SUSATINABLE ARCHITECTURE

PRACTICES

RESEARCH METHOD

-ADITI YADAV (01)

EXERCISE II
What Is Sustainability in architecture ?
• Sustainable architecture is architecture that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings through
improved efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, development space and the ecosystem at large.
Sustainable architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of the built
environment.
• The idea of sustainability, or ecological design, is to ensure that our use of presently available resources does not end up
having detrimental effects to our collective well-being or making it impossible to obtain resources for other applications
in the long run.
• Sustainable architecture is one that takes into account the environment and that values when projecting buildings
efficiency of materials and building structure, building processes, urban planning, and the impact that buildings have on
nature and the society. It aims to promote energy efficiency so that these buildings do not generate unnecessary energy
expenditure, take advantage of the resources of their environment for the operation of their systems, and do not have
any impact on the environment.
What are the key principles of sustainable practices?

1. Energy efficiency The principles of green architecture incorporate various measures that encourage energy efficiency. It is
done through designs that cut down energy consumption including the energy requirements for energy use and the
exploitation of alternative and sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar . For instance , green architecture
takes care of natural air flow patterns and natural lighting to reduce the needs for heating , ventilating , and air
conditioning ; and artificial daytime lighting respectively . The designs simply insist on reducing the lifetime costs of
heating , lighting , air condition and other electric power usage requirements .
2. 2. Water efficiency Green architecture works with the inspiration of ecological surrounding to protect water quality and
reduce water consumption or wastage . It is part of the sustainable principles in green construction which encourage the
efficient use of water . This green architecture principle makes certain that water is harvested , used , purified and re -
used during the entire construction period . At the same time , the architectural design ensures that in the entire life cycle
of the building not only supports efficient water use but also preserves the quality of surrounding water systems and
makes use of water recycling mechanisms .
3. 3. Land use efficiency Land use efficiency pertains to architectural designs that encourage suitable site development in
terms of preservation of the surrounding environment and reuse of existing local materials . It advocates for the
incorporation of roof gardens , earth shelters and extensive landscaping around and throughout the building
4. Low environmental impact and conservation of natural characteristics Construction projects are proven to be
responsible for more than 50 % of environmental impacts and the destruction of natural systems . Construction projects
also contribute to about 10 % of the total global emissions every year . One of the principles of green architecture is to
therefore use green designs to lessen these environmental impacts . Particularly , this green principle is all about
preventing degradation of the site during construction , sprawl management , and the controlled use of resources as
well as ensuring energy efficient buildings lessen the overall impacts on the environment . The design aids in the
conservation of natural resources , improved water and air quality , and the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity
5. Material efficiency The proper management and use of materials in construction is also another huge concern . Proper
construction techniques have to be employed and this is where green architecture comes in . As such , material efficiency
is one of the green architecture principles as it creates designs that inspire sustainable construction by optimizing the
construction operations . Material efficiency as a green architectural principle sees to it that the lifetime of the building
enhances efficiency in terms of maintenance and operations . Energy efficiency and resource conservation are the
aspects incorporated in the designs to guarantee overall material efficiency .
6. Low maintenance costs As stated earlier, the operational and construction costs associated with the conventional
construction mechanisms prove quite high and are equally material demanding . Green architectural design facilitates
the use of materials and construction techniques that help in cutting back the operational and construction costs by more
than half , all attributed to their cost - effectiveness . This green architecture principle necessitates the need of using
renewable plant products , recycled metal and recycled stone among other non - toxic products . Renewable and
reusable products ensure high performance while at the same time reducing the long - term maintenance costs .
7. Waste reduction Green architecture advances the demand for reducing the wastage of water . energy , and materials
during and even after construction . On this basis, the green architectural design offer easier ways of reducing the
amount of consumer product wastage generated by the building occupants through the integration of on - site solutions
like compost bins and eco - friendly waste management system . The design also takes care of water recycling and
energy saving approaches in construction to reduce water and energy wastage respectively.
8. Use of renewable energy Among the green architecture principles is the use of renewable energy. This principle ideally
works to make renewable energy part of the architectural design or a highly recommended feature. The use of wind
power, solar energy and biogas are examples of renewable energy technologies which are often included in the green
architecture designs. The architects are keen at tailoring the designs based on the geographical locations to take full
advantage of the available renewable energy. For instance, green oriented architects design buildings to fully utilize the
seasonal changes in the sun's position and other regional renewable energy sources such as wind and biomass.
9. Indoor environmental quality Indoor environmental quality is also part of the green architecture principles. The
designing of a house or commercial building based on the green principles involves the features of comfortable interior
space with an emphasis on natural temperature control, proper ventilation and the use of products that do not give off
toxic compounds or gases . The purpose of the principle is to assure the quality of indoor environment.
What are the common characteristics of green buildings ?

• The highest goal of green architecture is to be fully sustainable. Simply put, people do "green" things in order to
achieve sustainability. While most green buildings do not have all of the following features, green architecture and
design may include:
• Ventilation systems designed for efficient heating and cooling
• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures
• Landscaping with native vegetation and planned to maximize passive solar energy
• Minimal harm to the natural habitat
• Alternative renewable energy power sources such as solar power or wind power
• Non-synthetic, non-toxic materials used inside and out
• Locally-obtained woods and stone, eliminating long-haul transportation
• Responsibly-harvested woods
• Adaptive reuse of older buildings
• Use of recycled architectural salvage
• Efficient use of space
• Optimal location on the land, maximizing sunlight, winds, and natural sheltering
• Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse
What are the different types of certification for green buildings?
Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA)
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is an independent, non-profit society established jointly by The
Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). In 2007, the government
adopted it as the National Rating System for Green Buildings in India.
• Rating Criteria
The rating system is a 100 point system consisting of 30 criteria under eleven sections such as Sustainable Site Planning,
Construction Management, Energy Efficiency, Occupant Comfort, Water Management, Solid Waste Management, Sustainable
Building Materials, Life Cycle Costing, Socio-Economic Strategies, Performance Metering and Monitoring, and
Innovation. GRIHA rating system consists of 34 criteria categorised in four different sections. Some of them are – ( 1) Site
selection and site planning, (2) Conservation and efficient utilization of resources, (3) Building operation and maintenance,
and (4) Innovation.
• Objectives of GRIHA
1) Minimize a building’s use of resources, waste generation, and overall ecological footprint.
2) Evaluates the environmental performance of a building holistically over its entire life cycle,
thereby providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a ‘green building.’
3) Based on the energy and environmental principles, seeks to strike a balance between the
established practices and emerging concepts.
4) Reduced energy consumption without sacrificing the comfort level.
5) Reduced destruction of natural areas, habitats, biodiversity, reduced soil loss etc
• Commonwealth Games Village, New Delhi, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi, CESE (Centre for
Environmental Sciences & Engineering) Bldg, IIT Kanpur, Suzlon One Earth, Pune and
many other buildings has received GRIHA.
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
• The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is the rating system developed for certifying Green Buildings.
LEED is developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the organization promoting sustainability through
Green Buildings. LEED is a framework for assessing building performance against set criteria and standard points of
references. The benchmarks for the LEED Green Building Rating System were developed in year 2000 and are
currently available for new and existing constructions.
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) formed the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in year 2001. IGBC is the non
profit research institution having its offices in CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, which is itself a LEED certified
Green building. Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has licensed the LEED Green Building Standard from the
USGBC. IGBC facilitates Indian green structures to become one of the green buildings.
• IGBC has developed the following green building rating systems
for different types of building in line and conformity with US
Green Building Council. Till date, following Green Building rating
systems are available under IGBC;
• LEED India for New Construction
1. LEED India for Core and Shell
2. IGBC Green Homes
3. IGBC Green Factory Building
4. IGBC Green SEZ
5. IGBC Green Townships
• Some LEED ‘Platinum’ rated buildings are- ABN Amro Bank N.V.,
Ahmedabad; Biodiversity Conservation India Ltd (BCIL) ; CII –
Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre; ITC Green Centre –
Gurgaon; Suzlon Energy Limited – global headquarter in Pune.
Example of a Green building.
Humanscapes Habitat Urban Living / Auroville Design Consultant

The “HUMANSCAPES HABITAT- is an applied research and demonstration project of Sustainable and Integrated
Urban Living Project” for benchmarking in habitat as a course correction for a sustainable and harmonious
model of development which is an imperative need in the present global crisis of energy and climate change.
This mixed-use development of residences, community, and workspace would be a touchstone for standards for
low-embodied energy building. This project also wants to address the issues of skill development upgrade the
capability in the unorganized labor sector of India in the construction sector to transition construction jobs from
building with high embodied energy materials to building materials and technology to reduce the carbon
footprint in the habitat sector to meet India’s commitment to IPCC.
Solar Passive Building Design
Sustainable built environment with solar passive building design coupled with
efficient functional space layout to reduce the built-up area and use of low
embodied energy building materials with cradle-to-cradle cycle with construction
techniques that are low tech with lowered operational energy.
Integration of Water, Energy and Waste Planning
Integrated environmental planning of water, energy and waste cycle, with zero-
discharge of water, reduction and recycling of solid waste, water-efficient
landscaping using local endemic species, and urban agriculture as edible
gardens.
Clean Mobility Options
Reducing point to point travel by integrating work and living spaces , using
integrated community and IT infrastructure ( ICITI ) for work at home with clean
mobility options like e - vehicles for movement within the local area .
Cohousing Concept of Living
The human ecology , using the principles of " Cohousing " concept of living ,
facilitating interaction among neighbours for inclusive socioeconomic development
with increased environmental benefits .
A functional fusion the living , working , recreational and primary amenities
allowing a multiplicity of space usage has allowed for over 15-20 % in built up
space reduction while the inhabitants to interact actively while working in the
gardens and collective management of the food production and waste recycling .
SustaiNet
Collaborative Network Establish a collaborative network of knowledge resources called
' SustaiNet ' , to facilitate further dissemination . This network will enable inter -
institutional knowledge sharing and dissemination , a platform for academics ,
students and professionals to have an inclusive learning experience during and after
completion of the project Inspiration From Urban Vernacular Architecture
Architectural design draws inspiration from urban vernacular - built forms with
overlays of streets , roofed walkways , open to sky court , single loaded circulation and
terraces . The placement of hot and humid spaces like kitchens / baths is segregated
and ventilated with negative pressure ventilation and upward draft to prevent the heat
and humidity from leaking into other spaces in the apartment .
Proper Lighting and Ventillation
As the project is in a hot - humid zone , the Window - Wall Ratio ( WWR ) optimized air
circulation , coupled with appropriate window shading devices glare has been reduced
providing modulated and diffused natural light throughout the space . Keeping with
solar passive principles of building envelope design east and west facing facades
minimized to reduce heat gain with 100 % of the windows being operable for active
modulation by the user for comfort . The placement of the windows maximises visual
privacy reducing the need for screening to ensure natural light and Ventilation .
Low Energy Building Materials and Technologies
The buildings are built with low embodied energy building materials coupled with re -
cycled materials . The walls are made of poured earth walls that is composite of local
earth stabilized with 5 % of cement and use of aggregate from construction and
demolishing .