Speaking high about the Pearl Academy of Fashion the director Arindam Das confirmed there is hardly use artificial light in our campus as natural light is good enough -

if anything, we have to shut it [natural light out with blinds. Also, the use of ACs has been reduced substantially due to pathbreaking techniques employed by our architect,

Speaking high about the Pearl Academy of Fashion the director Arindam Das confirmed there is  hardly use artificial light in our campus as natural light is good enough - if anything, we have to shut it [natural light out with blinds. Also, the use of ACs has been reduced substantially due to pathbreaking techniques employed by our architect, Morphogenesis, such as in the use of matkas as fillings in the floorings, which trap heat and are a natural coolant. Use of jaali designs throughout the campus for ventilation has also helped a great.All old havelis and buildings of colonial British India were green as they were built keeping the natural climate in mind (another example is Connaught Place). It is only in the recent times that very thin building skins like aluminium, steel, glass, which are high in embodied energy, have been used - which means you need to spend a lot of money and energy in first creating them, and then later maintain them using artificial systems like airconditioners and heating systems.

All the slick buildings of suburbs have blindly imitated the west where the climate is temperate and amount of energy available in US or Europe is inconceivable in India. But, now, with growing eco-consciousness and with construction sector becoming competitive, going green is suddenly seen as an USP. Still, we have only grazed the tip of the iceberg and we need to customize every building to our climate and not as per the climate conditions of the west. Suddenly , there is an awareness that we need to secure our environment as our future depends on how we conserve the food resources and the environment we live in and thats where their money should be invested. So, what were exceptions yesterday seem to become the norm today with occupiers emphasizing on going green.

From planting trees, to using solar energy , to constructing smart buildings and even collecting litter, corporate India is going green. Patni Computers in Noida is IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Platinum Rated LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified green building. The basic design has been inspired by the traditional inward look Indian Haveli plan design that balances environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, occupant comfort.

The design concept is that of a simple straight-line low-key architecture in sync with the surroundings, site and climate. Passive (architecturally) and active (mechanical , electrical) strategies have been optimally designed to minimize energy consumption. The building depth is optimized to capture daylight for more than 75% of occupied interiors and to maximize outdoor views. The campus of Wipro Technologies in Gurgaon is also Platinum Rated LEED certified green building.

The main focus of the design is the inverted cone, strategically located at the cross-junction of two roads to give visibility to the building. A highlight of the building is a control, open to sky landscape courtyard that will contribute towards keeping the building cool during summer. All open office spaces look into the courtyard, thus these spaces have good access to daylight. Developers have been making many announcements of eco-projects , by the hour and day. Recently , Supertech launched Eco-City residential project in Sector 137, Noida with the idea to building a zero-carbon emission and eco-centric development project by using special generators, machineries and ecological sanitation.

According to R K Arora, CMD of Supertech Limited, In Eco-City , our approach is based on the idea that all the ecologically responsible aspects of the building are made visible as part of its role as an eco-habitat . Green Boulevard, a project by 3C Company is a green building that is home to multinational corporations like Accenture, Sapient, Nokia, Siemens Network and others.


It has been designed around shaded landscape courts with water bodies and plants, which help reduce the ambient temperature. The building depth has been optimized to capture daylight and to maximize views. 3C Company has executed Lotus Boulevard, a green residential project, which has features like insulated walls and insulated roofs that reduce heat by up to 60%.

While the external lighting is solar, the mechanical and the electric equipment inside are energy efficient. Other features like 80% open spaces, zero-discharge , a mechanism to recharge water by water-harvesting methodology make it a unique project. In an endeavor to reduce its carbon footprint, 3C Company is creating environment-friendly buildings. According to Vidur Bharadwaj, director of 3C, Realizing that green-building technology is the way forward for saving the planet , and as it is pro-life , we will constantly strive to make our projects safe, secure and a delightful experience for occupants . The mission for developing green buildings has helped in saving huge operating energy costs, which ultimately benefits end users.

Earlier there was a thrust only on aesthetics but finally, builders and occupants have realized that aesthetics can take a backseat and functionality should rule. Products which offer functionality are being introduced , like Hindalco manufactured fireproof glazing on glass facade. He adds that the practice is to go in for green buildings - that of utilizing maximum natural light and conserving energy in every possible way. Newer techniques and materials are being invented by the day to ensure that the buildings are in sync with nature. A lot of green products are foraying into the construction industry . One such innovation is Green Windows by Fenesta Building Systems, which are UPVC windows and help in saving energy as they cut airconditioning costs significantly. Also, they allow ample ventilation and sunlight into the house.

These windows do not require paint or polishing and are therefore maintenance-free . While green is a buzzword now, it all started with Orchid, who call themselves a ecotel , instead of a hotel. From the basic architecture of the building , to water conservation, to use of rubber wood instead of real wood, to use of energy-saving devices, the hotel does it all to qualify as an ecofriendly hotel.