GREEN BUILDINGS

AND

INFRASTRUCTURE

Micro and Macro environments

Green Buildings, GRIHA rating system

Solar passive architecture

ANMOL KOLLEGAL
11011AA002
B.Arch 7 A
SPA JNAFAU

Q1 : GREEN BUILDINGS , GRIHA

WHAT IS A GREEN BUILDING?
Fundamental Principles of Green Building and Sustainable Site Design
Defining Green
There are many definitions of what a green building is or does. Definitions may range
from a building that is not as bad as the average building in terms of its impact on
the environment or one that is notably better than the average building, to one
that may even represent a regenerative process where there is actually an
improvement and restoration of the site and its surrounding environment. The ideal
green project preserves and restores habitat that is vital for sustaining life and
becomes a net producer and exporter of resources, materials, energy and water
rather than being a net consumer. A green building is one whose construction and
lifetime of operation assure the healthiest possible environment while representing
the most efficient and least disruptive use of land, water, energy and resources. The
optimum design solution is one that effectively emulates all of the natural systems
and conditions of the pre-developed site after development is complete.
Breaking the Myth that Green Always Costs More
While many green materials and technologies do cost more, it has been
demonstrated that many green strategies and technologies actually cost the same
and some even cost less than traditional not-so-green technologies.
By blending the right mix of green technologies that cost less with green technologies
that cost the same or slightly more, it is possible to have a very green building
project that costs the same as a conventional one.
Often the key to a cost effective green building and site design lies within the
interrelationships and associated cost and performance trade-offs that exist between
different building systems. For example, the use of high performance windows and
window frames increases the first cost of the building envelope, however the
resulting reduction in the size and cost of the buildings heating and cooling system
more than offsets the added cost of the better glazing system. The result is a
building that has a comparable or perhaps even a lower first cost, a higher comfort
level, lower energy use, and lower energy bills and operating cost for the life of the
building. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (PA/DEP) recently completed two green buildings the DEP South Central
Regional Office Building in Harrisburg, PA, (USGBC LEED Bronze certified) and the DEP
Southwestern Regional Mining Office in Cambria, PA, (USGBC LEED Gold certified),
that are living examples of cost effective green building projects.

Decision to Build Green

It is critical to make the decision to build a green building early in the design process
in order to maximize the green potential, minimize redesign, and assure the overall
success and economic viability of the green elements of the building project. Making
a commitment to build green and establishing firm environmental objectives for the
project must be done as early as possible because opportunities for incorporating
green technologies and design solutions become less and less available and
increasingly costly to implement as the project design and construction process
progresses. Ideally, the decision to build green should be made before the site is
selected, as many of the green criteria are affected by site characteristics and some
sites are inappropriate for certain green projects.

Setting Green Goals and Objectives

Once the decision to build green has been made, one of the first steps in the green
design process is to establish firm environmental goals for the project. This is often
done during what is called a goal setting or targeting session. During this session, it is
important to set specific measurable goals for things like energy efficiency, water
conservation, on-site treatment of rain water and storm water, material and resource
management, construction waste management, and to assign responsibility for
meeting these goals to specific members of the design team. Each goal needs a
champion who will see that objective through to the end. If the building is to be built
in accordance with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, it will be
helpful to review the requirements of LEED as part of the green project goal setting
session, begin targeting which elements of LEED are going to be pursued, and
establish firm criteria for meeting those goals.
Building a Green Team
Hiring a design team with prior green design experience is highly desirable, but not
essential provided that the design team is augmented with architects or engineering
consultants who do have experience in green building and site design principles and
technologies. The collective knowledge, experience, and dedication of the design
team will determine the overall success of the green project. All members of the
green team should participate in the project goal setting session. Once the goal
setting process has been completed it may become obvious that meeting certain
goals may require expertise that lies outside the current design team. Specialized
consultants may need to be engaged for specific elements of the design and
construction process or to oversee all elements of the green design program. These
specialists will be able to bring new ideas and solutions to the table for consideration
and should be included in the project as early as possible.
Integrated Design Process
Building a green building is not just a matter of assembling a collection of the latest
green technologies or materials. Rather, it is a process in which every element of the
design is first optimized and then the impact and interrelationship of various
different elements and systems within the building and site are re-evaluated,
integrated, and optimized as part of a whole building solution. For example,
interrelationships between the building site, site features, the path of the sun, and
the location and orientation of the building and elements such as windows and
external shading devices have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of
natural daylighting. These elements also affect direct solar loads and overall energy
performance for the life of the building. Without considering these issues early in the
design process, the design is not fully optimized and the result is likely to be a very
inefficient building. This same emphasis on integrated and optimized design is
inherent in nearly every aspect of the building from site planning and use of on-site
storm water management strategies to envelope design and detailing and provisions
for natural ventilation of the building. This integrated design process mandates that
all of the design professionals work cooperatively towards common goals from day
one.

Fundamental Principles of Green Building and Sustainable Site Design

Sustainable Site Design
Key Principles:
Minimize urban sprawl and needless destruction of valuable land, habitat and green
space, which results from inefficient low-density development. Encourage higher
density urban development, urban re-development and urban renewal, and
brownfield development as a means to preserve valuable green space. Preserve key
environmental assets through careful examination of each site. Engage in a design
and construction process that minimizes site disturbance and which values, preserves
and actually restores or regenerates valuable habitat, green space and associated
eco-systems that are vital to sustaining life.
Key Strategies and Technologies:
Make more efficient use of space in existing occupied buildings, renovate and re
use existing vacant buildings, sites, and associated infrastructure and consider re
development of brownfield sites. Design buildings and renovations to maximize
future flexibility and reuse thereby expanding useful life.
When new development is unavoidable, steer clear of sites that play a key role in
the local or regional ecosystem. Identify and protect valuable greenfield and wetland
sites from development.
Recognize that allowing higher density development in urban areas helps to
preserve green space and reduce urban sprawl. Invest time and energy in seeking
variances and regulatory reform where needed.
Evaluate each site in terms of the location and orientation of buildings and
improvements in order to optimize the use of passive solar energy, natural
daylighting, and natural breezes and ventilation.
Make best use of existing mass transit systems and make buildings and sites
pedestrian and bike friendly, including provisions for safe storage of bicycles. Develop
programs and incentives that promote car-pooling including preferred parking for
commuters who carpool. Consider making provisions for re-fueling or recharging
alternative fuel vehicles.
Help reduce the urban heat island effect by reducing the building and site
development footprint, maximizing the use of pervious surfaces, and using light
colored roofs, paving, and walkways. Provide natural shading of buildings and paved
areas with trees and other landscape features.
Reduce impervious areas by carefully evaluating parking and roadway design.
Pursue variances or waivers where local ordinances may unintentionally result in the
over-design of roadways or parking.
Optimize the use of on-site storm water treatment and ground water recharge.
Minimize the boundaries of the construction area, avoid needless compaction of
existing topsoil, and provide effective sedimentation and silt control during all
phases of site development and construction.
Use landscape design to preserve and restore the regions natural habitat and
heritage while emphasizing the use of indigenous, hardy, drought resistant trees,
shrubs, plants and turf.
Help reduce night-time light pollution by avoiding over-illumination of the site and
use low cut-off exterior lighting fixtures which direct light downward, not upward
and outward.

Fundamental Principles of Green Building and Sustainable Site Design

Water Quality and Conservation
Key Principles:
Preserve the existing natural water cycle and design site and building improvements
such that they closely emulate the sites natural pre-development hydrological
systems. Emphasis should be placed on retention of storm water and on-site
infiltration and ground water recharge using methods that closely emulate natural
systems. Minimize the unnecessary and inefficient use of potable water on the site
while maximizing the recycling and reuse of water, including harvested rainwater,
storm water, and gray water.
Key Strategies and Technologies:
Recognize that the least costly, least time consuming and most environmentally
preferable design for site and storm water management is often the one in which the
design of buildings and site improvements respect the existing natural flows and
features of the land, instead of designing the building and site improvements with
total disregard for the site, which results in needless, extensive, disruptive, costly
and time consuming excavation and earthmoving.
Conduct a thorough site assessment and strategically locate buildings and site
improvements so as to preserve key natural hydrological features. Special effort
should be made to preserve areas of the site that serve as natural storm water
retention and ground water infiltration and recharge systems. Preserve existing forest
and mature vegetation that play a vital role in the natural water cycle by absorbing
and disbursing up to 30% of a sites rainwater through evapo-transpiration.
Minimize the buildings footprint, site improvements and construction area, and
minimize excavation, soil disturbance and compaction of existing topsoil as this soil
in its natural uncompacted state serves a vital role in absorbing and storing up to 80%
of natural rainfall until it can be absorbed by vegetation or enter the sites natural
sub-surface ground water system.
Design and locate buildings and site improvements to optimize use of low-impact
storm water technologies such as bio-retention, rain gardens, open grassy swales,
pervious bituminous paving, pervious concrete paving and walkways, constructed
wetlands, living/vegetated roofs, and other technologies that support on-site
retention and ground water recharge or evapo-transpiration. Storm water that leaves
the site should be filtered and processed naturally or mechanically to remove trash
and debris, oil, grit and suspended solids. Use hold and release technologies such
as dry retention ponds only as a last resort as these technologies do not preserve the
natural water cycle, have little or no benefit in terms of ground water recharge and
result in needless additional site disturbance.
Establish a water budget for the building and implement a design that minimizes
the use of potable water by using low-flow plumbing fixtures and toilets and
waterless urinals. Harvest, process and recycle rainwater, site storm water, and
building gray water and identify appropriate uses within the building and site. Use
on-site treatment systems that enable use of rain water for hand washing, graywater
for toilet flushing, rain and storm water for site irrigation, cooling tower make-up
and other uses.
Conserve water and preserve site and ground water quality by using only
indigenous, drought resistant and hardy trees, shrubs, plants and turf that require no
irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

Fundamental Principles of Green Building and Sustainable Site Design

Energy and Environment
Key Principles:
Minimize adverse impacts on the environment (air, water, land, natural resources
through optimized building siting, optimized building design, material selection, and
aggressive use of energy conservation measures. Resulting building performance
should exceed minimum International Energy Code (IEC) compliance level by 30 to
40% or more. Maximize the use of renewable energy and other low impact energy
sources.
Key Strategies and Technologies:
Optimize passive solar orientation, building massing and use of external shading
devices such that the design of the building minimizes undesirable solar gains during
the summer months while maximizing desirable solar gains during winter months.
Optimize building orientation, massing, shape, design, and interior colors and
finishes in order to maximize the use of controlled natural day lighting which
significantly reduces artificial lighting energy use thereby reducing the buildings
internal cooling load and energy use. Consider the use of light shelf technology.
Use high performance low-e glazing, which can result in significant year round
energy savings. Consider insulated double glazing, triple glazing or double pane
glazing with a suspended low-e film. Selective coatings offer optimal light
transmittance while providing minimal solar gain and minimal heat transmission.
Window frames, sashes and curtain wall systems should also be designed for optimum
energy performance including the use of multiple thermal breaks to help reduce
energy use.
Optimize the value of exterior insulation and the overall thermal performance of
the exterior envelope assembly. Consider advanced/high performance envelope
building systems such as structural insulated panel systems (SIPS) and insulated
concrete form systems (ICFs) that can be applied to light commercial and
institutional buildings. SIPS and ICFs and other thermally decoupled envelope
systems will offer the highest energy performance.
Use energy efficient T-8 and T-5 bulbs, high efficiency electronic ballasts, and
lighting controls. Consider using indirect ambient lighting with workstation based
direct task lighting to improve light quality, reduce glare and improve overall energy
performance in general office areas. Incorporate sensors and controls and design
circuits so that lighting along perimeter zones and offices can be switched off
independently from other interior lights when daylighting is sufficient in perimeter
areas.
Use state-of-the art, high efficiency, heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) and plumbing equipment, chillers, boilers, and water heaters, etc. Use
variable speed drives on fan and pump motors. Use heat recovery ventilators and
geothermal heat pump technology for up to 40% energy savings.
Avoid the use of HCFC and Halon based refrigeration, cooling and fire suppression
systems. Optimize the use of natural ventilation and where practical use evaporative
cooling, waste heat and/or solar regenerated desiccant dehumidification or
absorption cooling. Identify and use sources of waste energy.
Use Energy Star certified energy efficient appliances, office equipment, lighting
and HVAC systems.
Consider on-site small-scale wind, solar, and/or fuel cell based energy generation
and co-generation. Purchase environmentally preferable green power from
certified renewable and sustainable sources.

Fundamental Principles of Green Building and Sustainable Site Design

Indoor Environmental Quality
Key Principles:
Provide a healthy, comfortable and productive indoor environment for building
occupants and visitors. Provide a building design, which affords the best possible
conditions in terms of indoor air quality, ventilation, thermal comfort, access to
natural ventilation and daylighting, and effective control of the acoustical
environment.
Key Strategies and Technologies:
Use building materials, adhesives, sealants, finishes and furnishings which do not
contain, harbor, generate or release any particulate or gaseous contaminants
including volatile organic compounds.
Maximize the use of natural daylighting. Optimize solar orientation and design the
building to maximize penetration of natural daylight into interior spaces. Provide
shades or daylight controls where needed.
Maximize the use of operable windows and natural ventilation. Provide dedicated
engineered ventilation systems that operate independently of the buildings heating
and cooling system. Ventilation systems should be capable of effectively removing or
treating indoor contaminants while providing adequate amounts of fresh clean makeup air to all occupants and all regions of the building. Monitor indoor air conditions
including temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels, so that building
ventilation systems can respond when space conditions fall outside the optimum
range.
Provide a smoke free building. When smoking must be accommodated, provide
completely dedicated smoking areas are physically isolated, have dedicated HVAC
systems, and remain under negative pressure with respect to all adjoining spaces.
Design building envelope and environmental systems that not only treat air
temperature and provide adequate ventilation, but which respect all of the
environmental conditions which affect human thermal comfort and health, including
the mean radiant temperature of interior surfaces, indoor air humidity, indoor air
velocity, and indoor air temperature. Following these principles and providing a
building that is also responsive to seasonal variations in desirable indoor humidity
levels, air velocity, and mean radiant temperatures can also result in significant
energy savings as improved occupant comfort results in less energy intensive
operation of the buildings air-side heating and cooling system.
Maximize occupant health, comfort and performance by providing occupants with
individual space/zone control of heat, ventilation, cooling, day-lighting and artificial
lighting whenever possible.
Prevent contamination of the building during construction. Take steps to minimize
the creation and spreading of construction dust and dirt. Prevent contamination of
the building and the buildings heating, cooling and ventilation systems during the
construction process. Protect construction materials from the elements so that they
do not become damp, moldy or mildewed.
Provide a clean and healthy building. Use biodegradable and environmentally
friendly cleaning agents that do not release VOCs or other harmful agents and
residue. Prior to occupancy install new air filters and clean any contaminated
ductwork and ventilation equipment. Use fresh outdoor air to naturally or
mechanically purge the building of any remaining airborne gaseous or particulate
contaminants.

Fundamental Principles of Green Building and Sustainable Site Design

Materials and Resources
Key Principles:
Minimize the use of non-renewable construction materials and other resources such
as energy and water through efficient engineering, design, planning and construction
and effective recycling of construction debris. Maximize the use of recycled content
materials, modern resource efficient engineered materials, and resource efficient
composite type structural systems wherever possible. Maximize the use of re-usable,
renewable, sustainably managed, bio-based materials. Remember that human
creativity and our abundant labor force is perhaps our most valuable renewable
resource. The best solution is not necessarily the one that requires the least amount
of physical work.
Key Strategies and Technologies:
Optimize the use of engineered materials which make use of proven engineering
principles such as engineered trusses, composite materials and structural systems
(concrete/steel, other), structural insulated panels (stress skin panels), insulated
concrete forms, and frost protected shallow foundations which have been proven to
provide high strength and durability with the least amount of material.
Identify ways to reduce the amount of materials used and reduce the amount of
waste generated through the implementation of a construction waste reduction plan.
Adopt a policy of waste equals food whereby 75% or more of all construction waste
is separated for recycling and used as feedstock for some future product rather than
being landfilled. Implement an aggressive construction waste recycling program and
provide separate, clearly labeled dumpsters for each recycled material. Train all
crews and subcontractors on the policy and enforce compliance.
Identify ways to use high-recycled content materials in the building structure and
finishes. Consider everything from blended concrete using fly ash, slag, recycled
concrete aggregate, or other admixtures to recycled content materials such as
structural steel, ceiling and floor tiles, carpeting, carpet padding, sheathing, and
gypsum wallboard. Consider remanufactured office furniture and office partition
systems, chairs and furniture with recycled content or parts.
Explore the use of bio-based materials and finishes such as various types of
agriboard (sheathing and or insulation board made from agricultural waste and
byproducts, including straw, wheat, barley, soy, sunflower shells, peanut shells, and
other materials). Some structural insulated panels are now made from bio-based
materials. Use lumber and wood products from certified forests where the forest is
managed and lumber is harvested using sustainable practices. Use resource efficient
engineered wood products in lieu of full dimension lumber which comes from older
growth forests.
Evaluate all products and systems used for their ability to be recycled when they
reach the end of their useful life. Preference should be given to products and systems
that facilitate easy, non-energy intensive separation and recycling with minimal
contamination by foreign debris.
Recognize that transportation becomes part of a product or building materials
embodied energy. Where practical, specify and use locally harvested, mined and
manufactured materials and products to support the regional economy and to reduce
transportation, energy use and emissions.

GRIHA is Indias National Rating System for Green buildings. It has been
developed by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) and is endorsed by
the MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)
It is based on nationally accepted energy and environmental principles, and seeks to strike
balance between established practices and emerging concepts. GRIHA attempts to minimize
a buildings resource consumption, waste generation, and overall ecological/ environmental
impact by comparing them to certain nationally acceptable limits / benchmarks. It does so,
adopting the five R philosophy of sustainable development, namely
1. Refuse to blindly adopt international trends, materials, technologies, products, etc.
Specially in areas where local substitutes/equivalents are available
2. Reduce the dependence on high energy products, systems, processes, etc.
3. Reuse materials, products, traditional technologies, so as to reduce the costs incurred
in designing buildings as well as in operating them
4. Recycle all possible wastes generated from the building site, during construction,
operation and demolition
5. Reinvent engineering systems, designs, and practices such that India creates global
examples that the world can follow. Going by the old adage What gets measured, gets
managed, GRIHA attempts to quantify aspects, such as:
Energy / power consumption (in terms of electricity consumed in kWh per square meter
per year)
Water consumption (in terms of litres per person per day)
Waste generation (in terms of kilograms per day, or litres per day)
Renewable energy integration (in terms of kW of connected load)
- So as to manage, control and reduce /optimize the same to the best possible extent GRIHA
assesses a building out of 34 criteria and awards points on a scale of 100. In order to qualify
for GRIHA certification, a project must achieve at least 50 points.

Evaluation system of GRIHA

GRIHA has a 100-point system consisting of some core points, which are mandatory to be met
while the rest are non mandatory or optional points, which can be earned by complying with
the commitment of the criterion for which the point is allocated.
Different levels of certification (one star to five stars) are awarded based on percentage of
points earned. The minimum percentage required for certification is 50.
Certain criteria / sub-criteria are mandatory and have to be complied for the project to
be at all eligible for rating.
Project scoring
1. 50-60 points is certified as a 1 star GRIHA rated building,
2. 61-70 is a 2 star GRIHA rated building,
3. 71-80 is a 3 star GRIHA rating building,
4. 81-90 is a 4 star GRIHA rated building and
5. 91-100 is a 5 star GRIHA rated building

GRIHA RATING

SVA GRIHA background noteEligibility

SVAGRIHA (Small Versatile ffordable GRIHA) was jointly developed by ADaRSH and TERI.
SVAGRIHA is a significantly simplified, faster, easier and more affordable green building
rating system and functions as a designcum- rating tool.
SVAGRIHA has been designed as a variant of GRIHA
specifically developed for projects with built-up area
less than 2500 sqm. SVAGRIHA can help in design and
rating of individual residences, small offices,
commercial and institutional buildings. The rating
comprises only 14 criteria analyzed using software
tool, comprising simplified calculators. particular
criterion as well as the overall points.
Process:
Registration of project with ADaRSH
Submission of completed software tool and
documentation to ADaRSH
Internal review of documentation
Site visit and post construction due diligence check
(mandatory)
External evaluation of project
Award of Rating

Q2 : SOLAR PASSIVE DESIGN

Incorporation of solar passive techniques in a building design helps
to minimize load on conventional systems such as heating, cooling,
ventilation & light. Passive strategies provide thermal and visual
comfort by using natural energy sources & sinks. Ex: solar radiation,
outside air, wet surfaces, vegetation etc means, in composite
climate: an architects aim would be to design a building in such a
way that solar gains are maximized in winter and, reduce solar gains
in summer, and maximize natural ventilation.
Once the solar passive architectural concepts are applied to design, the load on
conventional systems (HVAC & lighting) is reduced. Architects can achieve a solar passive
design by studying the macro and micro climate of the site, applying bioclimatic
architecture design features and taking advantage of the existing natural resources on the
site. The solar passive design strategy should vary from one climate to another. Since these
buildings can also function independent of mechanical systems, in case of power failure
they are still well lit by natural daylight and thermally comfortable.
The commonly considered low energy elements to achieve lower energy consumption are:

LANDSCAPE

Landscaping is an important
element in altering the micro-climate of a place.
Proper landscaping reduced direct sun from
striking and heating up building surfaces. It is the
best way to provide a buffer for heat, sun, noise,
traffic, and airflow or for diverting airflow or
exchanging heat in a solar-passive design.
It prevents reflected light carrying heat into a building from the ground or other surfaces.
Additionally, the shade created by trees, reduces air temperature of the micro climate
around the building through evapo-transpiration. Properly designed roof gardens help to
reduce heat loads in a building.
Planting deciduous trees on the southern side of a building is beneficial in a composite
climate. Deciduous plants such as mulberry or champa cut off direct sun during summer,
and as these trees shed leaves in winter, they allow the sun to heat the building in winter
which is suitable in composite climate.
The use of dense trees and shrub plantings on the west and northwest sides of a building
will block the summer setting sun. Natural cooling without air-conditioning can be
enhanced by locating trees to channel south-easterly summer breezes in tropical
climates like India.
Cooling breezes will be able to pass through
the trunks of trees placed for shading. Shade
can also be created by using a combination of
landscape features, such as shrubs and vines
on arbours or trellises. Trees, which serve as
windbreaks or form shelterbelts, diminish
wind. Certain climbers are also useful for
shading exposed walls from direct sunlight.
Trees also provide visual relief and a
psychological barrier from traffic and thus
reduce pollution on the site.

LOCATION OF WATER BODIES

Location of water bodies: Water is a good modifier of
micro-climate. It takes up large amount of heat in
evaporation and causes significant cooling. Water has
a moderating effect on the air temperature of the
micro climate. It possesses very high thermal storage
capacity much higher than the building materials like
Brick, concrete, stone. Large bodies of water in the
form of lake, river, and fountain generally have a
moderating effect on the temperature of the
surrounding area due to the higher thermal storage
capacity of water compared to land and cause
variations in airflow. During the day the air is hotter
over the land and rises, drawing cooler air in from the
water mass resulting in land breezes.

BUILDING FORM

During the night as the land mass

cools quicker, the airflow will be
reversed. Water evaporation has a
cooling effect in the surroundings.
In humid climates, water should be
avoided as it adds humidity.

Building form: Building form can affect solar access

and wind exposure as well as the rate of heat loss or
heat gain through the external envelope. The volume
of space inside a building that needs to be heated or
cooled and its relationship with the area of the
envelope enclosing the volume affect the thermal
performance of the building. Building form can affect
solar access and wind exposure as well as the rate of
heat loss or heat gain through the external envelope.

The general design objectives are

Contain the exposure of external elements by means of compact building envelope and
careful consideration of the treatment of different elevations
Use sheltering and buffering
Compactness:
The building form also determines the air flow
Sheltering or self-shading:
Built form, which is designed such pattern around the building directly affecting its
that it is self-shaded through ventilation. The compactness of the building is
massing or articulation results in measured using the ratio of surface area to volume
sheltered built forms, and cuts off (S/V). The depth of a building also determines the
a large amount of direct solar requirement for artificial lighting. The greater the
radiation. In composite climate, depth, higher is the need for artificial lighting. The
the envelope should be designed so circular geometry has the lowest S/+ ratio thus the
that it remains shaded for the conduction gains from the building envelope as well
greater part of the day; the as solar gains from windows are least, in circular
external walls should be so planned geometry in comparison to other building geometries
which is most energy efficient in composite climate.
that they shade each other.

ORIENATION
In tropical climate like India long
facades of buildings oriented towards
NorthSouth are preferred. East and
West receive maximum solar radiation
during summer. In predominantly cold
regions, also North South long facades
are advisable, as South orientation
receives maximum intensity of solar
radiation in winter months.

Orientation in composite climate:

Orient the buildings
with the long axes in
the
east-west
direction so that the
longest walls face
north and south, and
only the short wall
face east and west.

ADVANCED PASSIVE COOLING

Passive cooling systems rely on natural heat-sinks to remove
heat from the building. They derive cooling directly from
evaporation, convection, and radiation without using any
intermediate electrical devices. All passive cooling strategies
rely on daily changes in temperature and relative humidity. The
applicability of each system depends on the climatic conditions.
Ventilation: Good natural ventilation requires
locating openings in opposite pressure zones.
Natural ventilation can also be enhanced
through tall spaces like stacks, chimneys etc in a
building. With openings near the top of stacks
warm air can escape where as cooler air enters
the building from openings near the ground.

Wind tower: In a wind tower, the hot air

enters the tower through the openings in
the tower gets cooled, and this become
heavier and sinks down. The inlet and
outlet of rooms induce cool air movement.

In the presence of wind, air is cooled more effectively and flows faster
down the tower and into the living area. After a whole day of air
exchanges, the tower becomes warm in the evenings. During the night,
cooler ambient air comes in contact with the bottom of the tower
through the rooms. The tower wall absorbs heat during daytime and
releases it at night, warming the cool night air in the tower. Warm air
moves up, creating an upward draft, and draws cool night air through
the doors and windows into the building. In dense urban areas, the wind
tower has to be long enough to be able to catch enough air. Also
protection from driving rain is difficult.

COURTYARD EFFECTS: Due to incident solar radiation in

a courtyard, the air gets warmer and rises. Cool air from
the ground level flows through the louvered openings of
rooms surrounding a courtyard, thus producing air flows. At
night, the warm roof surfaces get cooled by convection and
radiation. If this heat exchange reduces roof surface
temperature to wet bulb temperature of air, condensation
of atmosphere moisture occurs on the roof and the gain
due to condensation limits further cooling.
If the roof surfaces are sloped towards the internal courtyard, the cooled air sinks into the
court and enters the living space through low-level openings, gets warmed up, and then
leaves the room through high-level openings.

EARTH AIR TUNNELS: Daily and annual temperature fluctuation decreases with the
increase in depth below the ground surface. At a depth of about 4m below ground, the
temperature inside the earth remains nearly constant round the year and is nearly equal to
the annual average temperature of the place.

A tunnel in the form of a pipe or otherwise

embedded at a depth of about 4m below the
ground will acquire the same temperature as
the surrounding earth at its surface and
therefore the ambient air ventilated through
this tunnel will get cooled in summer and
warmed in winter and this air can be used for
cooling in summer and heating in winter.

DAYLIGHT INTEGRATION
Day lighting has a major effect on the appearance of space and can have considerable
implications on energy efficiency, if used properly. Its variability is subtly pleasing to the
occupant in contrast to the relatively monotonous environment produced by artificial light.
It helps to create optimum working conditions by bringing out the natural contrast and
colour of objects. The presence of natural light can bring a sense of well being and
awareness of the wider environment. Day lighting is important particularly in commercial
and other non-domestic buildings that function during the day. Integration of day lighting
with artificial light brings about considerable savings in energy consumption. A good day
lighting system, has number of elements most of which must be incorporated into the
building design at an early stage. This can be achieved by considering the following relation
to the incidence of day light on the building.
Orientation, space organization and geometry of the space to be lit
Location, form & dimension of the fenestrations through which day light will enter
Location & surface properties of internal partitions that affect the day light distribution
by reflection
Location, form and dimensions of shading devices that provides protection from excessive
light and glare
Light and thermal characteristics of the glazing materials
Window Wall Ratio (WWR)
Window Wall Ratio is the ratio of vertical fenestration area
to gross exterior wall area. Gross exterior wall area is
measured horizontally from the exterior surface; it is
measured vertically. The WWR for the given facade will be
= (a x b)/(H x W)

ECB ENVELOPE
The building envelope refers to the exterior faade, and is comprised of opaque
components and fenestration systems. Opaque components include walls, roofs, slabs on
grade (in touch with ground), basement walls, and opaque doors. Fenestration systems
include windows, skylights, ventilators, and doors that are more than one-half glazed. The
envelope protects the buildings interiors and occupants from the weather conditions and
shields them from other external factors e.g: noise, pollution, etc
Envelope design strongly affects the visual and thermal comfort of the occupants, as well
as energy consumption in the building. The design of the building envelope is generally
responsible of the architect. The building designer is responsible for making sure that the
building envelope is energy-efficient and complies with the mandatory and prescriptive
requirements of the code.
From an energy efficiency point of view, the envelope design must take into consideration
both the external and internal heat loads, as well as daylighting benefits. External loads
include mainly solar heat gains through windows, heat losses across the envelope surfaces,
and unwanted air infiltration in the building; internal loads include heat released by the
electric lighting systems, equipment, and people working in the building space.

Q3 : MICRO & MACRO CLIMATE

DEFINITION of MICROCLIMATE:
The conditions for transfer of energy through the building fabric and for determining
the thermal response of people are local and site-specific are generally grouped
under the term of microclimate.
Which includes wind, radiation, temperature, and humidity experienced around a
building.
A building by its very presence will change the microclimate by causing a bluff
obstruction to the wind flow, and by casting shadows on the ground and on other
buildings.
A designer has to predict this variation and appropriately account for its effect in
the design.
The microclimate of a site is affected by the following factors :
(A) landform
(B) vegetation
(C) water bodies
(D) street width and orientation
(E) open spaces and built form
An understanding of these factors greatly helps in the
preparation of the site layout plan.
For example, in a hot and dry climate, the building needs to be
located close to a waterbody. The Waterbody helps in increasing
the humidity and lowering the temperature by evaporative cooling.
Microclimates can also refer to purpose made environments,
such as those in a room or other enclosure.

DEFINITION of MACROCLIMATE:
MACRO-CLIMATE is the pattern of variation in temperature, humidity, atmospheric
pressure, wind, precipitation, atmospheric particle count and other meteorological
variables in a given region over long periods.
Macro-climate the climate of a larger area such as a region or a country
Climate of this type is not easily modified by human efforts
The climate of an area is the combination of conditions that will most likely occur
there.
The macroclimate around a building cannot be affected by any design changes.
However the building design can be developed with a knowledge of the macro
climate in which the building is located.
The conditions that usually influence the climate include: temperature, rainfall,
latitude, and topography etc.

INTRODUCTION
Climate means a region with a certain condition of temperature, dryness, wind, light,
etc.. It is rather an integration in time of physical states of atmospheric
environment, characteristics of geographical location.
Weather is the momentary state of atmospheric environment at a certain location
Climate can be called the integration of time of weather condition. Climate has 4
major elements: EARTH soil
WATER humidity
FIRE sun and temperature
AIR wind

Site Planning

in landscape architecture and

architecture refers to the organizational stage of
the design process. It involves the organization of
land use zoning, access, circulation, privacy,
security, shelter, land drainage, and other factors.
This is done by arranging the compositional
elements of landform, planting, water, buildings and
paving and building. Site planning generally begins
by assessing a potential site for development
through site analysis.
Information about slope, soils, hydrology, vegetation, parcel ownership, orientation,
etc. are assessed and mapped. By determining areas that are poor /better for
development, the architect can assess optimal location and design a structure that
works there. So the major concerns of planning are: Topography
Air temperature
Humidity
Precipitation
Air movement
Vegetation and local factors.

Topography:
Topography is concerned with local detail in general,
including not only relief but also vegetative and
human-made features, and even local history and
culture.

Topographic mapping
In its contemporary definition, topographic mapping
shows relief. In the United States, USGS topographic
maps show relief using contour lines.
These maps show not only the contours, but also any
significant streams or other bodies of water, forest
cover, built-up areas or individual buildings (depending
on scale), and other features and points of interest

Day Lighting:
Day lighting is the practice of placing
windows, or other transparent media,
and reflective surfaces so that, during
the day ,natural light provides effective
internal illumination.

Orientation:
The orientation of the larger face of the building towards north south
direction is considered to be the best as it avoids the deeply
penetrating rays of east and west. It avoids heating up of the larger
side at evening time maintaining temperature balance.

Windows:
Windows are the most common way to admit daylight into a
space. Their vertical orientation means that they selectively
admit sunlight and diffuse daylight at different times of the
day and year.

Three ways to improve the amount of light available from a

window::
Place window close to a light colored wall.
Slant the sides of window openings so the inner opening is
larger than the outer opening.
Use a large light colored window sill to project light into
the room.

DAYLIGHTING
SYSTEM

Skylights:
Skylights are often used for daylighting. They are horizontal
windows placed at the roof of buildings. Light tubes also called
solar tubes, placed into a roof and admitting light to a focused
area of the interior. These somewhat resemble recessed light
fixtures in the ceiling

Ventilation:
Ventilation is the movement of air
within a building and between the
building and the outdoors. Control
of ventilation is most subtle yet
important concerns in building
design.
+ve and ve
wind
pressures
around
different
building
typologies

Windscaping Building:
The influence of roof shape on the air pressure around the
house. The higher the roof, the greater the positive
pressure on its windward side and the greater the negative
pressure on its leeward side.

WIND &
BUILDING
DESIGN

Humidity:
Moisture can be a liability if it comes in the form of
humidity, causing such stickiness that one cannot
evaporative cool (cooling by perspiring) in summer strategies
to reduce the discomfort of high humidity : maximizing
ventilation, inducing air flow around facilities venting or
moving moisture-producing functions such as kitchens and
shower rooms to outside areas nature can be an asset by
evaporating in hot, dry climates to cool and humidify the air
(a natural air-conditioning) techniques for evaporative
cooling include placing facilities where breezes will pass over
water features before reaching the facility, and providing
fountains, pools, and plants

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