Ushering net-positive buildings

Earlier many architects were talking of net-zero energy buildings, but now there is trend to design net-positive buildings.

As per Surinder Bahga, Architect, Saakaar Foundation, it is difficult to spell out which particular technology was introduced in 2016. However, but surely to make buildings energy-efficient; solar panels and wind turbines are being integrated in the design at the initial stages only. There are great advancements in technologies of solar energy. Solar trees are being introduced as solar lights and wind trees are also getting recognition. There are examples of buildings where wind turbines are made integral part of design. It is Bahrain Trade Center in Manama. Another one is New Green Tower in Miami in Florida.

He observes, “Earlier many architects were talking of net-zero energy buildings, but now there is trend to design net-positive buildings.” Different codes are being promoted all over the world to reduce energy consumption. Likewise in India, Energy Conservation Building Code is being promoted. About 11 states in India have prepared their own Energy Conservation Building code. Awareness is being created in states through seminars, media, discussions and lectures, etc. India has become third largest nation to have green buildings. Trend is further catching up.

Technology makes easy
Technology has surely added value to the profession, but at the same time, it posed many challenges as well. Environment-conscious clients are searching for architects who are enlisted with BEE, GRIHA, IGBC, etc, and are really competent to design climate-responsive buildings.

Saakaar Foundation uses energy-efficient technologies in its work. Design of buildings is being done to suit a particular type of climate region. For example, Bahga was involved in materialising head office building of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. It was to go 7-storey. Three storeys were built about 20 years back. But all old record like drawings, measurement books, files were misplaced. So, big question was how to construct remaining four storeys without having any data of existing building. The company then approached National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research in Chandigarh that has the facility to scan existing structure to find out the location of reinforcement in foundations, columns, beams and slabs. “We engaged them and they scanned the structure and given us report. It was proved to be very useful. By referring to that we could design the structure and start the construction. Now the building is nearing completion,” reveals Bahga.

Driven by Internet
Talking about how technology is transforming the construction industry, he said, “Internet is the prime source of spreading information all over the world. The construction industry is being shaped by many factors and most important factor is technology.”

For designing buildings, new software are coming in offices, new technologies are introduced at site to facilitate construction. New building codes are being introduced for designing buildings. The materials are now standardised, modularised known as pre-fabricated components, which makes the construction speed faster and even save the environment from the pollution. Automated construction equipment is getting popular. The technology has many advantages like less labour intensive, shorter delivery time, reduced construction cost, higher quality and many more.

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