BUILDING ENERGY DESIGN- A challenge for Architects & Engineers

Abstract
Efficient use of energy is important since global energy resources are finite and power generation using fossil fuels (such as coal and oil) has adverse environmental effects. The potential for energy savings in the building sector is large. Heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) systems are installed to provide for occupant comfort, health and safety. They are usually the key energy users and their design is affected by architecture features and occupant needs. Building energy design challenges building designers to think about climate, orientation, daylighting, and the qualities of environment as part of the initial design conception. It also requires the architectural and engineering disciplines to work as a team early in the design phase and to conceptualize the building as a system. Architects and engineers who incorporate energy design concepts and methods into their design projects can play a significant role in reducing energy consumption and achieving sustainable energy structure for our society. This paper highlights the role of efficient management of energy which is essential in achieving the goal of sustainable development. A better understanding of building behavior and the application of sophisticated computer modeling to the individual distribution of ventilation and daylight is the need of the hour, especially in buildings requiring specialized services. Computer software can stimulate the distribution of day light in spaces and therefore allow the designer to optimize the design. To achieve sustainable energy structure through automation Architects and engineers should work as a team early in the design phase to conceptualize the building as a system.

Sustainable Development

Use of Resources to meet our needs

without depriving the

resources for future generations

INTRODUCTION TO ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING DESIGN With recent exponential increases in energy pricing, the formerly neglected or underestimated concept of energy conservation has swiftly assumed great significance and potential in cutting costs and promoting economic development, especially in a developing-country scenario.

Energy-Efficient buildings Harnessing traditonal architecture and modern science TERI

Energy efficiency in buildings can be achieved through a multipronged approach involving adoption of bioclimatic architectural principles responsive to the climate of the particular location; use of materials with low embodied energy; reduction of transportation energy; incorporation of efficient structural design; implementation of energy-efficient building systems; and effective utilization of renewable energy sources to power the building.

IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY Buildings are significant users of energy and building energy efficiency is a high priority. Efficient use of energy is important since global energy resources are finite and power generation using fossil fuels (such as coal and oil) has adverse environmental effects. The potential for energy savings in the building sector is large.

Fig. 1: Break-up of energy consumption in a building Fig. 2: Typical break-up of heat gain in a building

BASIC PRINCIPLES 1.1 Climate and Site Climate has a major effect on building performance and energy consumption. Energy-conscious design requires an understanding of the climate.

The six important aspects of architectural planning which will affect thermal and energy performance of buildings are: Site selection Orientation Mutual relationship Shape Layout Space Architectural and landscape designs should be closely integrated. If possible, should provide wind breaks in cold winter and access to cooling breezes in summer.

1.2 Building envelope Three factors determining the heat flow across the building envelope: - Area of the building exposed -Heat transmission value of the exposed area -The use of suitable thermal mass and thermal insulation

2. BUILDING SYSTEMS Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are installed to provide for occupant comfort, health and safety. They are usually the key energy users and their design is affected by architecture features and occupant needs. While being energy efficient, HVAC systems should have a degree of flexibility to allow for future extensions and change. To achieve optimum energy efficiency, designers should evaluate Thermal comfort criteria, Load calculation methods, System characteristics and Equipment and plant operation (part-load) Lighting systems is another key energy user and additional cooling energy will be required to remove the heat generated by luminaries. Energy efficient lighting should ensure that Illumination is not excessive, Switching is provided to turn off unnecessary light and Illumination is provided in an efficient manner. General design strategies for lighting design: - Combination of general and task lighting. - Electric lighting integrated with daylight. - The use of energy efficient lamps and luminaries. - Use light-colored room surfaces. The building services systems consuming energy include Electrical installations, Lifts and escalators, Water supply systems and Town gas supply system

3. TECHNOLOGIES 3.1 Passive Cooling and Sun Control Passive systems - internal conditions are modified as a result of the behavior of the building form and fabric. General strategies for passive heating and cooling: - Cold winters maximize solar gain and reduce heat loss. - Hot summers - minimize solar gain and maximize heat removal. - Correct orientation and use of windows. - Appropriate amounts of thermal mass and insulation. - Provision for ventilation (natural).

Strategies for shading and sun control -External projection (overhangs and side fins). External systems integral with the window frame or attached to the building face, such as louvers and screens. -Specially treated window glass, such as heat absorbing and reflecting glass. -Internal treatments either opaque or semi-opaque, such as curtains and blinds. For hot and humid climate, extensive shading without affecting ventilation is usually required all year round. Shading of the east and west facades is more important

3.2 Day-Lighting Daylight can be used to augment or replace electric lighting. Efficient day-lighting design should consider: Sky conditions Site environment Building space and form Glazing systems Artificial lighting systems Air-conditioning systems

3.3 HVAC Systems -Energy efficiency of many HVAC sub-systems and equipment has been improved gradually over the years, such as in air systems, water systems, central cooling and heating plants.
3.4 Active Solar and Photovoltaic system -Solar thermal systems (active solar) provide useful heat at a low temperature. The system consists of solar collectors, heat storage tank and water distribution mains. An integrated collector storage system has also been developed recently to eliminate the need for a separate storage tank. Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity using a semi-conductor device.

4. EVALUATION METHODS 4.1. Bioclimatic Design The integration of design, climate and human comfort -- the bioclimatic approach to architectural regionalism -- was first proposed in mide-1950s by Victor and Alder Olgyay. The aim is to create a supportive and productive environment that ultimately can contribute to sustaining the regional and global environment.

4.2 Building Thermal and Energy Simulation building energy design often requires the analytical power to study complicated design scenario. Computer-based building energy simulation will provide this power and allow greater flexibility in design evaluation. The simulation method is based upon load and energy calculations in HVAC design. Simulation techniques can provide the tools for assessing different design options based on their energy performance and life cycle costs.

5. CLIMATIC DESIGN OF BUILDINGS Importance of Climatic Design Climate has a major effect on building performance and energy consumption. The process of identifying, understanding and controlling climatic influences at the building site is perhaps the most critical part of building design. The key objectives of climatic design include: - To reduce energy cost of a building. - To use "natural energy" instead of mechanical system and power. - To provide comfortable and healthy environment for people

Factors affecting Climatic Design The local micro-climate and site factors will affect the actual environmental conditions of the building. The important site-related factors should be considered when making the climate analysis: Topography - elevation, slopes, hills and valleys, ground surface conditions. - Vegetation - height, mass, silhouette, texture, location, growth patterns. - Built forms - nearby buildings, surface conditions. Climate Analysis

Climate analysis carried out at initial design stage may be used for to develop design strategies, check condensation problems in some cases and Optimization of insulation. Load and energy calculation carried out at outline and detail design stages will require weather data for Calculation of cooling and heating requirements, Design of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, Energy estimation of buildings, Solar paths requiring shade and Insulation

Sunshade analysis (vertical & horizontal)

Sun requirements during winter

WIND ANALYSIS

6. INFLUENCES ON BUILT FORM Zoning for solar gain

Use of atrium

GREEN BUILDINGS
TODAY AND TOMMORROW

Rated Green Buildings

ITC Green Centre, Gurgaon

Platinum Rating

Wipro Tech., Gurgaon

Platinum Rating

CII Godrej GBC, Hyderabad

Platinum Rating

NEG Micon, Chennai

Gold Rating

Grundfos Pumps, Chennai

Gold Rating

CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY SOHRABJI GODREJ GREEN BUSINESS CENTER (CII-GODREJ GBC)

GREEN BUILDINGS

CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY SOHRABJI GODREJ GREEN BUSINESS CENTER (CII-GODREJ GBC)

Energy Efficiency
Courtyards - "light wells, illuminating adjacent work areas

When this light not sufficient - sensors trigger the deployment of

efficient electric lights Dimmers automatically control illumination levels, turning lights off when they're unnecessary Also, occupancy sensors prevent a light from being switched on

at an unoccupied workstation

GREEN BUILDINGS

CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY SOHRABJI GODREJ GREEN BUSINESS CENTER (CII-GODREJ GBC)

Energy Efficiency More savings achieved by 2 wind towers (renewable energy source)

Traditional elements - "catch" air and cool it

as it passes down the tower Air, cooled by up to 8 deg.C., supplied to the

AHU
Substantial reduction in AC load Heavily insulated roof further reduces the cooling load

INDIA TOWER, MUMBAI

ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

India Tower will be 74 storeys tall with 882,000 sq.ft. of multi-use space

when completed in 2010.

Each rotated block in the tower will have a completely different use, ie. residential, office, retail, recreation etc. Design incorporates the use of: Solar shading, Natural ventilation

Daylighting
Rainwater harvesting Green interior finishes and materials

One of the greenest buildings in India Has already achieved the US

LEED Gold rating

ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

RESIDENCE ANTILIA, MUMBAI, PERKINS + WILL

ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

RESIDENCE ANTILIA, MUMBAI, PERKINS + WILL

70 storey, 803 foot tall tower Home for a single family, Mukesh Ambani Will act as the tallest living wall when completed

and
Act as a large carbon sink in the heart of Mumbai Not all floors will be occupied, some to be used

exclusively as gardens in the sky

Design certainly innovative Should add some weight behind the whole idea of rooftop gardens and inner city farms

ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

12 storey Civic Tower Number of green design features Integrated solar panels on the building

exterior and rooftop

Raised floor ventilation system Chilled ceilings Light shelves to increase the penetration

of natural daylight into the workspace (to improve the quality of life for the workers)
Also designed greenhouses on each floor

These features combined will help the Civic Tower consume 20% less power than required by Californian environmental law
US LEED Silver rating Sign of things to come

SAN FRANCISCO CIVIC TOWER, SF, KMD ARCHITECTS

ONE WESTMINSTER PLACE, LONDON, SHEPPARD ROBSON ARCHITECTURE FIRM

Green buildings donot compromise good architectural design

This structure a model blueprint for many eco-structures in the future

Created by MVRDV Architects - takes shape of many blocks called pixels put together
like green hubs Building can expand strategically without occupying too much space at the base Green parks put up in the sky, an importantg concept for future edifices

WEBSTAR

MAD is a design firm that often lives up to its acronym Their creations often perceived as green architecture that is a touch eccentric Design of Webstar a revolutionary concept for future green cities Giant floating star can camp above any city in the world and can house a perfect green city of 15,000 people Own ability to produce power + utilize resources by recycling them + even a digital cemetery

TREE TOWER

TREE TOWER Its a building that receives its energy from the sun, that grows food, that builds soil, that provides a habitat for hundreds of species, that changes colours with the seasons, that creates microclimates, that would purify water, Recycles waste water for use in buildings gardens which, when cleansed by the plants, will be fed back into the grey water system again South side - made up of 34,000 sq m of solar panels, meeting 40% of the buildings energy needs. Combined natural gas-fuelled heat-and-power plant, operating at 90% efficiency supplies the missing 60% To cut down further on energy, workstations fitted with presence sensors shutting down when people arent there and adjusting heat, light and sound when they are.

To Sum Up

With the tremendous growth the country, energy

efficiency in buildings assumes paramount importance. The energy saving potential can be as high as 40-50%, if addressed right at the design stage.

The application of codes as a benchmark can help in

designing high performance buildings. There exist tremendous opportunities to introduce new materials, equipment and technologies which can help enhance

energy efficiency of buildings.

Green Architecture/Buildings

Excellent opportunity to reduce operating cost Sustainability of Business

Green Building codes/Certification

Motivator Guarantees minimum performance

Go Green . . .