International Journal of Civil, Structural,

Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering

Research and Development (IJCSEIERD)
ISSN(P): 2249-6866; ISSN(E): 2249-7978
Vol. 6, Issue 3, Jun 2016, 43-50
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APPLICATION OF ENERGY CONCEPTS FOR GREEN BUILDINGS

KRISHNA A. JOSHI
Department of Civil Engineering, P.P.E.S Polytechnic Karjat, Maharashtra, India
ABSTRACT
This Paper outlines the use of green materials which are to be used for construction of buildings, the financial
aspects attached with designing and planning of green building. the current status of green buildings in India. Different
Green building councils all over the world and their ratings with the need to explore alternative building materials for
protection ecosystems
KEYWORDS: Green Building Materials, Embodied Energy, Sustainable, LEED India, Alternative Building Materials

Received: May 09, 2016; Accepted: May 31, 2016; Published: Jun 16, 2016; Paper Id.: IJCSEIERDJUN201606

INTRODUCTION

when it is considered in context of global picture, it is moving at an 8.5% as compared to global rate of
4.5%(1).Therefore this sector contributes to major GDP growth but on other hand it throughs many challenges
from environment point of view It Needs urgent attention to take into account the amount pollution caused by
construction industry to habitat. The green building concept in India started way back in late 2000 is now become
a reality as we are moving towards building of Energy Conservative Smart Cities. It is very important to consider

Original Article

This Construction sector in India is Considered to be growing rapidly when compared to other sectors. So

the economic aspects from Green Construction point of view As Green Movement has shown its presence in
Residential and Commercial Sector. The major cost enhancer in any green building are energy related systems like
HVAC, lighting electrical systems. In India it is mostly thought green buildings are too costly and requires a large
investment then conventional buildings But when compared to a long run green buildings are cost effective,
environment friendly and more structurally strong It requires a structured life cycle costing of buildings which will
give us clear picture of financial planning of green buildings. Modern practices are evolved for constructing of
green buildings It includes selection of building materials, cost effective technology and and its durability for a
longer life.
Materials with greater life compared to other materials which are used for some ultilty need to be
replaced, which results in effective channelisation of money spent for resources and labour. Green building is
concept for greater use of natural materials and which can give financial benefits on longer period as the
maintenance of these buildings goes on reducing as compared to conventional buildings The social, environmental
and economic benefits of Green Structiures will make pleasant living conditions for occupants. Innovation and
improverisation of design by the stake holders and homeplanners will decide the future course of green bulding
Site selection and Structural Design Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Materials
Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality Enhancement, Operations and Maintenance Optimization and Waste and
Toxics Reduction. The essence of reduction of energy of building is in optimization of one or more of these

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Krishna A. Joshi

parameters. Some of the energy efficient buildings in India under this zone are Indian Institute of Health Management
Research, Jaipur, Torrent Research Centre, Ahmedabad and Solar passive hostel, Jodhpur
India has a great potential for the use of renewable energy technologies, but before considering how the energy is
supplied, the first step should be to reduce the loads in the buildings. It is estimated that buildings could save 10-15 percent
on their energy bills by implementing energy efficiency improvements, which not only make the environment more
comfortable can also yield long term financial rewards

EMBODIED ENERGY
The energy in buildings may be divided into two category Embodied energy and operational energy. The energy
used or required for construction of building systems and its components which includes the materials, transportation and
maintenance.Energy expenditure incurred in the built environment has two components: (a) embodied energy and (b)
maintenance energy. Lower energy building systems should be used such as load bearing masonry which should replace
RCC and Steel Frames.
Modification in manufacturing process of the materials can reduce the embodied energy of materials, so as to
make the material a low energy consumer for its life cycle. Ultimately making the end product a greener system. Energy
efficiency of construction materials if measured for different factors like fuel efficiency, luminous intensity, shading value
gives the idea for designing of building with better analytic approach. The ultimate aim is to reduce the energy generated
by materials should be reduced, as long term operating costs of building are mainly dependent on materials used for
construction and maintainenace HVAC, Lighting, Pumping, Generators are the major consumers for energy in Commercial
Buildings. People in developing countries are now getting more aware about concept of energy conservation and energy
efficiency, but in developed countries the popularity of energy efficient appliances and techniques is from last decade.
High-energy materials depend on high grade fuels like electricity, oil and pulverized coal in manfacturing
processes
Mediumenergy materials are those which required energy between 0.5 and 5GJ/ton of manufactured materials.
This group includes concrete, lime, plaster, and different building blocks, bricks, tiles. Medium energy materials
particularly uses low grade fuels like sawdust, crop waste, firewood which is available more
Low-energy materials groups of materials comprises those requiring inputs less than about 0.5 GJ/ton. This group
includes aggregates, natural artificial pozzolanas soil and stabilized soil. Most of low energy materials use significant
amounts of human and animal energy [5]

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO BUILDING MATERIALS

The building materials produces can cause many enviromental health issues mainly fossils fuels are consumed on
larger scale for production of building materials which leads to tremendous amount of carbon emission and problems
related gloabal warming and health degradtion.

Natural Materials: These materials which have less embodied energy and less harmful to the environment When
naturally occurring materials are used, the end porduct will be sustainable

Bricks: Bricks are mainly manufactured through mud taken from top layer of soil Almost 250- 300 mm of top soil

Impact Factor (JCC): 5.9234

NAAS Rating: 3.01

Application of Energy Concepts for Green Buildings

45

is used for making bricks which is creating environmental drgradation.. Increase in tempatures due to heating of
bricks is also a prime concern for global warming. Lot of alternatives are now available in market to bricks which
are environment friendly and economical viable.

Marble: Rajasthan produces major quantities of marble and other allied tiles, the dust coming out of these
manufacturing units are adversely affecting the effectiveness of agricultural lands.

Mangalore Tile: Mangalore tiles mainly used in coastal parts of India which is produced through firewood, which
in turn leads to deforestation So, making use of proper alternatives available can be a good idea for the habitat.

Hazardous Materials: Materials which affect indoor air quality make the health hazards by emiiting fumes for a
short period during and after installation can affect

Fly Ash Bricks: The use of Fly ash bricks in place of clay bricks saves almost 72% energy consumption and
carbon emission by 27%

Tiles: Conventional flooring should be replaced by Eco- friendly tiles which make use of less energy during its
manfacturing also it should be preferred where locally available and easy for transportation and makes the
construction sustainable

Lime Plaster: Low VOC (Volatile organic compounds) paints are available but coloured lime plaster can be used
to make structure maintenance free washable and water proof.

Role of Transportation in Buildings

Transportation of building materials to the construction site contributes to the cost and embodied energy of
building. More the distance of transportation, more will be the consumption of energy and cost. In case a particular
material is not available at short distance, it is better to explore alternative techniques to perform the same work [7]
Role of Built Environment
Around 50-60% of Carbon emissions comes from building industry as construction industry is related to all the
other manufacturing industries like bricks, Steel, cement and, aluminium [7]. Also impacts of different materials on the
whole life cycle should results in considerable biodegradation [8]. Almost all the countries now are moving towards to
greener technologies, so as to protect the environment and global warming. Availability of resources place the most
important factor while designing a energy efficient building Energy efficient materials reduce the overall impact of built
environment on ecosystem. Protecting occupant health and improving occupants productivity, reducing waste, pollution
and environmental degradation is now prime importance. If we do a life cycle costing of energy efficient building with
conventional type of building it will give us a clear picture about the benefits on long term economic and social benrfits.
Today sustainable development is the need of hour as all our fossil fuels are depleting which can lead to The choice of
Building materials plays a crucial role for sustaiblae development However, Modern design methods have resulted a
integrated approach for build-design policy which call for susutaible development. Also for repairs of existing structure use
of retrofitting should be done in such a manner which will make building eco-friendly for its life cycle.
The use of locally available building material should be enhanced which leads to sustainable development While
the construction industry is vital to the achievement of national socio-economic development goals including development

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Krishna A. Joshi

of human settlement, it can also contribute to the degradation of the environment.Since 1990s the the use of energy in
commercial structures like hotels, office are taken a tremendous rise which can be noted from the fact for 60% increase in
amount of area of space the rise in energy is almost 40%, Making overall a overall increase in 75% in energy use by
commercial spaces since 90s.The electric prices are more likely to be remain same if compared to Fossil fuels namely
petrol, gas.
Energy efficiency and conservation would be very critical to for Indias growth as these can be make hindrance
for energy security and water conservation.
Buildings in India consume about 20% of total electricity which is having tremendous impact on renewable
resources and environment which indicates the need to develop green buildings which can reduce the extensive use of
energy use by developing sustainable technologies.
Research and Development on New Building Materials and Design

Major R & D institutions such as the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Structural Engineering Research
Centre (SERC), etc, have developed a number of new alternative building materials and techniques. These efforts
offer a variety of technological options for planning, design, materials and construction aspects for varying
geo-climatic situations. Classification of building materials based on comparative assessment of their properties

Improvements in the performance of conventional building materials and techniques

Table 1: LEED India Certification Levels
Ratings
Credits Required
LEED certified
23-27
LEED silver
28-33
LEED gold
34-44
LEED platinum
45-61
Source: CII-IGBC

Development of energy-efficient manufacturing TERIs green building rating system GRIHA

processes by using renewable raw material resources of wastes and by-products of industry, agriculture and
forestry

Structural design criteria for load categorization and for foundation, walls and roofs; designs against earthquake
and high wind forces and other natural hazards

Improved foundation engineering techniques and practices

Formulation of user requirements with reference to lighting. Ventilation and thermal comfort

Energy Concepts

Orientation of Building: Heat loss can be reduced by providing less surface to volume ratio. Proper placing of
windows can reduce the heating cost and provide good ventilation. Cross ventilation by providing openings along
north south axis and east west axis should be enhanced for cooling of internal temperatures in summers thus
reducing use of Air conditioners

Roofing: Strategies like insulation for wall, roof gardens rain water harvesting glass carpet for roof, glass

Impact Factor (JCC): 5.9234

NAAS Rating: 3.01

Application of Energy Concepts for Green Buildings

47

technology will restrict the entry of sunrays making walls cooler in summers.

Ventlation: Proper integration of windows with perfect sealing can increase the effectiveness of ventilation and
leakage.

Acoustics: Good design practices have considerable impact of whole acoustics on building it plays challenge in
front of designer for sustainable designs with practical acoustic problem

Building Integrated Photovoltaics: This technology is preferred as ample surface area is avalbale on roof tops of
large complex, Thus with proper orientation and solar access enough power can be generated for maintenance of
lifts, lighting of passages,which saves cost of commercial as well as residential buildings

Wood: It is most commonly used in buildings and its different products. Majority of work in residential and
commercial is done using timbers of varied variety for strutting, shuttering supports, partitions. As development is
a continuous process which cannot be stopped. But large scale use of Tmber and its by products can lead to
deforestation. Timber is a sustain able building material it should be used judiciously so that the development and
preservation of environment can go hand by hand
Green buildings are operationally very efficient compared with similar conventional buildings. The various

operational savings and other benefits are stated below

Renewable Energy: Renewable energy systems like solar, wind, and geothermal should be used more for
building systems. Green buildings are around 25-30% more energy efficient, with gold-rated buildings as much as 37%
efficient. On an average, green buildings obtain 2% of their energy from renewable or green sources.
Water Conservation: 25-30% less water is used compared with similar conventional buildings in green buildings
water must be treated by septic systems to reduce the energy costs[6]
Environmental Benefits
Green buildings enhances better air quality natural light and water conservation By using less low energy
materials adhesives, paints carpets and composite wood.Illuminating 75-90% of the space with natural light. Thermal
comfort due to local control over air conditioning and better ventilation.[6]
Each building when we consider for its end use is unique., so it must be designed to balance its long and short
term needs Proper use of technology and selection of materials are key for safe and economical operations for its
occupants.
A building with productive and comfortable workplace environment is termed as intelligent building which can
meet is operational and economical objectives and should exhibit attributes of sustainable and social development creating
awareness among future generations
Environmental impact assessment should be carried for tall towers,which affect the air flow and increases the
vertical pollution in city.
Tall buildings obstruct the air flow and pollution parameters are getting disturbed day by day.In addition to this
obstruction of visibility due to smoke coming out of construction waste which get mixed with air can prove to be fatal

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Krishna A. Joshi

Economic Benefits
Financial tools available for planners to calculate the amount of profits and benefits from green buildings
compared to conventional structures. The value of building can be estimated by using PV present value basis NPV net
present value basis. These tools will show the the future gains coming of green building. Maintenanace of green building
on longer run is very less compared to conventional buildings, which can give you your initial investment back with
maintenance is almost negligible for life cycle.
paints vs Conventional Paints
Table 2
Green Paints
Cleaner
air, reduced
ozone
depletion

Minimal health risks

Conventional Paints
Contributeto
environmental
pollution
and
ozone
depletion
Significant
health
risks

Total Cost ; same as any

High
quality
Low
paint
but
and
high
low
Operation
Operating&
and
Maintenance
Maintenace costs
costs
Sources CII : Bulletin of
IGBC

CONCLUSIONS
We can draw key conclusions from the above discussions and observations

Large variations in cost of green buildings using same materials

Environmental benefits for sustainable development

The payback period for existing green buildings range from two to seven years

Use of alternative materials to reduce environmental hazards

Lack of awareness about technical know-how of low energy materials for construction green buildings
Thus, even initial investment is more for construction green buildings, but it is advisable to pay for greener

environment and reduce health hazards.

Also studies have shown that pay back periods of green buildings when compared with conventional buildings
gives more returns after 10 years with
sustainable Development

Impact Factor (JCC): 5.9234

NAAS Rating: 3.01

Application of Energy Concepts for Green Buildings

49

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1.

Sonam Shah. MrsMiliMajumdar, Study of Life Cycle Costing for Griha Rated Green Builings in India, School of Building
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2.

K A Joshi, A R Kambekar, Energy optimization in public buildings International Journal of Research in Engineering and
Technology IC Rice issue Nov 2013, pp.423-427.

3.

J.R.Chaudhari,K.DTandel,V. K Patil Energy saving of green building using solar photovoltaic system, in IJIRSET vol. 2,
Issue 5, May 2013, pp. 1407-1416

4.

A B. Mokal,A I. Shaikh,S S. Raundal, S J. Prajapati,S J. Prajapati,Green Building MaterialsA way towards sustainable
construction, IJAIEM,Vol (4) issue -4, april 2015.pp 244-249.

5.

PiyushTiwari, Energy efficiency and building construction in India, Elsevier Science (36), 11 July 2000. pp 1127-1135

6.

Trivita Roy. Abhishek Gupta, Greenomics Cost efficiency of green buildings, JONES LANG LASALLE MEGHRA. pp 1-14.

7.

K S Jagadish, B V V Reddy, K S Nanjunda Rao, Alternative Building Materials and Technologies, New Age International
Publishers,2015. PP. 5-6.

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