In operation since 2014, this is India’s first net zero energy building. It’s a building under the Central Government of India, that serves as headquarters for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The purpose of its construction? – To raise awareness on the need for more ‘zero energy buildings’ across India which are water and energy efficient. Such buildings create the means to renew and use energy on-site. These means can comprise installation of solar cells, solar thermal collectors that link with thermal storage equipment, wind turbines and other such technologies for renewable energy. The Indira Paryavaran Bhawan represents a significant achievement in energy efficiency, environmental consciousness and sustainability.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the IPB seamlessly integrates passive and active strategies to significantly reduce energy consumption while maximising the comfort of building users inside. At the helm of this groundbreaking project is the adoption of solar passive design principles and energy-efficient building materials, making it a shining example of sustainable architecture.
One of the key features of the IPB is its optimal orientation, with blocks facing north-south to harness natural light and ventilation. This thoughtful design suited to accommodate seasonal changes, combined with about 50% vegetation cover outside, ensures that over 75% of the building’s floor space is naturally lit, minimising the need for artificial lighting sources.
The building’s envelope and fenestration are purposefully designed to enhance energy efficiency. It incorporates UPVC windows, high-efficiency glass, terrace tiles with high-reflectance to mitigate heat ingress and rock wool insulation. It is further supplemented by the use of locally available materials like AAC blocks with fly-ash, stone and ferro-cement jaali, Bamboo-Jute composite doors and local stone flooring.
In addition to its energy-saving components, the IPB integrates a slew of renewable energy technologies that contribute in making it a net-zero energy building. The installation of a rooftop solar PV system in an area of 4,600 sq. m. enables the building to generate 14 lakh Unit kWh annually, covering its entire energy requirement. Renewable energy technologies, including efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with a rated capacity of 930 kWp, are integrated into the building design to generate onsite energy.
The architecture of IPB prioritises water conservation through the recycling of wastewater and the use of low-flow fixtures, reducing overall water consumption by 64%. Efficient irrigation techniques and native plants such as Amaltas, Kusum, Chukrasia and Kachnar, further minimise the building’s impact on water resources, promoting ecological care.
For comfort of the user, the building employs various strategies, including natural ventilation with stack and cross techniques, shaded circulation spaces, and an innovative chilled beam air conditioning system. By circulating chilled water right up to the diffuser, this system achieves more than 50% savings in energy consumption compared to traditional air conditioning methods. Further, openable windows in conditioned areas allow for the utilisation of favorable outdoor conditions, considerably reducing the building’s reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
Accommodating a futuristic approach in design, the IPB features a fully automated robotic car parking system for 330 cars, with a single car retrieval time of just 3 minutes. This futuristic solution not only optimizes space but also reduces congestion and emissions associated with traditional parking structures.
Awarded with the GRIHA 5-star rating and LEED platinum certification, the IPB stands as a testament to India’s commitment to sustainable development. Its innovative design, combined with its net-zero energy features, serves as a blueprint for future green buildings, inspiring a shift towards more environmentally conscious construction practices.
The Indira Paryavaran Bhawan is where sustainability takes centre stage and leads the way in offering concrete solutions in building design. As the first-of-its-kind in India, it not only showcases the potential of buildings that are driven by the goal to ‘go green’ but also underscores the urgent need for sustainable development in the face of climate change.
References:
- https://moef.gov.in/moef/about-the-ministry/indira-paryavaran-bhawan/index.html
- https://www.grihaindia.org/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/pdf/case-studies/Indira-Paryavaran-Bhawani.pdf
- https://www.grihaindia.org/indias-first-net-zero
- https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/sustainable-architecture/a3289-5-net-zero-buildings-around-the-world/
- https://c2e2.unepccc.org/kms_object/first-zero-energy-building-in-india/
- https://cdn.cseindia.org/userfiles/Ar%20Deependra%20Prashad_DPAP.pdf
- https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/features/story/cleantech-indira-paryavaran-bhawan-india-first-zero-energy-building-53432-2015-08-02
Comments