Seventy percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, however fresh water only comprises one percent of the total volume and is the only amount available for human use. Considering the increase of residential, commercial and industrial development, the effective use of potable water has increased. Right from flushing bathrooms to alternative water purposes, potable water is becoming sewage, which overpowers treatment facilities and brings about heavy energy use during water treatment leading to the emission of greenhouse gases. Buildings need to address this issue by improving their water efficiency and also by finding alternative methods that can decrease the use of water resources. As a result, water will still be used, but will be used more prudently. Below are some strategies and technologies involved in a green building which aim at reducing the amount of potable water consumed in buildings.

INDOOR WATER USE REDUCTION:

Usage of water for urinals, bathrooms, showers, kitchen and other areas all play a role in indoor water usage. Indoor potable water consumption can be reduced by usage of water efficient fixtures and fittings. Following are various types of efficient fixtures and fittings that can be mounted to decrease water intake.

• Dual flush toilets: This type of toilets have two buttons, one for full flush and the other for half flush depending upon the type of waste.
• High efficiency toilets: Water sense labeled toilets which save 20% of the water typically used in every regular flush.
• Waterless urinals: These types of urinals do not need any water and have lower maintenance costs.
• Low flow shower head and faucets.
• Faucets with low-flow aerators and motion sensors

In addition to the high efficiency fixtures, the use of harvested rainwater and grey water to flush toilets can also decrease potable water consumption.

Rain water harvesting:

The primary purpose of rainwater harvesting ought to be for the site to retain the least amount of impervious surfaces. To minimize the impervious surfaces, the site can develop vegetated roofs, rain gardens, porous pavements, open grid pavers and extra landscaping to be able to allow rainfall absorption via soil. In addition, the rain needs to be collected and treated which is later on used as a substitute for fresh water utilization to help reduce interior water usage.

Grey water and black water:

Grey water is the untreated domestic or household water that does not come in contact with lavatory waste. Used water from bathtubs, showers, washbasins, washing machine can be examples for grey water and can be used as flush water in toilets and urinals. By installing grey water treatment systems, the used water can be filtered and sent back to the building for reuse.

Black water and reclaimed water is the water that has come in contact with the waste. Thus, the water collected from the urinals and toilets can be classified as black water. Black water that has been treated and purified for reuse can be used for flushing as well as irrigation.

Installation of sub-meters is also essential for the buildings to track and log water usage trends and check fixture performance. It allows the user to find innovative ways to reduce the potable water usage.

OUTDOOR WATER USE REDUCTON:

For most projects, water useful for irrigation is greater than the water consumption inside the building. Potable water reductions for irrigation can be established by means of water-wise landscaping design, water efficient irrigation technologies, non potable water use, reclaimed water and also installation of sub-meters in order to track irrigation trends.

As mentioned above, very careful plant assortment can make an immense contribution to reducing outdoor water use with the usage of native or locally obtainable plant varieties and xeriscaping a type of landscape design which doesn't require any irrigation. Using high-performance irrigation technologies like drip irrigation systems, blubber distribution systems and by channeling water directly to the root systems are other ways to be considered. Furthermore, standard water based irrigation controllers can be programmed according to the weather which means it will not water the vegetation while it is raining.

Drip irrigation:

These are micro-irrigation systems that drip water to the roots of plants to minimise the use of irrigation water and fertilisers. They are the most water efficient systems and have very short payback periods. Also, scheduling drip irrigation is important, as it is best to water the landscape in the early morning, which is the coolest time of the day.

In India, our construction industry produces high levels of building waste material because of poor information on efficient utilization of components. The construction as well as demolition generates 75% associated with solid waste materials. This waste eventually ends up in landfills and uncontrolled dump yards in open areas resulting in pollution. Green building projects work on reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills. With the development and implementation of waste management plan for both the construction and operation phases of a building, project teams can identify potential waste streams and also look for ways to reuse or recycle them. Below are examples of some items that can be reused or recycled.

CONCRETE:

Concrete wastage is mostly caused by improper planning and calculating the quality intended for particular strength work, making a huge difference in the amount of time and expenditure spent on a project. To eliminate this problem, appropriate preparations are necessary especially while mixing up, transporting and even placing of concrete. The site supervisor has to explain to the labor with regards to problems that are generally faced when laying concrete. The tangible waste causes are mainly through poor handling, oversized foundation and also other elements such as inferior workmanship and material storage.

BRICK:

It is important to ensure that bricks are treated with care during transportation and on the construction site to prevent dropping or spoiling. Additionally, it is also important to take care of discarded bricks. Bricks happen to be the most common building materials, and the leading cause of waste is definitely while in cutting. Soon enough after their manufacture, if they ended up unpacked they could suffer considerably more wastage because of the fragile dynamics of the product.

GLASS:

Glass materials should be handled cautiously during its transportation to site, due to its fragile characteristics. Handling of glass should be very careful, it should properly be packed and stored before and after its delivery, otherwise breakage or perhaps damage may occur.

STEEL:

Proper layouts and planning of structural drawings is very crucial before placing the steel bars, as it helps to reduce up to 95% wastage of the material. The waste is generally caused as a result of change in design and style, ordering in excess or less, and damage during transportation to the site. Other causes of waste are severe weather conditions as well as negligence in proper storage which can cause damage or perhaps deterioration. Steel waste material however can be reused.

TIMBER:

Safety precautions should be used while carrying timber through depots towards the construction site, quality associated with timber ought to be checked on-site as well as off-site to avoid construction waste. It is best to order pre-made framework for simple handling as well as to avoid off-cut on site and while purchasing specific dimensions should be provided. The wastage of wood is mainly caused by natural deterioration and cutting. The strength of wood is mainly acquired by consistency, grain, colour and form and the shrinking problems could be mainly prevented by correctly storing the materials.

At a minimum, all the green building projects must also recycle paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals .With local recycling programs available for every state in India, projects may determine which hazardous materials are to be stored separately and which may be commingled into a single stream, which is called commingled recycling. As a result of commingled recycling, less space is needed to store items and participation levels may increase since all items go into a single container without sorting.

The EPA developed a hierarchy, ranking the most environmentally sound strategies for reducing municipal solid waste:

• Source reduction
• Reuse
• Recycle
• Waste-to-energy conversion
• Implementation of Pest management to minimise pest infestation and damage while minimising hazards to the building occupants, site and the surrounding environment

Following are some other strategies to address waste management and reduction:

• Establish a tracking system and ensure that the general contractor provides waste hauler reports and that the full waste is captured.
• Develop a solid waste management policy, which specifies target diversion rates for the facility.
• Conduct waste stream audit and identify opportunities for increased recycling, waste diversion and occupant education.
• Stress composting which can include turning landscaping debris into mulch and working with the waste hauler for collection, composting of food and other organic items.

A sustainable site planning causes the least environmental impact on the atmosphere while still meeting with the buyer's project ambitions. Building a great deal of sites that cooperate with the landscape rather than contradicting with it while working with environmentally friendly assets within the property is actually not as difficult as it seems. Sustainable site planning and design will help reconnect the structure with nature and can also blend ecology with the art work of designing layouts in any type of growth. This can be achieved by designing areas with these strategies:

SITE ASSESSMENT:

As an important aspect of the integrated process of creating a sustainable site, a niche site assessment must evaluate a full-range of biological and cultural options on the site. This includes evaluation from regional transit networks to historic landmarks surrounding the site. The full inventory regarding the existing site conditions will assist you to maximise the particular reuse prospective of elements. Detailed land and plants mapping will help you control widespread species and even protect crucial plant complexes. Climate together with watershed research can lead to wiser, more energy-efficient buildings as well as better storm water management.

A project team much be assigned with professionals experienced in a variety of areas which includes topography, hydrology, climate, vegetation, soils, human use and human health effects to ensure proper site assessment that efficiently influences your current design.

SITE DESIGN:

With completion of site assessment, the project team will have the necessary information to proceed with the site design. When designing the site, all the development footprint of the project should be considered as whole. A development footprint is the sum of all the areas that are affected by the project activity and covers building footprint, sidewalks, access roads, hardscapes, parking lots to name a few.

Many individuals enjoy excellent outdoor views and natural surroundings. In light of this, when designing any development footprint, the project team should be wise to think about protecting open spaces, which will enable the occupants to spend time outside in a charming landscape. The particular project party must also work with restoring the damaged ecological areas in the location.

Lighting is another important factor that needs to be addressed during the site design. During the lighting design, the project team should eliminate up lighting, glare, over lighting and light trespass in order to conserve energy and to not create discomfort in the adjacent properties.

CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS:

Environmental impacts from the construction activities should be reduced and required strategies ought to be evaluated before starting construction. While grading the project site, the team will need to take measures to avoid soil erosion as well as sedimentation. In order to limit soil erosion and sedimentation, the following techniques can be considered:

• Mulching
• Sediment fencing
• Erosion control blankets
• Berms and constructed ponds
• Seeding
• Straw bales

RAINWATER MANAGEMENT:

The key goal of a sustainable development for rain water management must be its ability to contain the very least amount of impervious surfaces. To attenuate impervious surface types, projects can use vegetated roofs, rain gardens, porous pavements, grid pavers and additional gardening to allow rain absorption from the soil. In parking lots, pervious pavements or wide open grid pavers can be used as opposed to using asphalt or concrete. Furthermore, typically the rainwater that falls on pervious materials should be obtained and stored.

Rainwater harvesting, another facet of rainwater management, is a method whereby rain is collected and filtered to be used again as an option to potable water. The rainwater can be utilised for irrigation and in the toilets. It is also necessary to install cisterns for storing the filtered rainwater.

HEAT ISLAND EFFECT:

Distressing the environment together with dark- shaded, non reflective surfaces causes the heat island effect. These kinds of surfaces take in heat in the course of hot weather and release it into the atmosphere. Studies show that urban heat islands have the effect of 24.2% of global increased temperatures. Higher temperature ranges also cause smog or ground level ozone, which has a negative impact on human health. Heat islands are also responsible for increased cooling loads inside building, resulting in higher electrical energy usage. In addition, it causes harm to flora and fauna. Below are some strategies to minimise heat island effects:

• Minimising building footprint and maximising development footprint
• Using hardscape and roofing materials with high solar reflective values
• Installation of vegetated and dark roofs
• Undercover/ underground parking
• Installation of open grid pavers
• installation of solar panels on the roof

SITE MANAGEMENT:

Cautious plant selection, innovative irrigation systems as well as an efficient outside lighting are a few strategies to help in lasting a sustainable site administration. During the site management, strategies beneath can be applied:

• Develop a sustainable site commissioning plan
• Implement programs with ecologists and non-profit organisations to protect wildlife species and habitats
• Usage of nontoxic chemicals for cleaning outside the building
• Usage of nontoxic fertilizers and maintenance products in landscaping
• Implementation of Pest management to minimise pest infestation and damage while minimising hazards to the building occupants, site and the surrounding environment

People say it’s what’s inside that counts. In relation to your home, it is better if the ‘inside’ refers to sustainable interiors. Green interiors denote environmentally friendly decoration in addition to design, implementing materials focusing on improved air quality, better thermal comfort and enhanced healthy surroundings.

Interior designers influence the durability of sustainability in a closed environment because they often design and decide materials along with products to be used and how ecologically people are able to interact with their very own surroundings. Whether the supreme design aim is decor, renovation or architectural detail, all interior designers have to stay abreast involving current tendencies in the discipline. In the building industry, typically the fastest-growing part is the increase of eco-friendly or green interior design.

By following a few sustainable design principles, makers can reduce the damaging environmental impression of our surroundings and build an improved, more green and maintainable future.

EFFICIENT SPACE UTILISATION:

Space crunch is definitely an issue in each and every household. Quite often you will have confronted problems with a cramped wardrobe or a limited kitchen area, leading to a mess. However, there exists a sweet place that will give the proper balance between rooms, utility as well as aesthetics. The most efficient method to uncover this particular sweet area is with the process of place planning. The primary goal consists of:

• Defining the actual purpose with regard to interior areas.
• Delineating daily circulation of traffic designs.
• Formulating natural plans and also optimal plans for home furniture and gear.

An untidy space can't harbour good energy. Therefore, whether it’s an office or a house, efficient living space management is paramount to making perfect ambience. Efficiently utilised internal spaces will also optimise the use of building materials and other resources.

VERNANCULAR AND ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS:

At present, the options for eco-friendly materials and products are growing fast, accounting to an increased interest in renewable and recyclable items. One of the best current examples is usage of bamboo. Bamboo offers a variety of eco-minded home options since it is a fast-renewable natural aid. Bamboo sections mature as they are ready to grow in as little as several years and improve wild, without necessity for replanting.

Bamboo floorboards are a great choice for contemporary room designs. What is exceptional however, is the lack of hardness of the planks and therefore they are prone to scratches or denting.

RECLAIMED AND RECYCLED MATERIALS::

Old is gold. The good news is, antique along with vintage theme is a solution for interior spaces and has always been in trend. Household furniture and pretty items might be repurposed, refinished or otherwise remodelled to give any space a new life. For the absolutely environmentally conscious, mosaic glass, carpets, textiles, even kitchen sinks and desks can be made out of recycled elements. Also, the current trending recycled materials sourced from waste are recycled cork panels and flooring, newspaper wood, bark siding, recycled glass tile, Ashcrete, recycled steel, recycled plastic building blocks, and enviroboards to name a few.

ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING:

With regards to energy effectiveness, the easiest way to begin cutting down your own monthly bill is actually through your home’s lighting. Choosing the right amount, type and intensity of lighting fixtures is much more eco-friendly whilst saving your expenses. In order to avoid the experience of harsh illumination, green designers suggest energy-efficient lighting alternatives, such as LEDs. These lamps are much better for your health as well while it saves you cash in electric bills. You could conserve large amounts of electricity annually if you replace the most often used lighting in your home with energy efficient lighting. Putting yourself underneath the right type associated with lighting is also important to your wellness. Harsh lights can stress your eye and impact your mood.

INTERIOR LANDSCAPES:

Interior landscapes enhance the aesthetics and provide a natural beauty to an interior space. They are incorporated to build natural relaxing spaces employing greenery, colour, and light in a very man-made setting. The Biophilia hypothesis, as well as humanity’s destination to dynamics, plays a tremendous role in the desire to get greenery indoors. These panoramas also contribute a range of health benefits. Environment friendly spaces have already been proven to lower stress and strengthen mood, in addition to increasing positive energy output in the surroundings. Interior landscape design also improves indoor air quality by means of releasing fresh air and blocking out unsafe pollutants. Plants like Aloe Vera and Gerbera filter the air inside and supply fresh amounts of oxygen creating a healthy breathing environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION:

These are the significant criteria setting up mandatory standards necessary for green certification of buildings.

1. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Any existing or new building promoting ecofriendly development, without damaging the current eco-system.

2. WATER USE: Efficiency and successful use of current water period, retaining potable water through various water conservation techniques such as rain water harvesting, water efficient plumbing fixtures, efficient irrigation systems and recycling of waste water preserving natural hydrological eco-system.

3. ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY: Reducing carbon footprint and energy demand which are the biggest contributors of global warming through innovation and ecofriendly construction.

4. INDOOR COMFORT: A good standard indoor environmental quality is essential in green buildings to protect the health and comfort of the occupants. Sustainable strategies related to indoor air quality, thermal, visual and acoustic comfort should be implemented.

5. MATERIALS: Construction and demolition waste contributes to more than 40% of the total solid waste stream. There are many ways to reduce the environmental harm associated with these materials such as using fewer materials, choosing environmentally preferable materials; using locally harvested materials and eliminating waste - all provide great benefits.

GREEN CERTIFICATION:

The decision whether the buildings are really green, needs to taken by the standard green building rating systems. These are the primary green rating systems implemented in India.

• IGBC
• GRIHA
• LEED INDIA
• ECBC

IGBC:

IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) formed by CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), is a quasi-governmental bureau aimed at marketing and advertising sustainability along with green construction around India. This organisation evaluates and also certifies earth-friendly buildings together with 4 distinct levels of qualifications: Platinum, Gold, Silver and certified.

IGBC has developed following green building rating systems for various building categories in accordance and conformity with US Eco-friendly Building Authorities.

• IGBC Green New Buildings
• IGBC Green Existing Buildings
• IGBC Green Homes
• IGBC Green Residential Societies
• IGBC Green Interiors
• IGBC Green Healthcare
• IGBC Green Schools
• IGBC Green Factory Buildings
• IGBC Green Data Center
• IGBC Green Campus
• IGBC Green Villages
• IGBC Green Townships
• IGBC Green Cities
• IGBC Green Existing Cities
• IGBC Green SEZs
• IGBC Green Landscapes
• IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System
• IGBC Green Existing Mass Rapid Transit System
• Government Incentives to IGBC Projects
• IGBC Green Affordable Housing
• IGBC Health and Well-being Rating

IGBC:

GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is India’s own rating system that has been jointly put together by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India and TERI. This rating method is developed for establishing eco-friendly buildings and is adopted during designing and evaluation. The GRIHA rating method contains thirty four criteria grouped in 4 different areas.

• Site selection and site planning,
• Conservation and efficient utilisation of resources
• Building operation and maintenance
• Innovation

IGBC:

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-INDIA) Green Building Rating System is a major globally recognised phase of benchmark for green certification both in India as well as worldwide developing environmental friendly buildings. LEED-INDIA has also developed following green building rating systems for various building categories.

• LEED India 2011 for New Construction (NC)
• LEED India 2011 for Core and Shell (CS)
• LEED 2009 (V3) NC & CS
• All LEED V4 rating systems
• LEED 2009 (V3) for Commercial Interiors (CI)
• LEED 2009 (V3) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (EB: O&M)
• LEED EB: O&M with technical inputs from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
• LEED 2009 (V3) for Neighborhood Development (ND)
• LEED 2009 (V3) for Homes

ECBC:

The BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) established the ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code), which helps to set the factors that specify the efficiency-level of energy utilisation and patterns before design of architectural structures. The Reserve Bank of India buildings in Delhi and Bhubaneswar, the CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre and many other buildings has received BEE 5 star ratings.