Topics under Greenology

In this second Chapter of the Blog, let me take you through the different topics that shall be covered (not limited too) in Greenology giving small briefs herewith:

1) Structures: The various sectors that shall be covered in this shall be related to Buildings & Bungalows (Residential/Commercial), Industrial Units, Bridges / Infrastructures, Retail Outlets, etc….There is a prominent need to introduce the green concepts and techniques in each of the above sector with the use of latest in technological initiatives moving towards Greenology. The focus in this area of Greenology will help us in building a safer, healthier and greener Globe. The areas that need to be looked in depth in each of the sector are:-
a. Civil / Architectural Works: This shall cover, building energy efficient, sustainable architecture ensuring the principles of sun-wind movement and by effective use of renewable energy sources and products during pre/post construction which shall reduce the amount of greenhouse – gases effect. More focus shall be given towards, use of geo-thermal power & passive solar energy, use of Fly-ash in cement in all uses of construction (as per the limits specified), use of aerated concrete fly-ash block works, bringing the best of use of locally available materials (Within and nearby the premises) – Earth/Rocks/Mud-Concrete (http://www.earth-auroville.com/ ), use of Bamboo techniques , use of non-toxic lead free paints, use of zero ODP (Ozone Depletion potential) Products, etc…

Some basic principles that shall be looked upon would be: long axis of the construction should be on the east-west solar line, focusing on optimizing winter heat gain and minimizing on summer heat gain, having south facing larger windows with proper over-hangs to shade windows in summer & allow solar gain in winter, have smaller windows facing north keeping allowances for adequate use of sunlight through East-West Sides. Understanding the wind directions and designing the construction accordingly (Normally this varies from region to region and needs check from your local bodies: In general we can consider wind direction to be South-west in Monsoon and North- east during rest of the year).
b. Electrical: Use of the latest energy efficient technology equipments during pre/post construction with due emphasis on minimising the losses in transit. (Note: Care should be taken to understand the output functions derived visa via the consumption; there are many products which highlight a lesser consumption value on the product that they offer giving 2/3rd the output desired). The equipment ratings should be checked and made mandatory during Pre/Post construction practices. For more details the readers in India can browse in detail http://www.bee-india.nic.in/ and even calculate their star ratings as per the guidelines specified. As mentioned earlier the use of wind direction can be brought in to much more effective use by means of setting up smaller wind mills/turbines at the roof top of the said constructed unit. In case of use of solar energy, the external facades and roof tops should be planned in such a manner to generate the maximum output (Ref. Sun Movement Diagram with local authorities). The use of Diesel generators should be restricted as far as possible for power generation and options like gas based generators, wind turbines; energy generation through solar panels should be evaluated in detail. Use of lights having high luminous efficacy (Lumens per Watt) should be used wherever possible. The best recommended is “LED” Lights whereas if the same is not being looked at least CFL’s should replace the old fashioned Tube lights / Bulbs / Halogen. Again while lighting the premises or wherever possible the use of Solar based lights should be envisaged.

Again as mentioned earlier the focus should be on reducing the energy consumption thus designing the building to use maximum of natural light avoiding any artificial lights being used during the day time.
c. HVAC: The first point always focuses more towards effective and efficient design ensuring the best use; of natural wind movements for Heating (In Colder Climatic region), Cooling (In hotter climatic region) through proper ventilation. The basics of HVAC should be kept in mind while designing the maximum use of natural wind energy. Effective use of Wind Towers working in conjunction with the underground water tanks. While designing any construction premises it is equally important to work on the detailing aspects in regards with the placement of Plants/Trees (Various Categories Cool/ Shady/ & trees which shell of their leaves season based) as per the need; use of swimming Pools / Water bodies, use of Energy efficient HVAC Machines (VAM with VFD) or solar/ammonia driven HVAC machines. Further it is again equally important to use refrigerants with zero or minimal Ozone depletion potential along with use of the latest integrated building management systems so as to manage the facilities more efficiently at lower operating costs.
d. Water/Sewage/Plumbing: In this we need to ensure that the construction premises is designed such that the entire rain water within the premises is stored effectively either by means of water harvesting, diverting to tanks/wells (effective design of building, storm water drain, hard-scape & land-scape), or ensure increasing the ground water level within the premises. Care should be taken that zero or minimal water flows out of the premises or goes waste. Today the technology has driven us so much that availability of waterless urinals, automatic / sensor driven taps, etc should be used to the max so as to conserve water as much as possible. High efficient WTP/STP should be designed in such a manner that the waster water is used for Toilets or Gardening purposes. The premises should be designed for zero waste disposals with facility of generating energy through bio-gas within the premises and manure that can be used for gardening purposes. As a practice the waste management system itself is so effective designed to have separate Wet & Dry wastes segregated at the generation point itself.
e. Environment: Engage an Environment specialist since day 1 of your construction for proper planning, guiding / designing the minimum number & type of trees, designing water-bodies, gardens using irrigation systems well connected to the STP outlet water, designing of Water harvest systems, etc. Over here the main aim is to give back the environment, for the damages caused due to release of various green-house gases effecting the ozone depletion.

2) Sustainable Transport: In this section we shall consider the need to be in line with the latest efficient technologies invented world wide and ensure that the technological know-how is shared across the Globe to build a better safer, sustainable and healthier environment. The focus shouldn’t be limited to the below sectors but extended where-ever possible:-
a. Railways: Even today there are many developing nations which are not in line with the latest in technology, for example the power consumption vary variedly for the “TRAINS / LOCOMOTIVES” that run in Japan and India. The technology, speed, mechanisms all vary; even though India having the largest number of commuters across the Globe. Over here would like to state that till India is still in a better state as the amount of pollution (damage to the environment) for transporting the same number of commuters compared to any other developed nations is much lower. Developed nations are yet to evaluate the benefit of Mass Transport Systems, connecting across their entire country so as to focus towards having cleaner means of transport.
b. Cleaner Automobiles: This sector shall cover automobiles (HMV/LMV/4-3-2 Wheelers) that uses cleaner fuels or that run on battery /electrically operated …mainly which ensures minimum damage to the environment. As mentioned earlier in my blog a need to work more towards battery operated electric cars or cars using hybrid of solar/wind energy or cars even using bio-fuels / Gases is needed so as to reduce the usage of Diesel / Petrol which to any standard of engines shall be polluting the environment. Even though the emission norms are tightened year after year, there is a need to have zero emission automobile immediately.
c. Water Transport: As of date little steps needs to be taken in developing sustainable water transport (Ships) by using Sun/Wind energy on larger scale. The amount of pollutants that we leave in the water and the environment as a whole are yet to have any emission standards.
d. Air Transport: Looking at the ever increasing air transport, the consumption of resources is not only humongous but also the amount of pollutants that we release in the environment is not controlled at all. Again strict norms need to be brought in; with research done for having a pollution free, sustainable energy efficient air means of transport.
3) Green Products: I would like to consider this as separate sector all together mainly because it is equally important that after having constructed as per the principles of Greenology; a need to maintain using greener & Eco-friendlier products exist for developing a safer and healthier environment. The products which are harmful not only to the human beings but also to the environment should be avoided as far as possible. The list under this section shall run in pages right from daily use products / house hold cleaners to lubricants / oils, Ozone/air purifier, water purifier, etc. Let us evaluate this section in detail at a later date….

Introduction

In this first chapter on Greenology lets understand with to the point examples for the need & use of Greenology.

Whether it be the ancient mystic science or the basics of architectural planning or the latest in technology all are based on the same principles of " using maximum ecological resources such that we give back more & cause maximum or zero damages to the environment.



To understand better lets have an example to Begin with; in the olden days or let me say the heritage structures discovered around the world all implicit the extensive used of sun and wind directions (sometimes even the planetary positions), along with the best available ecological resources to save energy during construction. (Note: When I mean Construction it is not limited to construction of palaces, houses, buildings, complexes, worship places, etc but also would include various means of transport & communication devices.) Lets consider the example of one of the heritage structures "Indraprastha or Dwarka" which was found submerged under water in the Eastern region of India.This structure was built under the guidance of "Viswakarma", the celestial Architect who extensively utilized all the best possible means of sun and wind directions, using the best ecological resources available following the best architectural principles of planning & designing. In India even today he is considered as the God of Architecture / Construction. In today's modern world of Architecture / construction a meager 5 - 10% of the planning & designing used during this ancient period is seen with more focus only on using latest technology (that to at some places only).

During & till recent centuries we saw the extensive studies made in understanding the use of Sun / Wind Directions, Vastu Shilp shastra, ecological & environmental impact, global warming, ozone depletion components, etc. with researches made in developing energies through solar (heat energy from sun), Wind, Water, nuclear, etc. The enthusiasts involved in researches on the above topics focused more towards better / maximum utilization of ecology having minimum impact on the environment but in the whole process they forgot to research on giving back the equivalent to the environment.

During an latest competition held in the United States on Building better energy efficient houses (videos available on the net) it was observed that more emphasis was on creating energy through latest in solar panels & use of natural/energy efficient resources (Use of Wind / water was under researched), some enthusiasts did focus on ecology & maximization of efficiency but not even an single applicant bothered on giving back the equivalent to the environment. What this would mean, even by creating the best possible design all across the world we will be imbalancing the ecology and might even lead to bigger failures bigger than what our heritage structures couldn't withstand the environmental disasters.

Also, thanks to the initiative taken by the US Government but couldn't understand why was the same limited to House construction, why the theme was put as an challenge for developing better means of transport (they are one of the biggest challenge). Further could only observe 20 countries taking participation, since this is an Global Cause for brotherhood & equality and since each and every individual human being shall be affected by the impact on the environment. An request to all the countries should be made to contribute towards this Global cause and further should be restricted to House construction.

The use of natural resources like solar, wind, water, etc with the help of latest technology & use of energy efficient products with an better focus on giving back the environment an equivalent of what is being derived from the ecology would be the need of the hour. Thus greenology should be extensively studied and researched so to have better ecological impact rather than waiting for the next environmental disaster leading to pre-existence of human being.

As mentioned earlier a lot of good research is being done to save ecology & also a lot of basics being taught in the Architectural / Construction Knowledge houses but then why the entire world or the Architectural / Construction Fraternity/Authorities is not imposing heavy penalties for those not using the basic principles of planning & designing. Today there are still a lot involved in meager construction as a business for making money with least focus on the environmental impact. Whether it may be buildings, complexes or Energy Efficient products or transport means even through we have Leeds certifications or energy efficiency ratings or euro emission certifications; there's an high need of giving subsidies and benefits to human beings using any of the above having lesser impact on the environment rather than charging them heavily; as small example high energy HVAC Machines or best euro compliant car will cost more and being human beings many tend to use an cheaper product damaging more and being the prime cause of environmental imbalance without even noticing the damages caused. Thus there's an high need of Greenology in the field of construction; whether it may be battery operated transport means, solar / wind operated transport means, or high efficient homes / buildings / complexes / products; giving back the equivalent to the environment rather than only causing damage.

Further I do appreciate the advancement in communication & Information Technology sectors who have introduced work from home concept, adapted by many companies. The reduction in ecological impact definitely should be credited to them also, as the amount of reduction in transport means might have lessen the impact on the environment.

Why Go Green ?

We all are experiencing the enviormental changes around us, we talk a lot but when it comes to implementation we feel others should start so as we follow..............why? Why don't we start to "do our bit". As Human Beings the most knowledable animal we look either at earning our life cycle growth and start neglecting to everything others. We love an weekend gateway or a vacation in an enviornment which is untouched......fresh......green.....clean......and then????
There is a lot in going towards, what I call "Greenology" : the science of using the latest in technology for the benifit of ecology moving towards an greener / clean / safe enviornment not only for us but for out coming generations.
My collegues used to ask why should I start bearing the costs for damages done by other and pay an hefty amount? This is simple by "doing your bit" you don't bear the costs; but in turn you start reaping the benifits of savings through green and would love to move towards an Greener and better plannet.

I think' I have lot to discuss, but lets directly come to the point..........Why Go Green.....because I want savings / cost cuttings more profitability wether in my organization or in my life.