Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
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BIPV systems can either be interfaced with the available utility grid or they may be designed as standalone, off-grid systems. The benefits of power production at the point of use include savings to the utility in
the losses associated with transmission and distribution (known as 'grid support'), and savings to the
consumer through lower electric bills because of peak saving (matching peak production with periods of
peak demand). Moreover, buildings that produce power using renewable energy sources reduce the
demands on traditional utility generators, often reducing the overall emissions of climate-change gasses.
Design of a Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) System
BIPV systems should be approached to where energy conscious design techniques have been employed,
and equipment and systems have been carefully selected and specified. They should be viewed in terms of
life-cycle cost, and not just initial cost because the overall cost may be reduced by the avoided costs of the
building materials and labor they replace. Design considerations for BIPV systems must include the
building's use and electrical loads, its location and orientation, the appropriate building and safety codes,
and the relevant utility issues and costs.
Steps in designing a BIPV system include:
Carefully consider the application of energy-conscious design practices and/or energy-efficiency measures
to reduce the energy requirements of the building. This will enhance comfort and save money while also
enabling a given BIPV system to provide a greater percentage contribution to the load.
Choose Between a Utility-Interactive PV System and a Stand-alone PV System:
The vast majority of BIPV systems will be tied to a utility grid, using the grid as storage and backup. The
systems should be sized to meet the goals of the ownertypically defined by budget or space constraints;
and, the inverter must be chosen with an understanding of the requirements of the utility.
For those 'stand-alone' systems powered by PV alone, the system, including storage, must be sized to
meet the peak demand/lowest power production projections of the building. To avoid over sizing the
PV/battery system for unusual or occasional peak loads, a backup generator is often used. This kind of
system is sometimes referred to as a "PV-genset hybrid."
Shift the Peak: If the peak building loads do not match the peak power output of the PV array, it may be
economically appropriate to incorporate batteries into certain grid-tied systems to offset the most expensive
power demand periods. This system could also act as an uninterruptible power system (UPS).
Provide Adequate Ventilation: PV conversion efficiencies are reduced by elevated operating
temperatures. This is truer with crystalline silicon PV cells than amorphous silicon thin-films. To improve
conversion efficiency, allow appropriate ventilation behind the modules to dissipate heat.
Evaluate Using Hybrid PV-Solar Thermal Systems: As an option to optimize system efficiency, a
designer may choose to capture and utilize the solar thermal resource developed through the heating of the
modules. This can be attractive in cold climates for the pre-heating of incoming ventilation make-up air.
Consider Integrating Daylighting and Photovoltaic Collection: Using semi-transparent thin-film
modules, or crystalline modules with custom-spaced cells between two layers of glass, designers may use
PV to create unique daylighting features in faade, roofing, or skylight PV systems. The BIPV elements can
also help to reduce unwanted cooling load and glare associated with large expanses of architectural
glazing.
Compiled by CT.Lakshmanan B.Arch., M.C.P.
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Incorporate PV Modules into Shading Devices: PV arrays conceived as "eyebrows" or awnings over
view glass areas of a building can provide appropriate passive solar shading. When sunshades are
considered as part of an integrated design approach, chiller capacity can often be smaller and perimeter
cooling distribution reduced or even eliminated.
Design for the Local Climate and Environment: Designers should understand the impacts of the climate
and environment on the array output. Cold, clear days will increase power production, while hot, overcast
days will reduce array output;
Surfaces reflecting light onto the array (e.g., snow) will increase the array output;
Arrays must be designed for potential snow- and wind-loading conditions;
Properly angled arrays will shed snow loads relatively quickly; and,
Arrays in dry, dusty environments or environments with heavy industrial or traffic (auto, airline) pollution
will require washing to limit efficiency losses.
Address Site Planning and Orientation Issues: Early in the design phase, ensure that your solar array
will receive maximum exposure to the sun and will not be shaded by site obstructions such as nearby
buildings or trees. It is particularly important that the system be completely unshaded during the peak solar
collection period consisting of three hours on either side of solar noon. The impact of shading on a PV array
has a much greater influence on the electrical harvest than the footprint of the shadow.
Consider Array Orientation: Different array orientation can have a significant impact on the annual energy
output of a system, with tilted arrays generating 50%-70% more electricity than a vertical faade.
Reduce Building Envelope and Other On-site Loads: Minimize the loads experienced by the BIPV
system. Employ daylighting, energy-efficient motors, and other peak reduction strategies whenever
possible.
Professionals: The use of BIPV is relatively new. Ensure that the design, installation, and maintenance
professionals involved with the project are properly trained, licensed, certified, and experienced in PV
systems work.
In addition, BIPV systems can be designed to blend with traditional building materials and designs, or they
may be used to create a high-technology, future-oriented appearance. Semi-transparent arrays of spaced
crystalline cells can provide diffuse, interior natural lighting. High profile systems can also signal a desire on
the part of the owner to provide an environmentally conscious work environment.
APPLICATION
Photovoltaics may be integrated into many different assemblies within a building envelope:
Solar cells can be incorporated into the faade of a building, complementing or replacing traditional
view or spandrel glass. Often, these installations are vertical, reducing access to available solar
resources, but the large surface area of buildings can help compensate for the reduced power.
Photovoltaics may be incorporated into awnings and saw-tooth designs on a building faade. These
increase access to direct sunlight while providing additional architectural benefits such as passive
shading.
The use of PV in roofing systems can provide a direct replacement for batten and seam metal roofing
and traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles.
Using PV for skylight systems can be both an economical use of PV and an exciting design feature.
Compiled by CT.Lakshmanan B.Arch., M.C.P.
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SOLAR FOREST
A solar forest is a design solution for charging electric vehicles and generating solar energy. This forest
offers shade, provides free EV charging and generates solar energy while simultaneously improving the
appearance of the urban landscape. The trees here have photovoltaic leaves, responsible for collection of
solar power. Each of their trunks has a power outlet to charge an electric vehicle.
Imagine a parking lot that keeps your car cool and charges it while you do whatever you need to do after
parking your car. Thats what the new solar forest designed by designer Neville Mars aims to
achieve. Electric-powered automobiles are a great way of reducing pollution levels but the main hurdle in
the way of them becoming mainstream vehicles is long duration of time they need to recharge. Even to
cover small distance you need to recharge your vehicle for hours. One solution is to speed up the
recharging process, and another is recharging the cars while they stand unused, like in a parking lot.
Sometimes vehicles are left in the parking place for hours while people take care of their chores or work in
their offices. This is the perfect time to charge the vehicles. The trees of the solar forest are made of
photovoltaic leaves mounted upon poles that are like giant power strips for electric vehicles. You can simply
plug in your vehicle to charge it. To increase efficiency the solar panels adjust themselves according to the
position of the sun. The vehicles also remain cool under their shade.
Just like any other new innovation there are naysayers for this project too, like, there is not going to be
enough sun for every tree, or it is going to be very costly to build such panels, and, it will be very difficult to
take your vehicles in (as it happens in the natural forest) and then take them out, but the basic idea is the
thought that goes into such projects. We are sure to find new solutions as more and more people pitch in
instead of just pointing at things that cannot be achieved.
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SOLAR AND WATER-POWERED STREET LIGHTS Take a Cue from the Mango Leaf
Designer Adam Mikloski has come up with a beautiful design for solar powered street lights in India.
Mimicking the structure of a seedling and the shape of mango leaves, the concept design captures not just
sunlight but also rain to power the lamps.
The tops of the leaves have solar cells for sunny days. Meanwhile when it rains, the shape of the "leaves"
funnels water to a drain into the post, where a water turbine can gather energy from the moving water.
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extremely important for drainage. I considered the shape of mango leaves favorable as regards
functionality, shape, and cultural history. The top of the leaf is appropriate for installing solar cells
and for collecting water, while the stalk can divert and recycle this amount of rain. LEDs are
operated by rechargeable batteries.
One question is what happens to the water once it cycles through the post. These lamps will be less
appealing if they have to be part of a more elaborate drainage system under water. However, perhaps it is
enough to have a hole at the base of the post for the water to exit. The LED bulbs are a good choice for
minimizing how much energy the lamps consume, and the rechargeable batteries would be placed in the
post.
Over all, the concept design is a beautiful and elegant use of biomimicry, as well as an interesting and
practical use of both solar and water power to light up a street. Maximizing two natural elements rather than
just one to power the lights is a great way to make sure a design is a good fit for an area with varying
weather, and will work no matter what the conditions.
PHASE-CHANGE MATERIAL
Anyone with thick brick or stone walls has probably noticed that their home takes a long time to heat or cool
during the day. This is because for years architects have employed high mass materials, which slow the
flow of temperature, as a means to build passive, eco-friendly buildings. While these materials work well at
regulating temperature fluctuations, they can be expensive, require additional structure and eat up building
square footage. Thankfully, scientists have been working hard on developing the same technology, but on
a microscopic level, in the form of phase change materials.
The basic idea of passive buildings and thermal mass, is building materials with a high mass (water, stone
or concrete) collect and store heat throughout the day, and then slowly release it as the temperature drops.
Ideally this design technique is used in climates who have extreme temperature fluctuations from day to
night, or season to season. The thermal mass aides in a building's efficiency, reduces the need for heating
and cooling equipment and is done so without any moving parts.
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Phase change materials (PCM) provide thermal mass, but on a much smaller scale. PCMs work by melting
and solidifying at a specific temperature heat is absorbed at the solid state, and when the material
reaches a predetermined temperature, it changes to a liquid and releases the stored energy (heat). When
the temperature falls below a predetermined degree, the PCM re-solidifys and the process repeats. The
most common PCMs come in the form of paraffin, fatty acids and salt hydrates, each with their own
advantages and disadvantages. Most PCMs must be encapsulated to be stored and prevent evaporation
and absorption.
How do they work?
When heat is applied to a substance, the energy transfers in one of two ways. The first is that the
substance gains heat. For example, if heat is applied to water, it will rise in temperature to a maximum of
100C its boiling point. Likewise, if heat is removed, the temperature of the water will fall, to a minimum
of 0C, or its freezing point. This type of heat transfer, or storage, is called sensible heat.
However, adding heat does not always cause a substances temperature to rise. If heat is added to water
that is already boiling, it remains at 100C, and the absorbed heat instead causes the water to turn from a
liquid into a vapour.
This is a phenomenon common to all pure substances. As they absorb heat, they eventually reach a
melting point (in solid form) or evaporation point (in liquid form), at which point they change state from
solid to liquid, or from liquid to gas. During this process, they absorb heat but do not get hotter. This type of
heat storage is known as latent heat.
It is this latent heat that enables PCMs to control room temperature. The PCMs used in construction
typically change from solid to liquid at 23-26C. (Computer simulations show that 26C is the optimal
phase-change temperature for passive summer heat reduction in buildings, while 23C is needed for
situations where PCMs are part of a mechanical air-conditioning system.) As they melt, they begin to
absorb heat from the room, rather than simply gaining heat themselves. In this way, the room temperature
can be kept constant until the change of state or phase change is complete. The PCM can be
returned to its solid state by night-time ventilation (as long as the night air is cooler than the phase-change
temperature), or by mechanical means in hotter climates. The phase-change cycle is then ready to begin
again the next day.
Types of PCM
There are many types of PCM but not all are suitable for use in buildings. Water, for example, has transition
temperatures of 0C and 100C, neither of which are conducive to a comfortable living or working
environment. The selection criteria when choosing a PCM include:
A melting temperature in the desired operating range in construction this would be 23C or
26C.
A high latent heat of fusion per unit volume in other words, they can store a large amount of
heat per unit of volume, minimising the area of PCM tiles that are needed.
High thermal conductivity. The quicker the PCM reacts to changes in temperature, the more
effective the phase changes will be.
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Minimal changes in volume substances expand or contract when they change state. Because
PCMs in construction need to be contained within a cassette, large changes in volume could create
problems.
Congruent melting. This means that the composition of the liquid is the same as that of the solid,
which is important to prevent separation and supercooling.
A completely reversible freezing/melting cycle.
Durability over a large number of cycles.
Non-corrosiveness to construction materials.
Non-flammability.
The two main types of PCM used in construction are inorganic salt hydrates and organic paraffin or
fatty acids, and both materials have a set of advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into
consideration.
1. Inorganics: salt hydrates
Advantages: Salt hydrates are a low-cost, readily available PCM. They have a high latent heat storage
capacity and high thermal conductivity. They are also non-flammable.
Disadvantages: The volume change between the solid and liquid states is very high. Another problem
with the solid-liquid transition is the danger of supercooling. This is when the temperature of a liquid is
reduced to below its freezing point without it becoming a solid.
Additives called nucleating agents can help with this process, but they become less effective over
time. Salt hydrates are also very hygroscopic, which means they trap humidity. By doing this, the water
content varies and the melting point varies as well. This is a danger for long-term stability.
2. Organics: paraffins and fatty acids
Advantages: Paraffins and fatty acids do not expand as they melt, and freeze without much
supercooling, so they do not need nucleating agents. They are chemically stable, compatible with
conventional construction materials and recyclable. Paraffins are hydrophobic, which means they are
water-repellant. As a result, their phase-change points are reliable. Pure paraffins are also highly durable,
and do not degrade in contact with oxygen. Nor can pure materials, consisting of a single substance,
separate from themselves unlike salt hydrates, which could break away from their water content when
cycled frequently.
Disadvantages: Organic PCMs are flammable and have low thermal conductivity and low latent heat
storage capacity. Impurities reduce heat capacity further, so it is very important that the paraffins used are
in a pure state. This, however, raises the cost, as they have to be completely refined of oil.
When to use PCMs
PCMs are particularly suitable for applications in classrooms, offices, retail or healthcare buildings, which
generally rise in temperature during the working day, through the heat load generated by people and
equipment, but can be purged with night-time air when not in use.
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Designed in conjunction with the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to maximise
the efficiency of active or passive cooling strategies. From naturally ventilated spaces to integrated
chilled ceilings, most types of HVAC system can be made more efficient.
To offset the requirement of air conditioning, therefore saving on energy, and energy costs.
To optimise the use of regenerative cooling and heating sources.
PCMs should NOT be considered in the following circumstances:
As a replacement for insulation PCMs act as a thermal storage unit, rather than blocking out or
containing thermal energy.
On exterior walls being exposed to solar gain greatly reduces the capacity of the PCM.
As an addition to existing active cooling or heating.
As a replacement for air conditioning to manage internal humidity PCMs only manage thermal
comfort.
Construction materials
Microencapsulation
Construction applications use phase-change materials as they change between their solid and liquid states,
rather than between a liquid and a gas state, as the volume change is far less. This does present the
practical problem of containing the material in its liquid state. An effective solution here is
microencapsulation.
The idea is that the PCM, in the form of a wax, is contained in an extremely hard plastic shell. Each capsule
is tiny for example, the BASF Micronal DS 5000 X microcapsules used in Armstrongs CoolZone
products have a diameter of about 2-20 microns or 0.002-0.02mm. Because the capsules have a very
large surface-volume ratio, they allow a high level of heat transfer, while also protecting the paraffin to keep
it in its pure form.
Pure paraffin is a suitable material for the wax because it undergoes less expansion than other PCMs,
maintains its form in a liquid state and is highly durable after 10,000 test cycles of the BASF Micronal DS
5000 X microcapsules (which use pure paraffin) there were no damaged capsules. The formulation of the
paraffin wax can be adjusted to give a melting point of either 23C or 26C.
PCMs in ceiling tiles
Because heat rises, an effective use of PCM microcapsules is to place them in a cassette and add them to
a suspended ceiling tile. As paraffin is flammable, the PCM insert must be sandwiched between tiles in a
material with a good fire reaction performance, such as metal. A metal tile also offers good thermal
conductivity, pulling the heat through into the PCM. A typical loading of 50% of the ceiling in PCM tiles will
maintain the temperature in an typical mechanically ventilated office at 24C for up to four to five hours.
After that, the room will continue to heat up as before, until the heating load reduces. The other 50% of tiles
can be service tiles or standard acoustic ceiling tiles. PCM tiles should not be cut and so are not suitable for
perimeter cuts or service penetrations.
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With cooler night-time temperatures, the PCM will return to solid form, transferring the heat energy back
into the room. This means that the room is not too cool first thing in the morning but at a comfortable
working temperature, and the PCM tiles are reset for another working day.
Using metal PCM ceiling tiles in this way can lead to significant reductions in energy use. For example,
10sq m of Armstrongs CoolZone tile can store up to 2kWh of energy. Over a 30-year lifecycle, this saves
6MWh of thermal energy, which would create approximately 1,140kg of CO2, if supplied by mechanical
cooling.
A metal PCM ceiling tile such as Armstrong CoolZone can be dropped into a standard suspended ceiling
grid system, making installation simple. Each PCM cassette weighs approximately 9kg, so grid
strengthening may be required.
LIGHT SENSITIVE GLASS / PHOTOSENSITIVE GLASS
Photosensitive glass is a crystal-clear glass that belongs to the lithium-silicate family of glasses, in which an
image of a mask can be captured by microscopic metallic particles in the glass when it is exposed to short
wave radiations such as ultraviolet light
Photosensitive glass is similar to photo paper; however, it responds to UV light instead of visible light. The
United Nations Secretariat Building at their headquarters in New York City makes use of this technology in
a unique way. Built in 1952, by Le Corbusier and Niemeyer, this 39-story structure is located next to the
East River. The building uses steel frame construction with glass and marble curtain walls. In a 1952 issue
from The New Yorker, Brendan Gill and Gordon Cotler state that the glass walls are made to resemble
marble, which covers the faade of the structure as well. They mention a benefit of the marble glass is
that it does not need to be cleaned as often as plain clear glass. In order to give the wall material the look
of marble without it actually being marble, photosensitive glass was used. Each panel of glass used had to
be baked, at an extremely high temperature so that the texture and color of the marble would appear on it
in visible light. The image appears like a photograph, but not on paper.
The photosensitive glass walls of the United Nations Secretariat Building are purely for aesthetic value. It is
not just simply a wall of glass. Well, it is, but it does not appear that way. Thanks to Corning, customized
glass can be madecreating the perfect piece of cladding for anyone who wants it.
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Optimum performance is obtained when glazed in a vertical position with maximum exposure to direct
sunshine and rain. During dry spells and in shaded areas, SGG Bioclean still has the ability to clean itself
very easily than ordinary glazing and may simply require rinse with clean soft water.
GREEN ROOFS
The building of green roofs is becoming a good practice in a lot of countries in Europe, especially in
Germany, as well as in the USA (Osmundson, 1999). In the Netherlands a lot of small scale projects has
been realized (Teeuw et al., 1997) but large scale implementation takes much more effort. In a report
published by the municipality of Rotterdam (Anonymus, 2007) a survey is given about the different types of
green roofs with full financial details. Comparison of different types was needed to stimulate large scale
application including suggestions for a system of subsidies (Anonymus, 2007).
Compiled by CT.Lakshmanan B.Arch., M.C.P.
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widespread belief that plants are harmful to building structures, ripping out mortar and prising apart joints
with their roots. The evidence suggests that these problems have been greatly exaggerated, except where
decay has already set in and plants can accelerate the process of deterioration by the growing process.
Certainly there is little evidence that plants damage walls. In most cases the exact opposite is true, with
plant cover protecting the wall from the elements. Ancient walls still stand, despite centuries of plant
growth.
The leaves of climbing plants on walls provide a large surface area which is capable of filtering out a lot of
dust particles (particulate matter PMx) and other pollutants such as NOx and taking up CO2 in daytime.
Hard surfaces of concrete and glass encourage runoff of rainwater into the sewage system. Many plants
hold water on their leaf surfaces longer than materials and processes of transpiration and evaporation can
add more water into the air. The result of this is a more pleasant climate in the urban area.
What is a green wall?
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Habitat Creation
Green roofs often produce habitats similar to that of meadows or fallow farm fields. Adding a green roof to a
residential or commercial structure effectively recreates the habitat that may have existed on site prior to
development. These habitats attract beneficial insects and birds, bringing nature closer to your home and
restoring urban ecology on your property. As more people install green roofs, our neighbourhoods and city
will benefit from improved & restored urban ecology.
Rainwater Retention
Green roofs are designed to capture and store rainwater to support plant growth. Rainwater on a
conventional roof is directed to downspouts or city infrastructure which can overload a combined storm
water / sewage system, resulting in a series of problems. Like rain barrels connected to downspouts,
rainwater storage and reuse with a green roof or wall makes good ecologic sense. The ability for green roof
plants to utilize existing rainwater means less irrigation. Native and drought tolerant plants further reduce
the need for green roof irrigation. However, a sturdy waterproof membrane beneath a green roof or wall
ensures that your building always remains dry.
Atmospheric Cooling & Moderation
Rainwater captured by a green roof or wall and transpired by its plants moderates surrounding
temperatures. Moist soil and active plants act like a humidifier. During hot summer days this extra moisture
can help cool the spaces around green roofs and walls. On a larger scale, green roofs and walls when
combined with other sustainable strategies can significantly reduce the urban heat island effect. Reversing
the heat island effect would ultimately result in cooler summer temperatures and a much more pleasant
living environment.
Structural Cooling, Insulation & Reduced Energy Costs
Vegetation on green roofs or walls intercepts the suns rays to help keep your house cooler during hot
summer months. The special media used for plant growth acts as an added layer of insulation, further
moderating the internal temperature of a building all season long. During the height of summer, surface roof
temperatures can be reduced by up to 30 degrees Celsius with a green roof. This presents considerable
savings on air conditioning costs. Furthermore, the cooler surface area on a green roof enables roofmounted air conditioners as well as solar panels to operate much more efficiently. In a number of different
ways, green roofs and walls help reduce your energy demands and save you money.
Improved Air Quality & Physical Health
Plants convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen through a process known as photosynthesis. A green
wall in your home, office or commercial establishment can increase oxygen levels and remove harmful
toxins from the air. This results in a better living or working environment and has a positive impact on
physical health. Studies show significant reduction in employee illness when working in a green building.
Reducing employee illness has considerable financial benefits for an employer.
Extended Roofing Membrane Life
Replacing a large roofing membrane represents a significant capital cost to a building owner. However,
some estimates suggest green roofs can actually double the life expectancy of your roofing membrane.
While green roofs represent a greater initial investment, a green roof represents a financial savings over
time by doubling the life of your waterproof membrane and providing significant energy savings.
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More than 50% of the construction waste is recycled within the building or sent to other sites and
diverted from landfills.
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MEASURABLE RESULTS
energy savings
55% reduction, with ASHRAE 90.1 as the baseline 120,000 kWh / year
Reduction in CO 2 emissions
Water savings
84 kWh/m2/year
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sense of openness. The sloping grass patch partially protruding in the covered area of portico further adds
to the purpose of this Techno Environment.
The overall building mass has been split into two volumes and treated with glass in different colors. To gain
full advantage of the northern orientation, maximum glazing is applied with varying characters. Faades
facing south & west have been provided with large overhangs and minimum glazing. The six storied high
void acts as a courtyard and helps in faade articulation. The terrace garden in the front extends into this
courtyard and generates about 20,000 sqft. of green space for employee usage. The loss of openness due
to high ground coverage could be recompensed with the large terrace garden at 2nd floor level. The first
floor in its entirety has been spared to provide common amenities such as a large food court, coffee shops,
bookstore, training center and others. Health club facilities have also been provided on the top floor
adjacent to the terrace garden.
In all, Technopolis, as far as IT office buildings are concerned, has turned out to be a combination of
sophistication and sustainable design example, a well-rounded representation of our initial intentions to
provide buffer spaces for the well-being of its employees while adhering to green design principles.
Compiled by CT.Lakshmanan B.Arch., M.C.P.
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I:
Points
achieved
by
Grundfos
for
their
Green
Building
under
LEED
rating.
Double skin brick wall with 25mm air cavity, double-glazed low U glass to minimize the heat ingress
into the building thus minimizing the building heat load
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Hydro Fluoro Carbon (HFC) based Chillers with a high Co-efficient of performance (COP - 2.7) and
with thermal storage system to minimize peak and connected load
Continuous monitoring and maintaining fresh air (around 15-20 CFM per person) by effective CO2 level
monitoring through Sensors, installed at key locations of the building
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95% of the time, the daylight is used due to open lighting Architectural construction
'Zero discharge' of water due to 100% waste water recycling and its economic use for irrigation and
flushing of toilets
Less usage of low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sealant / carpets / composite woods / paints to
reduce air pollution to maintain good indoor air quality
10% of the building materials used for the construction of the building are either refurbished or
salvaged from Grundfos old offices to minimize the use of virgin materials
Less usage of low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sealant / carpets / composite woods / paints to
reduce air pollution to maintain good indoor air quality
43% reduction in potable water usage installing water efficient fittings like dual flush toilet, sensor
based urinals, waterless urinals and low flow fixtures
Rainwater recharge pits to improve groundwater levels in the surrounding areas
60% of the materials used in the building have high recycled content (Al, Steel, Glass, Brick, Fly ash
cement, MDF wood)
Native plants to minimize water requirement for irrigation and uprooting and re-planting of 'the already
existing trees' within the premises
High efficiency irrigation system like sprinklers for lawn & drip irrigation for trees and shrubs.
Limiting building foot print to have more open spaces for landscaping
Shower & changing facilities for the bicyclists, battery operated vehicle's charging facility
Rainwater recharge pits to ensure zero discharge to municipal drainage
Most non-roof impervious surfaces around the building are shaded by the use of mature vegetation to
minimize the heat island effect
No smoking zones created all over the building
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The Olympia Tech Park covers 1.8-million square feet in Chennai, Tamilnadu. This is considered as the
largest green building in the world. This building was awarded with LEED Gold certification.
"Olympia Tech Park has the lowest energy consumption, high natural lighting systems, 100 per cent water
recycling and other environment-friendly practices," says Ajit Chordia, managing director of Khivraj Tech
Park Pvt Ltd, which owns Olympia Tech Park.
The building plays host to companies like Hewlett-Packard, ABN Amro, Visteon, Mindtree Technologies
and Verizon.
At present, a third of the power required to run the building is met through renewable energy sources. With
the opportunity to meet two-thirds of power requirements through renewable energy sources and other
green practices over the next two years, the tech park has more carbon credits to gain in the pipeline.
Olympia Tech Park stands to earn revenues in the region of Rs 1.50 crore a year, to begin with, by forward
trading incertified emission reductions (CERs) or carbon credits.
"In our case, returns via carbon credits amounts to just 2 per cent of our revenues," says Chordia, adding:
"But the goodwill generated among our participant companies is unlimited."
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"The long-term gains from energy efficient sources like air-conditioning, renewable energy sources like
recycled water, efficient ventilation systems and lesser carbon emissions will result in annual savings of at
least 20 per cent of our overall maintenance expenses," says a developer.
The park has applied for registration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCC), as a forerunner to entering the lucrative carbon credit trading market.
"We expect UNFCC approval within three weeks, following which we will commence carbon trading. We
expect to generate 20,000 CERs annually for now, but will generate more carbon credits as we comply with
additional compliance norms laid out under the Kyoto Protocol," Chordia said.
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