Pitch
Focus on 1st of the 3 R 'reduce'- Designing the buildings in an efficient way can bring a drastic reduction in the energy consumption
Description
Summary
The problem that I will be addressing is that the commercial & industrial buildings are to be continuously provided with the energy requirements but in a more efficient & sustainable way. And the proposed action shall be reducing emissions by reducing both the carbon as well as water footprints.
My proposal deals with bringing the energy efficiency at the building design level because it is addressing the need for energy efficiency at the very first step. These design changes can also be incorporated afterward as well and are very practical in achieving the desired results.
Some of the methods which are incorporated in the proposal are-
- Focus on the orientation of offices and windows such as to have proper day-lighting
- Usage of renewable energy for illumination and cooling/heating purposes if needed,
- solar heaters for domestic water consumption,
- water circulation for heat transfer inside the building,
- thermal insulation in walls for maintaining the temperature of buildings,
- Plantation for air purification
- Different sensors for switching for the electrical equipment’s
Is this proposal for a practice or a project?
Practice
What actions do you propose?
A set of changes in behavioral norms along with the adoption of mentioned practices can bring a significant amount of energy efficiency in the commercial & industrial sector. Behavioral changes are must because people are addicted to irresponsible consumption of scarce resources like energy. Nudges are required to spread awareness for energy savings.
India has witnessed many successful implementations of all these methods. For instance, Delhi metro phase 3. Prabha Bhawan of MNIT Jaipur, has thermally insulated building envelope. And has achieved 30% energy savings over the standard designs. The design of the building is depicted in doc-
http://www.beepindia.org/sites/default/files/Case%20study%201%20Prabha%20Bhawan_MNIT.pdf
Few of the methods for bringing energy efficiency are-
- Building contour designing with self-shading features
- Focus on the orientation of offices and windows such as to have proper day-lighting
- Usage of renewable energy for illumination and cooling/heating purposes if needed,
- Solar heaters for domestic water consumption,
- Water circulation for heat transfer inside the building,
- Thermal insulation in walls for maintaining the temperature of buildings,
- Plantation for air purification
- Different sensors for switching for the electrical equipment’s
Who will take these actions?
During the initial phase, the government will act as a leader in bringing these actions. But with proper policies in place, it can be diverted to individuals. Because at last, individuals are getting benefitted by adopting these measures through benefits such as better environment, better health, economic prosperity etc. On the flip side, the country is getting supported to achieve the NDCs related to GHG emissions.
Role of administration: Government shall first try to get their buildings energy efficiency certified, such as to project the related benefits in a successful manner to the society.
Need for promotion: The role models/public figures in society shall be chosen for promotion. So that people will follow them as a fad and then same could be translated into a trend.
Role of judiciary: Industrial and commercial buildings in future should be strictly abiding the energy efficiency design as per the legal mandate.
Role of businesses: The efficiency measures will also be taken up by the businesses or organizations to convert the old inefficient buildings into an energy efficient one. The government can incentivize these efforts through a market mechanism in order to promote the energy efficiency.
Role of individuals: People staying or working in energy certified buildings can claim their stake in some internal benefits like HRA etc. This will drive the need for such buildings to the management afterward.
Where will these actions be taken?
Actions can be taken anywhere around the globe. Only the magnitude of actions taken will vary. Depending upon the feasibility of the method and the place of application, they can be moulded to suit the situation. It can be applied to old as well as to new building design. The country also does not matter as long as the methods are chosen as per the climatic conditions.
In addition, specify the country or countries where these actions will be taken.
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Country 2
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Country 5
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Impact/Benefits
What impact will these actions have on greenhouse gas emissions and/or adapting to climate change?
What are other key benefits?
Costs/Challenges
What are the proposal’s projected costs?
Timeline
About the author(s)
Author-Pooja Arya
Background- A Mechanical engineer by heart; currently pursuing MBA in Sustainable management from IIM Lucknow
Country of residence- India
Related Proposals
We-power Energy Coach - The future of energy efficiency
References
- Presentation link: http://www.beepindia.org/sites/default/files/Case%20study%201%20Prabha%20Bhawan_MNIT.pdf
- Delhi Metro in news link: http://www.delhimetrorail.com/whatnew_details.aspx?id=5VAe6LK85hAlld
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