Module 5

Green buildings, also known as sustainable or environmentally

friendly buildings, are designed and constructed with a focus
on minimizing their environmental impact while maximizing
resource efficiency and occupant comfort. These buildings
incorporate various sustainable features and practices that
promote energy efficiency, water conservation, waste
reduction, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Here are
some common sustainable features found in green buildings:
1.Energy Efficiency: Green buildings prioritize energy efficiency by
implementing strategies such as efficient insulation, high-performance
windows, and energy-efficient lighting systems. They may also
incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines
to generate clean energy on-site.
2.Water Conservation: Green buildings aim to reduce water consumption
through measures such as low-flow fixtures, water-efficient appliances,
and rainwater harvesting systems. These practices help conserve water
resources and minimize the strain on municipal water supply and
wastewater infrastructure.
3.Sustainable Materials: The use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials
is a key aspect of green buildings. This includes selecting materials with
low embodied energy, such as recycled content, responsibly sourced
wood, and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and finishes.
Additionally, green buildings may prioritize materials that are durable,
recyclable, or easily biodegradable to minimize waste generation.
4. Indoor Environmental Quality: Green buildings prioritize
occupant health and comfort by improving indoor environmental
quality. This can be achieved through adequate ventilation
systems, proper filtration of air pollutants, and the use of non-
toxic building materials. Natural lighting and access to views of
the outdoors are also important considerations to enhance the
well-being of occupants.
5. Waste Reduction and Recycling: Green buildings implement
strategies to reduce waste generation and promote recycling.
This includes providing convenient recycling facilities, designing
spaces to facilitate waste separation, and incorporating
construction practices that minimize waste during the building
process.
6 Site and Landscaping: Green buildings consider the impact on the surrounding
environment by promoting sustainable site development. This may involve preserving
existing vegetation, using permeable paving materials to reduce stormwater runoff, and
designing landscaping that requires minimal water and maintenance.
7 Smart Building Technologies: Green buildings often utilize smart technologies
to optimize energy use and enhance occupant comfort. These technologies
include building automation systems, occupancy sensors, and energy
management systems that monitor and control various building systems.
8 Life Cycle Assessment: Green buildings take into account the life cycle impacts
of the building, including the extraction of raw materials, construction, operation,
and eventual demolition. Life cycle assessment helps identify areas where
improvements can be made to reduce environmental impact throughout the
building's entire life cycle.
9 Green buildings aim to achieve a balance between environmental
responsibility, resource efficiency, and occupant well-being. By incorporating
these sustainable features, they can significantly reduce energy consumption,
water usage, and waste generation, while providing healthier and more
comfortable living and working spaces.
 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which is a widely recognized
green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council
(USGBC).
 LEED is an internationally recognized rating system that provides a framework for
designing, constructing, operating, and certifying sustainable buildings. It encourages
the adoption of sustainable practices and promotes energy efficiency, water
conservation, indoor air quality, and materials selection.
 In India, LEED certification is widely used as a benchmark for green building design and
construction. The USGBC has a dedicated branch called the Indian Green Building
Council (IGBC), which promotes green building practices in the country. The IGBC
offers several rating systems tailored to the Indian context, which align with LEED
principles but have specific adaptations to suit local conditions.
 Here are a few notable IGBC rating systems in India:
1. IGBC Green Homes: This rating system focuses on residential buildings and promotes
energy and water efficiency, sustainable materials, site selection, and indoor
environmental quality.
2. IGBC Green New Buildings: This rating system applies to commercial, institutional, and
high-rise residential buildings. It addresses areas such as site selection, energy and
water efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and waste
management.
3. IGBC Green Factory Buildings: This rating system is designed for industrial buildings
and manufacturing facilities. It emphasizes resource conservation, energy efficiency,
waste management, and occupant health and well-being.
1. IGBC Green Schools: This rating system targets educational institutions and promotes
sustainability in terms of site selection, water and energy efficiency, indoor
environmental quality, and waste management.
 These are just a few examples of the rating systems provided by the IGBC. Each rating
system has its own set of criteria and prerequisites that buildings must meet to
achieve certification. The specific requirements and guidelines can be obtained from
the IGBC website or by contacting them directly for the most up-to-date information.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a widely recognized and
internationally adopted green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC). While LEED originated in the United States, it has been adapted for various
countries, including India. LEED India is specifically tailored to address the unique
environmental and social challenges in the Indian context.
LEED India emphasizes energy efficiency and water efficiency as two key categories within the
rating system. Here's an overview of how LEED India promotes energy efficiency and water
efficiency:
1.Energy Efficiency: LEED India encourages energy-efficient design and operations through
several prerequisites and credits. Some of the key energy-related prerequisites and credits in
LEED India include:
•Energy Performance: Projects are required to demonstrate compliance with energy
performance standards set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India.
•Energy Metering: Projects must install energy meters to track and monitor energy
consumption and use.
•Energy Optimization: Credits are available for implementing energy-efficient design
strategies, using high-efficiency HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and
optimizing energy performance in building systems.
2. Water Efficiency: LEED India encourages efficient water management practices and the
conservation of water resources. Some of the water-related prerequisites and credits in
LEED India include:
• Water Metering: Projects are required to install water meters to monitor water
consumption and identify areas for improvement.
• Indoor Water Use Reduction: Credits are available for implementing water-efficient fixtures
and appliances, such as low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets, and efficient irrigation systems.
• Outdoor Water Use Reduction: Credits are awarded for designing landscapes that minimize
the need for irrigation and use drought-tolerant plants.
• Water Reuse: Credits are available for implementing water reuse systems, such as rainwater
harvesting, greywater recycling, or wastewater treatment and reuse.
 LEED India also considers other aspects related to energy and water, such as renewable
energy generation, on-site renewable water sources, and innovative strategies for energy
and water conservation.
 Green materials and equipment play a crucial role in waste reduction
during construction and promote sustainability in the built
environment. Here are several categories of green materials and
equipment that contribute to waste reduction and environmental
conservation:
1. Materials with recycled content: These are materials made from
recycled materials such as recycled plastic, glass, metal, or reclaimed
wood. Using these materials reduces the demand for virgin resources
and diverts waste from landfills. Examples include recycled content
concrete, insulation made from recycled materials, and recycled metal
roofing.
2. Local materials: Using locally sourced materials minimizes
transportation-related emissions and supports the local economy.
Locally available materials reduce the carbon footprint associated with
long-distance transportation. Examples include regionally sourced
stone, timber, and bricks.
1. Material reuse: Reusing materials can significantly reduce construction waste. Salvaged
building materials, such as doors, windows, and fixtures, can be refurbished or
repurposed in new construction projects. Reclaimed wood from old structures can be
used for flooring or furniture, reducing the need for new materials.
2. Certified wood: Wood certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) ensures that it comes from sustainably managed forests. Certified wood
promotes responsible forest management practices, which help protect biodiversity
and support local communities.
3. Rapidly renewable building materials: These materials come from rapidly replenishing
natural resources. Examples include bamboo, cork, and straw. These materials offer a
sustainable alternative to traditional materials and can be used for flooring, insulation,
and structural elements.
4 Rapidly renewable furniture: Similarly, furniture made from rapidly renewable materials
supports sustainability. Look for items made from bamboo, rattan, or responsibly sourced
wood. Additionally, choose furniture with low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds)
finishes to improve indoor air quality.
5 Energy-efficient equipment: Incorporating energy-efficient equipment such as HVAC
systems, lighting fixtures, and appliances helps reduce energy consumption during the
construction phase and throughout the building's lifecycle. Energy Star-rated equipment
and LED lighting are examples of energy-efficient choices.
6 Water-saving fixtures: Install water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, faucets, and
showerheads, to minimize water usage during construction and ongoing building
operations.
 HVAC

 HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the technology
and systems used to control the temperature, humidity, and air quality in indoor
spaces. HVAC systems are commonly found in residential, commercial, and industrial
buildings to provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
 Heating: HVAC systems provide heating during colder seasons to maintain a
comfortable temperature indoors. Common heating systems include furnaces, boilers,
heat pumps, and electric heaters.
 Ventilation: Ventilation is the process of exchanging air within a building to maintain
air quality and remove odors, pollutants, and moisture. Proper ventilation helps
control indoor air pollutants and prevents the buildup of stale air. HVAC systems use
various methods such as natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and energy
recovery ventilation to ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air.
 Air Conditioning: Air conditioning is the process of cooling and dehumidifying indoor
air to create a more comfortable environment during hot weather. HVAC systems
employ air conditioners, heat pumps, or chiller systems to remove heat from the
indoor air and provide cooling. They also control humidity levels by removing excess
moisture from the air.
 HVAC systems can be central, where a single system provides heating, cooling, and
ventilation for an entire building, or they can be individual systems for different zones
or rooms within a building. They consist of various components, including thermostats,
ductwork, air handlers, fans, filters, compressors, and refrigerants, all working together
to regulate temperature, airflow, and air quality.
components commonly found in a modern
building automation system:

1. Centralized Control System: This component serves as the brain of the automation
system, allowing operators to monitor and control all connected devices and
subsystems from a central location. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing
and adjusting settings.
2. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Control: This subsystem regulates
the building's heating, cooling, and ventilation systems based on predefined schedules
or sensor feedback. It ensures optimal comfort levels while optimizing energy
efficiency.
3 Lighting Control: This component enables automated control of lighting systems,
including turning lights on/off, dimming, and adjusting lighting levels based on occupancy,
time of day, or natural light availability. It helps reduce energy consumption and provides
customizable lighting environments.
4 Energy Management System (EMS): An EMS monitors and optimizes energy
consumption within a building. It collects data from various devices, such as energy
meters and sensors, to identify energy usage patterns, detect inefficiencies, and suggest
energy-saving measures.
5 Security System: A modern building automation system often integrates with a
comprehensive security system. This may include surveillance cameras, access control
systems, intrusion detection sensors, and alarms. The system can monitor and respond to
potential security threats, such as unauthorized access or suspicious activities.
6 Fire Protection System: Fire detection and prevention are crucial for building safety. A
building automation system can incorporate fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler
systems, and emergency notification systems. It can initiate appropriate actions in case of
fire, such as activating fire suppression systems and alerting occupants and emergency
services.
7 Intercommunication Systems: These systems facilitate communication within the
building and can include features like intercoms, public address systems, and emergency
communication systems. They enable efficient internal communication and emergency
announcements throughout the premises.
8 Environmental Monitoring: Sensors placed throughout the building can monitor various
environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and occupancy. The data
collected can be used to optimize HVAC systems, maintain comfortable conditions, and
ensure occupant well-being.
9 Occupancy and Space Management: Utilizing occupancy sensors and space management
software, a building automation system can optimize space utilization, allocate resources
efficiently, and adjust environmental conditions based on occupancy levels. This helps
reduce energy waste and enhances occupant comfort.
10 Integration and Communication Protocols: Modern building automation systems often
support standard protocols, such as BACnet, Modbus, or LonWorks, which allow different
devices and subsystems to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. Integration with
third-party systems, such as energy management platforms or maintenance systems,
enables holistic building management.
Vertical Transportation:
1.Elevators: Elevators are vertical transportation devices that carry people or goods between
different floors of a building. They are equipped with a cab or car that moves along vertical
rails and is lifted or lowered by a motor-driven system. Elevators can be hydraulic, traction, or
machine-room-less (MRL), depending on their design and technology.
2.Escalators: Escalators are inclined moving staircases that transport people between different
floors. They operate on a continuous loop, with steps that move in a cyclical manner, allowing
users to step on or off easily. Escalators are commonly used in areas with high foot traffic,
such as shopping malls, airports, and transit stations.
3.Dumbwaiters: Dumbwaiters are small freight elevators used for transporting goods,
documents, or food between different levels of a building. They are typically found in
restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and other commercial or residential buildings where the
movement of small loads is required.
Horizontal Transportation:
1.Conveyors: Conveyors are mechanical systems used for horizontal transportation
of goods or materials within a building or facility. They consist of a continuous belt,
chain, or rollers that move items from one location to another. Conveyors are
commonly used in manufacturing plants, warehouses, airports, and distribution
centers.
2.Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): AGVs are autonomous vehicles that can
transport goods or materials horizontally within a building or facility. They are
equipped with sensors, navigation systems, and sometimes robotic arms for picking
up and delivering loads. AGVs are often used in industries where repetitive material
movement is required, such as automotive manufacturing and logistics.
3 Horizontal Lifts: Horizontal lifts, also known as platform lifts or vertical reciprocating conveyors
(VRCs), are used to transport goods or materials between different levels on a horizontal plane.
They operate similarly to elevators but move horizontally instead of vertically. Horizontal lifts are
commonly used in warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial settings.
4 Moving Walkways: Moving walkways, also called travelators or moving sidewalks, are horizontal
transportation systems that help people cover long distances within a building or transportation
hub. They consist of a series of flat conveyor belts that move people along at a moderate speed.
Moving walkways are commonly found in airports, train stations, and large public buildings.
 Intelligent lighting system

 An intelligent lighting system refers to a networked or automated

lighting system that utilizes advanced technologies to enhance
lighting control, energy efficiency, and user experience. These
systems typically incorporate sensors, connectivity, and data
analytics to achieve various objectives, such as energy savings,
customization, and improved functionality. Here are some key
components and features commonly found in intelligent lighting
systems:
1. Sensors: Intelligent lighting systems often include various sensors, such as occupancy
sensors, motion detectors, ambient light sensors, and temperature sensors. These
sensors provide real-time data about the environment and user presence, allowing the
system to automatically adjust lighting levels accordingly.
2. Connectivity: Intelligent lighting systems can be connected to a network or the
internet, enabling centralized control and management. This connectivity allows users
to access and control the lighting system remotely, as well as integrate it with other
smart devices or building management systems.
3. Automation and scheduling: Intelligent lighting systems can automate lighting
operations based on predefined schedules or user preferences. For example, the
system can automatically turn lights on or off at specific times, adjust brightness levels
throughout the day, or respond to occupancy changes in real-time.
4 Energy efficiency: One of the primary advantages of intelligent lighting systems is their
ability to optimize energy consumption. By integrating occupancy sensors and daylight
harvesting techniques, these systems can reduce energy waste by automatically dimming
or turning off lights in unoccupied areas or areas with sufficient natural light.
5 Customization and personalization: Intelligent lighting systems offer flexibility in creating
personalized lighting scenarios. Users can adjust brightness, color temperature, and even
color hues to suit specific needs or preferences. This feature is particularly useful for
creating different lighting atmospheres for various activities or occasions.
6 Data analytics and optimization: Intelligent lighting systems can collect and analyze data
to optimize lighting performance. This data may include energy usage patterns, occupancy
trends, and user behavior. By leveraging analytics, the system can identify opportunities
for further energy savings or predict maintenance needs.
 Integration with other systems: Intelligent lighting systems can integrate with other
smart building systems, such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) or
security systems. This integration allows for coordinated operations and energy
management across different systems, leading to increased overall efficiency.