Module 4

18ARC82 July/Aug 2022

Differentiate between Green Building and Net Zero Energy buildings.
Green Building and Net Zero Energy (NZE) buildings are both sustainable building concepts that aim to
reduce environmental impact, but they differ in their specific goals and focus areas:

1. Green Building:

Goal: Green building focuses on reducing the overall environmental impact of a building
throughout its life cycle, including design, construction, operation, maintenance, and
demolition.

Focus Areas: Green building addresses various aspects of sustainability, such as energy
efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and site
design.

Certification: Green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental
Assessment Method), assess the sustainability performance of a building based on various
criteria.

Energy Use: While energy efficiency is a key component of green building, it does not
necessarily require the building to produce all its energy on-site (as in NZE buildings).

2. Net Zero Energy (NZE) Building:

Goal: NZE buildings aim to produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a
year, achieving a net zero energy balance.

Focus Areas: The primary focus of NZE buildings is on energy efficiency and renewable
energy generation to offset the building's energy consumption.

Certification: NZE buildings may seek certifications such as the Net Zero Energy Building
Certification from the International Living Future Institute to demonstrate their achievement of
net zero energy performance.

Energy Use: NZE buildings prioritize reducing energy demand through passive design
strategies, high-efficiency systems, and renewable energy generation to achieve net zero
energy consumption.

Explain in detail the considerations for materials in pre construction and post
construction stages of green buildings.
Considerations for materials in pre-construction and post-construction stages of green buildings are
crucial for achieving sustainability goals. These considerations focus on minimizing environmental
impact, maximizing energy efficiency, and ensuring occupant health and well-being. Here's a detailed
explanation:
Pre-Construction Stage:

1. Material Selection: Choose materials with low environmental impact, such as recycled, reclaimed,
or rapidly renewable materials. Consider materials with certifications like Cradle to Cradle (C2C) or
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for sustainable sourcing.

2. Embodied Energy: Assess the embodied energy of materials, which includes the energy required
for extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and installation. Select materials with low embodied
energy to reduce overall carbon footprint.

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 3. Durability and Longevity: Choose durable materials that require minimal maintenance and have a
long lifespan. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving resources and reducing
waste.

4. Local Sourcing: Source materials locally to reduce transportation-related emissions. Local

sourcing also supports the local economy and promotes community resilience.

5. Energy Efficiency: Select materials with high thermal performance to improve energy efficiency.
This includes insulation materials, high-performance windows, and reflective roofing materials.

6. Indoor Air Quality: Choose materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to
maintain indoor air quality. Look for materials with certifications like GREENGUARD or Indoor
Advantage for low-emission products.

Post-Construction Stage:

1. Maintenance: Implement a proactive maintenance plan to ensure that materials remain in good
condition and perform as intended. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of materials and
reduce the need for replacements.

2. Recycling and Reuse: Design buildings with materials that can be easily recycled or reused at the
end of their life. Implement a waste management plan to segregate and recycle construction and
demolition waste.

3. Adaptability: Design buildings with flexible layouts and adaptable spaces to accommodate future
changes in use or occupancy. This reduces the need for major renovations or demolition.

4. Energy Monitoring: Install energy monitoring systems to track energy use and identify
opportunities for improvement. This can help optimize energy efficiency and reduce operational
costs.

5. Occupant Engagement: Educate building occupants about sustainable practices and encourage
them to participate in energy conservation efforts. Occupant behavior plays a significant role in the
overall sustainability of a building.
What is the concept of Net Zero Energy buildings? What are the techniques
through which Zero Energy for a building can be obtained?
Net Zero Energy (NZE) buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they consume over the
course of a year, achieving a net zero energy balance. The concept of NZE buildings is based on
reducing energy demand through efficient design and operations and meeting the remaining energy
needs with renewable energy sources.
Techniques for achieving net zero energy in buildings include:

1. Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient design strategies and technologies to reduce

energy demand. This includes using high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, LED
lighting, and efficient HVAC systems.

2. Passive Design: Incorporating passive design strategies to reduce the need for mechanical heating
and cooling. This includes designing buildings with proper orientation, shading, natural ventilation,
and thermal mass.

3. Renewable Energy: Generating on-site renewable energy to meet the building's energy needs.
This can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, geothermal systems, or biomass
energy systems.

4. Energy Storage: Using energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess energy
generated by renewable sources for use when renewable generation is low or demand is high.

5. Energy Management Systems: Implementing energy management systems to monitor and

optimize energy use in real time, ensuring that energy is used efficiently and effectively.

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 6. Behavioral Changes: Encouraging occupants to adopt energy-efficient behaviors, such as turning
off lights when not in use, using natural ventilation, and adjusting thermostat settings.
Elaborate a case study of a LEED rated building with suitable sketches.
Green building is an effort to amplify the positive and mitigate the negative of these effects throughout
the entire life cycle of a building. In practice, it builds upon the classical building design goals of
economy, utility, durability, and comfort.

The system has been developed to help 'design and evaluate' new buildings (buildings that are still at
the inception stages). A building is assessed based on its predicted performance over its entire life
cycle – inception through operation. The stages of the life cycle that have been identified for evaluation
are:

Pre-construction stage: (intra- and inter-site issues like proximity to public transport, type of soil,
kind of land, where the property is located, the flora and fauna on the land before construction
activity starts, the natural landscape and land features).

Building planning and construction stages: (issues of resource conservation and reduction in
resource demand, resource utilization efficiency, resource recovery and reuse, and provisions for
occupant health and well-being). The prime resources that are considered in this section are land,
water, energy, air, and green cover.

Building operation and maintenance stage: (issues of operation and maintenance of building
systems and processes, monitoring and recording of energy consumption, and occupant health
and well-being, and also issues that affect the global and local environment).

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating
system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy,
efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of
sustainability achievement and leadership.

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 18ARC82 Jan/Feb 2023
Explain important criteria behind Green Building Rating System for new buildings
in Indian building context using either GRIHA or IGBC.
A green building rating system is a tool used to evaluate and certify the environmental performance of
buildings. These systems assess various aspects of a building's design, construction, and operation to
determine its level of sustainability and environmental impact. Two prominent green building rating
systems in India are the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and the Green Rating for Integrated
Habitat Assessment (GRIHA).

Indian Green Building Council (IGBC):

Brief Explanation: The IGBC, part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), is a leading green
building rating system in India.

Focus Areas: IGBC focuses on sustainability in building design, construction, and operation,
addressing energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental
quality, and overall environmental impact.

Certification Levels: IGBC offers various certification levels, including Certified, Silver, Gold, and
Platinum, based on the number of points earned through compliance with green building criteria.

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 Popular Projects: Many commercial, residential, and institutional buildings in India have received
IGBC certification, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.

Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA):

Brief Explanation: GRIHA is a green building rating system developed by The Energy and
Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of
India.

Focus Areas: GRIHA emphasizes sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, water
conservation, waste management, and indoor environmental quality.

Certification Levels: GRIHA offers ratings from one star to five stars, with higher ratings indicating
superior environmental performance and sustainability.

Adaptability: GRIHA is adaptable to different climatic zones and building types, making it suitable
for a wide range of projects across India.

Both IGBC and GRIHA play a significant role in promoting green building practices in India, encouraging
the construction of sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly buildings.
Explain any four passive design strategies for Green Building Design.
Passive design strategies are crucial for minimizing energy consumption in buildings in the tropics,
where hot and humid climates prevail. Here are four passive energy design strategies for such
buildings:

1. Shading and Natural Ventilation:

Overhangs and Awnings: Install overhangs or awnings over windows to shade them from
direct sunlight, reducing solar heat gain.

Louvers and Ventilation Openings: Use adjustable louvers or ventilation openings to control
airflow and natural ventilation, allowing hot air to escape and cool air to enter the building.

Stack Ventilation: Design buildings with high ceilings and clerestory windows to allow hot air to
rise and escape, creating a natural stack effect that draws in cool air from lower openings.

2. Building Orientation and Layout:

Optimal Orientation: Orient buildings to minimize exposure to direct sunlight and maximize
exposure to prevailing winds for natural cooling.

Compact Design: Design buildings with a compact layout to minimize external surface area,
reducing heat gain and loss.

Courtyards and Atriums: Incorporate courtyards or atriums into the building design to provide
natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and mechanical cooling.

3. Thermal Mass and Insulation:

High Thermal Mass: Use materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete or masonry, to
absorb and store heat during the day and release it at night, stabilizing indoor temperatures.

Insulation: Insulate roofs and walls to prevent heat transfer, keeping the interior cool and
reducing the need for mechanical cooling.

4. Natural Daylighting:

Skylights and Light Wells: Install skylights or light wells to bring natural light into the building,
reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Light Shelves: Use light shelves to reflect sunlight deeper into the building, reducing the need
for electric lighting and minimizing heat gain.

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 What are the benefits of Green Buildings in today's context?
Green buildings offer numerous benefits in today's context, addressing key challenges related to
environmental sustainability, public health, and economic resilience. Some of the benefits include:

1. Environmental Sustainability:

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Green buildings significantly reduce energy consumption and
greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Resource Conservation: By using recycled materials, sustainable sourcing, and efficient water
management systems, green buildings minimize resource depletion and promote circular
economy principles.

Biodiversity Preservation: Green buildings incorporate green spaces, vegetated roofs, and
wildlife habitats, enhancing biodiversity and promoting ecosystem resilience in urban
environments.

2. Public Health and Well-being:

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Green buildings use low-emission materials, advanced ventilation
systems, and natural daylighting to create healthier indoor environments, reducing the risk of
respiratory illnesses and improving occupant productivity.

Enhanced Thermal Comfort: Green buildings prioritize thermal insulation, shading, and natural
ventilation, ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures year-round without relying heavily on
mechanical heating or cooling systems.

Access to Nature: Incorporating biophilic design elements, such as green walls, atriums, and
outdoor spaces, promotes mental well-being, stress reduction, and overall satisfaction among
building occupants.

3. Economic Benefits:

Lower Operating Costs: Green buildings consume less energy and water, resulting in lower
utility bills and operational expenses over the building's lifecycle. Energy-efficient technologies
and renewable energy systems also provide long-term cost savings.

Increased Property Value: Green buildings command higher property values and rental rates
due to their superior environmental performance, energy efficiency, and market demand for
sustainable properties.

Job Creation and Economic Growth: The green building industry creates jobs in construction,
manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, driving economic growth and innovation while
supporting local communities.

4. Resilience and Adaptation:

Climate Resilience: Green buildings are designed to withstand extreme weather events, such
as storms, floods, and heatwaves, reducing risks to occupants and minimizing damage to
property.

Adaptation to Urban Challenges: Green buildings contribute to urban resilience by mitigating

urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and enhancing community resilience to climate
change impacts.

What is Net Zero Energy Building? Explain how this can be achieved in buildings
using active strategies?
Net Zero Energy (NZE) buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they consume over the
course of a year, achieving a net zero energy balance. The concept of NZE buildings is based on

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 reducing energy demand through efficient design and operations and meeting the remaining energy
needs with renewable energy sources.
Techniques for achieving net zero energy in buildings include:

1. Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient design strategies and technologies to reduce

energy demand. This includes using high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, LED
lighting, and efficient HVAC systems.

2. Passive Design: Incorporating passive design strategies to reduce the need for mechanical heating
and cooling. This includes designing buildings with proper orientation, shading, natural ventilation,
and thermal mass.

3. Renewable Energy: Generating on-site renewable energy to meet the building's energy needs.
This can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, geothermal systems, or biomass
energy systems.

4. Energy Storage: Using energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess energy
generated by renewable sources for use when renewable generation is low or demand is high.

5. Energy Management Systems: Implementing energy management systems to monitor and

optimize energy use in real time, ensuring that energy is used efficiently and effectively.

6. Behavioral Changes: Encouraging occupants to adopt energy-efficient behaviors, such as turning

off lights when not in use, using natural ventilation, and adjusting thermostat settings.

18ARC82 June/July 2023

What do you understand by GRIHA? Explain any three major components that
result in points for GRIHA rating.
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is a rating system for green buildings in India,
developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It evaluates the environmental performance
of buildings and promotes sustainable design and construction practices. GRIHA assesses buildings
based on various criteria related to site selection, design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

Three major components that result in points for GRIHA rating are:

1. Site Selection and Planning:

Location and Accessibility: Points are awarded based on the proximity of the building to public
transportation, amenities, and basic services to reduce the need for private vehicles.

Site Selection: Points are awarded for selecting sites that minimize environmental impact, such
as avoiding ecologically sensitive areas and preserving existing vegetation.

2. Energy Efficiency:

Building Envelope: Points are awarded for the design of the building envelope to optimize
insulation, minimize air leakage, and reduce thermal bridging.

Energy Conservation: Points are awarded for incorporating energy-efficient lighting, HVAC
systems, and appliances to reduce energy consumption.

3. Water Management:

Water Conservation: Points are awarded for implementing water-efficient fixtures and fittings,
rainwater harvesting systems, and water recycling and reuse systems.

Wastewater Management: Points are awarded for treating and reusing wastewater on-site,
reducing the burden on municipal water supply and sewage systems.

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 Explain methods of Harvesting and Conserving energy to achieve a Net Zero
Energy Building.
Harvesting and conserving energy are key strategies for achieving a Net Zero Energy (NZE) building,
where the total energy consumed is equal to the renewable energy generated on-site. Several methods
can be employed to achieve this goal:

1. Passive Design Strategies:

Natural Ventilation: Design buildings to maximize natural airflow and reduce the need for
mechanical cooling.

Daylighting: Maximize natural light penetration to reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Solar Shading: Use overhangs, awnings, or external shading devices to block direct sunlight
and reduce cooling loads.

Thermal Mass: Incorporate high thermal mass materials to absorb and store heat, reducing
heating and cooling loads.

2. Energy-Efficient Building Envelope:

Insulation: Use high-performance insulation to reduce heat transfer through walls, roofs, and
floors.

Windows: Install energy-efficient windows with low-emissivity coatings and insulated frames.

Air Sealing: Seal gaps and cracks in the building envelope to minimize air leakage and improve
thermal performance.

3. Efficient HVAC Systems:

High-Efficiency Equipment: Install HVAC equipment with high energy efficiency ratings, such
as ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

Zoning: Use zoning systems to control heating and cooling in different areas of the building
based on occupancy and usage patterns.

Heat Recovery: Use heat recovery ventilation systems to capture and reuse heat from exhaust
air.

4. Renewable Energy Generation:

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Install solar panels on the roof or facades to generate
electricity from sunlight.

Solar Thermal Systems: Use solar thermal collectors to heat water for domestic use or space
heating.

Wind Turbines: Install small-scale wind turbines to generate electricity from wind energy.

5. Energy Storage:

Battery Storage: Store excess energy generated from renewable sources for use during
periods of low generation or high demand.

Thermal Storage: Use thermal mass or phase change materials to store heat or cold for later
use in heating or cooling systems.

6. Energy Management Systems:

Monitoring and Control: Use advanced energy management systems to monitor energy use in
real-time and optimize energy consumption based on building occupancy and external
conditions.

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 18ARC82 Dec’23/Jan’24
What is a green building rating system? Explain IGBC and GRIHA briefly?
A green building rating system is a tool used to evaluate and certify the environmental performance of
buildings. These systems assess various aspects of a building's design, construction, and operation to
determine its level of sustainability and environmental impact. Two prominent green building rating
systems in India are the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and the Green Rating for Integrated
Habitat Assessment (GRIHA).
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC):

Brief Explanation: The IGBC, part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), is a leading green
building rating system in India.

Focus Areas: IGBC focuses on sustainability in building design, construction, and operation,
addressing energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental
quality, and overall environmental impact.

Certification Levels: IGBC offers various certification levels, including Certified, Silver, Gold, and
Platinum, based on the number of points earned through compliance with green building criteria.

Popular Projects: Many commercial, residential, and institutional buildings in India have received
IGBC certification, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.

Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA):

Brief Explanation: GRIHA is a green building rating system developed by The Energy and
Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of
India.

Focus Areas: GRIHA emphasizes sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, water
conservation, waste management, and indoor environmental quality.

Certification Levels: GRIHA offers ratings from one star to five stars, with higher ratings indicating
superior environmental performance and sustainability.

Adaptability: GRIHA is adaptable to different climatic zones and building types, making it suitable
for a wide range of projects across India.

Both IGBC and GRIHA play a significant role in promoting green building practices in India, encouraging
the construction of sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly buildings.

Explain any four passive design strategies for a building in the tropics.
Passive design strategies are crucial for minimizing energy consumption in buildings in the tropics,
where hot and humid climates prevail. Here are four passive energy design strategies for such
buildings:

Explain any four important reasons why a green building scores over a
conventionally designed building.
Green buildings offer numerous benefits in today's context, addressing key challenges related to
environmental sustainability, public health, and economic resilience. Some of the benefits include:

How can you achieve net zero energy for an office building?
Achieving net zero energy for an office building involves careful planning, design, and implementation
of energy-efficient strategies. Here are steps to achieve net zero energy for an office building:

1. Energy Modeling and Analysis: Conduct energy modeling to understand the building's energy use
and identify potential areas for improvement.

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 2. Passive Design Strategies: Incorporate passive design strategies such as proper orientation,
shading, natural ventilation, and daylighting to reduce the building's energy demand.

3. Energy-Efficient Building Envelope: Use high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows,

and airtight construction to minimize heat gain or loss.

4. Efficient HVAC Systems: Install high-efficiency HVAC systems with energy recovery ventilation,
zoning controls, and programmable thermostats to reduce energy consumption.

5. Renewable Energy Generation: Install rooftop solar panels or wind turbines to generate renewable
energy on-site. Consider the building's energy needs and available space for optimal system
sizing.

6. Energy Storage: Implement energy storage solutions, such as battery systems or thermal storage,
to store excess energy generated from renewable sources for use during peak demand periods.

7. Energy Monitoring and Management: Use advanced energy monitoring and management systems
to track energy use in real-time, identify areas for improvement, and optimize energy consumption.

8. Occupant Engagement: Educate building occupants about energy-saving practices and

encourage them to participate in energy conservation efforts.

9. Lifecycle Analysis: Consider the lifecycle impacts of materials and systems used in the building to
minimize embodied energy and environmental impact.

10. Commissioning and Ongoing Maintenance: Regularly commission and maintain building systems
to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.

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