Green Buildings??

By definition “Green building refers to both structure and the using of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a building’s life cycle; from siting to design, construction operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition.” (Wikipedia definition on Green Building)

How many green buildings have you worked on or lived in or designed it? Relevant question? I haven’t worked on any, as of now, considering I’ve certified or pre-certified more than 50 Green Buildings through various rating system in last 6 years. At least by definition of it, as I've gone through the Wikipedia content. Does getting rating system make a building green or sustainable, really? I don’t think so. The parameters designed for getting green certificates are flawed in themselves, at least the ones applicable in India. Why do I need to prepare a document which certifies that the building is in mid of a bustling market where you get more than 10 amenities. How does it transcends to the statement or definition given above. Well, I know the intent behind it but it does not apply in Indian conditions at all. I don’t want to walk 200 m from my office space to a pharmacist to get disprin (medicine for headache). I can quote these examples for each of the amenities. but don’t want to write it un-necessary.

Now we come to discuss two big issues, 1st Water and 2nd Energy. Let me start with water first. Well, the rating systems altogether works on the efficiency of water. It really doesn’t care the actual conditions. Interestingly, the tabulated excel sheets in rating systems are completely hypothetical and does not reflect the actual water consumption. It seems that the rating system administration wants to check your mathematical and statistical skills in excel format. How good can you manipulate or use numbers!! And yeah, we are supposed to talk about the efficiency of water consumption in the building. For truly Green Building an effort should be made to reduce the demand of water in the system and then think of efficiency. Well hello hello, Green Building Rating Systems do not think that ways (at least in India). And the rain water harvesting calculations and landscaping calculations are totally based upon the Green Building Consultants statistical skills. No relevance to save or conserve any of the water. There are lot of talks and assumptions and “EGO” involved in these ratings. The designers of these ratings are either egotists or beneficiaries of certain companies.

Will write about the Energy next week. As you know it is the most important and marketing component of Green Building Rating systems.

This blog starts of the campaign for ‘Parivartan’ in our thoughts and approaches towards green building design. Please feel free to contact me through facebook and twitter to know more on site development and water efficiency. Also, feel free to argue on the subject, I would like to know how wrong am I.

Thank You for reading. Hope to listen from you all

Regards
Amor