GREEN BUILDING DESIGN - OFFICE SPACES (as per GRIHA)

GREEN BUILDING STUDIO SEMESTER - 8

ARCHANA PRASAD 01FA16BAT013

Criterion 1: Site Selection

LEGEND Site

SITE LOCATION MAP source : Google Earth

Industrial Area

Intent: Site selection is the first step to a sustainable habitat and needs to be done prudently. The intent of this criterion is to ensure that the site meets the relevant masterplan/local development plans.

Residential Area

Intent: The intent of this criterion is to promote use of low-VOC and leadfree interior paints as well as low-VOC adhesives and sealants in order to maintain good indoor air quality for the project occupants.

Maximum Points: 1 Appraisals: • 1.1.1: Mandatory The site plan must be in conformity with the development plan/master plan/UDPFI guidelines (mandatory). This should comply with the provisions of eco-sensitive zone regulations, coastal zone regulations, heritage areas (identified in the master plan or issued separately as specific guidelines), water body zones (in such zones, no construction is permitted in the water spread and buffer belt of 30 meter minimum around the FTL), various hazard prone area regulations, and others if the site falls under any such area.

Maximum Points: 2 Appraisals: • 13.1.1: Ensure that all interior paints are low-VOC *(as mentioned in the GRIHA manual) and lead-free – 1 point • 13.1.2: Ensure that all adhesives and sealants used shall be lowVOC *& that interior composite wood products do not use ureaformaldehyde as a bonding resin – 1 point

• 1.1.2: The project site is a brownfield site OR a redevelopment project OR there are at least 5 services (from the list given below) within the campus or within 500m walking distance from main entrance of project – 1 point Services: Grocery store, pharmacy, Bank/ATM, Park, Restaurant, Community Centre, School, Gym, Metro Station/Public transit stop Compliances: • 1.2.1: Submit documentation to demonstrate conformity to local development plant/master-plan.

• 1.2.2: Submit documentation (narrative/site plan/photographs) to demonstrate either: • site was a brownfield site OR • that the project is a redevelopment project OR • at least 5 basic services are located within 500 m walking distance from main entrance of project.

APPENDIX 8

Criterion 13: Use of low-VOC paints and other compounds in building interiors

Compliances: 13.2.1: Submit specification sheets for the following: • low-VOC and lead-free paints being used in building interiors • low-VOC adhesives, sealants used in building interiors • composite wood products demonstrating that they do not use urea-formaldehyde as a bonding resin SITE SPECIFICS : • Site Location : Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India • Site Area : 2.54 acres (10296.14 sqm) • Permissible FAR : 3.57 • Maximum Ground Coverage : 45% • NO Height Restriction • Topography : Flat land

NARRATIVE : Yeshwanthpur is a sub locality in the north western part of Bengaluru City in the Indian state of Karnataka. According to the CDP MAP of Bangalore- 2015, Yeshwanthpur has Industrial Zones as well as Residential zone. The biggest wholesale market of agricultural produce in the city, the Yeshwanthpur APMC Yard, is situated in here and also has several other industries and warehouses; creating ample of employment opportunities. The locality also has residential zone; because of which there are several services available here.

13.2.2: Submit purchase orders (reflecting full quantities) for the above materials 13.2.3: Upload photographs, with description, of the measures implemented * Please refer to Appendix 8 for table listing low-VOC content limits.

Narrative : Low VOC refers to volatile organic compounds that are not harmful to the environment and humans.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are carbon-containing substances that easily become vapors or gases. They can be present in paints, coatings and cleaning products.

However, Paints labeled “low-VOC” and “ultra low –VOC” should meet the Green Seal standards as mentioned below: ultra low – below 50 g/L low - below 150 g/L Adding pigment to a paint base may also increase its VOC levels up to an additional 10 grams per liter.

Paints labeled “zero-VOC” may actually contain a small amount of VOCs—usually fewer than 5 grams per liter. There are also completely natural paints, such as milk paint or chalk paint, that carry no VOCs. High levels of VOC solvents contribute to the formation of pollution and reduce indoor air quality.

They can cause respiratory and other health problems for occupants, when used indoors.

Their release into the indoor atmosphere is called off-gassing, and it occurs over time, not just during paint application or drying.

Asian Paints • • BUS STOP

Image - Bangalore street Map 31 December 2008 (original upload date) Source - openstreetmap.org YESHWANTHPUR

•

Asian Paints is India’s largest paint company that provides paint products for personal, industrial and automotive needs.

Its Ace Exterior Emulsion (White) has 22.22 grams of VOC per liter of paint, which is substantially less than the international standard of 50 grams of VOC. Ranges from Rs 380/- to Rs 2000/- per 4 litres.

GOOGLE EARTH SATELLITE IMAGE: As the image shows, one edge of the site is adjacent to Tumkur Main Road, along which the metro green line runs.

The image also shows various services available in the

5 basic services are located within 500 m walking distance from main entrance of project.

The VOC levels of some of the Interior and Exterior Emulsions as measured by an external laboratory by a test method (ASTM D 6886) specified by the standard are as under: in grams/litre

Image. MEI BUS STOP

Image. Goraguntepalya Metro station

Image. ICICI Bank - ATM

Berger Paints

CDP Bangalore Master Plan 2015

Image. Sparsh Hospital Image. Taj Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru Apart from these 5 services mentioned above, there are several other services available in the 500m proximity of the site.

There are several other speciality hospitals, food centers, hotels and restaurants, HP petrol pump, ATMs, Canara Bank and adjacency of the site to Tumkur main road and a metro line creates opportunities of easier ingress and egress of the people in the site. The site lies in a mixed evelopment zone which to some extent helps in the workability of the co-working office spaces.

POINTS EARNED -1

Berger Paints is another leading paint company that has a broad customer base in India.

Berger Paints has removed lead, mercury and chromium from its paints, which are toxic to the human body.

The company has also greatly reduced VOCs (8.4 gram per liter in its Breathe Easy Emulsions) and decreased the content of aromatics so that their products have zero negative health impact. Ranges from Rs 290/- to Rs 3000/- per 4 litres.

Dulux India Dulux is a UK-based multinational company that has several production units in India.

The company offers a wide variety of water-based products such as Paint Mixing Kitchen, Endurance Silk, Magic White Silk, Quick Dry Gloss, Watershield Exterior Satin, and many more.

Ranges from Rs 570/- to Rs 2100/- per 4 litres.

POINTS EARNED -2

D-1 GENERAL - These requirements apply to all buildings and facilities used by the public. These apply to temporary or emergency conditions as well as permanent conditions. It does not apply to private residences.

D-2 SITE DEVELOPMENT – D-2.1 Almost any building can be made accessible to physically challenged persons by so planning the site that the terraces, retaining walls and winding walks are used effectively.

D-3.7 Sanitary Facilities It is essential that sanitary facilities, in accordance with the nature and use of a specific building or facility, be made accessible to, and usable by, the physically challenged.

RUBBER KERB RAMP END PLATE

CONCRETE KERB RAMP Users and uses Curb cuts placed at street intersections allow wheelchair users, toddlers on tricycles etc., to move onto or off of a sidewalk with less difficulty. Many curb cuts also feature tactile paving, a pattern of circular bumps that indicate to visually impaired pedestrians that they are about to enter a roadway. Curb cuts also benefit pedestrians if they are using a walker or cane, pushing a stroller, a pram or a buggy for babies, pushing or pulling a cart or hand truck, or walking next to a bicycle; as well as anyone riding a bicycle, roller skates, or a skateboard.

Disabled parking is displayed upon parking a vehicle permitting the operator of a vehicle to special privileges regarding the parking of that vehicle. These privileges include parking in a space reserved for persons with disabilities.

D-3.2 Entrances D-3.2.2 At least one primary entrance to each building shall be usable by individuals in wheelchairs (see Fig. 12A) and shall be indicated by a sign (see Fig. 12B).

D-3.2.2 At least one entrance usable by individuals in wheelchairs shall be on a level that would make the elevators accessible.

Images showing disabled parking areas.

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

THE SITE HAS NO CONTOURS. BECAUSE OF THE SITE LAND BEING FLAT THERE ARE NO HINDRANCES FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY.

D-2.2 Walks -

D-2.2.1 Public walks should be at least 1 200 mm wide and should have a gradient not greater than 1 in 20.

D-2.2.1.1 • It is essential that the gradient of walks and driveways be less than that prescribed for ramps.

• Walks of near maximum grade and considerable length should have level areas at intervals for purposes of rest and safety.

• Walks or driveways should have a non-slip surface.

D-2.2.2 Such walks shall be of a continuing common surface not interrupted by steps or abrupt changes in level.

D-2.2.3 Wherever walks cross other walks, driveways, or parking lots they should blend to a common level.

D-2.2.3.1 Suitable method for blending pavement and roadway surfaces

D-2.2.4 A walk shall have a level platform at the top which is at least 1500 mm long, if a door swings out onto the platform or towards the walk. This platform shall extend at least 300 mm beyond each side of the doorway.

D-2.2.5 A walk shall have a level platform at least 900 mm deep, if the door does not swing onto the platform or towards the walk. This platform shall extend at least 300 mm beyond each side of the doorway.

• •

ALL THE WALKWAYS ARE DESIGND OBEYING THE ABOVE MENTIONED NORMS. THE ABOVE MENTIONED METHOD OF BLENDING PAVEMENT AND ROADWAY SURFACE IS ADOPTED AT SEVERAL AREAS IN THE SITE.

D-2.3 Parking Space

D-2.3.1 Spaces that are accessible and approximate to the facility should be set aside and identified for use by individuals with physical disabilities.

D-2.3.2 A parking space open on one side, allowing room for individuals in wheelchairs or individuals on braces and crutches to get in and out of an automobile onto a level surface, is adequate. It should have a minimum width of 2700 mm preferably 2800 mm for ambulant disabled and minimum 3000 mm preferably 3300 mm for wheel chair users.

D-3.11 Elevators In a multi-storey building, elevators are essential to the successful functioning of physically disabled individuals. They shall conform to the requirements given in D-3.11.1 and D-3.11.2.

D-3.11.1 Elevators shall be accessible to, and usable by the physically disabled on the level that they use to enter the building, and at all levels normally used by the general public.

D-3.3 Doors and Doorways D-3.3.1 Doorwidth To enable wheelchair users to pass through doors, the minimum clear width should be 900 mm and shall be operable by a single effort.

In certain cases the clear width should be 900 mm to 1000 mm; for example, if the wheelchair has to be turned in the doorway, where there is a door-closer or at entrance doors to public buildings and in other situations where there is considerable traffic.

D-3.3.1.1 Two-leaf doors are not usable by those with disabilities defined in D-1.2.1, D1.2.2 and D-1.2.5 unless they operate by a single effort, or unless one of the two leaves meets the requirements of D-3.3.1.

D-3.3.1.2 Side-hung doors : To facilitate wheelchair manoeuvre, doors should be hung with the hinges in room corners. Doors opening out into corridors or circulation spaces should be avoided as far as possible.

D-3.3.1.3 It is recommended that all doors have kick plates extending from the bottom of the door to at least 400 mm from the floor, or be made of a material and finish that would safely withstand the abuse they might All dimensions in millimetres.

D-3.3.2 Wheelchair Manoeuvring Space To enable wheelchair users to approach doors manoeuvring space is needed as shown in the Fig. 13. A corridor should have a width of at least 1 200 mm to allow a 90° turn to be made through a door.

D-3.3.3 Thresholds Raised thresholds should be avoided, but where this is not possible, their height should not exceed 25 mm. Rubber thresholds are advantageous for wheelchair users.

D-3.3.3.1 Care should be taken in the selection, placement and setting of door closers so that they do not prevent the use of doors by the physically disabled. Time-delay door closers are recommended.

D-3.3.3.2 Self-closing doors Wheelchair users and other with impaired mobility have difficulty in using self-closing doors. The force required to open them should be reduced as far as possible. Public buildings should preferably have sliding automatic doors.

D-3.12 Controls

D-3.3.4 Door Indentification To help people with impaired vision to see doors, the door and frame should be in a colour which contrasts with the adjoining wall. Glass or glazed doors should be marked with a coloured band or frame, a little below eye-level.

D-3.14.1 Audible warning signals shall be accompanied by simultaneous visual signals for those with hearing disabilities.

D-3.14.2 Visual signals shall be accompanied by simultaneous audible signals for the benefit of the blind. To assist blind people, lettering and symbols on signs should be in relief for tactile reading.

D-3.14.3 Signs should be designed and located so that they are easy to read. For visually impaired people, signs should preferably be at eye-level and it should be possible to approach them closely.

Text and symbols should be colour-contrasted with the background. The letters should not be less than 12 mm high.

D-3.14.4 Signs should be well illuminated and surfaces should not cause mirroring or reflections. Signs should not be behind glass or similar materials.

D-3.14.5 Information based on colour codes only should be avoided; colourblind people may find them difficult to understand.

D-3.3.5 Handles Door handles and locks should be easy to manipulate. To facilitate the closing of a door by wheelchair users (for example, a water-closet compartment), the door should have a horizontal handle approximately 800 mm from the floor. Self-closing doors should be equipped with an easy gripped vertical pull-handle with a length of at least 300 mm, and with the lower end approximately 800 mm above floor. For many people and specially those with impaired vision, it is helpful to make clear whether doors are to be pulled or pushed (see Fig. 14).

D-3.5 Stairs Stairs should not be the only means of moving between floors. They should be supplemented by lifts or ramps.

RUBBER KERB RAMP PLATE

PLASTIC KERB RAMP PLATE

D-2.1.1 Site development is the most effective means to resolve the problems created by topography, definitive architectural designs or concepts, water table, existing streets, and typical problems, singularly or collectively, so that aggress, ingress and egress to buildings by physically challenged may be facilitated while preserving the desired design and effect of the architecture.

• •

METAL KERB RAMP PLATE

It is advantageous for wheelchair users if controls are placed at low level. For visually impaired people, they should be at eye-level.

D-3.12.1 To enable wheelchair users to reach controls while not placing them too low for visually impaired people, controls should be in the zone 900 mm to 1 200 mm from the floor.

D-3.12.2 Again, to cater for visually impaired people, controls should be colour-contrasted with backgrounds. Information should preferably be in relief for tactile reading.

D-3.12.3 To aid operation for people with impaired co-ordination or impaired vision, switches, etc, should have large push plates.

D-3.12.4 Controls for powered door openers to hinged doors should be located so that the doors do not conflict with wheelchairs, sticks, walking aids, etc.

D-3.12.5 To facilitate operation for people with limited strength in arms and hands, handles should be easy to grip and turn.

DG YARD

TRANSFORMER

SITE PLAN PROPOSED OFFICE SPACE

NBC 2005 - ANNEX D (Clause 12.21) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANNING OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS MEANT FOR USE OF PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

D-3 BUILDINGS D-3.1 Ramps with Gradients Where ramps with gradients are necessary or desired, they shall conform to the following requirements (see Fig. 10).

D-3.1.1 A ramp when provided should not have a slope greater than 1 in 20 or maximum of 1 in 12 for short distance up to 9000 mm.

D-3.1.2 A ramp shall have handrails on at least one side, and preferably two sides, that are 900 mm high, measured from the surface of the ramp, that are smooth, and that extend 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. Where major traffic is predominantly children, the handrails should be placed 760 mm high.

D-3.1.3 A ramp shall have a surface that is non-slip surface and if length is 3500 mm, the minimum width shall be 1500 mm.

D-3.1.3.1 The provision of non-slip surfaces on ramps greatly assists the challenged persons with semi-ambulatory and ambulatory disabilities. Non-slip surfaces are provided by many finishes and materials. The surfaces of the concrete ramps can be made nonskid by brooming the surface or by finishing with an indenting roller.

D-3.1.4 A ramp shall have a level platform at the top which is at least 1800 mm long, if a door swings out onto the platform or toward the ramp. This platform shall extend at least 300 mm beyond each side of the doorway (see Fig. 11).

D-3.1.5 Each ramp shall have at least 1800 mm of straight clearance at the bottom.

D-3.1.6 Ramps shall have level platforms at 10 m to 12 m intervals for purposes of rest and safety, and shall have platforms minimum 1.5 m length wherever they turn.

D-3.1.7 For visually impaired people, ramps may be colour contrasted with landing.

D-3.1.8 To minimize rise to wheelchair users, ramps should be equipped with herbs approximately 50 mm high at exposed sides.

CONCRETE KERB RAMP

+0.15 M

Compliances: • 25.2.1: Submit drawings demonstrating that the project incorporates design measures for Universal Accessibility as recommended in NBC 2005.

• 25.2.2: Upload photographs, with description, of the measures implemented

PARKING LAYOUT FOR PHYSICALLY ACCORDING TO NBC

A curb cut, curb ramp, dropped kerb, pram ramp, or kerb ramp is a solid (usually concrete) ramp graded down from the top surface of a sidewalk to the surface of an adjoining street. It is designed primarily for pedestrian usage and commonly found in urban areas where pedestrian activity is expected. In comparison with a conventional curb (finished at a right angle 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above the street surface) a curb cut is finished at an intermediate gradient that connects both surfaces, sometimes with tactile paving.

+0.60 M

Appraisals: • 25.1.1: Compliance with National Building Code norms on Requirements for Planning of Public Buildings Meant for Use of Physically Challenged - 2 points

D-3.6.1 Floors shall have a non-slip surface.

D-3.6.2 Floors on a given storey shall be of a common level through out or be connected by a ramp in accordance with D-3.1.1 to D3.1.8. D-3.6.2.1 A gentle slope up to 10 mm may be given between the level of the floor of the corridor and the level of the floor of the toilet rooms.

D-3.6.2.2 There should not be a difference between the level of the floor of a corridor and the level of a meeting room, dining room, or any other room, unless proper ramps are provided.

+0.60 M

Maximum Points: 2

D-3.6 Floors

+0.15 M

Intent: The intent of this criterion is to promote adoption of measures in the project to make it universally accessible.

D-2.3.3 Parking spaces for individuals with physical disabilities when placed between two conventional diagonal or head-on parking spaces should be 3.6 m to 3.8 m wide and the length of the aisle should 7.3 m, 6.1 m and 6.5 m for head-on, 90° and 60° parking respectively.

D-2.3.4 Care in planning should be exercised, so that individuals in wheelchairs and individuals using braces and crutches are not compelled to wheel or walk behind parked cars.

D-2.3.5 Consideration should be given to the distribution of spaces for use by the disabled in accordance with the frequency and persistency of parking needs.

D-2.3.6 Walks shall be in conformity with D-2.2.

1:12 RATIO RAMP FROM GROUND LEVEL TO BASEMENT 1

Criterion 25: Design for Universal Accessibility

D-3.13 Identification Appropriate identification of specific facilities within a building used by the public is particularly essential to the blind.

D-3.13.1 Raised letters or numbers shall be used to identify rooms or offices.

D-3.13.2 Such identification should be placed on the wall, to left of the door, preferably at a height of 1 500 mm from the floor.

D-3.13.3 Doors that are not intended for normal use, and that might prove dangerous if a blind person were to exit or enter by them, should be made quickly identifiable to the touch by knurling the door handle or knob.

D-3.14 Warning Signals

IMAGES- SOURCE NBC 2005 - ANNEX D (Clause 12.21) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANNING OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS MEANT FOR USE OF PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

Kerb Ramp (with end plates)

SITE ENTRY

Kerb Ramp

SITE EXIT

RESTING ROOMS AND TOILETS

POINTS EARNED -2

Criterion 26: Dedicated facilities for service staff Intent: The intent of this criterion is to promote provision of resting spaces and toilets dedicated for project’s service staff.

Maximum Points: 2 Appraisals: • 26.1.1: Provide dedicated resting rooms for the service staff on site – 1 point • 26.1.2: Provide toilets for the service staff on site – 1 point Compliances: • 26.2.1: Submit drawings demarcating the location of various toilets and/or resting rooms for service staff • 26.2.2: Upload photographs, with description, of the measures implemented

NARRATIVE : Everyone, regardless of whether you are the Government, an employer, a service buyer or a concerned citizen, must realize that architects have a part to play in uplifting the lives of our low-wage workers.

A cause that all of us could be a part of is ensuring that our companies provide proper rest areas for outsourced workers such as cleaners, security officers and landscape maintenance employees working in our building premises. These workers put in effort and hard work performing their duties, and the fruits of their labour result in a better environment – one which is clean, safe and secure – for everyone at the site. Surely, these workers deserve the dignity of having proper rest areas so that they can carry on doing their work more productively.

Most companies provide good, proper rest areas for their permanent employees. Unfortunately, the provision of rest areas by service buyers or building owners for their cleaners, security officers and landscape maintenance workers is uncommon. Many of these outsourced service workers have no choice but to accept whatever nook or corner, albeit undesirable, as their rest areas.

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN (calculations for the number of toilets, washbasins, urinals and toilets for the physically disabled is done according to the standards given in the GRIHA manual). And, every floor plate has a provision for dedicated resting rooms for the service staff.

LEGEND

Therefore, this office incorporates : • Separate resting rooms and toilets are provided on the site (ground level), in the basement level as well as in all the floors of the building.

• The number of toilets, wash basins and urinals provided are in accordance with the given guidance (as mentioned in the GRIHA manual).

Image. Cleaners having their lunch at the rest area provided. The rest area is air-conditioned and equipped with tables and chairs.

Each cleaner has their own personal locker too.

PLAN AT BASEMENT LEVEL 1

SITE PLAN

8 M DRIVEWAY

Image. Provision to have a special room for service staff where the cleaners can take breaks, have their meals and keep their belongings safely.

toilets and restrooms at ground level (on the site) for the service staff

toilets for women

toilets for men

resting room for women

resting room for men

(basement level 2 same as basement level 1)

CORE

CORE AT THE BASEMENT LEVEL 1 AND 2

CORE

CORE – TYPICAL FLOOR PLATE

POINTS EARNED -2

Criterion 21: Use of lowenvironmental impact materials in building interiors

1. Design for energy efficiency Energy consumption is one of the major contributors to climate change. Buildings are responsible for a big share of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, caused by energy consumption. Architects and interior designers can do a lot to improve a building’s energy efficiency, mainly by reducing the amount of energy needed for heating, lighting, running appliances, etc., and by providing renewable, non-carbon-based energy to the building.

Intent: The intent of this criterion is to promote installation of low environmental impact materials in the building interiors.

Following materials will be accepted as low-environmental impact: • Stones from India • Composite wood based products • FSC Chain of Custody certified products • Manufactured products with at least 5% recycled content • Products with EPD (cradle to gate) analyzed and published as per ISO 14025 / ISO 21930 • Products with water footprint (cradle to gate) analyzed and published as per ISO 14046

Society is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of environmentally responsible building and interior design. As a result, we must seek to incorporate sustainability principles in their interiors as it has a tremendous impact on the sustainability of an environment because they are the ones deciding which materials and products will be used and how ecologically people will be able to interact with their surrounding spaces.

By following these sustainable interior design principles, designers reduce the negative environmental impact of the society and build a better, more sustainable future.

Mineral Fibre Ceilings

NARRATIVE :

To save energy spent on lighting, a lot can be done just by picking the right colors. Lighter colors reflect more light, while rooms with darker walls and furnishing need more artificial lighting. Using reflective surfaces increases the amount of light in a room by bouncing it around, decreasing dependency on artificial lighting. Installing home automation and so called ‘’green gadgets’’ makes it possible to control heating and lighting systems remotely. This also help residents and occupants use the building’s energy more efficiently and economically.

Ply & laminate flush doors have been used. Double glazed windows with UPVC (Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) frame.

The environmental impact of materials and products must be evaluated throughout their entire life cycle — from extraction, production, transportation and processing, all the way to how they are discarded after use. There are standardized tools and labels that help designers understand, compare and evaluate a product’s environmental impact in distinct phases of their life cycle, such as the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment).

Interior designers have a lot of power in their hands when it comes to waste reduction, and at the same time, a big responsibility to act sustainably. The planet’s precious resources are limited, so the mentality of discarding products as soon as they go out of style and replacing them with those that are currently trendy is no longer justifiable.

Fortunately, the world of design is becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainable thinking and is experiencing a growing interest in sustainable trends, such as recycling, upcycling and repurposing. Instead of discarding ‘’old-fashioned’’ objects while they are still functional, designers can (and should) come up with creative ways to give them a new life.

ECONYL nylon yarn is not only 100% regenerated, it is also regenerable.

These discarded fishing nets, fluff (upper part of the carpet) and plastic components will be transformed into nylon for carpets, having the same quality as virgin nylon. When the carpets reach the end of their lifecycle, the fluff can be regenerated back into new fiber, without any loss of quality.

Another way in which interior designers can help reduce the depletion of natural resources (and divert waste from landfills) is by opting for synthetic materials that were made from recycled waste or can be renewed/recycled at the end of their life cycle — when they are spent or people grow tired of them.

With this cradle-to-cradle approach, waste becomes raw material for new products and a circular loop of manufacturing is formed, effectively minimizing or even eliminating waste all together.

More than 75% of the total quantity of material used for sub-assembly, internal portions, panelling, false ceiling and in-build furniture is low energy material. Green guard laminate and Armstrong mineral fibre ceiling tiles have been used.

Advantages of Mineral Fibre Ceilings • Green product : sustainable and environmentally-friendly since around 76% recycled material is used in its manufacturing process.

• Fire resistance : non-combustible and do not emit toxic gas or smoke, melt, break or become deformed under normal fire conditions, thereby protecting ceiling areas from fire.

• Acoustics : 55% to 60% of sound is absorbed within the room and the reverberation time of soundwaves are reduced, making a pleasant office environment.

• Thermal Insulation

MOSO Bamboo Flooring

Other Flooring Materials

Benefits of MOSO Bamboo Floors

Images showing laminate flush doors and double glazed windows with UPVC frames

Because ECONYL® nylon yarn used in carpets is made from waste materials, such as abandoned fishing nets, discarded carpets and other discarded plastics, the environmental impact of an ECONYL yarn-made carpet is much lower than one made with nylon from crude oil.

From a sustainability perspective, it’s very important to pick materials and products with the lowest environmental impact.

Organic materials (e.g. wood, wool, natural stone) seem the obvious choice, but we mustn’t forget that natural resources need to be treated responsibly. Choose materials that are quickly renewable (such as fastgrowing bamboo), and are extracted in an environmentally responsible way. There are labels, standards and certifications that give credible information about the products’ origin and help you identify eco-friendly products. For example, an FSC label on wood products ensures that the wood used in the product was harvested sustainably.

In wake of the multifarious challenges that India faces, it is imperative to make a paradigm shift towards passive and hybrid cooling systems especially in cooling dominated countries like India where ample solar and wind energy can be harnessed for improved thermal comfort and reduced energy consumption.

* false ceilings/internal partitions/paneling/in-built furniture/flooring/internal door & window panels & frames Compliances: • 21.2.1: Provide manufacturer cut-sheets highlighting specifications of low environmental impact finishes/products used in the building interiors • 21.2.2: Provide CAD drawings demarcating (by highlighting with clear dimensions) the use of aforesaid • finishes/products in the interior layouts/plans.

• 21.2.3: Submit purchase orders (reflecting full quantities) and relevant sections of the BOQ for the low environmental impact materials used • 21.2.4: Upload photographs, with description, of the measures implemented

Heating and lighting are the two most crucial factors interior designers have influence over. Since most of the building’s heat escapes through windows, it’s important that the installed windows are of high quality and provide good insulation. Curtains and drapes keep both cold air and the sun’s heat outside. Window coverings, blinds and shades enable residents to control the building’s temperature in an energy efficient way by opening and shutting them as needed.

Carpets are excellent thermal insulators; according to estimations, a carpet retains as much as 10 % of a room’s heat.

Kota Stone Flooring Although the bamboo species “MOSO” is formally not a wood but a grass, it has excellent “hardwood like” characteristics: it is very hard and durable, making MOSO bamboo floors suitable for use even in heavy duty applications. Because of the composition of individual strips, MOSO bamboo floors will shrink and swell less than solid wood species, providing a very stable bamboo floor.

Bamboo is an ‘endless’ resource: it grows very fast (up to 1 meter per day!) and as only the older stems are harvested, the younger bamboo receives more space for growth providing a higher yield. Because of its unique growing speed, combined with efficient production, MOSO bamboo floors actually absorb more CO2 than is released during production and transport of the bamboo floors to the customer. All solid MOSO bamboo floors are therefore guaranteed CO2 neutral over the complete lifecycle.

MOSO bamboo floors are also a healthy choice as they are antistatic and anti-allergic. Inspired by nature, the most striking feature of MOSO floors is certainly its beauty.

Combined with the vast choice of different styles, configurations and colours, there is always a MOSO bamboo floor available which will match your preferences.

As one of the pioneers in bamboo floors, MOSO has grown to become the European market leader in this field. MOSO’s long experience (over 15 years) and strive for perfection have established its reputation of providing bamboo floors of the highest quality, with a product guarantee of up to 30 years.

Bark House Poplar Panels for interior use What Makes Them Green: Bark is removed from reclaimed trees in one unending and unbroken cylinder. The bark is flattened, kiln-dried, and cut into panels for use over plywood or drywall. No two are ever alike.

Panels for interior use are certified and meet VOC standards.

Except the breakout zone (highlighted in green), the entire building interior is designed using all the materials mentioned in the sheet; which accounts for more than 75% of the surface area as mentioned in the GRIHA appraisals.

No environmental product declaration or health product declaration was found for this product.

Kota Stone is a fine-grained variety of limestone obtained from Kota, Rajasthan, India. It is available in attractive, earthy colours. It is nonslippery, water-resistant, non-porous, can be rough finished or polished to a high shine.

However, it does not have the sophisticated appearance of Marble or Granite. It is more rustic looking. It is used both in interiors and in exteriors, commercial spaces, external staircases, pathways, corridors, driveways, and balconies etc. A very similar stone is the Shahbad stone found in North Karnataka. But Shahbad is mostly grey.

ADVANTAGES : • Polished Kota Stone looks beautiful because of it’s nice smoothness and shine.

• It a natural stone and is bio-degradable and a green option.

• Non-porous and moisture resistant, is a hygienic flooring option in humid regions.

• It reflects heat and is always cool and comfortable underfoot.

• Affordable: Unlike Marble or Granite, Kota stone is very affordable. In fact it is the cheapest stone among other natural stones.

Biobased Xorel •

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Wall Coverings

Appraisals: • 21.1.1: Project demonstrates that at least 25% of all materials (calculated by surface area) used for building interiors* meets the GRIHA criterion low-impact material requirements – 1 point • 21.1.2: Project demonstrates that at least 50% of all materials (calculated by surface area) used for building interiors* meets the GRIHA criterion low-impact material requirements – 2 points • 21.1.3: Project demonstrates that at least 75% of all materials (calculated by surface area) used for building interiors* meets the GRIHA criterion low-impact material requirements – 4 points

ECONYL® brand

Maximum Points: 4

3. Design for waste reduction

2. Design for low environmental impact

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The world’s first biobased high performance textile was developed by Carnegie Fabrics.

It can be used as a wall covering, wrapped around panels, or for upholstery.

It is available in a wide range of colors and textures.

No environmental product declaration was found for this product. The manufacturer provides environmental information based on its own tests.

Xorel color Dash HPD (health product declaration).

VINYL WALL COVERINGS Used on nearly every type of surface, plastic wall covering has grown in popularity, increasingly serving as a design tool of choice for homeowners. Durable and easy to clean, vinyl products offer the added benefit of longevity. The www.vinylbydesign.com web site explains that vinyl’s longevity is the reason they compose a very small fraction of the materials that are disposed in landfills each year.

Furthermore, the energy required to manufacture vinyl wall coverings is only half as much as that needed to produce the same amount of an alternative wall covering.

Vinyl wall coverings also offer favorable Indoor Air Quality attributes since this plastic has a relatively low potential for odors or emissions. The www.vinylbydesign.com web site suggests that studies show considerably higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from some paints than from vinyl wall coverings. Painting a room with oil and/or solvent-based paints can result in emissions of approximately nine times the amount of VOCs released by vinyl wallcoverings incorporating water-based adhesives and inks.

Typical Floor Plan CONCLUSION : a) More than 75% of the total quantity of material used for sub-assembly, internal portions, panelling, false ceiling and in-build furniture is low energy material. Green guard laminate and Armstrong mineral fibre ceiling tiles have been used. b) More than 75% of the total quantity if material used for flooring is low energy material. Moso Bamboo flooring, Kota stone and vitrified tiles and Thermatek heat resistant ceiling tiles have been used. c) 100 % of total quantity of material used for doors windows and frames is low energy material with recycled content. Ply & laminate flush doors have been used. Fenesta UPVC is used for window frames. Also, project officer has mentioned verbally that the scrap generated at the extrusion and fabrication of units is recycled. The material is 100% recyclable and has 10% pre-consumer recycled content.

Therefore, materials used are complying with the intent of criterion. Hence points awarded are justified.

POINTS EARNED - 4