ACE Update January 2017

Vol 6 Issue 12 • Pages 44 • January 1, 2017 • `100/-

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A C E UPDATE

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ENGINEERING

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The 2016 crème de la crème n Impacts of demonetisation on n Indian PEB industry Prefabulous ‘Housing for All’ n HVAC challenges for n high-rise Glass: It’s clearly safe n

An I-Tech Media Publication

What makes concrete a sustainable building material?

Contents

SNEAK PEEK The 2016 crème de la crème

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Industry analysis Impacts of demonetisation on Indian 22 PEB industry HVAC challenges for high-rise 28

Feature Prefabulous ‘Housing for All’ 30

The Big Architect “We are suffering from foreigner mania” 16 - Architect Hafeez Contractor

Green Buildings India ranks third among top 10 countries for LEED green buildings

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expert column Glass: It’s clearly safe 36

Promotional Feature Quality construction with speed 39 K-LITE introduces LED Landscape - Redefined

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Somany Ceramics enters smart 40 and intelligent toilet market

event Smart Green Summit and Awards showcases sustainable living

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BuildMat 2017 set for huge turnout

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Editorial

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword

www.aceupdate.com

I-Tech Media Pvt Ltd, 15/2, 2nd Floor, Chandroday Co-Op Society, Swastik Park, CST Road, Chembur, Mumbai - 400071. (India) Tel.: +91-22-65556045/46 GROUP EDITOR* Subhajit Roy Email: editor@aceupdate.com

EDITORIAL Kshitija Kolhapure Zaid Lakdawala

ADVERTISING Radha Poptani Email: radha@i-techmedia.com Call: +91-9820951287

SUBSCRIPTION subscribe@aceupdate.com Tel.: +91-22-65556045/46 *responsible for selection of news under PRB Act

For years, concrete has been an integral part of building construction. Today its application got diversified in to large-scale infrastructure development especially in the roads and bridges sector. The government announced that all new road projects of the Centre will use concrete in place of traditional bitumen roads because cement roads are considered as cost-effective and require less maintenance. In this issue, we have a comprehensive analysis on what makes concrete a sustainable building material. Experts have revealed that although the production of concrete leads to considerable CO2 emissions, it can still be a good choice from an environmental point of view because of longevity, low maintenance costs and higher thermal heat capacity.

Undeniably, demonetisation is the most talked of 2016 as far as India is concerned. Our exclusive analysis on impact of demonetisation in PEB sector is worth reading. Industry stalwarts revealed that the brighter days are not too far.

According to government estimates, India has a shortage of 1.88 crore urban homes for the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17) period. In a bid to meet this gap, the central government plans to provide ‘Housing for All’ by 2022. This deadline seems to be too tight! Prefab, due to their unique advantages, can be answer. Read more to learn how prefab can help in meeting India’s housing target.

‘Green’ is more than just a buzzword today. Industries across the world are thriving for achieving ‘sustainability’ from every possible aspect. Staying abreast of this industry trends, construction equipment industry is also focusing on energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. Manufacturers are becoming increasingly committed to make construction equipment more fuel efficient thereby reduce CO2 emissions. The same was exhibited at the recently concluded Bauma Conexpo India 2016 – the international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles held in Gurgaon. Here we present you some of the key highlights of this event.

Hope you will enjoy reading this issue as always. We are keen to hear your comments. Please write to us at editor@aceupdate.com

Printed and published by Subhajit Roy on behalf of I-Tech Media Pvt Ltd. and printed at Print, Process Offset Printers, B-23, Royal Industrial Estate, 5-B, Wadala, Mumbai-400031 and published from I-Tech Media Pvt Ltd. 1, Gayatri, Karumari Amman, Chheda Nagar, Chembur (West), Mumbai - 400089. Editor: Subhajit Roy All rights reserved. While all efforts are made to ensure that the information published is correct, ACE Update holds no responsibility for any unlikely errors that might occur. The information on products and services / technology on offer is being provided for the reference of readers. However, readers are cautioned to make inquiries and take their decisions on purchase or investment after consulting experts on the subject. ACE Update holds no responsibility for any decision taken by readers on the basis of information provided herein. Tel.: +91-22-65556045/46, +91-9821667357

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Bentley Systems, Microsoft join forces to advance connected data environments for infra projects Bentley Systems announced that its new AssetWise CONNECT Edition and ProjectWise CONNECT Edition uniquely support hybrid computing environments across desktops, mobile devices, and in-house servers. Together, ProjectWise CONNECT Edition and AssetWise CONNECT Edition leverage Microsoft’s Azure cloud services to advance beyond common data environments to connected data environments.

“The next step for connected data environments is to enable business- and operational-intelligence analytics to have open and live access to information within digital engineering models in order that “ET” (engineering technologies) can be brought to bear with IT and OT (operational technologies) to improve the throughput, safety, and reliability of infrastructure asset performance,” Bentley’s CEO Greg Bentley said.

David Epp, Director, Global ISV Alliances, Microsoft Corporation, described Microsoft’s advancements and potential contributions. Epp said, “We currently record over

Otis unveils elevators for mass and affordable housing Otis Elevator Company (India) Ltd announced the launch of the Gen2 Premier Machine and Belts Core, an energy efficient elevator designed to meet the needs of the Indian mass and affordable housing segments.

With a speed of 0.7 metre-per-second (MPS) and options of machine-room or machine-room less arrangements, this elevator is ideal for low-rise residential buildings. Affordable homes make up almost 90 per cent of the demand for homes in India.

Built on Otis’ Gen2 technology platform, this latest product offers an upgrade from traditional ropegeared systems to the permanent magnet (PM) gearless-belted technology.

Sebi Joseph, President, Otis India said, “A majority of the Indian residential segment have buildings that are less than 6 to 7 storeys high. The Gen2 Core offers this segment an elevator that is environmentally responsible. As India continues to urbanise we need to look at sustainable solutions, and the Gen2 offers just that through its energy saving and space conservation features.”

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100 trillion objects in Azure Storage. We are leveraging this power as well as other capabilities to help Bentley enhance connected data environments to deliver more value through new technologies and innovations. Through our newest Cognitive Services—from PowerBI to Cortana analytics and deep learning—we hope to help accelerate the realisation of the BIM potential for Bentley users’ digital engineering models. We are proud that Azure can play a strategic role in the advancement of infrastructure project delivery and asset performance through advanced Bentley solutions.”

Azure and CONNECT Edition hybrid environments enable engineering organisations to virtualise their talent—with work-sharing for project delivery and through innovations such as inspectioneering for asset performance. By the same token, Azure cloud service connections enable Bentley Systems to virtualise the contributions of its own professionals anywhere in the world to users’ environments and projects. Enterprise Success Plans can make ProjectWise and/or AssetWise systems administration and ongoing project provisioning the responsibility of dedicated Bentley experts.

JSW Infrastructure forays into port operation in UAE JSW Infrastructure Ltd (JSWIL) recently forayed into its first foreign venture through inking of an agreement with Port of Fujairah (UAE) for management of mechanised bulk cargo handling terminals.

to India’s West Coast ports. It provides great distance advantage, so continuously being used by top Indian steel and cement producing companies for limestone and aggregate imports.

Port of Fujairah is one of the largest deep drafts all weather ports in the UAE and currently handles approximately 100 MTPA which is poised to increase to 150 MTPA in next two years. It seamlessly handles a variety of cargoes such as dry and liquid bulk, crude, break bulk and containers.

At this port, Container Terminals are managed by DP World and henceforth JSWIL will manage Mechanised Bulk Cargo Terminals and enhance port’s efficiency and throughput and reduce operating cost.

JSW Infrastructure is one of the fastest growing port companies in India. It has participated in economic growth story of India and invested & developed world class infrastructure to serve the rising infrastructure needs of the country. It has developed a greenfield multi-cargo port at Jaigarh in Ratnagiri District. It also operates terminals at Mormugao Port, Goa and Dharamtar Port in Raigarh District totalling present capacity of more than 45 MTPA.

Commencing operations in 1983, Port of Fujairah has since then developed facilities for handling several types of cargo and bunkering operations. The port has second largest bunkering facility in the world. It is located on UAE’s East Coast and nearest

Last year, JSW Infrastructure Limited had won the PPP bid for development of iron ore export terminal and coal export terminal at Paradip Port. The company expects these terminals to be operational in FY 2018-19 and adding another approximate 48 MTPA capacity.

Mahesh Ramanujam named USGBC President and CEO The USGBC Board of Directors announced that Mahesh Ramanujam has completed the transition into his new role as president and CEO of USGBC. He will also serve as President and CEO of USGBC’s sister organisation, GBCI. Formerly USGBC’s COO, Ramanujam takes the reins from Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC’s founding chair, who had previously announced plans to leave the organisation toward the end of 2016.

“It is an incredible honour for me to lead and serve this impressive and dynamic organisation,” said Ramanujam. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continually develop and enhance USGBC’s capabilities and performance to ensure we deliver the future that our founders envisioned—transforming the way our buildings and communities are designed, built and operated so they enable a healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life for people everywhere.”

“We look forward to Mahesh’s leadership of USGBC and GBCI,” said Fiona Cousins, USGBC Board Chair. “Mahesh has already contributed a great deal to the organisation and brings a strong mixture of vision and pragmatism to the organisation that will be crucial as the organisation, and the world, continues to change.”

Rustomjee inks MoU with NSDC to skill 10K construction worker Rustomjee Group signed a MoU with The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to skill 10,000 employees working in the construction sector.

Percy Chowdhry,Director,Rustomjee Group exchanging MoU with Mr.Manish Kumar,Managing Director & CEO, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

These employees would undertake special projects at International Migration Centres to train 5,000 construction workers, training them to service international markets and set up centres of excellence, the company said.

Speaking on the occasion, Boman R Irani, Chairman and Managing Director, Rustomjee Group said, “We commenced our skill development initiative in 2012 with a long-term vision of developing and placing India’s talent pool on the world map. We are delighted that our Prime Minister and NSDC have shown faith in Rustomjee to take this journey forward. We take immense pride for Rustomjee Academy for Global Careers (RAGC) to be a part of such a magnificent endeavour of providing a platform for various employees and youth in the country to excel in their careers and achieve their dreams.”

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Mahesh brings a strong focus on serving the underserved and a drive to broaden and deepen USGBC’s market transformation efforts.

Ramanujam joined USGBC in 2009 as senior vice president of technology, and was named COO in September 2011. In December 2012, he was also named president of GBCI. In 2015, when Fedrizzi announced his plans to leave USGBC toward the end of 2016, the USGBC Board of Directors named Ramanujam as incoming CEO. Prior to joining USGBC, Ramanujam was COO for Emergys, a business transformation consulting firm in North Carolina.

Before that, he was a consultant to IBM, serving as part of the team that led various business transformation initiatives, including the sale of IBM PC systems to Lenovo and its printer divisions to Ricoh. Ramanujam is a native of Chennai and holds a bachelor’s of engineering degree in computer sciences from Annamalai University, where he began his career in software and systems analysis and product development.

RIPL partners with Graphisoft and launched ARCHICAD in India India’s one of the leading IT and infrastructure consulting firm Rudrabhishek Infosystem Pvt Ltd (RIP) has partner with Hungary based leading software company Graphisoft Budapest and re-launched the most proficient software for the ACE Industry professionals “ARCHICAD” in Indian market.

RIPL and Graphisoft also organised a conference on Building Information Modelling (BIM). The aim of the conference was to bring together the government officials and Building Information Modelling Industry experts around the region to present and discuss on the latest development in BIM Technology and its dynamic impact on Designing Architectural Engineering and Construction Industry.

RIPL Director Ms Soumya Das said, “We are glad to be associated with Graphisoft, Hungary and hope this partnership will take the ARCHICAD to the next

level in India, and it will gain the same market share as it has internationally.

It is the most advanced software available worldwide and will help Indian professionals to enhance their skills and deliver the best of the project.”

She further adds, “As of now, we have got the marketing and distributions rights for North, East and North-east market.

Innovative product like ARCHICAD will not only upgrade the work quality but also take less time to design and improve the accuracy of the project. The right smart usages of technology like BIM will act as a catalyst in the market and boost the Indian infrastructure industry”.

Ms Eniko Pauko, Implementation Specialist, Graphisoft, said, “By transforming the quality of information used in building industry, ARCHICAD aims to change construction practice completely and would make great change in Indian real estate scenario as well”.

SNEAK PEEK

The 2016

crème de la crème Here’s presenting a sneak peek of Bauma Conexpo India 2016

15th December 2016, curtain comes down on Bauma Conexpo India 2016 – the international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles held in Gurgaon. The 4-day long extravaganza came to an end after showcasing the best product innovations of 2016.

More than 31,000 participants and 647 exhibitors— of which 57 per cent were international companies—from 30 countries came to the fourth edition of the trade fair, which occupied a total of 150,000 square meters of space, the organisers claimed. Igor Palka, CEO of bC Expo India is pleased that “positive developments in the Indian market” were noticeable at the show.

Here we present to you some glimpses.

Ajax Fiori launches new concrete pump

CASE launches new dozers and soil compactor In line with company’s endeavor to consistently launch and upgrade innovative machines to ensure the best fuel efficiency, longer life cycle expectancy, minimal operating costs and high operator comfort, CASE Construction Equipment extended its range of dozers and enters the 12-13 tonne, 16-18 tonne and 20-21 tonne classes with three new models. It also upgraded the 1107EX soil vibratory compactor, the best in the industry, further raising the bar on its performance, fuel economy, comfort and safety Abhijit Gupta, Brand Leader, CASE Construction Equipment India said, “On the heels of a successful entry in the motor grader segment, the dozers will mark our next step towards providing best technology in heavy line construction equipment in India. The new 1107EX Soil Compactor will further cement our leadership position in this segment keeping up with the evolving customer needs.”

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The three new models, 1150L, 1650L and 2050M, ranging from 13 to 20 tons operating weight, are powered by a 6.7-litre 6-cylinder engine engineered by FPT Industrial, the sister powertrain brand to CASE Construction Equipment within the CNH Industrial group, which manufactures world-class diesel engine technologies.

The CASE 1107EX soil compactor features a new FPT Industrial S8000 3.9 litre engine that delivers 100 hp at 2,200 rpm and torque of 435 Nm at 1,300 rpm. The turbo after cooled engine with internal Exhaust Gas Recirculation ensures best-in-class fuel economy.

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In keeping with its commitment of delivering innovative concrete equipment solutions to its customers, Ajax Fiori unveiled the latest addition to its product range at Bauma Conexpo India 2016. The JSP50 Concrete Pump was launched by Jagadish Bhat, CEO of Ajax Fiori in the presence of customers and various stakeholders.

Ajax Fiori entered the concrete pump industry in 2013, with two models, the JSP 40 and the JSP 70 with a pumping capacity of 40 cu.m/hr and 70 cu.m/hr respectively. The newly introduced JSP 50, with a pumping capacity of upto 50 cu.m/ hr, features the robust “S” valve technology, durable components and upgrades such as Auto Lubrication, Remote control etc.

Ajax Fiori has continued to focus on providing the right machines for all concreting needs. The company’s products are a familiar sight at various infrastructure development projects such as roads, railways, irrigation, building construction to name a few. Today, Ajax Fiori has around 8,000 plants and machines working across the country.

JSP 50 at Ajax Fiori bC India stall

SNEAK PEEK

JCB introduces 7 new products in larger equipment category “With the introduction of 7 new products, JCB is transforming into a full range infrastructure equipment partner. We have introduced a range of innovative machines many of which are in the larger equipment category. All of these revolutionary products are aimed at maximising productivity and profitability for our customers. These machines will be used in several sectors like Roads and Highways, Mining, Ports, Irrigation projects etc and will contribute towards building of India’s infrastructure,” said Vipin Sondhi, MD and CEO, JCB India.

It also launched the 5.5T Wheeled Loader, the 455ZX and the 11T Soil Compactor, the VM116 at the event. The event also saw JCB launch the new and versatile 2DX Backhoe Loader.

Earthmoving and construction equipment manufacturing giant JCB India unveiled seven new products in the larger equipment category. In the Excavators, it launched the JCB 30Plus (3T Mini Excavator), the JCB 220LC Xtra (22T Tracked Excavator), the JCB 305LC (30T Tracked Excavator) and the JCB 370LC (37T Hydraulic Excavator).

With Internet of Things (IoT) becoming an important part of our daily lives, visitors had a chance to witness this technology firsthand through JCB’s Livelink, an innovative and advanced telematics technology that enables users to remotely monitor machines. It maximises the productivity of the machines by providing real time alerts on service, operation and security benefits to the machines owners, the company said.

L&T, Komatsu launch new Motor Grader, Hydraulic Excavator

Heralding the ‘Make in India’ concept, L&T had on display L&T 1190 Soil Compactor, L&T 990HF Tandem Compactor and L&T 9020 Wheel Loader, which have been manufactured by L&T Construction Equipment Ltd indigenously.

Vipin Sondhi, MD and CEO, JCB India Limited at the launch of JCB’s biggest excavator in India at Bauma ConExpo 2016

Liebherr’s ‘Made in India’ crane makes debut Liebherr announced the world premiere of a new series of top-slewing cranes with a flat-top design: the NC-B cranes. With 6 tonnes of maximum lifting capacity, 62.50 metres maximum radius, 501 metres maximum hook height; the new cranes are specifically developed to meet the requirements for use in conurbations in emerging economies like India.

Larsen & Toubro and Komatsu unveiled GD535-5 Motor Grader and PC350LC Hydraulic Excavator at Bauma Conexpo India 2016 held in Gurgaon.

Komatsu GD535-5 Motor Grader is a new-generation machine and upgraded version of GD511, which was hitherto highly popular in the contractor segment. The machine meets the emission norms of Bharat Stage-III. Some of its features are – ROPS canopy with excellent visibility, large fuel filter for enhanced performance, easy to refuel from the ground level, longer wheelbase and short turning radius, elevated battery bay to prevent dust penetration, scarifier attachment to handle hard surfaces, and dual mode transmission – lockup torque convertor (auto mode) and direct drive (manual mode). The machine is fitted with 145 HP engine and has operating weight of 13,820 kg.

Komatsu PC350LC-7 Hydraulic Excavator has been fitted with heavy-duty undercarriage that includes double flange track roller, heavy duty track link sprocket guard and travel motor guard. The machine is fitted with 242 hp engine and weighs 34,500 kg. It is expected to meet the good demand for 35-tonne class excavators arising in the marble and stone segment.

“NC-B 6-62 tower crane is engineered in Germany and being manufactured in India at the company’s Pune plant to meet the very specific needs of India and neighbouring countries,” said Dr. Gerold Dobler, Head - Corporate Communications, Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH. The new 16 EC tower system has been developed for these cranes. The first two models in the new series can cover a wide range of construction projects in these areas. The 9-tonne version is ideal for hoisting heavy prefabricated components – for example for building shopping centres, production plants and car parks. The 6-tonne NC-B 6-62 crane, meanwhile, is perfect for erecting tower blocks in inner city areas where they work with low load weights but enormous hook heights.

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SNEAK PEEK

SCHWING Stetter unveils heavyduty stationary pump

Volvo launches new asphalt compactor in India

To meet the requirement of high-rise pumping, concrete equipment manufacturer SCHWING Stetter India (SSI) introduced a heavy-duty stationary pump SP 4507.

Volvo Construction Equipment unveiled its new double drum asphalt compactor DD90B that provides flexibility to handle varying conditions, widths and flexible pavement compaction applications.

This advanced pump bridges the gap between SP3800 and SP4800 capacity pumps. This will cater to high-rise segment where the present challenges of pumping the mix with stiff consistencies at a faster rate to around 300 metres vertical.

The Volvo DD90B is built in India and powered by Bharat Stage-III (CEV) emissions regulations. This compactor is engineered to deliver the compaction performance necessary to accommodate the heavy volumes of traffic that the sub-continent’s roads often carry. “Using extensive knowledge and experience, Volvo CE built the new model to ensure that compaction rates and pavement final density are suitable for a variety of operational circumstances, delivering high quality output,” informed Dimitrov Krishnan, Vice President & Head, Volvo CE in India.

The pump develops 203 bar pressure on concrete and delivers an output of 54 m3/hr in high pressure configuration. The pump kit and rock valve of the SP 4507 each has its own hydraulic circuit that helps to handle high grade mix.

Technocraft launches MACH range of scaff & formworks Technocraft announced the launch of MACH range of Scaffolding and Formworks solutions manufactured in India especially for the Indian market.

Navneet Saraf, Director, Technocraft Industries (India) Ltd said, “We are now launching the MACH range of Scaffolding and Formworks solutions incorporating the same high standards of quality for the Indian market. The brand name MACH would be synonymous with quality and dependability in scaffolding and formworks solutions.”

The MACH range of scaffolding and formworks solutions fulfill every need in construction and infrastructure building. They are manufactured with superlative precision and finish and tested and proven to be truly international in quality and function. Also, they are designed to be assembled and dismantle with speed, ease and total safety.

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Built for power and efficiency, the Volvo DD90B combines high centrifugal force, heavy drum weight and variable amplitude to produce the energy necessary for excellent compaction. With the choice of dual amplitudes and frequencies, the 9-tonne double drum asphalt compactor delivers a smooth, finished mat in fewer passes for optimum productivity and profitability.

To prevent pavement surface flaws, the drums are precisely machined to full-width concentricity, while the drums’ profile reduces edge marks as well as the need for finish-rolling operations. The automatic vibration start and stop system, Smart Vibration, also prevents surface damage to ensure a flawless finish. Utilising dual frequencies and dual amplitudes, performance can be matched to a wider variety of applications for increased productivity, the company said.

Volvo DD90B

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The Big Architect II INTERVIEW

“We are suffering from foreigner mania”

From a private developer to a government official – everyone is giving his/her projects to foreigners. We should curtail this phenomenon.

- Architect Hafeez Contractor Architect Hafeez Contractor

I

n an interview with ACE Update, Architect Hafeez Contractor shares a different perspective to the smart cities programme. He also talks on why we do not have any iconic or great Government buildings post independence.

With a host of new smart cities coming up in the next few years, how do you see this as an opportunity for architectural firms?

Yes it is definitely a great opportunity for architectural firms. As far as smart cities are concerned I am not that much in favour of making 100 smart cities. I definitely agree when beloved Prime Minister said that we should make smart cities and more of an urban area. I would suggest that we should have only five or six mega smart cities and they should be connected to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai so that all the existing facilities and the infrastructure can be utilised and shared. If we make 100 smart cities they will be of what population?

When we make a city from say 2 million to 5 million will it be able to hold such huge population and yet have structure of international standards. If you make a city for country like ours, say for a population of 30 million; they should be really dense. We should have infrastructure of the quality that can surpass cities like London and New York. If we start making small cities we are always going to be scrounging on what should be there.

We must realise that India is one of the most populated countries in the world. We have to conserve our land.

By making so many smart cities we gobble up the most precious land which is next to a small town and which we want to make into a big town as well as we gobble up most of the farmland. We have to conserve the farmland because once we start becoming developed we should not

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have food as an issue. Next thing I would like to point out is that all the upcoming mega cities about should be at a place where water is abundantly available.

In addition, we are suffering from foreigner mania and blonde mania. From a private developer to a government official – everyone is giving his/her projects to foreigners.

We should curtail this phenomenon – everyone has to be aware that we Indian can also do and are doing much better cities and projects. The government takes out tender conditions in such a way that there are no cities developed so why do they keep such tender conditions.

We have designed projects as huge as having area 150-200 acres and they should consider we can also design cities.

What should be in the core of design process?

Design is a process and we do design for different people, at different times and with different requirements. The philosophy of design has to keep on changing and has to change to suit the client requirements. As an architect I firmly feel that taking only selected projects is not a good thing. That is just when you want to make a name for yourself. You should be able to take up any project with all different constraints and yet design a successful project.

Why we do not have any iconic or great government buildings post independence?

Since 70 years of post independence we do not have many great government buildings because we always go for the lowest and the cheapest bids which according to me should not be the scenario. The design bidding the lowest does not necessarily have a good design. So firstly we should analyse competitions and the person submitting the best design should be awarded the project. n

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Concrete II Cover Story

Analysing how concrete can be a sustainable building material

S ustainable

building material is an ongoing trend in the construction industry. It not only reduces the costs but it gives another big incentive by reducing the carbon footprint and keeping a clean environment. Concrete is one such building materials that has created its own space in sustainable building material due to its versatile applications and qualities. This article will describe how concrete can be a sustainable building material.

Concrete is an all-time friendly substance. Its durable and versatile applications make its usage ubiquitous throughout the cities. “From raw material production to demolition, concrete makes a natural choice for sustainable home construction. It is also a cementitious material that meets or exceeds the functional performance capabilities of ordinary Portland cement by incorporating and optimising recycled materials, thereby reducing consumption of natural raw materials, water, and energy, resulting in a more sustainable construction material,� describes Rohan Agarwal, Managing Director, Geopreneur.

Some benefits of using concrete for sustainable building material can help in resource efficiency; the predominant raw material for the cement in concrete is limestone as it’s the most abundant mineral on earth. This helps maintaining longlasting, rust free building that are durable. The use of concrete increases the life span by double

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or triple of other common building materials. The other advantage includes the thermal mass. They are highly energy efficient because they take advantages of concrete thermal mass ability to absorb and retain heat. Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener structures, the common objective of green buildings is to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by efficiently using energy, water, and other resources, protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity and reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation. However, Agarwal suggests, the concept of concrete is very new for the Indian market and it is essential to create as much as awareness as possible about the benefits of

Rohan Agarwal, Managing Director, Geopreneur

The concept of concrete is very new for the Indian market and it is essential to create as much as awareness as possible about the benefits of concrete.

Cover Story II Concrete concrete to encourage developers to start using it over the regular cement.

Concrete is a perfect option for construction believes Kishor Pate, CMD, Amit Enterprises Housing Ltd. He says, “Concrete is an eminently environment friendly building material during the entire span of its life cycle, beginning from its production as a raw material right until it is demolished. This renders it the perfect and obvious building option for the construction of sustainable homes.”

Concrete is used in erecting buildings which are not subject to rust, burn or otherwise degrade. In fact, buildings built with concrete have twice or even thrice the life-span of buildings erected with the use of any other construction material. Life spans for concrete building products can be double or triple those of other common building materials.

“The use of concrete in forming the foundation, floors and walls in a building renders the building extremely energy-efficient, since concrete has the advantage of being able to absorb and retain heat. In other words, people who live in homes built of concrete save significantly on both cooling and heating bills. In a concrete building, one can install air conditioners of lower capacity, resulting in significant electricity savings.

Also, concrete reduces the incidence of processes that result in urban heat islands. When concrete, which is inherently light in colour, is used in building pavements and roofs, the end result is that less heat is absorbed and more incoming solar radiation,” informs Pate.

materials. This quality can be used to reduce the amount of energy for heating and cooling during the life time of a building.”

On the other hand concrete restricts a fire, and so reduces the risk of environmental pollution. It provides built-in fire protection there is normally no need for additional measures. It can resist extreme fire conditions, making it ideal for storage premises with a high fire load. It does not produce any smoke or toxic gases, so helps reduce the risk to occupants. Concrete is easy to repair after a fire, and so helps businesses recover sooner.

Finally, concrete as a building material result in the least waste of raw building materials, as it can be manufactured and used in the actual quantities required to build a building or other project. Once a building or structure built of concrete has completed its life-cycle or fulfilled the purpose for which it was erected, the concrete can be recycled into aggregate which can then be used to lay concrete pavements or provide an underlying base for roads.

Although the production of concrete leads to considerable CO2 emissions, concrete can still be a good choice from an environmental point of view, believes Yatin Joshi, HeadAlccofine, Ambuja Cements Ltd. Citing reasons he adds, “Concrete is strong and has a long service life. These qualities combined contribute to low maintenance costs. Concrete has a higher thermal heat capacity than lighter building

Yatin Joshi, Head-Alccofine, Ambuja Cements Ltd

Concrete pavement roads are bright examples of sustainable construction over bitumen roads.

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Concrete II Cover Story

Concrete is a friend of the environment in all stages of its life span.

Shridhara.C.N, Head-Technical & Marketing, Preca Solutions.

concrete is limestone, the most abundant mineral on earth. Concrete can also be made with fly ash, slag cement, and silica fume, all waste byproducts from power plants, steel mills, and other manufacturing facilities.

Durability: Concrete builds durable, long-lasting structures that will not rust, rot, or burn. Life spans for concrete building products can be double or triple those of other common building materials.

“Concrete pavement roads are bright examples of sustainable construction over bitumen roads. Concrete roads have stood test of time for decades,” assures Joshi.

Alccofine micro materials improves the quality of concrete manifolds and make it more durable and sustainable.

Shridhara.C.N, Head-Technical and Marketing, Preca Solutions, says, “Concrete is a friend of the environment in all stages of its life span, from raw material production to demolition, making it a natural choice for sustainable home construction.”

Here are some of the reasons why concrete is a sustainable building material according to the Portland Cement Association and the Environmental Council of Concrete Organisations: Resource efficiency: The predominant raw material for the cement in

Concrete has the advantage of being able to absorb and retain heat.

Kishor Pate, CMD - Amit Enterprises Housing Ltd

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Thermal mass: Homes built with concrete walls, foundations, and floors are highly energy efficient because they take advantage of concretes inherent thermal mass or ability to absorb and retain heat. This means homeowners can significantly cut their heating and cooling bills and install smaller-capacity HVAC equipment.

Reflectivity: Concrete minimises the effects that produce urban heat islands. Light-coloured concrete pavements and roofs absorb less heat and reflect more solar radiation than dark-coloured materials, such as asphalt, reducing air conditioning demands in the summer.

Ability to retain storm water: Paved surfaces tend to be impervious and can block natural water infiltration into the soil. This creates an imbalance in the natural ecosystem and leads to problems such as erosion, flash floods, water table depletion, and pollution.

Pervious concrete is a special type of structural concrete with a sponge-like network of voids that water passes through readily. When used for driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and other pavements, pervious concrete can help to retain storm water runoff and replenish local water supplies.

Minimal waste: Concrete can be produced in the quantities needed for each project, reducing waste. After a concrete structure has served its original purpose, the concrete can be crushed and recycled into aggregate for use in new concrete pavements or as backfill or road base. n

PEB II Industry analysis

Impacts of demonetisation on Indian PEB industry

Analysis on the impacts of demonetisation on Indian PEB industry

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he government has recently announced demonetisation in the country declaring that the use of ` 500 and 1000 banknotes would be invalid from 8 November 2016. Simultaneously the government also announced the issuance of new ` 500 and 2000 banknotes in the exchange of old notes. It stated that the demonetisation is an effort to end the corruption, to crack down black money etc. Undoubtedly this is a good step to lead the country in a right direction however due to demonetisation the country faced severe liquidity crunch which have ultimately affected many businesses including construction.

Impact of demonetisation Impact of demonetisation can be both good or bad.

Let us understand how demonetisation has an impact on PEB industry and how PEB industry will balance the impact. “Since the PEB industry is mostly driven by CAPEX investments of different industry segments where in companies invest in future expansion only when demand exceeds supply, PEB industry is also impacted due to the ongoing demonetisation which has led to severe cash crunch in the market. However, the impact of the reduced money supply will lead to deflation or contraction in demand or a mix of both will vary from sector to sector and for different tine periods based on the nature of goods and services. This will adversely impact the consumption demand in the economy in the short term as people hold back the purchases and buy only key essential items or things required to meet their day-to-day requirements,” briefs D Raju, Managing Director, Kirby Building Systems – India on the impacts of demonetisation on Indian PEB industry.

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Indian GDP growth will be affected in both the quarters Q3 and Q4. RBI has already reduced the GDP growth from earlier projection of 7.6 per cent to current estimate of 7.1 per cent for the year 201617. Moreover, this expected impact on GDP may not be significant as some of this demand will only be deferred and will re-enter the stream once the cash situation becomes normal. The economy will benefit from the reduction of the black money, which will lead to higher tax collection, better business environment, less corruption and transparency in the long term resulting in higher GDP growth. “This will enable the PEB industry to grow much faster and we are positive about this in the year 2017 with Kirby India poised to grow much higher and contribute to India’s sustainable infrastructure development and be a part of the country’s growth story in coming years,” says Raju on being optimistic about the PEB industry.

Demonetisation may have affected the PEB industry still the industry is trying to balance the situation and

D Raju, MD, Kirby Building Systems India Pvt Ltd

PEB industry is also impacted due to the ongoing demonetisation which has led to severe cash crunch in the market.

Industry analysis II PEB

Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Managing Director, Richa Industries Ltd.

The demonetisation has shuddered every part of the country.

But it’s too early to judge anything right now.

PEB is an essential component of the housing sector believes Kishor Pate, CMD, Amit Enterprises Housing Ltd. He says, “The demonetisation move has put a general dampener on all construction activity, including the PEB industry. For now, the entire construction industry is trying to regain equilibrium in an environment which was previously driven by cash payments to a significant extent. However, one must also keep in mind that the PEB industry is one of the most critical components of the affordable housing sector, since it enables homes to be built at lower costs and in much faster time-frames.

The government is now deliberating offering fresh incentives to both developers and buyers of affordable housing by ways of rationalised interest rates, and this will significantly boost the demand for PEB solutions in the future.”

Announcement of demonetisation of currency has kept many transaction on hold as well as the there is reduction the sales which has affected the PEB industry reveals Rohan Agarwal, MD Geopreneur Group. He states, “The PEB industry will be affected the same way the real estate industry will be affected. Due to demonetisation, the sales of PEB industry will also get slow due to the law passed by the government for demonetising the currency of ` 500 and 1000 which has kept many transactions on hold. The government authorities who demand cash for passing plans will be on a standstill, until the way is figured out for the same. Due to the reduction in the pace of sales, the construction will be slow and henceforth, the PEB industry will be affected.”

from a tough year after China and Russia flooded the country with cheap imports. “Coming to PEB industry, I don’t foresee a total decline or negative impact as such.

The demonetisation exercise had both good and bad on every sector. With this move, the citizenry and country as a whole is slowing but steadily moving towards digital economy and people are accommodating with online payment systems even for small purchases.

This has a significant positive impact on e-commerce companies and organised retailers. With the growth in the e-commerce segment and organised retailers, the demand for logistics infrastructure like warehousing will rise to its peak, which is a huge opportunity for PEB business. With the abundance of cash through tax collections, the government is expected to improve the infrastructure facilities to global standards as part of its smart city and swachh bharat missions. Any positive impact on infrastructure segment would yield benefit to steel and PEB industries which needs no debate,” briefs P V Rao, Managing Director, Pennar Engineered Building Systems Ltd. He also said, due to demonetisation the banks are flooded with cash surplus. The centre and RBI are expected to take measures to reduce the interest rates and ease the credit availability to the new entrepreneurs, which will fall in-line with the India’s

P V Rao, Managing Director, Pennar Engineered Building Systems Ltd

I don’t foresee a total decline or negative impact as such.

The demonetisation exercise had both good and bad on every sector.

The demonetisation drive by the government a month ago aimed at eradicating black money and bringing the country under the tax net has hit consumption in the cash economy. The steel industry was just emerging

Kishor Pate, CMD - Amit Enterprises Housing Ltd

The demonetisation move has put a general dampener on all construction activity, including the PEB industry.

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PEB II Industry analysis thrust on manufacturing sector and the Make-in-India initiative. Thus, PEB players would benefit in gaining good order book for industrial buildings, structural steel etc. Further the implementation of GST would lead to expansion of organised sector. However, in shortrun, the there is a drastic impact on business across all segments especially construction sector.

Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Managing Director, Richa Industries Ltd says, if talk about PEB sector specifically there are lot many activities involved in which cash transaction play vital role, due to sudden stoppage of currency slowed down the procurement and dispatch processes with the due course of time it is expected that things will be picked up and expected to have minor impact on day to day activity.

“On the other hand, most of the major investments are kept on hold, people try to avoid huge investments and keep their hands back from any diversification or expansions, which has impacted PEB industry to grab new projects specially in private sectors,” adds Dr. Gupta.

Smaller firms are facing more issues than the popular manufacturers as they just entered the market and

Rohan Agarwal, MD Geopreneur Group

Due to demonetisation, the sales of PEB industry will also get slow due to the law passed by the government for demonetising the currency.

had to pay a heavy price. Many small sectors affected a lot due to same. The major problem will be for less educated or uneducated business man who is not very acquainted with digital transactions.

“The demonetisation has shuddered every part of the country. But it’s too early to judge anything right now, we must say it will take another 1 year to get the things come on right track and analyse the impact of same in near future. Every sector is affected somewhere due to this move but for betterment of country this minor and short term discomfort can be carried on,” feels Dr. Gupta. n

Mtandt to invest ` 70 Cr into manufacturing and rental Gopal Modi, Group Executive Director, Production and Purchase, Mtandt Limited said, “We will be setting up state-of-the-art production facility for manufacturing PortaDeck portable road, Aardwolf No Limit unlimited scaffolding solution and will scale up production of Aardwolf Quickfit mobile aluminium scaffoldings keeping in view increasing demand from industrial, construction and defence segment.”

Sanjay Khanna, President, Mtandt Rental Limited adds, “We will be enhancing our rental fleet inventory by bringing in more new machines to keep the fleet young and give contractors access to the most modern, safe and environmentally friendly equipment without the capital outlay. We are investing in capital equipment service and refurbishing facility to serve our customer in better way.”

Mtandt group specialised in manufacturing, distribution, renting, service and training of capital equipment.

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he Mtandt Group, one of the pioneers in bringing Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) and portable roads in India, announced investment of Rs 70 crore into setting up manufacturing facility and enhancing rental equipment inventory.

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“It is our intention to continue to grow. After seeing first two quarters result we can say the group will continue to grow at better rates than the market growth,” said Modi. n

Industry report II Smart Cities

Finance execs at municipal bodies optimistic about smart cities: ACCA

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ver 70 per cent of executives from the accounts and finance departments at various municipal corporations across the country are cautiously optimistic about the government’s ambitious plan to build 100 smart cities, says a 40-city survey conducted by UK-headquartered ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the global body for professional accountants.

Accounting and finance professionals constitute an important component in the roll-out of smart cities as municipal corporations and urban local bodies across India are expected to raise Rs 48,000 crore over the next few years to match the central government’s allocation towards developing such cities.

The survey was conducted with 40 respondents from accounts/finance and another 40 from general operations relevant to that city’s smart city plan during June-July 2016.

Significantly, 73 per cent of the finance executives were cautiously optimistic, while 27 per cent were pessimistic.

However, even those with a pessimistic view described the concept of smart cities as good; their pessimistic view was largely linked to doubts about the realisation of the concept rather than the idea itself.

Respondents also listed the main issues that would critically influence the development of smart cities over the next three years. Fund raising and availability of talent was the top challenge, followed by legal framework (the large number of clearances, documentation for public private partnership (PPP) contracts, etc.), and project management issues linked to tight deadlines set by the Smart Cities Mission. Other concerns included political intervention and coordination – across the centre, state

and municipal government, and between departments within a municipality.

Other key findings of the survey indicated that there is an overall shortage of staff within accounting teams. In half the cities surveyed, between 61 per cent and 70 per cent of permanent posts within accounts and finance lie vacant.

In terms of need for skills enhancement and training for accounting staff ‘budgeting, planning and forecasting’ emerged as a key area requiring attention, followed by ‘cost and expenditure management’ as the second most commonly cited area.

ACCA’s global chief executive Helen Brand OBE, said, ‘Developing smart cities requires a step-change in the way cities are governed and managed. A key part of this improvement will involve capacity building at city level in the field of accounting and finance.’ She added, ‘India requires a shift in the traditional financial reporting role of accountants in local government towards greater emphasis on financial planning, forecasting, scenario planning, commercial awareness, risk management, and skills building to ensure that public services are provided as efficiently as possible.’

Report author Narayanan Vaidyanathan, who develops ACCA’s research and insights with a focus on the future direction of business and accountancy, said, ‘The discourse around smart cities talks extensively about the role of government and technology providers; but there is an important third leg in the picture which is the finance and accountancy community. This report highlights the urgent need for professional accountants to develop their own digital capability and understanding in order to provide the expert guidance (in areas like cost-benefit analysis for example) and strategic counsel necessary to shape the city of the future.’ n

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Real Estate II Industry report

GST to help developers shift focus to affordable housing

GST will lower real estate costs for the affordable segment of housing while increasing costs for the premium segment.

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he Goods and Services Tax (GST) is likely to make real estate developers shift focus of real estate developers towards the high volume, low to medium income segment.

Affordable housing costs could fall and those for the premium segment could rise, says a white paper titled Decoding GST and Real Estate Regulation by RICS, a self-regulatory professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property, construction and associated environment issues, in association with RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University.

“GST will lower real estate costs for the affordable segment of housing while increasing costs for the premium segment.

A large part of the real estate market- almost 70 per cent, is skewed towards middle to high income segment of housing.

We might see developers (especially smaller developers) shift their focus to low income housing to gain from GST,” said Sachin Sandhir, Global Managing Director – Emerging Business, RICS. The white paper explores the nuances of the impact of GST and Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act on the real estate sector and examines specifically if there are any issues that could cause ambiguities or discrepancies in the sector.

Rajiv Ranjan, Joint Secretary, (Housing), Ministry of Housing and Urban Alleviation, Government of India while releasing the white paper said, “The attempt has been made in the real estate act to balance the requirements of all the key stakeholders namely consumers, developers as well as real estate agents. We expect much more professionalism is going to come as we start progressing on this implementation of this act and ultimately, we may have a situation where projects are delivered as contemplated as per the time lines. Two of the states, Gujarat and UP also notified the rules before 31st October and many states are also at the

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advanced stage. We expect that the implementation of the act will start at the field level at the earliest and the benefits will start accruing to the sector, consumers, developers, everyone.”

The white paper concludes that GST by itself cannot be treated as a panacea to real estate market woes – both for the buyer as well as for the seller or developer. Broader policies in land and housing/ commercial stock management, ensuring availability of appropriate financing resources etc. will be just as important to leverage the opportunity posed

by GST. Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, the other law that will have a long lasting impact on the real estate sector will help in ensuring that real estate projects get completed on time. Provisions in the Act such as imposition of similar penal interest for developers and homebuyers will incentivise timely delivery of projects, says the white paper.

Excerpts from the white paper Goods and Service Tax GST was not fundamentally designed with the real estate sector in mind, though this sector stands to gain reasonably from this. The problem with real estate is that it is classically neither a ‘good’ nor a ‘service’ – but the taxes that GST is supposed to replace – are levied on the real estate product at various stages of production – such as service tax on construction, VAT on materials and the finished product.

The above condition led to a ‘cascading’ effect on taxes, akin to a tax levied on taxes already paid in preceding activities and included in the costs till the point of taxation. Since VAT and service tax are governed by different rules, the issue of tax credits was never entertained till now. With GST, there is now a potential for recognising taxes paid along the production chain as tax credited, and if applied as such, could lead to a lower tax component in the effective price

Industry report II Real Estate of the real estate product leading to a lower overall price.

The interesting thing to see will be as to how various real estate segments and input components are categorised in terms of applicable rates. The GST Council has set forth ‘slabs’ of tax incidence – with the highest being at 28 per cent. If the present regime of exemptions, such as the waiver of service tax for contractors working on affordable housing units were to be followed it could imply that certain segments of real estate, such as affordable housing would stand to gain through a lower incidence of tax, as opposed to luxury segments. This logic could also be used to create lower incidences of tax on materials and technology that have better compliance to sustainability goals than others.

Stamp duty has been kept out of the ambit of taxes that have been subsumed by GST since a tax on the ‘stamp’ would not qualify either as a tax on a ‘good’ or on a ‘service’.

However, given the fact that at present the focus on GST is to appropriately compensate States for the revenue loss on account of State taxes that have been subsumed into GST, it is possible that some States may increase the incidence of stamp duty or surcharges thereupon to meet any revenue shortfall. Stamp duty, irrespective of the logic under which it is levied – still contributes to the effective price paid by a purchaser – and any such reactionary increase could – at least in theory – stand to water down the gains otherwise achieved through GST. GST will also contribute to normalising the tax incidence on the same good or service across different States and removing taxation on interstate movements – it is very likely that the warehousing and logistics sector will stand to gain in this process, since placement of possibly larger warehousing and logistics hubs will depend almost entirely on transportation and connectivity, as opposed to being influenced by incidence of intestate taxation.

Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 The Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 is a step in the right direction – though it still leaves several gaps that have to be addressed before the law can perform as a framework for accountability through which both purchasers and developers can expect fairness. The law in itself has been skewed against developers – largely due to the negative perception that has been generated in the market on account of poor performance, nondelivery of real estate products on time and so on; but there are certain provisions that may still prove difficult to implement. States, which are expected to make rules and regulation appurtenant to the law, appear to be diluting both the letter and spirit of the law, such as definitions and applicability of the law.

The law certainly requires considerable reconciliation with pre-existing laws prevailing in States, which the States are constitutionally empowered to enact and enforce – such as Apartment Ownership Laws and the land revenue code.

Similarly, the law is expected to be effective in ‘urban areas’ – a term that can vary between States – and could well result in a situation where a real estate project is exempt

simply because a particular area hasn’t been statutorily declared ‘urban’, such as a census town.

The law makes it reasonably clear that public authorities such as development authorities, housing boards and municipal bodies – who are regularly engaged in development of new real estate, be categorised as ‘promoters’. However, it is silent on what would happen if any laws governing these bodies in conflict with the provisions of the law. A cooperative society engaged in self-provisioning of real estate is also treated as a promoter, except that such a society functions quite differently from a developer or promoter as the real estate industry is accustomed to – being both developer as well as consumer at the same time. Separate rule sets may be required for these categories of developers so as to be able to adhere to the letter and spirit of the law.

The Authority itself takes on a daunting responsibility – that of ensuring that a project is completed within the designated timeframe and has all requisite approvals and clearances in place, apart from keeping such information in public domain for consumers. However, such Authority cannot certify or assure the number of approvals actually required in the first place. Its rules need to be synchronised with municipal rules. For instance, the law does not permit changes in design by a developer unless two thirds of the purchasers agree to such a change – but is silent on what happens if (1) less than two thirds of the stock has been booked and (2) the changes in design are already condoned by the building control authority or municipality with or without a compounding fee.

The obligations of real estate agents who are also included within the ambit of the law, have not been laid down specifically. This would make it difficult to justify setting up entry requirements for the trade or profession – or set forth a course for professional development. To be fair, the law does propose some futuristic approaches that are only now being explored such as title insurance; but doesn’t address the fact that titling of immovable assets in India is still presumptive at best.

The condition of maintaining 70 per cent of all receipts in an escrow account to be used dedicatedly within the same project has been kept with the intent to prevent overleveraging by developers, and has been seen as a welcome step from the consumers’ perspective. However, this could work negatively for smaller developers working in tier II and tier III cities, where markets are neither as volatile nor moving as larger cities. Even in larger cities, developers could face cash flow issues with a smaller amount being available for spending. A potential side effect of this clause could be the disappearance of pre-launch and no-payment-till-possession offers.

It is generally acknowledged that the above ‘rough edges’ will smoothen over time, resulting from experience gained on the ground, case law and informed demand from the stakeholders. Till then, there is a need for informed debate and analysis of how the law will affect different circumstances of real estate development. n

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HVAC II Industry analysis

HVAC challenges for high-rise

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igh rise buildings are developing on a rapid base in India. It is a structure that is well equipped and has all the amenities but still it has few challenges like indoor air quality, thermal comfort and the overall energy efficiency and the energy foot print which cannot be overlooked. Therefore it is important the high rise buildings shall maintain and ensure the ventilation and thermal comfort or the HVAC systems. On this note, the article will describe about how do these high rise buildings deals with challenges of ensuring HVAC systems and how one can meet the challenges.

In the wake of rapid urbanisation, increasing population and scarcity of space, the construction of high rise buildings in both residential and commercial segment has seen a boom since the last few years. However, making a very tall, high density building sustainable and green involves a plethora of challenges which includes maintaining high indoor air quality, ensuring thermal comfort and making it overall energy efficient.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of any building comprises of a substantial part of its overall energy footprint. This number becomes as high as 40 per cent of the total energy consumption for a commercial high rise building. “All this coupled with the added challenge of ensuring a continuous supply

Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director-Sale, Marketing and Business Planning, Johnson Control-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd.

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Hitachi not only aims to increase the comfort of its consumers by ensuring proper ventilation and thermal comfort in a high rise buildings but also improves human lifestyle.

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of fresh air and catering to the idea of comfort of hundreds of individuals, all within a building’s envelope, adds to the level of difficulty in creating sustainable and cost effective high rise building,” says Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director-Sale, Marketing and Business Planning, Johnson Control-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd. While energy efficiency, environment conservation, green building and smart cities have already become the new buzz words in the global scenario since a long time. “The Indian HVAC industry has also started working towards incorporating these into their designs and products while ensuring proper ventilation and thermal comfort.

Proper well oriented envelop design ensures the energy efficiency and optimisation of the equipment selection for HVAC systems,” he adds.

How do you meet these challenges?

Meeting the challenges like indoor air quality, thermal comfort is import and challenging as well. For example these challenges can be met with having natural ventilation through windows, designing the structure in such a way that it’s easier for ventilation, having high ceilings etc. On sharing his views about how to meet these challenges Singh says, “Hitachi being a technology leader and one of the most premium brand in Indian air conditioner industry, is constantly working on new cutting edge technology in its product categories which comprises of room AC, VRF, chillers and other commercial air conditioners. Besides this, we are also involved in the trading of refrigerators and air purifiers. We are constantly working on producing best technology products which consume less energy and deliver best output.”

For the residential segment, the company’s room ACs are designed with I-Care philosophy at its heart. Its products come enabled with technologies that ensure efficient

Industry analysis II HVAC performance and optimised cooling which suit and fulfil the needs of its customers. “Our most premium product range- Kashikoi 5400i with I-Clean Plus, I-Sense, I-See and tropical inverter technology, is today India’s best energy efficient split inverter AC range. 36 per cent of our inverter AC range have BEE 5- star rating, which is again the highest in the industry and we also make sure that our products are eco-friendly as well and hence, our inverter ACs range uses R-410A refrigerant which is ecofriendly and ensures minimum ozone layer depletion. We also offer ACs with WIFI technology which enables the user of AC to control it from anywhere in the world,” informs Singh.

For the commercial building segment, the company offer VRF systems and water cooled screw chillers.

Designed keeping in mind the needs of architects and HVAC consultants, Hitachi’s SET-FREE Kyosho range of VRF air conditioning offers a holistic approach to air conditioning in modern offices. These units are capable of cooling and heating, offers flexibility of installation, operates at impressively low noise levels and adapts to the varied temperature requirements of different rooms within a building. Its DC inverter driven compressor

saves energy and is cost effective. It comes enabled with an air-conditioning management system that makes it easier for users to have simple, effective control of their air conditioning units to avoid unnecessary energy wastage, including overheating, overcooling and unattended operation. And with R-410A refrigerant, it is eco-friendly as well.

For commercial and industrial requirements, its water cooled screw chillers offers highly efficient cooling solution.

With R134A eco-friendly refrigerant, it delivers superior performance and flawless functioning. With its precise and continuous capacity control technology, user friendly LCD touch panel and high performance twin screw compressor, it provides cooling with low noise and low vibrations which is ideal for industrial and commercial purposes.

“Thus, with our three pronged focussed strategy of quality, innovation and advance technology, Hitachi not only aims to increase the comfort of its consumers by ensuring proper ventilation and thermal comfort in a high rise buildings but also improves human lifestyle with energy efficient, eco-friendly and smart products,” say Singh. n

UTC opens new Research & Design Center in Hyderabad

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nited Technologies Corp. (UTC) announced the opening of a new Hyderabad Research & Design Center, which has been expanded to enhance the company’s cuttingedge engineering innovation capabilities.

(L to R) Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao; US Consul General in Hyderabad Katherine Hadda; and Dr. Michael McQuade, Senior VP, Science & Technology, UTC

With engineering expertise in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (HVAC), fire and security solutions, and elevators, the new R&D centre will also facilitate the localisation of products, supporting the government’s “Make in India” initiative, the company said.

The research centre will house engineers supporting R&D efforts for UTC’s business units including UTC Climate, Controls & Security and Otis. In the next few years, the 151,000-square foot R&D centre is expected to add additional talent, further enhancing its position as the biggest centre supporting R&D initiatives for UTC Climate, Controls & Security globally.

Dr. J. Michael McQuade, Senior Vice President, Science & Technology, UTC said, “By capitalising on the enormous talent pool available in India, we are sure that Hyderabad Research & Design Center will continue to expand the United Technologies engineering footprint and support a broad range of innovative solutions across our HVAC, fire and security, and elevator businesses.”

Prakash Bodla, executive director, Hyderabad Research & Design Center, added, “Hyderabad Research & Design Center has consistently supported excellent product

engineering for UTC’s global building technologies offerings. The new workspace is designed to further strengthen innovation through open-plan offices, clustered cubicles and silent zones in a neighbourhoodlike layout to elevate productivity and morale. Having built a modern, agile workspace to energise and motivate, this brand new centre will provide a more collaborative and efficient environment to foster innovation and address customer challenges.”

Hyderabad Research & Design Center offers expertise in the development of integrated solutions for building management systems through the use of state-of-theart technologies to improve workplace efficiency and minimise energy and resource waste. The centre also supports product quality automation and simulation, embedded systems and software development for realtime data tracking and system optimisation. n

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Prefab II Feature

Prefabulous ‘Housing for All’ Prefab technology is very durable and reliable when it comes to facing earth quacks. As it is a light weight structure, very safe in case of earth quake as less liable to fall down or causing major fatality, whereas a RCC building with improper steel in it is more prone for cracks failure in tension. As concrete behaves good compression properties then tension which majorly develops during earth quakes. At the same time when it comes to vandalism or major impact on surface prefab fails terribly. Mostly CFB boards and foam concrete panels. Whereas MS/GI/SS sheet claddings are subjected to be easily cut into using normal tools as a cutting machine even a hammer and a chisel.

“To make prefab a popular and adaptable solution it is always better to use an intermediate solution like making outer walls of house using brick masonry and remaining all components including internal partitions, roofing, structural members using prefab technology,” suggest Yadav.

How prefab can help in meeting India’s ‘Housing for All’ target?

P

re-fabricated structure or steel structure or porta cabin are the general terms used to describe prefab in India. Prefab is the technology where one manufacture various components of a building like walls, columns, beams, roof and even floors in a factory and then transport them to the site and erect them with a fast speed. Since the design is fixed, location of door, windows and the fitments is pre defined. Installation processes is fast and seam less.

Another way of doing a prefab structure is to build the whole house in factory and then transport it to the site.

Here precision increases as the full work is completed in factory but at the same time there is a hitch that the width of the house cannot be extended more than 8 ft as that is the general width carrying capacity of trucks in India. Exceptions can be made up to 10 ft in special cases.

Majority of the times people are concerned about the pricing of a prefab building and then they compare it with general RCC or brick masonry work. “Since there is variety of materials involved for prefab construction.

It offers a price range starting from as low as ` 200/ sq. ft., up to ` 2000/sq.ft., or even more depending upon specification,” informs Himanshu Yadav, Partner, MecPrefab.

Prefab in India as of today is seen as a 2-Minutes Noodle solution of completing a project to meet the dead line.

Himanshu Yadav, Partner, MecPrefab

Housing For All – means to meet up the requirement criteria of general Indian population, which varies on various factors such as what is a prefab? Is it cheap or cost effective? Is prefab durable and safe? Why should I adopt prefab instead of ongoing RCC and brick masonry construction? Can we make more than single storey with it?

“Prefab in India as of today is seen as a 2-Minutes Noodle solution of completing a project to meet the dead line,” states Yadav. Be it Common Wealth games in Delhi or Swatch Bharat Abhiyaan or opening of Mohalla Clinics in Delhi or other such projects across India. Various housing projects are also carried out Like Rajiv Awas in Delhi using prefab concrete blocks technology.

Sharing his opinion on how prefab can help in meeting India’s ‘Housing for All’ target Yadav says, “To meet up both urban and rural requirement of Indian infrastructure, prefab is best possible solution giving to the fact that we need to focus and push intermediate solution combining both prefab and RCC/Brick work construction to provide both reliable and cost effective solution to India’s requirement for housing sector. Truly then only we can provide ‘Housing for All’ with best and effective solution. It is also the best possible solution for construction at tedious locations and challenging environment where it is not possible to carry out any construction using RCC/Brick work methods.”

The Indian government has taken up the ambitious agenda of providing ‘Housing for all by 2022’ which entails wiping out the total deficit, besides providing for increase in urban population as well as for obsolescence. For meeting the target we have to construct nearly 5 million housing every year till 2022. The urban housing delivery so far as per the census 2011 has been of the order of 2.5 million every year. “Accordingly, we need to double the housing delivery process for achieving this ambitious target. The ‘business as usual’ may not be able to address the requirements and the only viable option appear to be through rapid construction technologies using Continued to 32

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www.ish-india.in International trade fair for plumbing, sanitation, bathroom & kitchen, renewable energy and home automation systems in India

23 – 25 February 2017 India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML), Greater Noida, Delhi/NCR

Everyone‘s going to be there, are you?

ISH India powered by IPA is set to host the market leaders from plumbing, sanitation, bathroom & kitchen, renewable energy and home automation systems. It aims to be a comprehensive platform for professionals and organizations to share their expertise and build successful business alliances. Don‘t miss out, pre-register your visit today!

What is in it for you!

• • • •

Business-to-business interactions with leading companies Witness new product launches Find a comprehensive product showcase to meet your every sourcing need Gain market knowledge through interactions on the show floor

To book your booth, contact: Himanshu Chitnis – Group Exhibitions Head (Technical) Tel.: +91 22 6144 5980 Mobile: +91 98210 69124 himanshu.chitnis@india.messefrankfurt.com

Scan the QR code to register online!

Connect with us on

To register for a visit, contact: Sonam Kanal – Asst. Marketing Manager Tel.: +91 22 6144 5913 sonam.kanal@india.messefrankfurt.com

Prefab II Feature Prefabulous ‘Housing for All’ 30 f

Rajesh Goel, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Prefab Ltd

Massive requirements of housing and the stress on sustainability in construction, the prefab housing technologies have a clear path etched.

prefab options,” Rajesh Goel, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Prefab Ltd. The prefab technology options offer better quality housing in significantly lesser time. The components are manufactured in factory controlled environment with strict quality control measures, and are accordingly much superior in quality as compared to the conventional construction. The prefab components also use agricultural and industrial waste like fly ash, and gypsum supporting environment protection. The prefab structures being significantly lighter also consumes lesser building material and thus have lesser embodied energy within it. “Prefab construction also addresses the dust issue considerably, as hardly any raw material like sand etc is stored at site and erection is mostly mechanical. Accordingly, the use of prefab technologies ensures high level of sustainability, besides proving speed and quality,” states Goel.

Government is encouraging ‘Housing for All’ by creating awareness through various mediums and also is introducing new technologies believes Goel. He says, “Towards promoting various rapid technologies, the Indian government under its Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has constituted a technology sub-mission, focused on promoting use of such technologies. Through its various efforts including awareness creation seminars, exhibitions, etc, there has been a perceptible change in the acceptability of all these technologies. Major states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Orissa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand etc, have taken up prefab housing in a big way and many projects are coming up in these states. The industry has also responded very favourably and has shown its willingness to invest in setting up of manufacturing facilities and contribute to the programme of ‘Housing for all by 2022’.”

Hindustan Prefab Ltd on its part has taken up a major role in promotion of these technologies as sectoral leader have

Rajiv Upadhyay, Chief Operating Officer, Aerocon Building Solutions, HIL Ltd

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In Europe and Middle East, use of prefab homes technology has enabled certain developers in saving up to 64 per cent of the total man hours.

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brought the stakeholders together to work effectively for the effective use of prefab technologies in this ambiguous mission. The company has established the housing technology park at Jangpura showcasing 11 alternate housing construction prefab technologies, which could be utilised for construction of housing units. The various technological options at the technology park for their effectiveness to provide better quality, reduction in construction time, insulation, ease of material transportation, structured safety, durability, requirement of skill manpower and user acceptance keeping in view the living habits of the user. The park has been developed over an area of two acres at Jangpura with support from the private players, technology providers and other stakeholders. The technology park provides stakeholders an option to assess and compare the technologies for their respective use. The technology has been visited by a large number of stakeholders including batches from the engineering and architectural colleges from different parts of the country. This housing technology park has proven to be a game changer in the technology for the prefab technologies sector.

“With the massive requirements of housing in both urban and rural areas, and the stress on sustainability in construction, the prefab housing technologies have a clear path etched,” adds Goel.

Informing how prefab will help ‘Housing for All’ target Rajiv Upadhyay, Chief Operating Officer, Aerocon Building Solutions, HIL Ltd briefs, “Majority of activities for residential buildings could be completed off-site. Practically all part of house can be pre-fabricate–columns, beams, ceiling slabs, terrace blocks, wall panels, and staircases can be fitted readymade. By leveraging on innovative and low-cost construction technologies, such as pre-fabrication, developers can construct affordable houses quickly and cost–effectively.”

Although the initial cost of using prefab technology is 2025 per cent higher compared to the traditional construction technology, both developer and customer would gain from overall benefits like faster construction, lower labour cost, better aesthetics and on-time delivery of the final product.

“In Europe and Middle East, use of prefab homes technology has enabled certain developers in saving up to 64 per cent of the total man hours needed using conventional methods,” points out Upadhyay.

He also mentions that prefab technology is not labour intensive when compared to the conventional method of construction. In fact, the biggest challenge that the construction industry faces is the lack of skilled labours. This can be solved by bringing in pre-fabricated and fitted units and assemble them into the residential units. Prefab homes or modular construction technology can solve many labour issues especially when building projects in distant localities.

“With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Housing for All by 2022’ scheme, it will become necessary for developers to build affordable homes at a faster pace. This will be achieved by using modern construction technologies like prefab technology,” adds Upadhyay. n

FEBRUARY 23rd - 25th, 2017 INDIA EXPO MART rd

FEBRUARY 23 - 25th, 2017

GREATER NOIDA.INDIA INDIA EXPO MART frontale-india.com

GREATER NOIDA.INDIA frontale-india.com

For more information please contact:

Organizer

Strategic Partner

NürnbergMesse India Pvt. Ltd. Ms. Rucheeka Chhugani For more information please contact: T +91 11information 4716 8828please E rucheeka.chhugani@nm-india.com For more contact:

Organizer

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Organizer

Strategic Partner

NürnbergMesse NürnbergMesse India India Pvt. Pvt. Ltd. Ltd. Ms. Ms. Rucheeka Rucheeka Chhugani Chhugani T +91 11 4716 8828 E rucheeka.chhugani@nm-india.com T +91 11 4716 8828 E rucheeka.chhugani@nm-india.com

Green Buildings II case study

India ranks third among top 10 countries for LEED green buildings The analysis used to develop the list ranks countries in terms of cumulative LEED-certified GSM space as of December 2016. LEED-certified spaces use fewer energy and water resources; save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and prioritise environmental and human health.

Currently, there are more than 82,000 commercial projects participating in LEED, totalling more than 1.4 billion GSM of space worldwide. An additional 112,000 residential units have been certified under LEED Homes. An estimated 170,000 GSM of space achieves LEED certification every day in more than 162 countries and territories across the globe.

China tops list as demand for sustainable buildings outside of the US continues to drive LEED, green construction

I

ndia ranks third on the US Green Building Council’s annual ranking of the top 10 countries for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings.

The top 10 list highlights countries outside of the US that are making significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and market transformation. These countries represent the ever-growing international demand for LEED-certified green buildings.

This year, China moved from second to first on the list as the largest user of LEED, with 34.62 million gross square meters (GSM) of certified LEED space. Canada, India, Brazil and the Republic of Korea rounded out the top five countries on the list, respectively.

As buildings currently account for an estimated one-third of global emissions, green buildings are one of the most cost-effective solutions to climate change because they generate significant environmental, economic and societal benefits. Last year, USGBC joined 25 other green building councils from around the world to commit to scaling the use of LEED over the next five years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that the building and construction industry plays its part in limiting global warming. USGBC is working toward a net zero carbon designation to recognise leaders in the building sector, and to drive reductions in the carbon footprint across the buildings sector as is necessary for successful implementation of the Paris Agreement. All of the countries on this list, with the exception of Taiwan, have signed the historical Paris Agreement.

USGBC’s list of Top 10 Countries for LEED Green Building

“By recognising these leading countries, we are showcasing the exponential growth of LEED in the global marketplace and an international commitment to the creation of a sustainable built environment,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. “As we pursue a worldwide effort to mitigate climate change, LEED and the green building industry have created a path forward for market transformation while changing the way we think about how buildings, communities and cities are planned, constructed, maintained and operated.”

Global green building is expected to double every three years, according to a Dodge Data & Analytics World Green Building Trends 2016 SmartMarket Report, to which USGBC was a contributing partner. Conducted in 70 countries, the report found that emerging economies like China, India and Brazil will be engines of green growth, with development varying from two-fold to six-fold over current green building levels. Increased consumer demand has also pushed the world’s green building market to a trillion-dollar industry, a surge that has led to a corresponding increase in the scope and size of the green building materials market, which is expected to reach $234 billion by 2019.

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Rank

Country Name

Certified Gross Square Meters*

Certified Number of Projects

1

China

34.62

931

2

Canada

34.39

2,586

3

India

15.90

644

4

Brazil

7.43

380

5

Republic of Korea

5.95

97

6

Taiwan

5.66

99

7

Germany

5.03

215

8

Turkey

4.78

191

9

Sweden

3.88

210

10

United Arab Emirates

3.64

180

United States**

336.84

27,699

*Gross square meters are reported in millions. Data reported as of December 2016. **The US, where LEED originated, is not included in this list, but remains the world’s largest market for LEED. n

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Fire Safety II Expert Column

Glass: It’s clearly safe glasses are used for façades, the destructive effects of fire are greatly reduced.

Fire safety: An all-round affair The right knowledge and a broader perspective can help us make the correct judgement of the role of glass in case of fire. In this regard, let us understand some related aspects and issues.

Anatomy and physiology of a building Firstly, there are numerous factors that determine a building’s susceptibility to fire. These include: the type and size of the building, its construction method, the flammability of construction materials, the interior design, type of occupancy, the building’s age and the fire prevention and safety arrangements.

Fire safety engineering In international building design, fire safety engineering plays a very important role. It uses scientific principles to understand fire and human behaviour in fire incidents, thereby helping in safeguarding people, property and the environment from destruction. It involves the following aspects: • Assessment of fire hazards and their impact areas • Effective building design and construction • Determining optimum fire prevention and safety measures • Design, installation and maintenance of firedetection systems • Appropriate equipment and manpower for firefighting and rescue operations.

It is best to look at facts and get a clear perspective before passing a judgement on the competency of glass to fight fire

G

lass is an integral part of modern architecture and interior design. A versatile and sustainable material, glass – used for façades, windows or in interiors – gives buildings and homes structural stability, aesthetic appeal and a contemporary look, while helping save energy and costs.

There has been some debate about safety in the use of glass in general, and in the case of fire in particular. Glass façades have been held responsible for aggravating fire accidents and their consequences in buildings. However, nothing could be further from the truth. When proper norms and guidelines are followed for designing and constructing glass buildings, and the right types of

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Fire protection systems Fire and Smoke Protection Systems should be adopted while designing buildings. Passive Fire Protection is an important part of the fire safety strategy of any building. These work by creating a barrier, limiting spreading of fire, smoke and heat, protecting escape routes and the building’s critical structural components. Examples of PFP include fire doors, fireresistant glass walls/ floors or façades, fire-resistant sprayed coatings on structural steel, smoke control extract ductwork, fire-stopping penetration seals, etc. These do not provide a complete solution but are intended to work in conjunction with Active Fire Preventive Systems like fire alarms, smoke detection, sprinkler systems, extinguishers and Exiting Systems like fire exits, fire lifts, refuge balconies, etc.

There should be openings for doors, windows, structural and HVAC penetrations. A window-like opening should be provided on each floor of the building.

For doors, windows and other openings, some of the regulated and approved protectives are:

Expert Column II Fire Safety TYPES OF REGULATED OPENING PROTECTIVES Rated Doors

Rated Windows

Rated Glazine

Access doors

Casement windows

Clear ceramics

Accordion/ folding doors

Double hung windows

insulated glass

Bi-parting doors

Glass Block

Laminated glass

Conveying system doors

Hinged windows

Light diffusing plastic

Chute doors

Pivot windows

Light transmitting plastic

Dutch doors

Side lights

Fire-rated Glazing

Floor fire doors

Stationary windows

Tempered glass

Hoist-way doors

Tilting windows

Transparent Ceramics

Horizontal doors

Transom windows

Wire glass

Glass – See what’s safe Internationally today, there are excellent alternatives available for clear vision safety glass. These include high-performance products like transparent glasses with intumescent layers, special coatings and laminates. They have also opened up new avenues for architectural creativity, as they are transparent products, look aesthetically appealing and integrate well with the other glass products used in the interiors. These solutions are safe, impact resistant and provide clear vision fireproof glazing that has test evidences of satisfying functional and time requirements for fire proofing. Tempered/toughened glass, laminated glass, insulated glass units and wire mesh glass are also good fire retardants.

In fact, today, there are products that can actually substitute a brick wall in terms of fire-rating property, yet give transparency. While some of the fire safety glasses function as a physical barrier preventing spread of fire and smoke, certain advanced solutions can actually drastically reduce the radiant heat from a fire.

The European classification standards (EN 13501) for glass use the following system: E – Integrity W – Low Radiation I – Insulation Accordingly, the following types of glasses are available in the FRG range: E Class: These are special tempered glasses and they prevent the spread of flames to the non-fire side. There will be no protection from radiation in this type of glasses and are normally used for internal applications.

EW Class: These are tempered and laminated glasses. They prevent the flames and also control the radiation on the non-fire side to a maximum of 15KW per sq. m. They offer integrity and provide for low heat radiation. They are used for internal and external applications.

EI Class: This type of FRG glasses offer integrity and insulation. The maximum temperature on the non-fire side does not exceed an average of 140 C. Specialised glass is one of the ways to protect from fire and

fire hazards. A range of high quality, fire-resistant glasses are available today to mitigate the adverse effects of fire accidents and offer enhanced protection.

• Wired glass: It is more stable at higher temperatures and is also resistant to the pressure of fire hoses as the embedded wire mesh helps the glass keep its structural integrity even after thermal stress causes cracks. This property makes wired glass ideal for preventing fire ingress • Borosilicate glass: Famous for its application in the manufacture of cooking vessels, Borosilicate, because of its extremely low thermal expansion coefficient, is ideal for any application that requires heat resistance • Toughened glass: The special tempering process used in this glass makes it highly resistant to stresses.

Additionally, even when it gets to the point of breaking, it crumbles into small granules that are very less likely to cause any injuries • Toughened glass with flame retardant coating: This flame retardant coating is typically metal that further enhances the flame and heat resistance of the glass • Toughened glass with intumescent gel: As is the property of any intumescent, the gel increases greatly in size when exposed to fire, and its high hydration content keeps the surrounding areas significantly cooler than any other material. This kind of glass is highly efficient in locations within buildings with higher concentration of people • Laminated glass with intumescent layers: Highly desirable for façades, the lamination makes it hardy enough for the façade and windows, and the intumescent layers restrict temperature rise during fires although the glass is 100 per cent transparent and lacks wiring within Conclusion It would be unfair to blame glass for the destruction caused by fire in buildings. In most cases, it is negligence and/or illegal or poor-quality design and construction that result in loss of life and property. If proper norms and building safety codes are followed, and guidelines adhered to, glass façades only help in fire rescue and not make it worse. All over the world, glass is a widely-accepted building material utilised on a massive scale for architecture and design.

AIS has recently launched Fire-resistant Glass Range under the brand “AIS Pyrobel”. AIS Pyrobel is a high-end FRG range specially engineered to withstand extreme levels of heat, restrict heat transfer and prevent passage of smoke and flame. It is the perfect solution for architects, builders and interior design experts to design modern building spaces in a manner to contain damage due to an unfortunate occurrence of fire. AIS Pyrobelis well-suited for hospitals, hotels, public buildings, schools, shopping malls, airports, theatres, parks, ships, and railways, as well as for industrial uses like machines, crane cabins, etc. It finds application as doors and windows, partitions, roofs, smoke screens, etc. n Authored by__ Vikram Khanna, COO – Consumer Glass, COO – Architectural Institutional Business, CMO, CIO, Asahi India Glass Ltd. (AIS)

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Flooring II Expert Column

Choosing the right flooring Laminate floors are therefore a good option for Indian weather conditions as they are 100 per cent maintenance free As far as aesthetics goes, choosing the right colour laminate for your room is very vital. The floor is often a mark that ties a room’s look together. Take into deliberation the colour of the furniture in that particular room. Be sure that the colour you choose for that room can cope with the amount of traffic that the floor will have. You should also consider the placement of the laminates when picking the colour. Choosing the wrong colour or the wrong finish can detract from this decorative harmony. For example, light-coloured laminate floors are not suited for areas where there is going to be a lot of foot traffic because there is the increased likelihood of scratching and soiling.

These days, people are looking for herringbone pattern in laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring, Vinyl flooring are also are trending these days. Laminate flooring, engineered wood flooring and vinyl flooring are the new kinds of flooring options and designs available in the market. When deciding whether to use it in a particular location you have to consider things such as the price, life cycle, maintenance requirements, and durability of the floor. It is not uncommon to find at least one room of a house fitted with laminate flooring, as more people are becoming conscious about “Home Décor” and want their

Y

our choice of flooring is one of the most important decisions you have to make when it comes to improving your home. Laminate floors are value for money because they look good, they last, and they are affordable.

Laminate floors are quickly becoming one of the most popular flooring choices in the consumer market. It’s easy to clean, too, and scratch-resistant, which is one reason why it’s a great floor for people who own dogs and other clawed beasts. Flooring deserves valuable attention and care just like any other home décor elements. With the coming of new technologies the floors can now be made more tough and safe yet stylish.

home space to look good. Rustic colours and dark shades are the popular colours in wooden floorings in India as well as abroad. With laminate flooring, any room can be transformed with a beautiful new floor and improving the ambiance in any room adds to the overall appeal of your home. Laminate floors are therefore a good option for Indian weather conditions as they are 100 per cent maintenance free. With rapid advancements in technology as well as an evolving market, the flooring industry is slowly finding its feet in the country. n

Authored by__ Naresh Maheshwari C.E.O Pergo Pvt Ltd

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Promotional feature

Quality construction with speed The benefits of Acotec are unquestionable. The production process, with a very low energy consumption of 55 kWh/hour, is completely automated, engaging fewer than five people.

“We appreciate the small amount of production space and low manpower required to operate the Acotec line. The machinery takes up only 900 m2 of factory space,” says Nishant Patel, Director, BN Precast. “The line is also suitable for installation into existing production facilities.”

First Acotec SEMI wall plant established in India

I

n the past few years, Elematic has put significant effort into serving Indian precast customers. A sales and services unit was established in New Delhi, and a local manufacturing unit focusing on moulds was opened. Recently, BN Precast Pvt Ltd acquired the first Acotec line in India. BN Precast is an Indian pioneer in using Acotec technology to manufacture non-load bearing concrete hollow-core walls under its own Walltec brand.

Acotec wall technology was developed in Finland. The first deliveries took place in the late 1980s. Today, the only original Acotec line is available from Elematic. The Acotec line, based on a stationary extruder, offers a compact and highly automated way to manufacture light, non-load bearing partition walls. The line is simple to install, run, and maintain, and is constructed of standard components utilising the latest technology.

Automated production process Acotec walls are suitable for use in several environments. They are mostly used as internal partition walls in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. BN Precast’s walls are currently being installed in all of these building types as well as sheds. Acotec walls are also a good choice as a boundary or compound walls or for use as an anti-noise screen.

Complete precast lines for manufacturing concrete wall panels have a typical payback time of 1.5–2 years. Opting for an Acotec line can result in substantial savings in construction costs compared to traditional on-site methods.

Environmental conditions may be challenging for the construction industry due to factors such as seismic activity or rainy seasons. Precast elements are manufactured in a factory environment and the negative effects of weather conditions can be eliminated. The walls are proven to work in countries with the strictest standards and requirements for seismicity, moisture, and fire resistance.

Wall panels with fast installation Construction with light, non-load bearing partition walls can be up to six times faster than traditional brick-work and twice as fast as blockwork. “The walls enable extremely fast installation of up to 40 square feet per hour. In comparison, traditional brickwork proceeds at a pace of 10 square feet per hour before plastering is done. Our walls can be installed by teams of five workers,” explains Mr. Patel.

In larger construction projects with tower cranes, the walls are easy to lift to each floor. “When a tower crane is not available, a mechanical pulley system can lift two to three panels at a time,” explains Parth Patel, Senior Engineer, BN Precast.

After reaching the desired floor, the wall panels can easily be tilted into place manually or by a special hydraulic installation machine provided by Elematic.

The hollow-core slabs have passages for water pipes and electrical wiring, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, as well as hydraulic installations – there is no need to make holes or chases. If any modification is needed, the wall panels can easily be cut or drilled.

The light, non-load bearing partition Acotec walls offer immaculate quality without plastering. The walls have a finish with an option of either a fine or coarse surface. Unlike with brick or block walls consisting of red bricks, fly ash bricks, or AAC blocks, plastering is not required. The quality is consistent due to factory production and strict quality control before, during and after production. The walls, with a thickness of 68–140 mm, are strong and durable. The desired strength can be chosen by specifying the concrete mix.

Moisture resistant, sound and fire proof Acotec-walls are proven to work in countries with the strictest requirements for moisture and fire resistance.

“The production process with Acotec is completely automated, engaging fewer than five people,” the company said. n

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Promotional feature

K-LITE introduces LED Landscape – Redefined

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he essence of lighting is one of the most important things in our lives.

K-Lite is passionate about creating a distinctive atmosphere that improves the quality of life in the cities and towns by exploring the many potential facets of lighting that supports the wellbeing and safety of all.

linear wall washer, up-down lighters, LED strips/neon flex, promenade lighting, bollards, under water lighting, post top luminaires, bulk heads, path finders, polar lighting and newly added series of facade n lighting.

Founded in 1977 in India, K-Lite has grown to be the leading manufacturer of outdoor luminaires and decorative poles. K-Lite’s proven performance in the landscape segment is because of its ability to stylishly convey the identity of a space with a blend of efficiency and modularity to maximise the visual comfort that is best suited to each specific space.

Contact

K-Lite’s

Landscape

range

includes

K-Lite Industries D-10, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai – 600058 Tele :+91-44-26257710,

+91-44-42281950 Fax : +91-44-26257866 Mobile : +91-95000 79797,

+91-95000 85511 E-mail: info@klite.in www.klite.in

Somany Ceramics enters smart and intelligent toilet market trend of energy conservation adoption and maintain high standards of hygiene.

The French Collection is luxurious and its smart product line is inspired by the unique elements of French heritage while taking design aesthetics into cognisance making it a truly world class product line. The collection has over 28 products, ranging from water closets, urinals to wash basins, which fall under 11 different series, namely Jazz, Dior and Ace amongst others.

Somany French Collection Launch Event Product Display

The star of the Somany French Collection is the “Ace” series having the first high IQ toilet by Somany Ceramics, which is designed to ensure there are minimum pressure points so as to enhance overall comfort.

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omany Ceramics Ltd, one of the leaders in the Indian ceramic industry, entered the smart and intelligent toilet market with the launch of an exquisite French collection range As the effects of global warming and climate change continue to take an ever-increasing toll on the planet, sustainable living is becoming a priority. Therefore, construction companies, globally and in India, are centered on the development of smart buildings with features like smart bathrooms to promote sustainable development and efficient energy management. Smart bathrooms offer optimally integrated solutions such as smart toilets, automatic flush systems, and automatic faucets. The demand for smart bathrooms, especially in urban areas and among rising affluent Indians, is increasing significantly as consumers move towards the

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Speaking at the launch, Abhishek Somany, MD, Somany Ceramics, said, “The smart bathroom and toilet trend is here to stay as consumers get more environment and health conscious, and this collection caters to this growing segment. We are confident that the French collection will be a resounding success as it has been created keeping in mind the modern contemporary housing needs of consumers. With this launch, we hope to lead the smart toilet industry in India and aim to be among the Top 3 players over the next two years.”

The price range for the French collection varies according to the series and the products, starting from ` 7,990 for the Quest Art Basin to ` 1,65,000 for the Ace Automatic Toilet. The new collection is available across India at Somany Exclusive Stores and Experience Centres. n

Event

Smart Green Summit and Awards showcases sustainable living

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oday, sustainability focuses not only on the growing need of eco-friendly built environments, but also on intelligently using and reusing the resources available. “We need to see how we can emulate nature and bring it into our built environment so that we can give back to nature what we have taken from it,” said Ken Yeang, Senior Principal and Founder, T.R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn Bhd while speaking at the 2nd edition of the Smart Green Summit & Awards in Mumbai.

The event plunged deep into how sustainable practices worldwide is being integrated through innovating and evolving conventional practices and defining the path forward towards achieving worldclass status in environmental sustainability. James Law, Chairman, CEO and Chief Cybertect at James Law Cybertecture further elaborated “We must bear in mind that as people come together to live, we need to create better cities. Through eons, we have always had a fight between the built and the natural.

This dichotomy exists even today, and we have to bring a flavor of this to the lives of those living in our new-born cities.”

Technology is here to help us, provided we are willing to use it for citizens’ advantage. Governance plays a key role in this, and none of the pieces of a smart city can work in isolation. Ajay Pandey, Managing Director & Group CEO, GIFT City quoted “The key to success lies in creating an integrated solution to the citizen. What is important is urban governance, even

more so than the bells and whistles of technology.

Enabling governing provisions can ease the common citizens life.”

James Law

Being sustainable can be accelerated by good use of Smart technology. R Subramanian, Managing Director, Glass and Solutions in India-Glass Business, Saint-Gobain shared his views over the summit, adding “Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. Sustainability is that idea, and the Smart Green Summit is the way through which we reaffirm our commit to greater sustainability. n

BuildMat 2017 set for huge turnout

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uildmat 2017, the 8th successful biannual construction fair, is expected to attract about 5,000 professionals, decision makers and 50,000 potential business visitors from core construction industries and infrastructure driven businesses/organisations.

“Over 90 per cent stalls have already been booked. National and international exhibitors including construction material manufacturers, service providers and members of the trading sector and interior products fraternity will be participating in the fair,” organisers said.

BuildMat is hosted by the Coimbatore centres of The Builders’ Association of India, The Indian Institute of Architects and The Association of Consulting Civil Engineers. So far more than 500 exhibitors have participated in the fairs held in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. Buildmat 2017 will be held at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore between 2nd and 5th February.

Being a prestigious construction event conducted by Builders, Architects and Engineers, BuildMat showcases global trends in construction and interior products and invites core industry participation from builders, architects, civil engineers, project management consultants, property developers and promoters and suppliers and franchisees. The target sectors include educational institutions, hoteliers, hospitals, IT sector, textile and engineering industry, retail home buyers and government authorities.

BuildMat 2017 is expected to provide a platform for B2B and B2C interactions around the construction ecosystem creating profitable opportunities and better exposure to global trends for both the industry players and end consumers. n

For more details, visit www.buildmat.in

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