Q.4 - Green Building Scope & Features

4 16 Marks

What is the scope and need for construction of Green Building? Explain all its salient features.

Answer: Green Building - Scope, Need and Salient Features

Green Building (also called sustainable or high-performance building) is a structure designed, constructed, and operated to minimize environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. It uses resources efficiently, reduces waste and pollution, and provides healthy indoor environments while remaining economically viable.

Part A: Scope and Need for Green Buildings (8 Marks)

Why Green Buildings Are Needed

1. Environmental Impact of Buildings

Buildings consume 40% of global energy
Account for 30% of global GHG emissions
Use 25% of water worldwide
Generate 30-40% of solid waste
Conventional buildings are major environmental polluters

2. Rapid Urbanization

India's urban population: 35% (2020) → 50%+ by 2050
700 million m² construction expected annually
Massive new building stock being added
Opportunity to build right from the start

3. Resource Scarcity

Energy: Rising demand, import dependence
Water: Scarcity affecting many Indian cities
Materials: Sand, limestone, timber depletion
Green buildings use 30-50% less resources

4. Climate Change Mitigation

Building sector critical for emission reduction
India's NDC requires low-carbon construction
ECBC compliance can save 50% energy in commercial buildings

5. Health and Productivity

Poor indoor air quality affects health
Green buildings improve occupant wellness
Studies show 8-11% productivity increase in green buildings
Lower absenteeism and healthcare costs

Scope of Green Buildings

New Construction: Residential, commercial, institutional, industrial
Retrofitting: Upgrading existing buildings for efficiency
Urban Planning: Green townships, smart cities
Infrastructure: Airports, railways, public buildings
Market Size: India's green building market growing at 20% CAGR
Certified Area: 7.5+ billion sq.ft. registered under IGBC

Part B: Salient Features of Green Buildings (8 Marks)

1. Sustainable Site Planning

Site Selection: Avoid ecologically sensitive areas, brownfield redevelopment
Public Transport Access: Proximity to metro, bus stops
Heat Island Reduction: Reflective surfaces, green roofs, shade trees
Reduced Parking: Encourage cycling, EV charging
Native Landscaping: Drought-resistant plants, minimal irrigation

2. Energy Efficiency

Building Envelope: Insulated walls, double-glazed windows, reflective roofs
ECBC Compliance: Energy Conservation Building Code standards
Efficient HVAC: BEE 5-star rated, VRF systems, chillers
LED Lighting: 80% more efficient than incandescent
Daylighting: Maximize natural light, reduce artificial lighting
Occupancy Sensors: Automatic control of lights and AC
Building Management Systems: Smart monitoring and control

3. On-Site Renewable Energy

Rooftop Solar PV: Generate clean electricity
Solar Water Heating: Reduce electricity for hot water
Building Integrated PV (BIPV): Solar facades, windows
Target: 5-10% of energy from renewables

4. Water Efficiency

Low-Flow Fixtures: Faucets, toilets, showerheads (30-50% savings)
Rainwater Harvesting: Capture and store roof runoff
Greywater Recycling: Treat and reuse for flushing, landscaping
Sewage Treatment Plant: On-site treatment for reuse
Native Landscaping: Reduce irrigation water needs
Water Metering: Sub-metering to track and manage use

5. Sustainable Materials

Local Materials: Reduce transport emissions (within 400 km)
Recycled Content: Fly ash bricks, recycled steel, glass
Low-Embodied Energy: Aerated concrete, compressed earth blocks
Rapidly Renewable: Bamboo, cork, linoleum
Certified Wood: FSC certified timber
Low-VOC: Paints, adhesives, sealants for better air quality

6. Waste Management

Construction Waste: Divert 75%+ from landfill
Operational Waste: Segregation at source
Organic Waste: Composting for landscaping
E-Waste: Proper collection and recycling

7. Indoor Environmental Quality

Ventilation: Fresh air as per ASHRAE standards
Thermal Comfort: Temperature control zones
Visual Comfort: Glare control, daylight access
Acoustic Comfort: Noise insulation
Low-Emitting Materials: No formaldehyde, low VOC

Green Building Rating Systems

System	Origin	Levels
GRIHA	India (TERI/MNRE)	1-5 Stars
IGBC	India (CII)	Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum
LEED	USA (USGBC)	Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum

Conclusion

Green buildings are essential due to the significant environmental impact of the construction sector, rapid urbanization, resource scarcity, climate change, and health concerns. Key features include sustainable site planning, energy efficiency (ECBC, efficient systems), on-site renewables, water efficiency (harvesting, recycling), sustainable materials (local, recycled, low-VOC), waste management, and indoor environmental quality. Rating systems like GRIHA, IGBC, and LEED provide frameworks for assessment. With India's large construction growth, green buildings offer immense potential for resource conservation, emission reduction, and creating healthy, productive spaces while remaining economically viable through lower operating costs.

Sources: Module 3 Notes | GRIHA | IGBC | BEE

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