Set -1

Assignment -3
1. Briefly explain the green building features?
Green building features are practices and design aspects that are
implemented into a building's development and operation in order to be
sustainable and ecologically friendly. In addition to enhancing tenant health
and comfort, these elements seek to reduce the negative environmental
effects of buildings and enhance resource efficiency. The following are some
typical green building features:  Utilizing energy-saving features like
insulation, energy-efficient windows, lights, and HVAC systems will help
you use less energy overall.  Implementing low-flow plumbing fixtures,
rainwater collection, wastewater treatment and reuse systems, and other
measures to conserve water will help you use less water overall. 
Sustainable materials include things like bamboo flooring, recycled steel,
and salvaged wood. They are also non-toxic and long-lasting.  Indoor air
quality may be improved by utilizing low-emitting materials, ensuring that
the building has appropriate ventilation, and refraining from employing
hazardous chemicals.  Site design: Including elements like permeable
paving, native plant landscaping, and green roofs to lessen the building's
environmental effect and increase bio diversity.

2. Illustrate the important sustainable features of Green Building.

Green buildings have a number of sustainable features that are essential
to fostering environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Some of
the most significant features are as follows:
1. Energy Efficiency: One of the most important sustainable features of
green buildings is energy efficiency. By using energy-efficient
appliances, lighting, HVAC systems, and insulation, green buildings can
reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This, in
turn, helps to combat climate change and reduce energy costs for
occupants.
2. Water Conservation: Water conservation is another crucial
sustainable feature of green buildings. By using low-flow plumbing
fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and gray water recycling systems,
green buildings can reduce their water consumption and promote water
efficiency.
 3. Sustainable Materials: Using sustainable materials, such as reclaimed
wood, recycled steel, and low-emitting insulation, is another essential
feature of green buildings. This helps to reduce the environmental impact
of the building and promote the use of non-toxic materials that are
healthier for occupants.
4. Indoor Air Quality: Green buildings also prioritize indoor air quality
by using ventilation systems, low-emitting materials, and avoiding the
use of harmful chemicals. This helps to create healthier and more
comfortable indoor environments for occupants.
5. Site Design: The site design of green buildings is another critical
sustainable feature. By incorporating features such as green roofs,
permeable paving, and native landscaping, green buildings can reduce
their impact on the surrounding environment and promote biodiversity.
6. Renewable Energy: Green buildings also often incorporate renewable
energy systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal
systems, to generate electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
7. Waste Reduction and Management: Another sustainable feature of
green buildings is waste reduction and management. This can include
strategies such as using recycled materials, designing for easy recycling
and composting, and implementing waste reduction programs for
occupants.
8. Transportation: Green buildings also prioritize transportation by
providing bike storage, showers, and changing facilities for cyclists, and
promoting public transit use. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint of
occupants' transportation and promote sustainable transportation options.

3. Explain the levels of IGBC green homes certification and discuss the
IGBC rating systems in terms of green building focus points.
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) provides certification for
green homes in India through its rating systems, which are based on a set
of green building focus points. The focus points are evaluated to
determine the level of certification achieved by a building project.
The IGBC Green Homes rating system includes four levels of
certification:
1. Certified: A building project that achieves 30-49% of the total points
available under the rating system.
2. Silver: A building project that achieves 50-59% of the total points
available under the rating system.
3. Gold: A building project that achieves 60-79% of the total points
available under the rating system.
 4. Platinum: A building project that achieves 80% or more of the total
points available under the rating system.

The IGBC rating systems focus on a wide range of green building

features and practices, including:
1. Site Selection and Planning: This includes factors such as site
selection, sustainable land use, and preservation of natural habitats.
2. Water Conservation: This includes features such as water-efficient
fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment and reuse.
3. Energy Efficiency: This includes features such as energy-efficient
lighting, HVAC systems, and insulation.
4. Materials and Resources: This includes factors such as sustainable
material selection, waste reduction, and recycling.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality: This includes features such as
ventilation systems, lowemitting materials, and thermal comfort.
6. Innovation and Design: This includes factors such as green building
education and awareness, building commissioning, and design for
adaptability.

Each focus point has a set of prerequisites and credits associated with it.
Prerequisites are mandatory requirements that must be met to achieve
certification, while credits are optional and provide additional points
towards achieving certification. The IGBC rating systems are designed to
encourage the adoption of sustainable and environmentally conscious
building practices in India. By promoting green building practices, the
IGBC aims to reduce the environmental impact of buildings while
creating healthier and more sustainable living and working environments
for occupants.

4) Discuss About the Importance of Heat Island Effect

Using Green Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands

Using green roofs in cities or other built environments with limited vegetation
can moderate the heat island effect, particularly during the day. Green roof
temperatures can be 30–40°F lower than those of conventional roofs and can
reduce city-wide ambient temperatures by up to 5°F.
  Types of Green Roofs

Green roofs can be installed on a wide range of buildings, from industrial facilities
to private residences. There are two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive.

Extensive Green Roofs Intensive Green Roofs

 Tend to be more complex, such

as a fully accessible park
 Tend to be simpler, with hardy complete with trees
plants and a growing medium
 Resemble conventional gardens
depth of two to four inches
or parks
 Require the least amount of
 Require more structural support
added structural support since
since they are heavier
they are lightweight
 Require a higher initial
 Need little maintenance once
investment
established
 Require more intensive
maintenance
5) An administrative building of 20 floors is proposed in the campus make
out the complete design criteria for site selection to maintenance to make it
platinum rated building

Practices for Site Selection and Planning

The first thing to do for site selection is Site Analysis and Assessment. The

purpose of a site analysis is to break down the site into basic parts, to isolate areas

and systems requiring protection, and to identify both off-site and on-site factors

that may require mitigation. Site assessment is a process that examines the data

gathered and identified in the site analysis, assigns specific site factors to

hierarchies of importance, and identifies, where possible, interactive

relationships. For example, an analysis may identify specific soils and their

properties, vegetation types and their distribution, or various slope and slope-

orientation conditions to name a few site factors. An assessment applies

evaluation criteria that allow the comparison of various sites’ suitability for a

specific use.

Sustainable design practices assess both site and building program to determine

the site’s capacity to support the program without degrading vital systems, or

requiring extraordinary development expenditures. The result of analysis and

assessment is a blueprint for the most appropriate ecological and physical fit

between site, building, and the resulting cultural landscape. Platinum rating - the

project scored more than 80 points.

Site Characteristics for Green Building Design

The following site characteristics influence building design elements, including

form, shape, bulk, materials, skin-to-volume ratio, structural systems, mechanical

systems, access and service, solar orientation, and finished floor elevation:

a. Geographical latitude (solar altitude) and microclimate factors, such as

wind loads Affect building layout, including solar orientation and location

of entrances, windows, and loading docks.

b. Topography and adjacent landform Influence building proportions, wind

loads, drainage strategies, floor elevations, and key gravity-fed sewer-line

corridors

c. Groundwater and surface runoff characteristics - determine building

locations as well as natural channels for diverting storm runoff and

locations of runoff detention ponds.

d. Solar access Determines position of building to take maximum advantage

of natural solar resources for passive solar heating, daylighting, and

photovoltaics.

e. Air movement patterns, both annual and diurnal particularly influence

siting of multiple structures to avoid damming cold moisture-laden air, or

blocking favourable cooling breezes during periods of overheating.

Properly measured wind loads and pressure differentials are essential for
 designing interior air-handling systems or use of passive solar cooling

strategies.

f. Soil texture and its load-bearing capacity Determine building location on

the site and the type of footing required. Identify site-grading processes by

the soil’s potential for erosion by wind, water, and machine disturbance.

g. Parcel shape and access affect a site’s capacity to accommodate a proposed

development, even if its size and environmental factors are favorable.

Potential access points should not burden lower-density or less compatible

adjacent land use. Zoning setbacks and easements can also affect

development potential.

h. Neighbouring developments and proposed future developments Affect

proposed project and may lead to requisite design changes.

Analyse specific characteristics of climate zones. Climate zones like hot-humid,

hot-arid, temperate, and cold have specific characteristics requiring mitigation,

augmentation, and exploitation. Each climate zone suggests historically amenable

siting and building practices.

6) Briefly Explain About Water Efficiency and Water Efficiency Fixtures in

Green Buildings

The amount of water available for use on the planet is finite, so as population

grows, the available supply of water per person drops. Per capita water supplies
worldwide have decreased by one-third since 1970, as the world’s population has

grown by 1.8 billion. Since 1980, global water use has more than tripled and is

currently estimated at 4,340 cubic KM per year. Demand in every area of water

use urban, industrial, and agricultural has increased, often because of

mismanagement, overuse, and waste. Many parts of the world are now

experiencing rising water costs, seasonal shortages, and unpredictable quality and

availability of supplies.

As water demands increase and municipalities must fund new water supply and

treatment facilities, costs are passed on to the consumer. Many cities are using

conservation rate structures in which larger users pay higher rates. Higher water

use also adds to maintenance and life-cycle costs of facility operation. Efficiency

and conservation in institutional, commercial, and industrial water use can result

in impressive savings of both water and money not just in water-use fees but also

in sewage treatment costs, energy use, chemical use, and capacity charges and

limits.

Water Harvesting

Water harvesting means collecting runoff from the soil’s surface, paved surfaces,

and other sources and storing it for future use such as irrigation. Harvested water

can include storm water and irrigation runoff, water from cooling towers and

heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, and water from

swales and other drainage structures directed into collection areas. After
collection in a storage tank or pond, harvested runoff must be pressurized in order

to be used in an irrigation system.

 Utilize gravity flow to collect runoff into harvesting areas such as storage

tanks, open ponds, or detention basins.

 Direct rainfall from roofs and water from cooling towers into runoff

harvesting areas.

Rainwater Harvesting

Harvesting and storage system

The capacity of rainwater harvesting to meet water needs depends on the

amount of rainfall in an area, the size of the collection area, the size of the storage
area, and water needs. One inch of rainfall translates to 0.6 gallon of rainwater

collected per square foot of roof area.

a. Use appropriate roofing materials. The best roof materials for catchment

are metal, clay, and concrete-based (such as tile or fiber cement).

b. Install screening so that leaves and debris do not enter the cistern, as well

as a “roof-washer” device to divert the first flush of water after a rainfall,

preventing it from entering the cistern.

Landscaping

In areas with low rainfall or seasonal droughts, up to 60 percent of total seasonal

water usage can be attributed to irrigation. Typical urban landscapes consist of

non-native or undated plant species, lawns, and a few trees. Non-native plants

increase demands for water, especially during the growing season, thereby

depleting local water supplies and driving the need for larger-capacity centralized

facilities that may lie dormant during periods of low water use.

Native plants have become adapted to natural conditions of an area such as

seasonal drought, pest problems, and native soils. Landscape designs that

emphasize native trees, vines, shrubs, and perennials also help maintain the

biological diversity of a region and preserve the character of regional landscapes.

7. Distinguish between the Conventional building and green building
A green building has lower resource consumption as compared to conventional

buildings. The following is the percentage reduction of various resources in a

building and their respective reasons.

a. Green buildings consume 40% to 60% (depending on the range of

measures adopted) lesser electricity as compared to conventional

buildings. This is primarily because they rely on passive architectural

interventions in the building design, and high efficiency materials and

technologies in the engineering design of the building.

b. Green Buildings also attempt to work towards on-site energy generation

through renewable energy utilization to cater to its energy needs. For

instance, solar thermal systems can help generate hot-water and replace

the conventional electrical geyser in buildings. Solar PV panels can help

generate electricity which can reduce the buildings dependence on grid

power.

c. Green buildings consume 40% to 80% (depending on the range of

measures adopted) lesser water as compared to conventional buildings.

By utilizing ultra low-flow fixtures, dual plumbing systems, waste-water

recycling systems and rain-water harvesting, green buildings not only

reduce their demand for water use but also look at on-site supply options

to cater to its internal and external (landscape) water demands.

d. Green buildings generate lesser waste by employing waste management

strategies on site. They may also employ waste to energy or waste to

resource (like manure, or compost) strategies on site, to minimize their

burden on municipal waste management facilities and landfills.

e. Green buildings generate lesser pollution both during construction as well

as while in use. Through best-practices such as proper storage of

construction materials, barricading of the site to prevent air and noise

pollution during construction, proper storage and disposal of waste during

construction and operation, and so on, ensures reduced impact on the

surrounding environment.

f. Green buildings ensure proper safety, health and sanitation facilities for

the labourers (during construction) and the occupants (while in use).

g. Green buildings restrict the use of high ODP (ozone depleting potential)

substances in their systems as well as in finishes.

h. Green buildings offer higher image and marketability.

All of these can be achieved at a minimal incremental cost with an estimated

payback period of about 3 – 5 years (excepting renewable energy for power

generation).
8. What is green building? Write about green building rating system in
India. Who are the authorities giving green rating for buildings?

Green Building: also known as green construction or sustainable

building, is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are
environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a
building's life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation,
maintenance...

 A building designed to be ecologically correct by using resources

efficiently, using internal recycling, renewable energy sources, recyclable
or biodegradable construction materials, and blending in with the local
environment, particularly in out-of-town locations.

 A building designed to conserve resources and reduce negative impacts

on the environment - whether it is energy, water, building materials or
land. ...
 A comprehensive process of design and construction that employs
techniques to minimize adverse environmental impacts and reduce the
energy consumption of a building, while contributing to the health and
productivity of its occupants.
 A movement in architectural and building circles aimed at creating
structures that are occupant and environmentally friendly. Criteria such as
sustainability, energy efficiency and healthfulness are considered.
 A property designated as holding particular status as “environmentally
friendly”. The term “sustainable” is often applied interchangeably with
the green building designation.
 Building that is aimed at energy conservation, saving natural resources,
and preserving the environment
 A green building is one which uses less water, optimises energy
efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides
healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building
(IGBC).
b) Green building rating system in India

Rating
 The final GRIHA rating is awarded after receipt and evaluation of the
post occupancy performance audit reports. The audit is conducted after 1
year of building occupancy.
 The rating awarded is valid for a period of five years from the
commissioning of the building.
  GRIHA reserves rights to conduct random audits of any criteria for which
points have been awarded
 Queries on rating may be sent to <[email protected]>, and will be
responded to within two working days

c) The authorities giving green rating for buildings

9. Explain the procedure to get IGBC certification?

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) offers green building
certification to recognize and promote sustainable building practices in
India. Here are the general steps to obtain IGBC certification:
1. Project Registration: Register your project with the IGBC by
submitting an online registration form along with the required
registration fee.
2. Documentation: Prepare documentation that outlines the sustainable
features of your building, including site selection, water efficiency,
energy efficiency, materials and resources, indoor environmental
quality, and innovation in design.
3. Audit: Once your documentation is complete, an audit will be
conducted to verify your claims. The audit will be carried out by a
third-party agency, which will evaluate the building against the
criteria specified by IGBC.
4. Certification: If the building meets the required standards, it will be
certified as a green building by IGBC. The level of certification
 (platinum, gold, silver, or certified) will depend on the number of
points earned by the building.
5. Compliance: The building must maintain compliance with the IGBC's
standards over its lifecycle. This involves regular monitoring and
reporting to ensure that the building continues to meet the required
criteria.
Overall, the IGBC certification process is designed to ensure that
buildings are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and promote a
healthy living environment.

Certification

LEED India certification provides independent, third-party verification that a

building project meets the highest performance standards. The LEED India
plaque awarded by the IGBC is a recognition of the project achievement.

Benefits of certification

LEED-INDIA-certified buildings

 Are leading the transformation of the built environment.

 Are built as designed and perform as expected.
 Have lower operating costs and increased asset value.
 Are healthy and comfortable for their occupants.
 Reduce waste sent to landfills.
 conserve energy and water
 Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
 demonstrate an owner`s commitment to environmental stewardship and
social responsibility.

10) What is the importance of Building Orientation, Size and Shape in

Green Buildings?
A) Building orientation, size, and shape play a crucial role in the design and
construction of green buildings. Here are some reasons why these factors are
important:

1) Energy efficiency: Building orientation, size, and shape have a significant

impact on a building's energy consumption. The orientation of a building
can optimize the amount of natural light and solar heat gain, reducing the
 need for artificial lighting and heating or cooling. The size and shape of a
building can also impact its energy efficiency, as larger buildings
typically require more energy to operate than smaller buildings.

2) Passive solar design: Building orientation can be designed to take

advantage of passive solar design strategies, which use the sun's energy to
heat or cool a building naturally. A building with a south-facing
orientation can maximize passive solar heating in the winter and
minimize heat gain in the summer, reducing energy consumption.

3) Natural ventilation: Building orientation, size, and shape can also impact
natural ventilation. The placement of windows and doors can promote
cross-ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems
that consume energy.

4) Daylighting: Building orientation, size, and shape can also impact the
amount of natural light that enters a building, which can improve indoor
air quality, enhance occupant comfort, and reduce the need for artificial
lighting.

5) Site constraints: Building orientation, size, and shape must also consider
site constraints, such as neigh boring buildings or structures, topography,
and prevailing winds. These factors can impact the building's exposure to
the sun, wind, and other environmental conditions, which can impact its
energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

In conclusion, building orientation, size, and shape are critical factors in the
design and construction of green buildings. These factors impact a building's
energy efficiency, passive solar design, natural ventilation, daylighting, and site
constraints. By considering these factors, green buildings can be designed to
maximize energy efficiency, improve occupant comfort, and reduce
environmental impact.
11) Explain about GRIHA and the procedure to get certification for a
building
12) Explain the important considerations while building a Green Project
with respect to water efficiency.
A) Water efficiency is a crucial aspect to consider when building a green
project, as it not only helps to conserve a precious natural resource but also
reduces the overall environmental impact of the project. Here are some
important considerations while building a Green Project with respect to water
efficiency:

1) Rainwater harvesting: One of the best ways to conserve water is by

harvesting rainwater. Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and
storing rainwater from rooftops, streets, and other surfaces for later use in
irrigation or non-potable applications such as toilet flushing and
landscape irrigation.

2) Water-efficient fixtures: Installing water-efficient fixtures such as low-

flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets can significantly reduce the
amount of water used in a building. These fixtures use less water without
compromising performance, making them a cost-effective and
environmentally friendly option.

3) Greywater reuse: Greywater is wastewater from sources such as sinks,

showers, and washing machines that can be reused for non-potable
purposes such as landscape irrigation. By treating and reusing greywater,
a building can significantly reduce its water consumption.

4) Efficient irrigation systems: A green project should use efficient

irrigation systems such as drip irrigation or micro-sprinklers that deliver
water directly to the plants' roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.
Additionally, irrigation systems should be properly designed and
maintained to avoid overwatering and wasting water.

5) Water-efficient landscaping: Landscaping should be designed with

water efficiency in mind, using plants that are adapted to the local climate
and require less water. Additionally, landscaping should be designed to
minimize water runoff and promote infiltration into the soil.
6) Leak detection and repair: Regularly checking for leaks and repairing
them promptly is critical in minimizing water waste in a building. A leak
detection system can help to identify leaks early, allowing for prompt
repairs.

G.Avinash
2201020006
M.Tech-SE