Pidilite: Ushering net zero building in India

In India, buildings account for almost 35 per cent of total final energy consumption. Therefore, there is a huge potential for reducing energy consumption in buildings using state-of-the-art technologies and building design concepts. The ‘net zero building’ is one such concept to attain energy efficiency in which a building produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.
A net-zero energy building (NZEB), or net zero building, is a building with zero net energy consumption. Thus, the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.
In most net zero buildings energy is harvested on-site through a combination of energy producing technologies like solar and wind, while reducing the overall use of energy with highly efficient HVAC, lighting technologies and insulation. The zero-energy goal is becoming more practical as the costs of alternative energy technologies decrease and the costs of traditional fossil fuels increase.
Construction chemicals play a crucial role in making a building ‘net zero’. Talking on this aspect Sanjay Bahadur, Global CEO, Construction Chemicals, Pidilite Industries said, “Construction chemicals plays a vital role in attaining net-zero construction. Construction chemicals can offer solutions to lessen the demand of energy and hence facilitating the scope of building net zero.”
Pidilite Industries is one of the pioneers in consumer and specialties chemicals in India. Its product range includes adhesives and sealants, construction and paint chemicals, automotive chemicals, art materials, industrial adhesives, industrial and textile resins and organic pigments and preparations. The construction chemicals division of Pidilite offers a range of applications such as waterproofing, repair solutions for existing structures and tile fixing solutions. It also offers host of other applications like exterior coatings, sealants, concrete admixtures, floorings and grouts to satisfy all construction related problems.
When asked about how waterproofing expert Pidilite can be a part of net zero construction, Mr Bahadur explained, “Let’s start with an example to explain how Pidilite helps in building net zero constructions. For example, to calculate at what degree an AC needs to run, an addition needs to be done of the heat produced/entering the room. On the basis of which an ideal temperature can be calculated. At Pidilite, we help in lessening that demand by offering sustainable solutions through systems like LEC which decrease the overall energy dependency hence facilitating net zero.”
He added, “Net zero is a concept which needs to be bundled with various technologies.” Pidilite is optimistic of being a part of developing a few net zero buildings in the current fiscal.
LEC homes: solution to maintain thermal comfort Dr. Fixit, the waterproofing brand from Pidilite, offers low energy consumption (LEC) systems. Dr. Fixit LEC is a green and sustainable waterproofing and insulation system for roofs and walls, based on a layered built up system that permanently waterproofs roofs and walls from rain lash, hot and cold temperatures. With Dr. Fixit LEC systems, the amount of heat that is absorbed into the building’s interior is reduced leading to lower energy costs and reduced energy needs.
Minimise thermal stressThis new system helps minimising thermal stress by reducing the slab temperature by almost 12 C. It enhances the time lag and hence improves the thermal comfort. Also minimises the thermal stress making the roof last for longer time.  Thermal comfort with LEC systemLEC system reduces inside temperature by approximately 8 –10 C. It also reduces internal temperature differential around 4 C (day time) unlike standard building where the temperature differential can be around 8 C. It allows buildings to remain comfortable with minimal or no air-conditioning.
Dr. Fixit assures a 25-year of waterproofing system guarantee by Pidilite for its LEC system.

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