Accepted definitions of green buildings describe them as structures that ensure efficient use of materials, water, energy and other resources without depletion of nature and minimal generation of non-degradable waste. The concept of green buildings was prevalent in India from the time of our ancestors who revered the five elements of nature. Today, India can boast of Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)-certified green buildings ranging from residential complexes, exhibition centers, hospitals, and educational institutions to laboratories, IT parks, airports, government buildings and corporate offices. This list of top 10 green buildings in India gives special mention to those extraordinary structures that have left an indelible mark in the green construction industry.
Suzlon Energy Limited - Pune
Several accolades continue to shower upon Suzlon’s global headquarter in Pune - “One Earth” - ever since the facility has been LEED ‘Platinum’ rated and certified as an eco-friendly building by the Green Building Council. Built to perfection on an area of 41,000 square meters (10.13 acres), One Earth can be counted as among the largest green building projects in India and is living proof that our world can be replenished with a little green effort, everyday.
One Earth can house 2,300 people and was constructed at a lower cost compared to other eco-friendly buildings of the same size http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/09/suzlon-headquarters-in-india-leed-
platinum-living-laboratory/suzlon-one-earth-headquarters-7/
Biodiversity Conservation India Ltd (BCIL) - Bangalore
As a green builder who strives for the conservation of diversity in vegetation, forests, culture and urban lifestyles, BCIL has created some of the most energy-efficient residential homes India has ever set eyes upon. The company’s TZed homes in Whitefield, Bangalore has been certified as the first residential apartment in the world to be rated ‘Platinum’ under LEED. TZed, which means “Towards Zero Energy Development” is a 2,49,000 sq.ft. green project spread across 5.5 acres and is designed to reduce lighting and energy by nearly 70 per cent.
No home at BCIL TZed Homes uses incandescent lamps, halogens and fluorescent tubelights
http://www.civilsocietyonline.com/April08/april081.asp
Olympia Technology Park - Chennai
The world’s largest LEED ‘Gold’ rated green building is right here in India. Built on an area of 1.8 million sq. ft., this futuristic masterpiece features three mighty towers on 8.4 acre greenery. Constructed with energy saving technology, autoclaved blocks containing 30 per cent flyash, wooden door-frames made from compressed sawdust and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, Olympia is green and eco-friendly in every sense of the word.
Olympia's green construction is compatible with the needs of an IT company and also ensures efficient space utilisation
http://www.olympiatechpark.com/current%20status.htm
ITC Green Centre - Gurgaon
Renowned as one of the early adopters of the green building movement in India, the ITC Green Centre is still considered a benchmark for green buildings. It was the first 'Platinum' rated building in India and has endeavored to adopt green practices that go beyond recycled waste and day-lit offices. Within a built-in area of 180,000 sq.ft., the building features alternative transportation facilities, storm water management system, solar thermal technology, reflective high-albedo roof paint, minimal exterior lighting, separate smoking rooms with exhaust system and zero-water discharge.
More than 10% of the building materials are refurbished from other sites and 40% are from within 500 miles of the project site
http://green.in.msn.com/cleantechnologies/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3214982
The Druk White Lotus School - Ladakh
In this desert landscape of severe climatic conditions, 3,500 meters above sea level, was born a modest school that is adjudged as an outstanding example of sustainable, green, cost effective building development. This multi-award winning structure is the recipient of the Best Asian Building, Best Education Building and Best Green Building awards. It combines the best of traditional Ladakhi architecture with 21st century engineering excellence and is built with traditional materials such as locally excavated stone, mud bricks, timber and grass.
Traditional mud brick masonry is used internally to provide increased thermal performance and durability http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=11107
La Cuisine Solaire - Auroville
One of the most innovative green buildings in the country is the solar kitchen at Auroville that best demonstrates the use of solar energy to produce steam. This 1700 sq. m. kitchen is named thus because of the huge 15 diameter solar bowl that has been fixed at the top of the structure to harvest solar energy. On a clear day, this green structure can generate enough steam at a temperature of 150°C that can be used to cook meals for 1000 people, three times a day.
This building puts to use appropriate technologoes and passive solar concepts to achieve energy-efficiency
http://www.auroville.org/society/solarkitchen.htm
Doon School - Dehradun
Authorities can rightfully claim that this establishment is one of India's first green school campuses that opted for recycling measures and successfully achieved cent per cent self-sufficiency in energy, water and organic fertilizer. Several old building blocks that were part of the 69 acre school were redesigned and solar thermal systems, waste management processes as well as biomass gasification systems were introduced as part of its green initiatives.
Doon school drastically reduced the need for artificial heating/cooling air conditioning through solar thermal systems and cross-ventilation
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vermin-jr/2951603963/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30176390@N02/3167082010/
Raintree Hotels - Chennai
Here is an eco-sensitive hotel for the eco-savvy traveler. The entire chain of Raintree business hotels across Chennai city are the first eco-sensitive hotels in South India. Everything about this hospitality range is green: right from the rubber wood, bamboo and medium-density fiber used for construction down to the Portland Pozzalana cement containing 15 to 20 per cent fly ash. The George Fisher concealed cistern installed at the hotel controls the water used in toilet flushes and the sewage treatment plant recycles water for use in air conditioners.
Setting new standards of environmental responsibilitywithout compromising on guest experience
http://www.raintreehotels.com/
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport - Hyderabad
India’s first Greenfield airport is undeniably among the top 10 green buildings in India and the first airport in Asia to be awarded the LEED ‘Silver’ rating certification by US Green Building Council. Featuring 100,005 sq. m. of glass encased terminal, this green building ensures optimal use of natural light and minimal wastage of electricity or energy consumption. Yet another of its green features includes the recycling of treated wastewater for landscaping, air conditioning and flushing requirements.
This greenfield airport has been built at a cost of Rs 2,478 crore
http://www.thepicky.com/popular/hyderabad-international-airport-inaugurated-indias-most-modern/
http://green.in.msn.com/cleantechnologies/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3214978&page=2
Nokia - Gurgaon
Among India’s most sustainable buildings is the corporate office of Nokia in Gurgaon which has been granted accreditation as one of the world’s leading green buildings by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This is the first time that a commercial interior fit-out project in India is being awarded the Green Building Award and prestigious LEED ‘Gold’ rating. What makes this green office stand out from the rest is its smart lighting and ventilation systems, high-efficiency chillers, high-performance double glazing, heat recovery wheel, green guard certified furniture and online CO2 monitoring system.
The first Nokia facility to receive LEED Gold Certification was the China campus in Beijing
http://www.hardwarezone.com/product-guide/features/view/2940
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