Sustainability, as we know, is using the resources mindfully, such that we’re able to preserve them for the coming generations. This practice has been adopted by Architects, Planners, and Developers as up till now humans have reached a level that they tend to exploit the natural resources.
The need for green buildings:
The advantage of adopting such practices are minimizing the harmful impacts that building usage and construction impact on the environment. As we move ahead, using less energy, water, and other natural resources creates a healthy environment. This involves using vernacular materials, providing adequate light and ventilation while consciously constructing methods, the conceptualization of design, and ratifying eco-friendly materials.
In India, Architects are working towards it and therefore, there are some great examples of how architecture and sustainability shouldn’t be two different terms but should be put to use in a singleton manner. Statistics show that if each building would be sustainable, we could end up saving 8400 megawatt that is enough for 550,000 houses in one year.
Some organizations that work towards this practice are LEED, IGBC, BEE-ECBC, TERI, and GRIHA. They give certifications based on the actions taken and adapted by the organization.
10 most appreciated buildings are:
1. One Horizon Center, Gurgaon
Designed by Robert AM Stein, the building has been given a LEED Gold Certification. The building materials used are LEED approved Glass along with RCC construction style. The landscape adds to its features of maintaining a low temperature. The large atrium experience creates an impression of grandeur. It is a 25 story building with various offices. The ample amount of light during the day prevents from using mechanical light appliances. They avoid using electrical appliances on Sundays and non-working days.
2. Infinity Benchmark, Kolkata
It is a Platinum rated Green Building as certified by USGBC. (U.S. Green Building Council). The building is the second one after the U.S to have such flexibility and cost-efficiency. There is a wide range of amenities that range from wet laboratories to Software development offices. The highlighting features are CO2 monitoring sensors which help in maintaining the indoor air quality, Zero-Discharge water facility, recyclable construction management are a few features.
3. Suzlon One Earth, Pune
It is a world-leading company, in wind energy resources, which pledged to create a better work environment. It has been an epitome of green offices in India. The energy efficiency achieved is 92% and there is no building that has reached such potential. There are, in fact, no LEED certifications for such energy efficiency. The Suzlon One Earth office has all facilities available, it also turned out to be a land-scraper, inspired by the materials, elements, and techniques. There is a central water body on the campus which lowers the air temperature.
4. CII – Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Center
CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre is first of its kind, which is a creative approach to the creation of a campus. It has green roofs and an open cafeteria. The materials used are brick, concrete, and fly ash bricks which are easily available thus cutting the transportation cost.
Also, they have installed Solar Panels in the appropriate direction to have maximum usage and storage of solar energy. Taking Plan and Context into consideration they look like the combination of mushrooms grown in a forest.
5. INFOSYS Campus, Pune
Infosys campus in Pune is a LEED platinum certified campus that takes into consideration the working of a building as a whole and not just separate identities. Hence, it is constructed such that it looks like a spaceship, the advancement of technology has made it possible and will be welcoming further ground-breaking transformations.
The energy efficiency in that aspect has taken a shoot while allowing a comfortable interior environment. The surroundings are mostly covered with a well-designed landscape.
6. Godrej Plant13 Annexe, Mumbai
Godrej Plant 13 annex is an IGBC – Net Zero Rated Building. Plant 13 serves as the cafeteria for the entire Godrej campus, while housing offices as well as meeting and conference rooms. The building exemplifies the performance through its design, as someone enters the building. Through Data Analysis and conscious use, they’ve made development in increasing the performance of the building. Such thoughtful steps should not just be initiated by architects but organizations too.
7. CISCO Smart Campus, Bangalore
The Chief Globalization Officer, Win Elfrick prides himself for the execution of this infrastructure from a simple overlay and concept in his mind. There are eight buildings erected on the campus and the materials used are glass, steel, and RCC.
The campus is built like a mini-city. They have developed features and a pleasant work environment. There are buffer spaces, landscape areas, and a regulated water harvesting system which helps it achieve the status of a smart campus.
8. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Environment Management is also an equally important part of designing an Airport as are the facilities and Security. In Delhi, they have concentrated more on the environment aftermath of construction, energy, and technology. They are practicing energy conservation, water conservation, and considering renewable energy resources. One major aspect is Greenhouse Gas Management at an airport and has to be taken care of properly.
9. Patni (I-gate) Knowledge Centre, Noida
PATNI Knowledge center in Noida is a LEED Platinum rated building which is a sustainable campus in Noida using some vernacular material, less energy usage, and better utilization of the green area. 75% area reserves the natural light, drip water irrigation, and a zero discharge building. The maximum usage of materials is recyclable.
10. All Cargo – green building, Mumbai
It is a perfect example of renovating an old building into a modern building with green Architectural features. Alignment of the bent fins with the curvilinear glass to complement the organic fins has added to the grace of the building. It has been converted into a monotony breaking façade that acts as a sunshade device. The landscape is also developed with the use of pavers, cobblestones, and plants to enhance the building’s surroundings.
