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High-Performance Building for Sustainable Future
Context:
As urbanisation accelerates, India risks surpassing global benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon emissions in buildings. In such a scenario, HPBs offer resilience through adaptive, self-sufficient structures. They promote social well-being by nurturing healthier indoor environments
State of Emission from Buildings:
- Global Energy Consumption in Buildings: Buildings account for nearly 40% of total final energy consumption over their lifespan, primarily for operational needs such as HVAC systems and lighting.
- Carbon Emissions from Buildings: This significant energy use results in approximately 28% of energy-related carbon emissions, stemming from both on-site energy consumption and indirect emissions from power plants and other off-site sources.
- India’s Energy Use and Carbon Emissions from Buildings:In India, buildings contribute to more than 30% of national energy use and 20% of carbon emissions, as reported by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
High Performance Building:
- High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) are structures designed to achieve peak efficiency in energy use, water consumption, and overall occupant health and comfort. They aim to exceed standard building codes and sustainability benchmarks.
- Contribution to Sustainability: These designs pave the way for net-zero buildings (which generate as much energy and water as consumed) and grid-interactive buildings, enhancing energy demand management and pushing sustainability boundaries.
Examples of HPBs in India
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Need for HPB’S:
- Urbanisation-Rapid urbanisation in India necessitates High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) to manage density, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainability.
- Meeting Paris climate goals by Mitigating Climate Change
- Enhancing Indoor Air Quality
Features of High-Performance Buildings:
- Peak Efficiency: Strive for peak efficiency in all aspects, including energy, water use, and occupant health.
- Specific Measurable Goals: Designed with specific, measurable goals that exceed local government requirements.
- Water Conservation: High-performing sustainable buildings use water-efficient technologies like low-flow fixtures, water-wise landscaping, and rainwater harvesting to reduce consumption and promote water reuse, aiding conservation in water-scarce regions.
- Advanced Technologies and Smart Design: Utilise advanced technologies and smart design strategies to continuously monitor performance metrics, ideally in real-time.
- Site-Specific Design Approaches: Leverage site-specific design approaches natural lighting, ventilation, and terrain water management.
- Sustainable Materials and Insulation: Employ sustainable materials, insulation, and low U-value windows for thermal efficiency.
- Building management systems (BMS) that monitor performance and optimise resource use through real-time analytics.
Significance of HPB’s:
- Environmental Benefits:HPBs offer environmental advantages and address long-term operational challenges faced by building owners and occupants.
- Holistic Building Performance:They create a holistic environment where technology, design, and sustainability intersect to enhance overall performance.
- Longevity of Systems:Smart systems dynamically manage resource use, ensuring building systems last longer and reduce the need for frequent upgrades.
- Higher Returns on Investment: HPBs often achieve higher returns due to increased property value and lower maintenance costs, as seen in projects like the Infosys campuses in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
- Intelligent Ecosystems: By incorporating automation and artificial intelligence, HPBs can create intelligent ecosystems that adjust lighting, temperature, and ventilation based on occupancy patterns and weather conditions.
Significance of HPB’s for India
Case Study: TCS Banyan Park
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Challenges of High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)
- High Initial Costs: HPBs involve higher upfront investments due to advanced materials and technologies.
- Complex Design and Construction: HPBs require intricate designs and specialised construction techniques.
- Maintenance and Operation: Long-term efficiency demands specialised maintenance and operational expertise.
- Regulatory Barriers: Existing codes may not support innovative design features or sustainable technologies.
- Market Perception: Lack of awareness regarding the long-term benefits of HPBs among developers and occupants.
