An architectural concept that is being integrated with new constructions across the world is now coming to Chandigarh - the designing of self sustained and energy efficient buildings. One of these proposed designs is Net-Zero Energy Building (NZEB) homes, based on the principal of utilizing renewable energy and being independent of any electric grid.
“Planning green buildings is a trend which is fast catching up as resources are limited and their prices are going up exponentially. In order for industries to survive, they need to cut down on their consumption,” says Ashish Rakheja, who was in the city recently to present on the Net-Zero energy design concept.
His company designs electro-mechanical system for electricity generation and plumbing for buildings and is presently constructing an auditorium for the Chandigarh Housing Board and for Panjab University. Its other projects are with hotels J W Marriott, Sheraton and Park Plaza. Ashish says that they are looking at designing for pharmaceutical companies and manufacturing companies in Chandigarh as solar energy has become cheaper and more attractive, reducing the operation costs manifold.
“Shunya is a prototype house in Noida utilizing solar energy, and it will reduce carbon foortprints, but it can be constructed anywhere and we are planning to take it across India,” he says.
Sustainability should be introduced in government and private buildings as well as open spaces, proposes Archana Chaudhary, a city architect.
According to her, there are active and passive methods to control the energy in a building with window glasses that allow limited radiations from outside. Architects have been able to construct a house of 1000 square feet that does not use any external power source and are now experimenting to make it possible to work in larger spaces, something that will bring a revolution in the residential sector.
“The PEDA building had a demonstration, a couple of years ago, where they reduced their running costs by a great margin by reducing their air conditioning load. Under the Solar City Programme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), a plan has been floated to convert Chandigarh into a model solar city,” she said.
She gave the example of the Sector 17 plaza that has a lot more concrete than greenery around and can be landscaped into green spaces. “Parameters like installing solar panels on the roof, water heating systems, proper ventilation, the ratio of the number of windows vis-a-vis length of walls and floor area are general considerations that can make a building environment friendly and low cost,” says Archana.
An interesting concept in landscape designing is that of installing decorative solar trees to produce electricity. A solar tree uses multiple solar panels at various angles, supported by pillars, in the shape of a tree and it can also double up as a street light.
Surinder Bahga, Architect Councilor, Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh adds, “Energy Conservation building codes should issue guidelines for approving energy efficient buildings in the region and incentives should be given for promoting buildings that are green and not a burden on the environment.”
