TOWARDS
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REGENERATIVE THINKING
“ISD 5103 GREEN BUILDINGS IN TROPICS A REPORT ON REGENERATIVE AND NET POSITIVE BUILDINGS IN INDIA SHUCHI JHALANI A0123466H MSc. INTERGATED SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PROF. NIRMAL KISHNANI OCTOBER 2015”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CHAPTERS
PAGE NO.
ABSTRACT
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PROJECT 1. GOVARDHAN ECO VILLAGE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA (TOWARDS REGENERATIVE THINKING)
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1.1 Natural Capital
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1.2 Human Capital
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1.3 Social Capital
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1.4 Built Capital
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1.5 Symbolic Capital
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PROJECT 2. INDIAN INSITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JODHPUR, INDIA (TOWARDS NET POSITIVE THINKING)
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2.1 Natural Capital
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2.2 Social Capital
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2.3 Built Capital
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2.4 Human Capital
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PROJECT 3. SAMBHAAVNA INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC POLICY AND POLITICS, HIMACHAL PRRADESH, INDIA 30 (TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE THINKING) 3.1 Built Capital
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3.2 Social Capital
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3.3 Political Capital
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CONCLUSION
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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ABSTRACT Sustainability, as currently practiced, is primarily an exercise in efficiency, most
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practices aim at imposing less harm by reducing resource consumption and negative impact on environment and human health. However, with increasing urbanisation, more so over in developing countries like India, mitigation of resource depletion and environmental degradation alone cannot solve issues of global concern. In contrast, these issues can be effectively addressed by the emerging idea of regenerative design that is community place-based, and widens the boundary focus of a building from its site/shell to the neighbourhood. In view to that in this report, an attempt has been made to select and analyse 3 varying scale projects in India that extend beyond the precepts of ongoing sustainable solutions. The 7 capitals are used as the basis for describing the value and the impact of the activities developments of the project. The three projects are Govardhan Eco village is a model farm community and retreat centre, described in total of 5 capitals; natural, human, social, built, and symbolic, IIT Jodhpur, an eco campus, described in terms of the 4 capitals; natural, human, social and built capital and Sambhaavnaa Institute of public policy and politics, described in terms of 3 capitals; Built, social, political. Through these varying scale projects, regenerative developments can be defined as developments that go beyond net positive school of thought and self reliance on water or food, expanding the confines beyond their site, shell and program brief to restore the surrounding ecologies and environment. Regenerative design is more about finding and fostering the true essence of a place, where is it born, exploring its possibilities and unlocking its potential to thrive, by emphasizing on discovering relationships, connections & patterns and working within a living systems context for embracing diversity, resiliency and health . �
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GOVARDHAN ECO VILLAGE, MUMBAI, INDIA GEV is a unique model farm community and retreat centre in Maharashtra, India. Striving for “simple living and high thinking”, incorporating principles of self sufficiency and localised economy, it has brought about holistic sustainable and ecological changes within the community. This translated into a symbiotically created architectural model that goes beyond the precepts of a green development.
Figure1. (left) Location of Govradhan eco village on India Map. Figure1. (Right) Master plan zoning of Govradhan eco village. (Source:http://ecovillage.org.in/ourprojects)
Location: Size :
Programme :
Status :
Galtare, wada, Maharashtra, India Site area - 70 Acres Gross Floor area- 2,400.65 m2 Site coverage – 8 % residence for 25 families,Retreat centre, guest house (60 residents), Kitchen & Dining, Animal care Centre (Goshala), Plant Nursery, primary school & orphanage Completed in 2012
Client :
ISKCON Gurgaon Chowpaty
Architect :
Biome Environmental Solutions Pvt Ltd,Bangalore
Type :
Village community
Hours : Occupancy :
8760 hours/ year 25 Families, 60 Resident Monks,50 Students
Energy Performance index (EPI) :
37.5 KWh/ m2/year
Table 1.Fact sheet of Govardhan eco village
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Wada district region is composed of hilly terrain with dominant rural population comprising of mostly scheduled castes (Adivasis). Dependence on rainfall, accompanied with lack of proper irrigation facilities1, forced 10% families to migrate during non- monsoon season. And as a result of illiteracy, lack of skill and employment, alcoholism and crime rates increased in this area (2002).
Figure 2. Govardhan eco village Guest house(Source:http://ecovillage.org.in/our-projects)
GEV was thus conceptualised at ‘wada block’ by Radhanath swami, a social activist as an experiment to merge environmentalism, human rights, animal rights and spirituality for restoring environmental and ecological harmony within the community. The outcome is a proof, a model, an institution of regenerative architecture, adopting ancient vedic practices coupled with modern tweaks to blend with nature, also incorporating use of alternative sources of energy, regional sourcing of material, empowering rural masses, and showcasing green building technologies, to build a sustainable nation.
__________________________________________________________________________________ 1Irrigation facilitates One well per 375 acres serving only 50% of the land for irrigation.
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This project lends itself to the engagement of community-at-large. Farmers from nearby villages now use GEV’s farming land to practice organic farming. Many corporate heads are having seminars, retreats here; they also see alternative ways by which they could focus their own corporations feel real sense of responsibility to humanity. Using sustainability indicators, we see that the main focus of GEV is on the behaviour and impact of the occupants, with minimum reliance on technologies for achieving energy efficiency.
Figure 3.Villagers on farming sites on GEV (Source: http://ecovillage.org.in/our-projects) Figure 3. GEV Symbiotic Development Model (Source: http://ecovillage.org.in/our-projects)
In an interview from 2015, Radhanath swami, founder of GEV, stated that “Green is not a colour anymore; it is a symbol of stability along with the safety of sustainability, the environment, and humanity. Going beyond green is a struggle and we are doing it at GEV”.
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GEV is further described in terms of the 5 capitals; natural, human, social, built, and symbolic.
1.1.
NATURAL CAPITAL
Natural capital is discussed in terms of water as a resource and its management, preservation and protection of biodiversity. 1.1.1. Water management “Water is the basis of sustenance for the entire community – be it for the people living there, for farming or for the animals. This project aims to ensure a reliable water source for a community by building tanks, ponds and restoring dried lakes which act as the means for rain water harvesting and ground water recharge�. ( Swami.R, 2011)
Figure4. Before (dried up) and after condition of rain water storage pond2
With a projected water demand of 100,000 litres per day, extraction of water from vaitarna river was re- thought of, and hydro geological surveys were conducted to identify ideal locations for rain water storage pond (10,000,000 litres) and ground water recharge pond (2,500,000 litres). The farm community draws water for the irrigation that it needs from the pond reducing dependency on pumping from river water. Thus, GEV has a hydrological relationship with these ponds in terms of two way flows.
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Pond Size: 10,000,000 litres Receive 3000 mm of rains annually. Rain water Hits the sahyadri mountain ranges flows down, gets collected in the reservoir, largest pond in thane district, underground water; levels have increased and it is sufficient water for irrigating the fields for up to 6-7 months every year 2
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Figure 5: Map created after hydro geological survey. (Source:http://ecovillage.org.in/our-projects)
Post conducting hydrological surveys, a need to restore the quality of water was realised. A chemical free soil biotechnology sewage water treatment plant was thus developed by a devotee (PHD graduate from IIT Powai, 2010). This SBT plant bears a capacity of up to 30,000 litres of sewage per day in an 8 hour cycle daily. It also has the potential produce up to 20,00,000 Tons of bio-fertilizer per year. All solid waste from the village community is collected and diverted to the system for filtration, after filtration, it falls into gravity settling tank, from where it is pumped into water treatment plant. In various plant beds, the sewage water is sprayed, like a land simulation; this water is then absorbed, where the bacteria’s at the roots act on the water. Sloping downwards, it passes through all layers and gets collected at the front for irrigation purposes.
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1.1.2. Protection and preservation of Biodiversity The pond, farm land and nursery serve as vital habitat for diverse species of birds, butterflies, and bees. A few endangered species have also been identified in these areas.
BIRDS DIVERSITY 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
BIRDS DIVERSITY
0
BUTTERFLY DIVERSITY 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
BUTTERFLY DIVERSITY
Figure 6: Biodiversity survey to analyse the presence of varied species in GEV
Within the animal care centre, 65 numbers (Initially 12 numbers) of cows and bulls are being raised and protected from being slaughtered.
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1.2.
HUMAN CAPITAL
Human Capital is discussed in terms of human health, knowledge and skills.
1.2.1. Human health and wellness As a mission to serve the needy, GEV collaborated with Bhaktivendanta hospital3
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and together they have been providing free community health care services to villagers in and around GEV on its campus. About 3000 villagers were screened on general health check up and cancer treatment camps. 2000 students covering all schools in wada block of Thane district were also screened for early diagnosis and treatment . �
Food we consume is interconnected with both the mental and physical being. The purity of food can be thus regarded as an indicator of human wellness. At GEV, organic farming is the sole source of food making, achieving self sufficiency. 40 different types of seasonal vegetables are produced over 3.1 acres of land every year. This produce is supplied to the central kitchen and is sufficiently consumed by all residents, students and guests on campus.
Figure 7(Left): Medical check up camp for villagers set up at GEV. Figure 7(Right): Large size long melon growing in organic farms at GEV. (Source:http://ecovillage.org.in/our-projects)
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Bhakivedanta Hospital. Location: Mira road, Mumbai. Misson: A non profit institution providing free and concessional service through setting up camps for general check and treatment of villagers. Meets expenses through supporters and philanthropic donations. 3
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86% Visitors felt peaceful and healthy after yoga and treatment sessions conducted at the retreat centre (Hindustan times Survey 2015). Ayurvedic remedies are also prepared here using 50 different types of herbs grown within the herb garden spread over an area of one acre.
1.2.2. Human skill development Adopting the principles of skill development for self- employment, GEV has been active in conducting teaching and rural development workshops on organic farming, integrated waste management, water conservation, arts & handicrafts, animal care and plant nursery for villagers in and around wada block of Thane district
200 180 160 140 120 100
MEN WOMEN
80 60 40 20 0 CSEB Building Technology
Horticulture
Organic Farming
Plant nursery
Cottage Insdustry
Figure 8: No. of men/women with increased employment opportunities from various skill developments at GEV training programmes. (Data Source: http://ecovillage.org.in/our-projects)
“Imparting training on multiple cropping has developed local employment and self employment opportunities for villagers, which in turn has effectively led to negligible migration of the trained families during non-monsoon seasons, accentuating stability in family relations as a result of both employment opportunities and values imparted during the skill training.�
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“In a recent workshop, 70 Farmers practising chemical based farming were trained about benefits of organic farming4 and many practices followed at GEV were demonstrated to them.” “The farmers were amazed to see the production of organic vegetables at GEV and were surprised to know the utility of biomass and gobar (cow dung slurry) as a fertilizer. The farmers also learnt about other organic farming practices used at GEV like the use of raised beds, natural pesticides, fermone traps etc. As a positive step towards organic farming more than 80% of them agreed to start organic farming individually in 1 acre of their plot”. (Das,M.N, 2015).
Figure 9(Left): Farmers at workshop learning organic farming techniques. Figure 9(Right): Women smearing cow dung on walls. (Source: http://ecovillage.org.in/our-projects)
Skill training for women has created self employment opportunities to earn, save
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and multiply the earnings.” “Total 12 Women Self help groups formed with 119 participating members. Regular field visits and training camps are conducted for Water Chlorination, Paper bag making, Organic kitchen gardening, water harvesting, floriculture and forestry. The participating women are now gaining confidence on their self sufficiency and collective initiatives”. (Das, M.N, 2015). “Alongside, as a part of health initiative, 18 families were encouraged to grow organic vegetables in Kitchen garden.”
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4 Farming Categories: fruits and vegetables, rice, sugar cane. Land area: 3.1 acres - 40 types of vegetables. 11 acres - 54 varieties of rice species. 2 acres – sugar cane plantation
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1.3.
SOCIAL CAPITAL
Social capital is discussed in terms of contribution to good of public realm,
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restoring community ties, and formation of community networks. 1.3.1. Contribution to good of public realm & restoring community ties. a. Food relief programme: As a part of ISKCON Food Relief Foundation, Everyday, GEV Central kitchen voluntarily sends afternoon meal to 30,000 children from 400 schools around Wada block of Thane district. One nutritious meal a day brings thousands of children to school. b. ‘Wadi’ Training programme: Over 150 tribal families participated, 35 training “
sessions and 20 educational film shows were conducted at GEV campus in year 2014. Today with all of them involved in soil conservation and organic farming, Average income for all the farmers has risen upto Rs 7,000/month, Landless families supported by setting up sewing machines, grocery shops, snack centers, carpentry and stationary shops etc with monthly incomes ranging from Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 9,000 . ”
c. Lady Northcote Hindu Orphanage : At GEV 60 underprivileged rural “
children,are imparted a holistic training of academic, spiritual, vocational and physical wellbeing. Over the past many years every single students has cleared the standard X board examinations with more than 50% students scoring well above distinction. The school has also produced many athletes who have won awards in traditional games like wrestling and kho-kho . ”
Figure 10(Left): Farmers at workshop learning organic farming techniques. Figure 10(Right): school girls being served nutritional meal (source: http://ecovillage.org.in/)
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1.3.2. Formation of community networks: The collaboration with various individuals, groups and organisations led to the
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exceptional outcome of what GEV is today, during the development of project, many volunteers from ISKON foundation contributed to set up the retreat centre, research by one of our researchers, Dr. Biplab Patanaik at IITB was used to set up the SBT waste water treatment plant (Patented technology), farmers community of experts on organic farming, all rendered their services without charging fees. These networks are still persistent (Swami.R 2013). �
Figure 10(Left): Volunteers constructing bricks using natural materials. Figure 10(Right): Seminar on eco conference.
Well design convention and social interaction spaces are being used by many corporate heads for are having seminars, retreats at GEV, post their visit, they also see alternative ways by which they could focus their own corporations feel real sense of responsibility to humanity.
Figure 10: Community spaces at GEV(Source: http://ecovillage.org.in/)
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1.4.
BUILT CAPITAL
Built Capital is discussed in terms of embedded capability of the building, resource and waste management. 1.4.1. Embedded capability of building “GEV has adopted the green building scheme (GRIHA Rating) which considers the existing ecologies, ensuring the constructional choices do not impact the surrounding site negatively. This is achieved by having separate building and planting zones alongwith use of natural materials, mud brick technology called compressed stabilized mud blocks (CSEB), Cow dung floor with rammed earth sub floor. 90% of the materials were sourced from within 100 Km radius of the construction area, in order to reduce the carbon footprint and net impact on environment”.
Figure 11: Building Material source origin (Source: http://ecovillage.org.in/our-projects)
Placement of Building in the overall layout is based on Hydro geological survey’s inputs so that development does not impact the recharge and discharge zones of water negatively. Using double tile roofing for final roofs, shaded walls and openings for achieving thermal comfort has lead to reduction in energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort.
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1.4.2. Resource and Waste management Like any other community, GEV requires energy resources. Located in the rural stronghold of the wada block of Thane district, energy is mostly insufficient and infrequent. Alternative use of energy sources such as biogas and PV panels have reduced the dependency on grid. This is achieved by onsite energy sourcing of 39KW capacity Solar PV panels, solar water heaters of capacity to meet 100% hot water needs, 30 cubic meter model biogas plant, which runs on cow dung and other food wastes.
Figure 12(Left): Farmers at workshop learning organic farming techniques. Figure 12(Right): Bio gas plant
A uniqueness of this place comes from the fact that every waste generated on site is becoming a precious resource, the cow dung not only becomes a fertilizer for earth, but is also used for bio gas generation, has established efficient waste management system using both traditional and innovative technique. Currently, two biogas plants are installed on site. Cattle waste is converted into
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biogas, to be used as a fuel for cooking. The Biogas plant also takes kitchen wastes for generation of Biogas. The slurry produced after extraction of gas is utilized as a natural fertilizer in organic farming. Soil biotechnology water treatment plant uses water as a medium for waste collection and soil as a medium for waste treatment. Such a system would consume little energy and would integrate in a seamless manner with the natural cycles of environment . �
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Construction wastes like broken cement poles and bricks are utilized in making
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permanent raised beds (PRB) for cultivation of rice crops and vegetable farming. The PRBs are an innovative way of saving human labour, tractor usage, energy and time, before cultivation. These beds are permanent and are more fertile and conducive for growing vegetables and fruit . ”
Figure 13: Use of construction waste for construction of permanent raised beds for farming (Source: http://ecovillage.org.in/wp-content/Downloads/Waste-Management.pdf)
Other construction wastes like quarry dust was used an aggregate in cob house
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construction and in repairing the roads. The broken red bricks are being used in water proofing the roofs in other constructions . ”
Operational cost savings
Figure 14: minimising operational saving by shifting to Bio gas plant for energy generation (source- http://ecovillage.org.in/wp-content/Downloads/Waste-Management.pdf
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1.5.
SYMBOLIC CAPITAL
Symbolic capital is discussed in terms of the brand value and reputation of institution, individuals and corporations. 1.5.1. Institutional Reputation GEV is the first farm community in India to receive more than 25 awards within 3 years from its inaugural. These achievements range in the area of integrated water conservation and protection, its initiative to build houses with natural materials and rammed Earth technique, indigenous techniques of organic farming and continued efforts towards environmental sustainability. GEV also receives many requests from local and international corporations.
Figure 15: Farmers at workshop learning organic farming techniques.
1.5.2. Individual & Corporate Reputations Through this project “Biome environmental solutions” has earned a reputation of water conservation experts and have been subsequently approached by many other clients for large scale water conservation projects.
Figure 16: Biome environmental solutions’ projects Wipro wetlands at Wipro city, Bangalore (left) Shivgangasar step well conservation (right). (source: http://biomesolutions.blogspot.sg/)
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INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JODHPUR IIT Jodhpur is one of the 16 IITs that form a prestigious group of autonomous public engineering and management institutes under the Government of India. With a vision to develop a “Smart, Intelligent Eco-Campus” incorporating principles of self sufficiency and Carbon Neutrality, the project lends itself to environmental Stewardship and ecologically sustainable strategies, achieving a net positive position for water and energy.
Figure19. (Left) Location of IIT Jodhpur on India Map Figure19. (Right) Proposed Master Plan of IIT Jodhpur (Source: IITJ campus Master plan)
Location: Size : Programme :
Status : Client : Architect : Type : Occupancy : Energy Performance index (EPI) :
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Site area - 851 Acres Gross Floor Area- 8,00,000 m2 Site coverage – 15 % 525 Seater lecture halls(5), Tutorial complex(52), labs(40), library, computer centre, 750 staff offices, COE (5), incubation centre, faculty &staff residences(1780), student hostel (7400) PG + married hostel (1000),Arts & Crafts centre/ Meditation Centre, science Park, solar park. Under construction, expected completion-2018 Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan Studio for Habitat Futures . Ar.Sanjay Prakash. Building Design Partnership (BDP.) India. Institutional campus 5600(UG+PG) students, 1200 PHD students, 2070(Permanent & Visiting Faculty and other staff) 50 KWh/ m2/year
Table 2.Fact sheet of IIT Jodhpur.
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A bleak desert like site set up in the stark landscape of Thar Desert region, was originally occupied by villagers for farming. Owing to the tragedy of development, farmers had to vacate the government owned land for development of the IIT campus (2011). As a result, the water bodies have dried up, land mass is turning barren, and condition of soil is getting degraded because of reduction in moisture content.
Figure20. (Left) Site connectivity to Jodhpur and Nagaur Figure20. (Right) Topography of site & regional watersheds affecting it.
It was realised in the early design stages, that the ecological, cultural and social values associated with this site need to be preserved and protected. (Prakash.S. 2012). The competition winning scheme, by SHIfT and BDP focussed on taking inspiration from the vernacular building layouts, design elements and treatments for the Campus landscape and architecture. IITJ is thus a holistic model conceptualised to be an international exemplar of sustainability and bio-remediation and as a ‘beacon of engineering excellence’, sensitive and aspiring to natural surroundings and existing ecologies. The outcome is likely to be a self-sustainable intervention that caters for its own energy and water requirements. A completely eco-friendly, carbon net-zero zone, meaning that it will produce all the energy it will consume, giving the excess produce back to the grid and recycle all the water that it will use.
Figure21.Site image highlighting the vegetation and topography of site.(Source: IITJ campus Master plan)
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The concept of the oasis, in the form of Johads4 or traditional water harvesting system has been the driving force for formulation of the campus layout plan, with a long term goal of achieving self sufficiency in water. The johads4 also efficiently contribute to improving percolation and ground water recharge.
Figure22. (Left) Johad, small earthen check dams. Figure22. (Right) A series of Johads, the traditional water-harvesting technique. (Source: IITJ campus Master plan)
“Delivering sustainability in large developments orients towards design for the future not a future that is extrapolated from the past with high consumption and high waste but a future that is sufficient, regenerative, and efficient. IIT Jodhpur campus proved to be a successful opportunity to put these concepts into practise�. (Sanjay Prakash: NCGD 2013)
Figure22. Integrated design strategies for IIT J campus (Source: IITJ campus Master plan)
Johad Description: small earthen check dams that capture and conserve rainwater, improving Percolation and groundwater recharge, Johads have also been part of a traditional water-harvesting technique, protects the Campus from south-west summer winds. combating the hot desert winds and dust. 4
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IITJ is further described in terms of the 4 capitals; natural, human, social and built capital. 2.1 NATURAL CAPITAL Natural capital is discussed in terms of water as a resource, restoring natural ecology and fostering positive biodiversity. 2.1.1 Water as a resource and its management Rainwater is collected by constructing a series of earthen bunds akin to the traditional irrigation ponds in Rajasthan called Johads4. This system helps to conserve rainwater, improving percolation and ground water recharge.
Figure24. Before (natural water bodies) and after ( Johad allowing increased water capacity)
The Rainwater shall also be stored in distributed underground tanks to meet the major requirement and City Supply water will be used to meet the shortfall. Total Annual Water consumption = 511,638,750 Litres Total Annual Rainwater at site = 1,055,726,375 Litres Total Annual Rainwater stored at site = 258,338,216 Litres Total Annual Rainwater Harvested = 797,388,159 Litres Considering that the amount of water recharged in a year is much more than the water drawn out from the resources, the Campus is water positive. On the other hand,
zero discharge Introduction of natural storm water management systems
like bio swales, reinforcing the natural drainage patterns, collecting surface run off using were decisions made at an early design stage by design team to maintain quality of water. Towards Regenerative Thinking
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2.1.2 Restoring natural ecology and fostering positive biodiversity. The Master plan proposed consists of a free-flowing, loosely knit structure of open spaces around the built. The majority of the site has been retained in its existing natural setting with minor interventions that help heal and protect the natural ecology.
Figure25 (Left). Existing green vegetation (Centre). Proposed master plan restoring natural setting. Figure25(Right). Respect the ecologically sensitive site and reduce human intervention
The landscape proposals at IITJ are aimed at healing and repairing the ground and creating vital natural habitats which in turn improves biodiversity in the area. Johads, green corridors, existing Scrubland & Deserted area, Biodiversity Park, shall be potential habitat for flora and fauna allowing the species to move, reproduce and colonize freely. The peripheral lands are currently proposed as sanctuary for these creatures to move within Campus through undisturbed corridors, which inturn completes the ecology of the site.
Figure26.(left) Conceptual understanding of the Movement pattern of Fauna and Avi-fauna around the Campus. Figure26.(Right) List Of fauna and Avi-fauna of the region
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2.2 SOCIAL CAPITAL Social capital is discussed in terms of restoring community ties and integration of social spaces and activities. 2.2.1 Restoring community ties IIITJ conceptualises to build strong partnership witch local communities for long lasting societal benefits. Aim is to develop a long term integrated farming operation, on the land in the outreach zone which was originally used by villagers for farming. The Farmers from surrounding villages can benefit from the self employment opportunity scheme, by practicing agriculture, horticulture, timber and other Agroforestry on site. “This program will address the goals of self-reliance, sustainability, education, action research and community living goals along with indirectly bringing back the original character of the site . Emphasis will be on Organic methods which will protect existing land from further contamination of saline aquifer by keeping the campus chemical free” (Sanjay Prakash: NCGD 2013).
Figure27.(left) Agricultural plan for IITJ Campus- concept of ‘living laboratory’ Figure27.(Right) Typical Area Detail & Landscape Strategy for Agricultural Fields and Plantation Area
Village upliftment programme:
As a part ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ initiative, IITJ
shall adopt 5 villages near it for their upliftment, Building their institutional capacity in Institutes of higher education in research & training relevant to the needs of rural India & side by side providing them with professional resource support. Towards Regenerative Thinking
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2.2.2 Integration of social spaces and activities a. Public engagements: Science park + arts and crafts village – interface between the residents of jodhpur and the IITJ campus, as a local community space within the campus. b. Outreach Centre: seeks to provide specialized services to populations who “
might not otherwise have access to those services. The various tools or methods used to connect with the local community are: leaflets, newsletters, advertising; stalls and displays, and dedicated events, organized at a common location such as an Outreach Centre . �
c. Community gardens: Proposing community gardens in different pockets of the site will involve Students, Faculty and others in various ecological programmes and increase their awareness about ecology and sustainability. Gardens near residential clusters are planned to be used for growing vegetables, herbs which will be readily available for consumption making the clusters self sustainable.
Figure28. Plan showing social spaces and activity nodes
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2.3 BUILT CAPITAL Built capital is discussed in terms of embedded capability of campus, resource and waste management. 2.3.1 Embedded capability of campus IIT J has adopted the Energy Concept for the overall site as designed to maximize energy efficiency and renewable energy use in order to reduce the use of conventional electricity grid as a backup. The renewable energy systems are sized such that the Campus will be a net producer of energy and will give renewable energy back to the electricity grid.
Figure29. Energy simulation (including wind) at competition stage
1. Rooftop PV: 90,000 sq.m of roof top, A highly efficient (11 sq.m /kWp) will be deployed on all the suitable rooftops - fed directly to the buildigns. 2. Biomass: Food waste from human and landscape waste, Total biomass production - 400 m3/ day. Biogas used as fuel for cooking
& electricity
generation through generators and fuel cells. 3. Micro Wind-Turbine: Tall buildings - Micro wind turbines (Vertical axis 2-5 kWp). No wind potential for large wind turbines on the site. 4. Standalone Solar (Thermal and PV): A standalone 15 MegaWatt solar farm. Towards Regenerative Thinking
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IIT J considers the existing ecologies and ensures that the constructional choices do not impact the surrounding site negatively. Materials like sandstone and marble that are locally available and generate local employment along with low embodied energy materials are being used; minimized used of steel for construction. 2.3.2 Resource and waste management With around 15,575 people on campus, they will be generating 9.35 tons of waste (Domestic and Non domestic) in one day that translates to over 3410tons in a year. Using proper waste treatment methods (waste reduction, recycling and reuse) IITJ foresees to achieve zero waste landfill.
Figure30. IIT J campus waste generated assumption
Figure31. IIT J campus waste management scheme.
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2.4 HUMAN CAPITAL Human capital is discussed in terms of nurturing skills and human wellness. 2.4.1. Human Health As an initiative towards improving human health, IIT J aims to develop the campus into a “Living Laboratory”, by practicing chemical free organic farming at large scales. Self-reliance on 100 % pure food will lead to higher degrees of human wellness. Herbs and medicinal plantation under the Solar PV over an area of 150 acres will be supplied to the health centre on campus.
Figure32. (left) IIT jodhpur student volunteers at health camp (2013) Figure32. (Right) Practising farmer in phalodi village near IITJ campus
2.4.1. Nurturing Human Skills IITJ hosts a dedicated centre for conducting community workshops for women to
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develop their skills for local arts and crafts and farmers to render skills on organic farming. Through these ‘holistic and enabling programs’ they foresee improving the standard and quality of living of the poor farmers and their families . ”
Figure32. (Left) community workshop at current campus of IITJ, 2013. Figure32. (Right) learning resource centres & farming on site(2006)
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SAMBHAAVNAA INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC POLICY AND POLITICS, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA Sambhaavna Institute of public policy and politics is a unique educational institute in Kandbari village, Himachal Pradesh, India. The institute strives to develop conscious leaders for participation in political process. The institute campus, conceived with concern for concepts of responsible building, is an appropriate architectural model that sets out to widen the question of learning spaces within the physical environment. This is translated into integration of ecological and sustainable elements.
Figure33. (Left) Location of Sambhaavana Institute on India Map Figure33. (Right) Perspective view of educational building at sambhaavnaa institute.
Location: Size : Programme :
Status : Client : Founder : Architect : Type : Occupancy : Energy Performance index (EPI) :
Village Kandbari, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India Site area – 15.25 Acres Gross Floor Area- 3440 m2 Site coverage – 8 % Institute Block, Guest House: faculty members(10), Meeting Room and Library(35), Central kitchen and Dining Hall, students Hostel: Dorms (50) Amphitheatre (60-70) Udaan Learning centre and school, Farm and Cowshed, playground Completed in 2011 Kumud Bushan Educational Society Prashant Bhusan DIDI contractor Educational Institution 50 students, 10 faculty members, 15 staff members, 37 KWh/ m2/year
Table 1. Fact sheet of Sambhaavna Institute of Public Policy and Politics.
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Kandbari village, the rural hill side of kangra valley fostering abundant tree plantations, nurtures the institutes’ site. Originally, an abandoned tea garden enforced the master planning to restore the onsite environmental and ecological harmony. Sambhaavnaa was thus conceptualised Didi contractor, architect as an outcome of the synergy between vernacular traditions and traditional aesthetics to achieve contemporary sustainability by achieving sustenance from organic farming on site. “The institute is committed to the uplift of society, learning to enhance knowledge and to protect the local environment by adopting eco-friendly techniques”. (Bhushan.P. 2015)
Figure34. Sambhaavnaa institute, educational building (source: http://www.sambhaavnaa.org/)
The concept of learning spaces is elaborated through engagement of community-at-
“
large. Visitors from nearby villages now use the institutes’ public spaces alongside students and other official visitors. Farmers use farmland within camus for practising organic farming. Children from Kandbari and nearby villages regularly visit the learning centre after school hours . ”
Figure35. (Left) Volunteers working with women farmer representative Figure35. (Right) children from nearby villages at the learning centre (source: http://www.sambhaavnaa.org/)
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Sambhaavnaa institute is further described in terms of the 3 capitals; Built, Social, & Political.
3.1 BUILT CAPITAL Built capital is discussed in terms of comfort and wellness of its occupants and resource management. This institutional campus entirely built in earth, is one of its kinds. Its suave and formal spaces are encased in adobe walls with a humble cow dung plaster finish, making a bold statement out of deliberate simplicity. Mud is a better insulator than cement or brick, which is an important consideration in Himachal, where summers are temperate winters are cold. “All constructional choices ensure structural safety yet help in reducing the carbon footprint of the building. “Use of double tile roofing for final roofs, shaded walls and openings for achieving thermal comfort has lead to reduction in energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort. It is observed that users seldom use fans�. (Didi Contractor.2011).
Figure36. use of building materials that provided user comfort and wellness.
The campus takes keen interest in activities like safe guarding the ecology and the efficient management of resources. Using firewood and dung cakes in traditional chullas for cooking, solar water heaters and skylights for illuminating interiors. An exemplar in vernacular architecture that minimizes negative ecological impact through the use of primarily natural, local, non-toxic, non-energy-intensive, renewable, and biodegradeable materials.
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3.2 SOCIAL CAPITAL Social capital is discussed in terms of contribution to good of public realm and formation of community networks. 3.2.1 Contribution to good of public realm a. Udaan learning centre : Sambhaavna institute parallel runs a progressive “
pre-school for 100
local village children, designed as an experiential
learning space, imparts a holistic training of academic, vocational and physical well being, free of charge. Besides the day school, learning centre for children has also been set up, offering facilities for recreational activities, library, music room, and physics, chemistry and biology laboratories . ”
b. Organic Farming training programmes: Sambhaavna offers experiential “
education programmes in high-yield organic farming of vegetables and grain crops with paid, on-the-job training for village labourers willing to commit the time to work for the project . ”
c. Earth Building workshops: Training programmes are held frequently to engage
local contractors and students to with our local artisans on the
creation of buildings that employ traditional materials and technologies viz. earth, stone, bamboo and wood. d. Public engagement: Entries are invited for Projects ranging from ovens, chulhas (conventional cooking stove) and water filters to energy saving/ generating devices. e. Community outreach programmes: every week workshops are held, inviting local villages, communities, social institutions, NGO’s to participate in workshops
focussing
on
public
interest
issues,
upliftment
of
the
underprivileged.
Figure37.(Left) A session of community outreach programme being held in the amphitheatre.(2014) Figure37.(Right) students participating in tea plantation workshops.
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3.2.2 Formation of community ties The collaboration with various individuals, groups and organisations led to the exceptional formation of the institute, during the development of project, many volunteers from different NGO’s and social contributed to set up the udaan learning centre, community of experts in organic farming, all rendered their services without charging any fees. These networks are still persistent. (Aruna Roy, 2014).
Figure 38 (Left): Volunteers from different organisation at Forum for responsible building conference (september 2014) (Source: www.responsible-building.org/) Figure 38 (Right): Seminar on eco conference.
3.3 POLITICAL CAPITAL Political capital is discussed in terms of the brand advantage to politicians. 3.3.2 Brand advantage to politicians Founder of this institute, Prashant Bhushan , a Supreme Court lawyer, activist, and a politician who has taken up several Public Interest Litigations on social and civil rights issues, formulated this institute with the sole aim to to develop conscious leaders for participation in political process from public interest standpoint. It was only after this projects’ success and word of mouth, that he received both positive and negative, country wide recognition through social media. From here, in 2012, he co-founded the Aam Aadmi Party and won 2015 delhi assembly elections.
Figure39.Prashant Bhushan on the day Aam aadmi Party won elections (2015)
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CONCLUSION Sustainable buildings in current practices are technology driven, degenerative systems, and blank glass boxes with green certifications. The reasons for failure can be manifold; Systems may appear to be well engineered within their original defined parameters — but eventually when they inevitably interact with many other systems, often the outcome in unpredictable and non-linear. Many a times green building programs treat buildings in isolation from their urban contexts. As a pathway towards resilience, Regenerative design approach needs to be adopted at all interventions to restore environment and ecologies. The market for regenerative design in India is a small one indeed, owing to lack of
“
awareness, restricted public acceptance and corrupted governance. Challenges are posed whether professionals and community stakeholders will be empowered to intervene at appropriate scales term and, if needed, to make further interventions, if the design goes awry. Therefore, Government intervention is essential for broad layout of policies that can bring about a revolution in the sustainable Indian market . ”
The 3 projects are examples of values and ethics driven regenerative designs.
“
Ethics that were objective, structured and wanting to do well by emphasizing on a development of co-evolutionary, partnered relationship between humans and the “
natural environment, rather than managerial ones that build, and diminish, social and
natural
capitals . ”
Most
regernative
proposals
for
water
and
ecology
conservations are inspirations from ancient architecture. The concept of Johad’s (traditional water harvesting system) at the IIT Jodhpur campus is an inspritation from step wells or Baoli’s in desert regions. Only a collaborative attempt by different groups and individuals involved in the development of project ( architect, engineer, urban planner, ecologists, etc.) can make the approach of regenerative design successful.
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Bibliography Anujna. (2014, 10 19). Himalayan Pilgrimage part II: Sambhaavnaa. Bakshi, N. (2009). Our sustainable side. Victoria University of Wellington . Chrisna, P. d. (2011, 12 07). Towards a regenerative paradigm for the built environment. 7-22. cloea, R. J., Busbyb, P., & Guentherc, R. (2012). A regenerative design framework: setting new aspirations and initiating new discussions. Volume 40 ( Issue 1), 95-111. Colea, J. R., Oliverb, A., & Robinsonc, J. (2013). Regenerative design, socio-ecological systems and co-evolution. Govardhan eco village . (n.d.). Retrieved from Govardhan eco village : http://ecovillage.org.in/ Indian Standard Code Of Basic Requirements For Water Supply,Drainage And Sanitation. (2010). Bureau of Indian Standards, 2010 . Kishnani, N. (2014). Between green and sustainable. Kishnani, N. (2012). Greening Asia: Emerging Principles for Sustainable. Singapore: BCI Asia Construction Information Pte. Ltd. Lyle, J T. (1996). Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development. John Wiley & Sons. Power, Ministry Of. (2007). Energy Conservation Building Code. New Delhi. Regenesis Group and Story of Place Institute, P. M. Regenerative Development and Design. In Encyclopedia Sustainability Science & Technology, 2112. Sood, R. (2013, 03 26). An institute that works to ensure participation in political process. studio, S. (2013, july). IIT Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Campus Master plan , Design stage report . T, N. K. (2014, 02 12). Prashant Bhushan's institute: new concept, old rules. Tyagi, A. (2013, 04 29). 50 Power people: Rank 31 to 40. India Today . VILLAGE, G. E. ( 2010). GOVARDHAN ECO VILLAGE NEWS LETTER. VOLUME 1 (ISSUE 6).
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