construction, these can be
implemented at the concept stages
through integrated project design
approach. For the Re-development
Structures, there is need to access
the existing buildings for
sustainability and implement these
norms in a manner that enhances the
buildings efficiency during operation
and maintenance.
What is the current buzz in the
making the green building
structures? Tell us about the new
trends in material and its impact
in the future structures?
The Green building movement in
India has star ted bringing in
awareness about increasing building
e f f i c i e n c i e s t h a t re d u c e t h e
operating cost and enhance building
performance during its life-cycle.
With the current construction
boom in India, most developers,
owners, governmental agencies,
private companies want to
implement these strategies and
thereby a buzz for making green
buildings. To address this growing
need of green buildings, many green
building materials and new
construction practices have been
introduced in the market. This trend
will continue to grow and the prices
of these materials will reduce due to
competition and availability, thereby
making them conventional in the
regular construction practices.

Green Projects

With the construction of
Technopolis, the Group
started the Green
revolution in the real
estate industry in Kolkata.

W

ith the construction of
Technopolis, the Group started
the Green revolution in the real
estate industry in Kolkata. As real estate
developers, the core strength of Forum
Projects is to create the right development
mix based on location, market scenario and
the needs of the society. This was the third
green building project to be announced in
India and soon several more projects were
announced in Kolkata. Technopolis
demystified the green building concept and
proved that not only is it beneficial for the end
user to work in a green building, but it is also
inexpensive to build and economical in the
long run. After the successful completion of
Technopolis, the Group has decided to make
all its future projects green compliant.With a
desire to build IT infrastructure that has the
maximum impact on the occupants and
minimum impact on the environment, the
Group has decided to create Technopolis 2.
In 2005 the Forum Projects gave to Kolkata,
India's first green IT infrastructure –
Technopolis. With a total investment size of
Rs 125 crore, this 7.75 lakh sq ft of IT space is
a unique project. It has been built as per the
strict guidelines of US Green Building
Council and upon completion, has achieved
Gold certification under USGBC's LEED
(Leadership in Energy & Environment
Design) rating system. Technopolis is an
environment friendly development that has

Futuristic
and first of its kind.
been able to achieve 35.5% energy efficiency
by adopting innovative engineering practices.
By doing so, Technopolis is further credited
to be one of the only projects in the world
that has the ability to earn carbon credit
points as a CDM (Clean Development
Mechanism) project under the UNFCCC
(United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change).
Green building standards
In Technopolis, special emphasis has been
given on maintaining indoor air quality
through online carbon dioxide monitoring,
having treated fresh air as per ASHRAE
norms of 20cfm per person and special fans
for complete air exchange. This not only
enhances productivity of the occupants but
also ensures physical and mental well-being
thereby lowering attrition rates in the
organizations. A completely networked,
ready to plug in and get connected facility,
Technopolis has provisions for broadband
connectivity through optical fibre cabling. It
has complete infrastructure for the last mile
connectivity giving maximum freedom to the
end user of alternate bandwidth options for
telephony, data processing transfer, and voice
over IP etc. Uninterrupted power supply
with 100 percent power back up and scale of
economies
further ensures
attractive power
tariffs for the
occupants.
Designed by the
renowned DP
Architects of
Singapore,
Technopolis 2 has
b
e
e
n
conceptualised as
an exclusive IT
Resort. This 1.7
million sq ft of IT
space will have


twin towers with artificial water bodies and
lap pools creating an ambience of serenity
and peace – a perfect offset for the high
pressures of the IT and ITES industry. It will
have duplex offices with a ceiling height of 30
ft incorporating imported raised floor to
allow seamless services and connectivity.
Again, another first for Kolkata. The central
entrance pavilion will have a café, gym,
sports and recreation club, multi cuisine
food court, pools and deck pools. Hanging
sky terraces overlooking the wetlands and
exclusive landscaping will further add to the
beauty and air of quiet efficiency. To avoid
congestion and easy movement, both the
buildings would have different access with
car parking capacity of more than 1,800 cars
at 2 levels.
With the Group's experience in building
and operating an energy efficient IT
infrastructure, Technopolis 2 will also be
designed and built as per green building
specifications. Green features like indoor air
quality, energy conservation, and waste and
water management system will be an
important part of this development. Like
Technopolis, this IT Resort will also be
planned as a zero discharge facility. Once
completed, Technopolis 2 will be an
environmentally compliant IT Resort that
will attract some of the biggest names in IT
and ITES both national and international.
Technopolis IT Park: Green Building with
TAC Technopolis IT Park, Kolkata, is India's
first such Green Information Technology
building. It is a 14-story office building
creating 4, 25,000 sq ft. of workspace,
complete with a Business Center and
Conference Facilities. This project ensures
high occupant comfort and energy savings
by integrating and monitoring HVAC,
energy meters, water management, vertical
transport and fire systems. Technopolis
boasts of a flexible and reliable building
management system.TAC was chosen as the

solution provider for this project because of
its expertise in delivering creative solutions
that use the latest open system networking
technology. Green buildings are the future.
They reduce the operating costs by up to
30%, provide the highest quality of indoor air
and ensure optimal health and safety for the
employees; this leads to high levels of
productivity for our new cutting edge
industries.
The Challenge
Technopolis was conceptualized as India's
first Green IT building.The project was built
to adhere to strict pre-requisites for US
Green Building Council's Leed Certification,
such as:
Healthy IAQ
30% reduction in energy consumption
Water & waste water management
systems
The intelligent integrated project had three
main building management demands:
1. Technopolis was to be designed to meet
the LEED certification and thus required
improved energy optimization and control.


2. It needed an intelligent network that could
enable temperature control at individual
workplaces and in multiple offices.
3. The system had to be user-friendly,
inexpensive to operate and upgrade, and
flexible to handle numerous office
reorganizations without operational
shutdowns. In addition, the promoters
wanted a system that would provide off-site
monitoring capability for better building
management.
The Solution
Leveraging and consolidating its vast
experience of designing and integrating
building management systems across the
globe, the TAC team installed the TAC
Vista™ open system using LONWORKS
technology. As an industrial standard for
network communications, LONWORKS
provides future-proof system architecture
enabling Heating, Ventilating and Air
Conditioning subsystems solutions. These
are managed by programming energy
optimizing intelligent algorithms into TAC
Xenta™ freely programmable controllers.A
broad array of systems are monitored,
managed and controlled by this system,
including water, HVAC, fire detection and
elevators. Dynamic real-time data from
every subsystem throughout the building is
collected and centralized, allowing
authorized personnel to respond
immediately to faults or emergency alarms.
The TAC Vista Workstation presents the
information in a user-friendly format
allowing fast and simple analysis and an
ability to change subsystem parameters with
just a few keystrokes.The Xenta 511 is used
as a Web Server to monitor this live data
over the web for off-site monitoring.

The Bottomline
The TAC system provides energ y
optimization and control, imparts flexibility
for future expansion, integrates equipment
such as energy meters and fire alarm panels
from third-party vendors, addresses the
changing needs of occupants and tenants,
and most importantly meets the stringent
product and execution norms for LEED
certification. As the leader in Open
Integrated Systems for Building IT, TAC


provides solutions that ensure reliable
building system control and operational
efficiency. This allows facility owners and
operators to concentrate on their top
priority - providing the highest value to their
clients and users.
Project at a glance
Project Type: HVAC Control and Water
Management
Location: Kolkata,West Bengal, India
Total Area: 425,000 sq. ft.

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Green Projects

Green Projects

An eco-friendly

residential conclave

Applications:
HVAC Control
Water Management
Energy Management System
Total System Points: 1,800
TAC Equipment Installed:
3 - Xenta 511 as Web Server, 3 - Xenta
400 freely programmable controller for
HVAC, 1 - Xenta 400 for Water
Management, 1 - Xenta 400 for Lift
Monitoring, 56 - Xenta 300 freely
programmable controllers for HVAC, 1 Xenta 300 for DG Set, 1 - Vista
Workstation

Nitesh Columbus
Square is one of the
most impressive
interpretations of
luxury living.

A

The most interesting
feature at Nitesh
Columbus Square are the
vertical green walls and
the long landscaped
terrace garden which
seamlessly interconnects
the entire project
together to give it a
100percent 'green' finish.

pre-certified Gold, IGBC Green
Homes project, this eco-friendly
residential conclave is located in
upcoming North Bangalore off Bellary
Road. It is in close proximity to modern
conveniences, premium healthcare
facilities and educational institutions.
Fitted out with the best amenities like a
tennis and squash court, amphitheatre,
multi -storied clubhouse with a rooftop
swimming pool, high-end gymnasium,
billiards and card room, library and a lot
more, Nitesh Columbus Square caters to
a life of absolute repose.
The most interesting feature at Nitesh
Columbus Square are the vertical green
walls and the long landscaped terrace
garden which seamlessly interconnects
the entire project together to give it a
100percent 'green' finish. This helps
enhancing the green area and create a
barrier between the outside and the
inside temperature by cutting off heat
from seeping indoors. The walls are
obviously given high-end water proofing
to seal off all possibilities of leakage.
Built-in irrigation system is fitted with
moisture sensor, which lets off water
when the moisture level in the soil drops.


In the rainy season these walls do not
require irrigation. With a great location
and designed with rich specifications,
your home at Nitesh Columbus Square
will be an absolute joy to own.

Green Building features:

Site Efficiency
The project fulfills the norm of Local
Regulations- Plan approval
from
competence Govt Authority
Soil Erosion- 20 CM Top-soil has been
protected and there is barricade
around the site to prevent air
pollution.
Sedimentation pit to
remove top soil sedimentation and
watering of site during construction
Landscaping during post occupancy is
fully taken care of.
Basic Amenities Site selection adheres
to the provision of basic Amenities
within 1 km walking distance, for
example educational institutes,
healthcare facilities
and public
transport system with ample seating
areas, tot- lots and toilets in the
common area.

Retention of at least 15- 25 per cent of
natural topography of the site and
landscaping the same.
Provision of reducing heat island effect,
by protecting the roof from gaining
heat by 50%, 75%. Nitesh Columbus
Square is provided with green roof,
excluding the equipment area (white
tiles/high albedo paints).
Parking Facilities for Visitors-Parking
capacity as per local Norms: Visitors
Parking - 10 % more than the local
norms. Electric Charging Facility for
Vehicles-- 10% of the parking capacity
for occupants and visitors. Design for
Differently Abled
'Design for
physically Challenged - preferred
parking (1 parking for 100 units) - Easy
access to the entrance, Ramp.
Water efficiency:
Rainwater harvesting- Provision for
75% 95% of roof run off-I00% rain
water harvesting from the roof. Turf
Design - applicable to project as per
the IGBC norm with provision for
15% of the area landscaped, with
draught tolerant species to be
planted in at least 25 % of
landscaped area.
The project is provided with good
management of Irrigation System, for
example Central shut off valve, sub
meter for irrigation, Moisture
sensors, 50% of landscape area with
drip irrigation, timer based valve
control to minimize evaporation loss,
pressure regulating device to
maintain optimal pressure.
Water efficient fixture for offering
maximum washing efficiency, with
minimal use of water, duel flush
system.
Grey Water Treatment- 100% on site
STP. And grey water reuse for
landscaping 100% Irrigation
requirements through treated waste
water.
100% Flushing Requirements will also
be met through treated waste water.
Water Metering which brings under
its ambit treated grey water
applications, Landscape water
consumption, Toilet flushing, Rain
water use, AC make up, Hot water
consumption, swimming pool, car
wash, etc.

Energy Efficiency

CFC Free refrigerant.
External lighting, grey water pumping,
Municipal water pumping,
Landscaping.

Solar Water Heating Systems to
satisfy the hot water requirements 50
%, 75 %, 95%
Captive power Generation 10% of
the total connected loads and meets
CPCB emission norms
Onsite Renewable Energy the project
has installed Solar PV to cater the
requirements of the building
Lighting External- with provision for
all light fixtures to be of minimum of 3
star rated (BEE) and exterior LPD is
0.24 watts/sq ft.
All electrical equipment to be used
that offer maximum energy efficiency

In India, Nitesh Estates will
be one of the first few
developers to be focusing
on USGBC'S Leed Green
Building Rating systems.
Through our corporate
commitment to
sustainable design
development and
operation, Nitesh Estates
will become a leader of
Green Buildings across
asset classes.

Waste management :

Separation of Wastes -Separate Bins
at individual Housing level - Organic
waste, Paper and Plastic Common
collection area for metals, lamps,
batteries and e waste.
Waste reduction during construction
with 75 percent recycling and reuse.
Organic waste management post
occupancy with facility to cater the
building with features like Digester
andVermi-compost
Material Efficiency
The project is set to use almost 30
percent high recycled content
materials like Fly ash cement and
bricks
Procure all the building Materials
within 500 Km radius
At least 10 to 20 per cent will be
reuse of salvaged Building Materials


The project will use FSC Certified
Wood
Indoor Environmental Quality
Prohibit Smoking in common areas.
The project ensures at least 50 % of
the living spaces achieving daylight
factor of 2 minimum.
Provides operable windows for good
air circulation.
Fresh Air ventilation - 30% More than
normal buildings with Living
spaces: 13%, Kitchen: 10.5% and
bath room : 5%
The project will also use low VOC
Materials - Paints and Adhesives in the
interiors.
Day Lighting, 75% to 85%.
Good provision of Cross Ventilation
thorough efficient designing with each
room to have minimum 2 openings in
different orientation to get cross
ventilation.

Site Sustainability

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Green Projects

Green Projects

Suzlon One Earth, a builtto-suit office space for
Suzlon Group, world's
third largest wind Energy
Company, was awarded
for development to
Synefra from concept to
commissioning.

Highest rated green campus
Suzlon One Earth Project is a global village
concept complimented beautifully by
office-in garden architecture is a perfect fit
for target market and has become a game
changer infrastructure as it is a
counterblast to the prevailing tall glass box
office architecture commonly dotting the
ugly skylines.

Nitesh Columbus square complies
to the green building principles of
being locate at a site that is within
very short distance from important
locations, such as premium schools,
which are within 1 to 3 Kms, good
healthcare facilities, within 5 kms,
office spaces within 5 to 7Kms. The
site is also close to leisure and
recreational centres, such as,
upcoming luxury hotels which are
within 3Kms and the upcoming
Hardware Tech Park, within 10Kms.

U.S. GREEN BUILDING
COUNCIL

Nitesh Estates has partnered with
the United States Green Building
Council (USGBC). We share
USGBC's mission to transform the
way building and communities are
designed, built and operated,
enabling environmentally and
socially responsible, healthy and
prosperous environment that
improves quality of life. In India,
Nitesh Estates will be one of the first
few developers to be focusing on
USGBC'S Leed Green Building
Rating systems. Through our
corporate commitment to
sustainable design development and
operation, Nitesh Estates will
become a leader of Green Buildings
across asset classes.

Being the global
headquarters of Suzlon
Group, this development
is ideally suited for the
target audience catering
to the entire gamut of
services as required by
the client. Being the
location of company's
think tank, the project
needed a quiet place but
still easily accessible for
business needs.

There are two major programmes at
One Earth:
l office (Four interconnected
Corporate
office buildings)
lExcellence Academy – Global
Suzlon
Learning and Development
The Corporate Office houses all the
functional business verticals of the Group
and the Suzlon Excellence Academy within
its premises.Taking the theme of One Earth
further, the corporate offices have named
after five key elements of nature - Aqua
(Water), Tree (Wind + Wood), Sky (Ether)
and Sun (Fire) and the entire basement as
Terra (Earth) to make the One Earth
complete.
Wellbeing
l
Sustainable solution and practices are
integrated towards efficiency in energy use,
water use, waste management, material
use, healthy air quality, practices. A Green
Design Education provision through
defined green awareness signage, wind
gallery and open door policy for visitors on
defined days. Green Housekeeping policy is
through which green housekeeping
products and process have been
implemented. Exemplary performance by
using regional materials which measure to
about 50% of the total value of the
materials in the project.
The project offsets more than 50% annual
energy consumption used during
construction with renewable energy. Light
(Electricity, Lighting, Renewable energy).
When we talk about reducing the energy
load and making the services and utilities
more efficient the major criteria to be
taken care are HVAC, lighting and water
related. This was a big task and also a
challenge for the team but by bringing in
the hybrid solar and wind power changed
the complete equation. This kind of
thought came in almost after a year into
the work progress but it changed the way


of looking at low energy building and
helped in achieving targets set for Green
certification. The common brief and the
basic challenge that was given to each
expert consultant was that the design
solution should have the basic five criteria:
Independent for each building yet
centralized to IBMS to save cost, control
operative costs per building and also failure
or fault at one spot should not affect
balance spaces. LEED and GRIHA specified
benchmarks were the minimal standards to
be achieved and go beyond. Most of the
services have achieved the same. The focus
was on long term cost savings and not just
initial cost cutting in order to avoid
recurring cost escalation during operations
and maintenance.

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Green Projects
Highlights of the system:

Traditional deepstambh at Suzlon One Earth

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTION
Wind Solar Hybrid system
There are total 18 Nos. Wind turbines
provided which are mounted on a tubular
tower of 24 meters. The towers are
situated in the outer periphery of the entire
complex. Each tower is having capacity of
the @4.75 KW. The solar photovoltaic
panels of capacity 230 Watt, 243 numbers
are mounted on the roof top of the SEA and
Aqua Lounge.The combination of solar and
wind system which are divided into four
cluster is charging a set of batteries (for
battery bank details refer file no
SOE/BATT/11) and convert the battery
DC power to 230V AC sine wave through
the PCU (Power Conditioning Unit) which
will act as a back up as well as main stream
power with the help of MPPT (Maximum
Power point tracking mode).
Ventilation System
i) Evaporative cooling system: Principle of
Operation:The evaporative cooling system
is also called as Indirect-Direct Evaporative
cooling system.This system consists of two
stages of the cooling for the air being
circulated in the core area.The air is passed
through a fine filter of 10 micron capacity
and then passed through the heat
exchanger which air to air type the cools
the air by absorbing its sensible heat and
sent to the second heat exchanger where
air cooled by circulating water it follows an
adiabatic process and sent to cooling tower
where this heat from water is release to
atmosphere. Multi stage evaporative
cooling system is selected for providing the
comfort cooling in the range of 20 to 28
degree Celsius with Humidity in the range
of 40 to 70 %. System is custom designed,
engineered, supplied and installed by
Mumbai based 'Unidyne Energy Systems'.
This system is installed for comfort cooling
at Energy Court (S.E.A.) and similar system
is provided by 'Sumaya HMX' Bangalore,
which is been installed at Building Lounges,
Cafeteria & Gym.


One earth is the first campus in India
wherein LED lights are used extensively
for external general lighting to achieve
desired levels of energy conservation.
Total load of external lighting is only 50
kW for the entire campus.
External light design is on the basis of
minimum light pollution at
night.
All buildings are designed to harvest
maximum day light through glass &
louvers with almost 90% of regularly
occupied places not requiring
switching on lights during daytime.

Large parking spaces, Common
meeting rooms, individual cabins
are provided with occupancy
sensors while parking areas and
open work stations are equipped
with day light sensors and
occupancy sensor combination to
control lighting load and wastage
thereof.
Entire office space is provided with
task lighting over the working areas
and is controlled individually as well
as through occupancy sensors.
1850 m ED strips used for external
lighting gives the building a floating
effect. There is no UV, no heat
dissipation from the usage of this
lights and their lifespan is 5,000
burning hours.
Landscape lighting is fixed in a way
that it will compliment and
illuminate the features of the
architecture and landscape as
visualized by the designers.
According to LEED requirement,
landscape cannot have more than 5
per cent of light load as upward
light hence very few up lighters are
used that illuminate only what is
needed and yet gives the entire
garden a highly enhanced ambience.
The Deepstambh or the tower of
light located as pivotal campus
element uses fiber optics for all the
forty arms of the tower which
come out of a single light source
box, which is maintenance friendly
and the makes the lamp accessible
for repair etc.
The common areas created by the
buildings have been provided a very
beautiful lounge effect which is
created by indirect lighting.
Parking ventilation system
The entire Terminus area is provided
with the new technological concept of
ductless jet fans. These fans have the
suction of the air from one end and
delivery on the other where as the


Aesthetic landscape at Suzlon One Earth

Green Projects

Green
CONSTRUCTION
MOVEMENT

Hemant Shah, Chairman, Ackruti
City Limited believes sustainable
building is the one that allows quality
life to the inhabitants and the users, by
using less energy and other natural
resources.
In the project what ways does the
concept of sustainable building
incorporates and integrates a
variety of strategies across
project lifecycle?
A sustainable building is the one that
allows quality life to the inhabitants and
the users, by using less energy and
other natural resources, and yet
offering greater living comforts. The
technology and systems used provide
for maximizing the principles of reuse,
recycle and renew. The site selection
comply with sustainability criteria
offering minimum use of vehicle to
travel to work places and other places,
such as schools, shopping areas and
healthcare centers.All of these facilities
must be availed within a short distance
from the location and easily accessible
to public transport, and Ackruti Gold
we have incorporated all of that. We
have used high Solar Reflective Index
(SRI) materials on the roof and other
areas to reduce the heat island effect.
Some of these products are vegetative
roofs; china mosaic tiles, solar panel
and photo voltaic systems, use of LED
and CFL lighting to save energy would
save almost 32 percent of electricity
consumption.

Cafeteria at Suzlon One Earth

delivery of the all fans are discharged to
the atmosphere with a help of a common
extraction fan unit of 32500 CFM.
Separate ventilation system has been
provided for the toilets. The system
consists of exhaust fan located at the
terraces and ducting provide up to toilet.
This exhaust fan creating negative pressure
in toilet and getting fresh air from office area.
Water Distribution System:
Water distribution network is designed to
provide minimum pressure of 1.1 kg/cm2 to
all the taps with adequate discharge. There
are two separate distribution networks for
domestic & flushing water. Flushing water is
treated sewage/ raw water & is supplied for
flushing, Irrigation and HVAC. Domestic
water (drinking quality) is supplied to all taps
other than flushing.
Waste management solution
All waste is get collected at this room and
segregated, All recyclable waste is sold to
scrap vendor and non recyclable,
hazardous waste is send for treatment to
authorized agency by pollution control
board. All organic waste which is coming
from water from cafeteria, landscape and
pantries is treated through Organic waste
converter.
Organic Waste Converter (OWC):
The organic waste converter in the Suzlon
One Earth Project treats the waste that is
generated from the office canteen. Food
waste is mixed with a bucket of saw dust or
a bucket of compost manure as additives
along with a big spoon of bioculum bacteria
mix. Water is sprinkled over the mixture
through a pipe line. After around 15
minutes this compost and saw dust mixes
with the wet garbage and a brown
colored mix is the output from OWC.
The OWC blends the waste with the saw
dust and manure giving an odour-free
output. This material loaded in plastic
trays after composting for 10 days
becomes free flowing manure.

Green development has
to become the future
development mission. It is
understood that everything
has a lifecycle and will be
subject to wear and tear.
Hence there should be
enough scope for
retrofitting, besides enough
thinking that could go into
keeping aside funds for
replacement of equipment.


Ackruti Gold conserves 50% less
water compared to the conventional
buildings as we have incorporated STPs
to treat black and gray water and the
landscaping is water resistant, which
includes plants that do not require
permanent irrigation systems. Besides
these Ackruti Gold is provided with
rain water harvesting and storm water
management reducing the dependence
on municipal water.
How does the Integration of
green products help into building
projects that is also instrumental
to reduce the environmental
impacts associated with the
extraction, transport, processing,
fabrication, installation, reuse,
recycling, and disposal of the
materials?
We design and construct our buildings
ensuring that there is minimal impact
to the environment. For site
sustainability, we take care that most of
the materials used on site are
procured from local manufacturers
having their plant located within 750
kms from the site. We ensure the
optimum use of recycled materials
comprising of post consumer, post
industrial, re-reinforcement steel,
low VOC paints, sealants and
adhesive, fly ash content which are
sourced regionally. There is a
dedicated area for separation,
collection and storage of waste
materials post occupancy is
provided in our most of the projects
(paper, cardboard, glass, plastics and
metals etc). Most of the
construction waste is either
effectively reused on-site or sold out
to local scrap vendor for recycling.
Hence the environmental impacts
associated with the extraction,
transport, processing, fabrication,
installation, reuse, recycling, and
disposal of the materials is
minimised to a great extent, helping
achieve ecological balance.

We design and
construct our buildings
ensuring that there is
minimal impact to the
environment.

While India is on the way to
becoming a genuine green
building market, there is still a
dearth of building materials
needed for these structures. Do
you foresee that the demand
for such products will go up in
the future and as that happens?
That is already happening. In fact
over a period we also hope that the
costs of these products will also
come down as the profitability will
come from the volume and not from
the margin.
There is a large gap between the
current situation and where we
should be. Standards for various
products needs to be defined,
credible third party testing and
certifying agencies have to become
available. Tell us the level of
competition and the theory of
experience curve? Will start
working and eventually the
availability will increase and costs
will come down.
It takes time for standardization to
come about and things are being
looked into. Right now the foreign
companies are coming with their
products and ideas. However within
the country we have developed
some advanced technologies to suit
our conditions and finally these will
prevail. Market becoming
competitive is a healthy sign and
there will be a race to produce the
best as the consumers become
more discerning and quality
conscious.We are on the right track.

Most of the products available in
India as mostly green products
are locally sourced. But there is
very low manufacturer and
consumer awareness in the
market. What is your take? Do
you think Indian brands need to
help raise consumer
consciousness?
That is true.The commercial viability of
the brands and their production for
industrial consumption needs to be
looked at with more seriousness. We
need to increase their volume as the
market for the products within India is
humongous. In the last few years some
efforts are made to raise consumer
awareness.. Sustained effort in this are
will lead to better acceptance of the
concept and the products.


Ackruti Gold conserves
50% less water compared to
the conventional buildings as
we have incorporated STPs
to treat black and gray water
and the landscaping is water
resistant, which includes
plants that do not require
permanent irrigation
systems. Besides these
Ackruti Gold is provided with
rain water harvesting and
storm water management
reducing the dependence on
municipal water.

In future do you intend to construct
more such sustainable structures?
How the future looks like for green
buildings? What impacts will the pricing
factor play in the competitive matured
market like India where material cost
keeps fluctuating?
Ackruti City Limited is dedicated to
become a forerunner in developing
environmentally sustainable
projects. We are consciously
constructing green buildings as it is
our mission. At the moment the
movement towards sustainable
development has just begun, with
more people opting for green
building which they will do as it has
become imperative, cost will even
out. At present, high-end green
buildings cost only 10- 15 per cent
more than the normal buildings in
the same category. More over
sustainable development will bring
into its fold affordable housing and
townships where cost would even
out when there are more volumes
generated.
What is the life cycle assessment
that can help avoid a narrow
outlook on environmental, social
and economic concerns?
Green development has to become the
future development mission. It is
understood that everything has a
lifecycle and will be subject to wear and
tear. Hence there should be enough
scope for retrofitting, besides enough
thinking that could go into keeping aside
funds for replacement of equipment.

Cover Story

Cover Story

Green Projects

Green Projects

Our nation is obsessed
with price points and the
evolution and
understanding of
construction technology
will come only with
education and
involvement foreign
companies that have been
their done that.
In the current times what are the
benefits of having a sustainable green
structure? What is the need of the
hour for going green?
Benefits are totally dependent on what size
we take into perspective. Often benefits
outweigh the investment and in case of
green building the pay back are typically
longer. In terms of absolute benefits of
green structure is that they emit very low
Co2 footprint into the atmosphere during
structure operations. How to achieve this
and benchmark this footprint and at what
cost is the spot where its starts getting
complicated.
The need of the hour for going green is
providing incentive to industries/builders
to 'build green' and then go green, having an
agency that audit's claimed 'green
structures' based in transparent criteria's
and verify the criteria of qualification on a
yearly basis. This will only take shape if
people find that the upfront investment in
'building green' sustainable green
structures have a 'ROI'. For sake of example
we can take 'Energy policy' for installing
windmills from the state governments for
industries etc.
Tell us about the product-oriented
tools which can combine
environmental measures with
economic indicators to provide a final
rating for making the structure green
compliant?
I would come back to the 'incentivized'
system. Give people subsidy of interest on
the loan that they take for building green
buildings. This subsidy would only be
payable after the approved 'green plan'
which would details the technology for
building green and material used for
building resulting in savings from current
conventional systems. After the building is
made, the same should be audited by an
independent body to certify the building
and this would pave way for subsidiary
reimbursement.This binds both the sides.
In green construction what best
practices are evolving over time as
practices change, new technologies

A sizeable
green structure
is your estimation on the
development green projects?

People may talk about
millions and billions but
the common man still
has to live in an ecology
that is not green.
evolve, and environmental needs are
better understood?
To be honest, I don't think the green
construction practices are evolving in India
at all. Maybe for the high rises but where is
the majority and look at the construction
practices that are being used, I would say
they are not to blame! Our nation is
obsessed with price points and the
evo l u t i o n a n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f
construction technology will come only
with education and involvement foreign
companies that have been their done that!
As compared to earlier scenario,
more vendors are attracted towards
the green building market
considering its huge potential. In such
case how the future looks like and
approximately in the next 5-10 what


Look at projects that are announced in last
2 years and the projects that have been
completed after being announced in
certain' green certification categories' the
figures will not tally. People may talk about
millions and billions but the common man
still has to live in an ecology that is not
green. Japan was one of the greenest
nations in the world, but look what
happened with the nuclear disaster. Often
policies and green structure are not
enough it has to be a full eco system.
What are the social issues that are barriers
to sustainable development? How can we
tackle marginalization and environmental
challenges for different categories such as
individual homes, gated communities, high
rise residential apartments and residential
buildings with major renovation?
While there are several issues that form
barriers in the evolution of sustainable
development, I would like to focus on the
three most common ones.
Lack of Information: The lack of
information about performance and
cost attributes of building elements can
force projects to depend on specialized
consultants. Alternatively, designers
and builders risk costly call-backs to
remedy green products that don't
perform well. Green products can only
deliver their air quality and energy
conservation benefits if regulators
allow them to be used.
Builder Incentives: One of the most
significant challenges faced by builders is
financially benefiting from the design of
green buildings.Though there are several
benefits in green buildings, but these
only translate to the final owners and
users of the building. The additional
costs incurred by developers cannot be
easily passed on to owners. The
challenge is to create a structure that
allows some of the value of the longterm benefits to be transferred to the
builder to offset first-time costs.

Atul Khanna, General Manager, Thermal Insulation
Division, Supreme Industries Ltd, talks about the
company's thermal insulation products, through
environmentally friendly manner

Top of the line solutions

F

ounded in 1942, the Supreme
Industries Ltd. became a pioneer of
many path-breaking products and a
trendsetter in plastics products by
introducing advanced solutions for
various applications and industries. We
have been innovating to provide our
customers with solutions that are
appropriate and cost- effective. We
follow the philosophy of SAVE – Supreme
Always Value Efficient. The drives of this
conviction are applied intelligence and
innovation to enable cost-effectiveness
and precision in delivery. Every
requirement is studied in great detail,
various solutions are taken into
consideration and the most suitable one
is implemented flawlessly. Whatever is
the value, whether it is superior
protection, energy-saving insulation or
durable and long-lasting solutions in the
civil/thermal insulation industry, our
customers are promised a solution from
Supreme.
Research and development form an
integral element of our solutions. At


regular intervals, we invest resources in
developing breakthrough insulation
products that help enrich energy
efficiency. A systematic study of changing
trends, shifting demands and new arrivals
in technology facilitate our pursuit of
advanced solutions. A team of highly
qualified and vastly experienced
professionals at the helm of our R&D
activities ensures gradual development
in products the industry seeks.
During the past year, the world faced one
of the worst downturns that led to
serious financial crisis in reputed
companies and institutions, bankruptcy
of investment banks, liquidity crunch,
company closures and huge job losses.
The impact has been felt more by
developed economies than developing
ones.
The growth in production sectors and
the building industry has been adversely
affected by the global crisis. The
slowdown in the manufacturing sector
was due to the combined impact of fall in
exports followed by a decline in
domestic demand. These extraordinary
difficult times resulted in companies
inventing more efficient means of
operation.
High crude oil prices have been one of
the contributory reasons for the
economic meltdown. Oil demand
moderation and with sentiments turning
negative on commodity exchanges,
caused the oil prices to nose dive. This
provides us a lesson on the increasing
need to curb energy consumption, which
happens to be one of the major
components of the industry, including
commercial building operation. The
building sector accounts for approx 3035 per cent of the total energy
consumption in the country.
The cause of energy saving has also been
taken up by the Indian Green Building
Council formed in 2001, which set up the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Cover Story

Cover Story

Green Projects- Construction Material

Green Projects- Construction Material
Design (LEED) India committee to rate
buildings on environmental criteria. The
second system that is endorsed by the
government and promoted by the Energy
Resource Institute (TERI) is the Green
Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
(GRIHA).
“Energy is the single largest operating
expense and accounts for more than a
$100 billion in expenses for commercial
buildings each year. With a view to
improve efficiency and thereby enable
conservation of energy, the Thermal
Insulation Division of Supreme provides
top-of-the-line insulation solutions with
its 'INSU' range of products. Backed by a
deep understanding of the changing
trends, new-age requirements as well as
intensive research and state-of-the-art
technology, the Thermal Insulation
Division develops customized solutions
for the insulation requirements of
various industries,” he said.
Each of the products that we offer i.e.
INSUshield (FR, closed cell, chemically
crosslinked polyethylene), INSUboard
(extruded polystyrene) and
INSUreflector (radiant heat reflective
insulation material) are for the purpose
of saving energy in different segments of
the industry and for different market
applications. All our insulation products
are manufactured from virgin raw
material, he added.
In our endeavor to provide world-class
materials and continuously upgrade
these to comply with the latest market
requirements, we now offer Class 'O' fire
rated material in FR, closed cell,
chemically crosslinked polyethylene.
We are the first company to successfully
commission India's first extruded
polystyrene plant at our Nagothane
polystyrene complex. Our plant uses
state-of-the-art technology to produce
1,50,000 m3 of extruded polystyrene
thermal insulation board using
environment friendly CO2 as blowing

agent. The plant is capable of producing
boards with various thicknesses from 25
mm to 100 mm & density ranging from 30
kg to 50 kg/m3. This would help the
nation to save the much-needed foreign
exchange and service the home industry
to meet energy efficiency requirements
for the commercial building sector.
Supreme's Thermal Insulation
Division offers solutions in the
following areas:
Ducting Insulation in Hospitals,
Shopping Malls, Airports, PEBs, IT/
BPO etc.
Pipe Insulation for Split AC Tubings,
Chiller Piping, Drain Pipes, Chilled
Water Lines etc.
Floor Insulation in Server Rooms,
Data Centers, Medical & Diagnostic
Centers, and Control Rooms for
Petrochemicals.
Underdeck Insulation in PEBs, textile
Units, Malls,Airports etc.
Overdeck and Wall Insulation in
Commercial Buildings, Residential
Buildings, Cold Storages etc.
'INSUshield' is a non-fibrous, fire
retardant ('Class O' in Fire Propagation
and 'Class 1' in Surface Spread of Flame),

Ducting Insulation


closed cell, tri dimensional chemically
cross-linked polyethylene foam. An ideal
environment friendly insulation material,
with a perfect solution for all your
insulation needs for ducts, roofs, pipes,
vessels, etc. The divergent advantages of
'INSUshield' are ease of installation, low
thermal conductivity and good moisture
& vapour resistance preventing microbial
growth and optimum condensation
protection.
'INSUreflector' is a radiant heat
reflective insulation material made of
polyethylene air bubble film (ABF)
laminated with aluminum foil on one or
both sides. It is a low e-reflective
insulation material with a low mass to air
ratio, which effectively blocks the radiant
heat transfer. The bright surface of the
aluminium foil, which encases the FR
polyethylene air bubble material, reflects
96 per cent to 99 per cent infra-red
radiation received by the surface of the
heated slated roof.
'INSUboard' – Extruded polystyrene is
an ultimate solution for building
insulation. It enhances the durability of
the building structure and resists
extreme ambient conditions, absorbs
thermal shocks, mechanical loading and
stresses without any deterioration in
insulation properties of the product.
Amongst others, there are 4 primary
reasons why Supreme's Thermal
Insulation Division is a choice of
discerning customers seeking superior
insulation solutions:
Quality: A methodical, systematic and
stringent approach to quality ensures all
our products are not only world-class
but also durable. We adhere to
international quality standards while
manufacturing our products. ISO
9001:2000 and ISO 14001 certifications
and NABL Accreditation for our various
plants is a testimony to our serious
approach to quality.

Construction and Architecture Magazine 12 july august 2011

Construction and Architecture Magazine 12 july august 2011

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