Chapter 1: Case Study and Analysis

1.1 Indira Parvayaran Bhawan

Indira Paryavaran Bhawan is the office building and headquarters for MoEF, Ministry of
Environment and Forest was constructed by Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
It is the first on site net zero multi storeyed building constructed in Jor Bagh, New Delhi that has
set a radical change from a conventional building design.
 CPWD architects and engineers are associated with this project, particularly Ar. Rajesh
Kaushal and Er. AK Gupta.
 It has a plot area of 9565 sq.mts.
 Plinth Area of 32,000 sq.mts.
 It is a G+7 storeyed structure with 3 basements
 Wider Front setback- 22M (To protect the tree line)

Figure: View of Indira Paryavaran Bhawan

The project focusses on strategies in order to reduce energy demand by providing landscaping to reduce
ambient temperatures, adequate natural light, shading, energy efficient active and passive building systems.
It is India’s highest rated green building. It has received 5 star GRIHA rating and LEED Platinum rating.

Various Design Passive strategies adopted by building are:

1.1.1 Landscaping
One of the initial design consideration was to preserve existing trees on the site as much as possible
given the site constraints of the building without affecting the comfort of users and efficiency of
the building. Permissions were granted for cutting down 46 trees, but the proposed design helped
to reduce chopping to only 19 trees.
 Figure: Site plan of Indira Paryavaran Bhawan denoting number of trees present

Also, large native trees have been replanted are three times more than the trees cut which is much
higher than the GRIHA requirements.

Figure: Preservation of existing foliage by increasing the front setback

More than 50% of area outside the building is covered with grass, trees and plantations. Circulation
roads and paths are soft paved to allow ground water recharge and setbacks of building are
increased to preserve existing plantations.

Figure: Landscape on the east and north side respectively

1.1.2 Orientation
The orientation of the building is along north-south with separate blocks that are connected through
corridors and a huge courtyard at the centre. Orientation of the building minimizes heat ingress.
 Figure: Plan of Indira Paryavaran Bhawan

1.1.3 Form and Layout

The building orientation and form is planned to reduce operational energy requirements of the
building. The building has two long blocks along North-South to reduce heat ingress which
develops a shaded landscaped central courtyard. The central courtyard also has low level punctures
in the building envelope, which helps in cross ventilation.

Figure: Plan and sectional elevation of Indira Paryavaran Bhawan emphasizing on the central courtyard
The courtyard serves multiple purposes. It creates a landscaped connection with the planters and vegetation
on site, aids cross ventilation within the building and also acts a human interaction area.

1.1.4 System of Fenestrations and Shading

 Upvc windows with hermetically sealed double glazing is used along with low heat
transmittance index glass.
 The design of fenestration shading is appropriate for the entire building is appropriate for
the entire building.
 The wall-window ratio is reduced to lessen the heat gain.
 The courtyard openings and window shading are designed to allow winter sun and reduce
summer sun.

Figure: View of Indira Paryavaran Bhawan with Upvc windows that are hermetically sealed double glazed used along with low
heat transmittance index glass

1.1.5 Daylighting
75% of the total building floor space is naturally day lit reducing dependence and load on the
artificial sources of light. Inner courtyard also serves as a light well.
Most of the habitable areas and fenestrations are located on the outer periphery of the building,
which permits optimum daylight to most of the rooms on the office floor plate.
The staircases and service areas are kept on the lowlight areas, thus making efficient usage of the
perimeter to maximise the sunlit areas for the user.

Figure: Second Floor Plan of Indira Paryavaran Bhawan

1.1.6 Ventilation
Effective ventilation by optimum integration of building with nature by separating building blocks
with connecting corridors and an inner central courtyard.

Figure: Natural ventilation in Indira Paryavaran Bhawan

Jaalis and building punctures aid cross ventilation throughout the building, especially in the non
conditioned spaces like service areas, lobbies, passages.
The central courtyard helps in air movement as natural ventilation takes place because of stack
effect.
Central courtyard helps in air movement as natural ventilation happens due to stack
effect. Windows and jaalis add to cross ventilation.
Central courtyard helps in air movement as natural ventilation happens due to “Stack
effect”. Windows and jaalis add to cross ventilation.

Figure: Stack ventilation in Indira Paryavaran Bhawan

 Figure: Space frame above the central courtyard

Brown and beige coloured stone jaalis in the service areas, passage areas, lobbies and corridors
also aid to cross ventilation, thus eliminating the need for air conditioning in these places.

Figure: Natural stone Jalli and connecting corridors

https://www.nbmcw.com/tech-articles/case-studies/38475-indira-paryavaran-bhawan-first-on-site-
zero-net-energy-building-of-india.html

https://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/akshay-urja/november-december-2014/EN/26-31.pdf
http://icfild.org/ire2014/seminar/06_deependra_prasad/spa_ipb_deependra.pdf