Earth is suffering and so are her people. Extremes of temperatures are leading to devastating consequences like, floods, droughts, resource depletion and pollution. In spite of this environmental downfall, a rising human population cannot afford to just do away with buildings, hence, construction from eco-friendly builders with minimal carbon footprints is very much the need of the hour. As we usher in the age of sustainable living concept, we are witnessing eco-friendly builders who are actively joining the ‘green’ brigade, thanks to innovations in the industry that promote and maintain green living concepts and the building alike. This is certainly a promising growth period for Indian real estate, backed by the growing consumer awareness of the benefits that the Green Buildings provide. The reasonable benefits of living in eco-friendly space are not only confined to an individual but to society as a whole.
A green building can lower energy consumption by 30-50% and water consumption by 30-70% says S Raghupathy, executive director, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and head of the CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre.
A project from eco-friendly builders creates and enhances the homes and the surroundings through sustainable development. Eco-friendly builders can help the environment to a greater extent by employing the following:
Using energy-efficient and natural construction building materials
On-site water treatment plants and recycling facilities
Conserving power
Construction waste material management
Using green building materials
Here is a list of 6 eco-friendly builders who are contributing to the green building revolution by providing lush eco-spaces along with modern amenities…
1. Total environment
Founded in 1996, Total environment employs green component in their projects to reduce carbon footprints to a greater extent. Kamal Sagar, CEO and principal architect of Total Environment, says, “It is never too late to go green”. With this principle of going green, The Total Environment is now one of the most innovative and renowned eco-friendly builders in Bangalore. Their USP is providing world class amenities, causing minimum damage to the environment.
Porotherm bricks for energy saving is the key green products used in their projects like Learning to Fly and Windmills of your Mind. Apart from this, green roofs for rainwater harvesting and other substitutes to uphold green living are major features of TE products.
2. Nitesh estates:
Nitesh Shetty in the year 2004 founded Nitesh Estates with the vision of creating best quality products with the best architecture, best amenities and quality construction materials. Keeping to their vision, the group is also employing eco-friendly builders products like smart hollow bricks to enhance the energy efficiency of the building to add to the value of the asset. Besides being completely natural, these bricks are maintenance free and offer an unlimited life span to the building supporting the luxurious and modern infrastructure.
The company is focussed on delivering sustainable projects across all the asset classes i.e. Homes, Hotels, Office Buildings and Shopping Malls.
Nitesh Cape Cod a unique creation of this firm which incorporates Green Architecture to create and maximize the efficiency of the building using a perfect blend of technology and eco-friendly measures. The project has been awarded Gold pre-certification from Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Homes Rating.
Porotherm HP is used in projects like Nitesh Caeser’s Palace and Nitesh Columbus Square. It not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the building but is very light on the pockets of the consumer, in the long run, providing them with higher ROI on the same. Along with the mentioned measures towards eco-friendly buildings, Nitesh Estates also works for the reduction in energy use, water consumption and waste and managing construction site wastes.
3. Godrej Properties:
Established in 1990, Godrej Properties brings the innovation, creativity and excellence of the Godrej Group to the real estate industry. Before the buzz eco-friendly homes came to India, Godrej Properties build its repo for its commitment towards the environment.Further living to its principles, Godrej has come up with its new project in Bangalore Godrej Platinum (Leed Rated Residential Apartment). Along with a high rise building, this property is designed for a greener purpose as well.
The Solar Panel generating electricity, use of Porotherm in construction, Electric car charging facility, Low-E-glazed windows, Rainwater harvesting system are few greener advantages of the project.
4. Habitat Ventures
Shivaram Kumar Malakala and Bhaskar T. Nagendrappa founded Habitat Ventures with the mission of providing properties with the perfect blend of quality, creativity, technology, aesthetics, sustainability and thoughtful amenities. Cumulating the five constituents of nature i.e. earth, water, fire, air and life; this group of eco-friendly builders has come up with some really innovative products. Projects like Habitat crest and Habitat Aster, are environment-friendly from the very start as the construction material used in these buildings is eco-friendly.
5. Krishna Enterprises:
Krishna Homes, the real estate division of KEPL, specializes in delivering quality buildings in terms of cost, energy efficiency and incredible infrastructure.With their mission of delivering products & services benchmarked around quality, aspirations and cost to their customers; they are constantly working with the environment-friendly materials and process, via the best of innovations and technology. Their projects like Krishna Shelton and Krishna Northwoods gives you the privilege to live under the roof of nature. Innovative high-quality materials, like Porotherm, not only deliver longer durability and extended life span but also make the building energy efficient.These materials along with their list of benefits don’t let builders compromise with the modern infrastructure.
6. Salarpuria Sattva Group:
The group was founded in 1986 with the prime motive of developing quality constructions. Keeping to their words, Sattva is another eco-friendly builder group in Bangalore which is emerging like anything. Using technology innovatively in the architecture of their buildings, differentiate them with their competitors. They augmented the quality of buildings and quality of living significantly to a higher level. Sattva group efficiently used energy efficient construction materials like Porotherm hollow bricks which to enhance the efficiency quotient of the building.
All these eco-friendly builders in Bangalore are creating new definitions of fine living. They are giving the building an artistic and modern touch by minimum exploiting the natural resources. Though Initial investment in these green buildings might now be high, but with the time you will start to make money out of them as they are highly efficient and helps you save on electricity and other utilities.
Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India
When the pressures of work drape a stressful environment, man seeks refuge in nature. It is rare for one to visualize an office cabin or a shopping complex as a spot of relaxation. Yet, unfortunately, people spend 80% to 90% of their time indoors, making their errands back and forth from their houses to their workplaces.
As stress surmounts, architects are now moving towards a tangible solution that would bring nature indoors.
Here’s where biophilic design comes in as a promise of well-being, health, and emotional comfort.
UnderstandingBiophilic Design
The basic idea behind biophilia is to connect humans with nature to enhance well-being. Architects accomplish this feat by integrating natural elements into their designs. The key strategies include infusing illuminating greenery, miniature man-made water bodies, natural stones, and grained wood logs in the living spaces. Also, the designs that allow more natural light inside can be seen as integral biophilic design efforts.
Another characteristic of biophilia is the usage of botanical contours over straight lines and patterns. Designs that establish visual relationships such as light and shadow is another characteristic of biophilia.
Exploring the Benefits ofBiophilic Design
Improves Mood
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) performed research to identify the relation between biophilia and human beings. They enforced direct links between man and nature through views, water, light, and plants. They also established an indirect connection via natural materials such as colors and patterns. At the end of the study, it was found that the process caused improvement in mood, enhanced concentration, and promote recovery from stress.
Stress is often reported to weaken the immune system. By nurturing biophilia, one can reduce stress and thereby reduce its associated risks.
Promotes Health
Surprisingly, biophilia promotes a healthy life. Denmark’s Aarhus University performed research to come to the assertion. The findings revealed that when green spaces encircle the children, their odds of developing mental disorders later in life dropped by 55%. Also, another research by Cornell University revealed that daylit environments helped workers to reduce their eye strains, headaches, and blurred vision.
When there was a choice between the gym and nature, the majority of the workers preferred the latter. Research by the U.S. Green Building Council shows that employees favour a biophilic work environment. Thus, biophilic design is not just a health promoter; it is also a chosen workspace.
Brings Light
One philosophy of biophilia is the augmentation of natural lights indoors. For instance, it introduces nature within the four walls facilitated by a design that includes vast expanses of the glass curtain wall. This glass wall allows light to penetrate deep into the building. What’s more, workers on the upper floors could take their work outside through the outdoor terraces. They would serve as great options for hosting meetings and supporting brainstorming sessions in the presence of nature during the workday.
Time to Bring the Outdoors, Indoors!
The biophilic design would go a long way in promising a better living and working environment. At home, biophilia could improve the emotional health of the dwellers to endorse harmony in the house. In the workplace, it would help workers to concentrate better without being stressed and produce better results. Thus, it is only sensible and prudent to implement biophilia at all living and workspaces to reap the tremendous benefits.
http://lyndonhealth.nhs.uk/assets/plugins/plupload/examples/upload.php One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. True! But can trash turn into a benefit for the environment? Building with Waste – compiles some of the construction materials that are entirely or partly made out of waste materials. According to the book, people must be following the practice of using cheap, durable and green building materials. Let’s take a look at some of the worthy construction materials made out of waste.
Newspaper Wood
Mělník
Images CC
This amazing idea comes from Norway where more than 1m tonnes of paper and cardboard are recycled annually. The wood is created by rolling up the paper and solvent-free glue to create something not dissimilar to a log, then chopping it into usable planks. The wood can then be sealed so it’s waterproof and flame-retardant and used to build anything you would normally build with wood.
Nappy roofing
Image CC
Instead of being thrown away and stored in a landfill, would you believe that a few nappies could be recycled into one roofing tile? Special recycling plants separate out the polymers from the organic waste, and these polymers can then be used to create fiber-based construction materials like tiles.
Bottle brick
Image CC
Converting plastic bottles to bricks has been a lifesaver in the developing world and had allowed them to build homes in a cost effective way. This proposal relies on producing consumer goods specifically so it can later be used as a building material. Lots of companies now make bottles in cuboid or other tessellating shapes to make them easier to transport. A brick-shaped design of the bottle enables construction as the bottleneck slots into the base of the next bottle, forming an interlocking line.
Mushroom walls
Image CC
Mushrooms are good to eat, but their roots may be far more important to mankind. They can be used to make mushroom based building materials that are stronger than concrete, have more insulating power than fiberglass, and are completely compostable. This is particularly useful because traditional insulating and packing materials tend to be non-biodegradable, or, in the case of asbestos, poisonous.
Wine cork panels
Image CC
Image CC
Make Stylish Flooring with wine cork panels. Wall or floor tiles are made by combining recycled granulated cork with whole wine corks. This is a useful idea, considering the world consumes around 31.7 billion bottles of wine a year.
Plasphalt
Image CC
Plasphalt is one of the latest and greatest inventions that could help save the modern world and reduce our impact. Recycled plastic pieces are mixed in with asphalt and are then used in order to create paved walk ways and roads. In more detail, Plasphalt is made up of grains of plastic produced from unsorted plastic waste, which replaces the sand and gravel usually used in asphalt production. In testing, it was found that plasphalt roads were far less vulnerable to wear and tear than traditional asphalt because the asphalt emulsions bond better with the plastic than with gravel or sand.
These are pretty useful ideas, considering the fact that people waste more than they use. Share your opinions and your story – how you converted waste materials into something beneficial?
We come across countless numbers of buildings every single day, don’t we? So, how many did grab your attention? Which one of them looked welcoming, imposing, or dramatic to you?
Well, we come across different kinds of buildings, and of course, we do have different reactions for each one of them. Few are tall with massive arched doorways and gigantic spires, while others are with wide windows and huge porches. Every building has a distinct character, and this is no accident, someone did design it with a lot of attention to their Façade.
But what is a Façade? A building façade system in most cases refers to one side i.e. the front side of a building structure. It is one of the most integral pieces to the overall design of the structure, as it adds a unique personality and character to it. From conventional to contemporary, facades are of many types and empower the architects to literally play around and bring to life an extraordinary look to the building structure. But aesthetics solely is not the only functionality of a façade system, there are paybacks beyond beauty.
Let’s explore what are the additional benefits a façade system can provide for your building:
Facade System
5 Top Advantages Of A Building Facade System
Exterior Facade
Facades are the face of a building and they provide several advantages. Here are the 5 most prominent ones.
1. Protection From Natural Elements
High wind speeds connected with severe storms are the commonly recognized risk to the building skin. A façade system shields against the damage resulting from high-winds and rains and even protects against extreme temperatures and humidity. Simply put, resistance to temperature, weathering, and corrosion over decades is a valuable characteristic of the facade.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
A façade system plays a huge role in improving energy efficiency in a building structure. By smartly linking the exterior to the interiors of the building, a façade controls light penetration or filtration, regulates heat, minimizes solar gain; all this, in turn, leads to more energy-efficient buildings which achieve solar shading and passive cooling automatically.
3. Light Penetration And Filtration
Several studies have proved, natural light bears significant paybacks to human health and increases productivity. Façade is often called the external skin of the building, and the protection provided by the external skin ensures natural ventilation. A building façade ensures the occupants comfort isn’t lost or compromised while giving a whole lot of value to the design and aesthetic factors.
4. More Fresh Air
Façade system plays the function of introducing fresh outdoor air into the building zones. The façade consists of various components like roof, walls and other openings, like doors and windows. Together all these components control the air inflow and outflow, and significantly reduce dust & other airborne particles ensuring a much fresher indoor environment.
5. Noise Control
External noises like construction activities, rail, traffic, aircraft, etc. can be quite disturbing for the building occupants. A building façade can control the noise impact on the surrounding area of the building.
Sustainable Facade
Sustainable Materials For Façade
Facade Materials
When it comes to sustainable material solutions for facades, metal and glass often pop up our minds. Yes, both these are sustainable and recyclable materials offering multitude of options with environmental, functional and aesthetic benefits. But, did you hear of Clay Facades?
Clay Facades are nothing, but the panels made of terracotta which can be cladded on the exterior walls or facade of any building. These are environmentally friendly and tough modern facade which enhance the value and the design aspect of the building structure. Clay façades are not only beautiful to look at but also have many advantages over the other facade materials (like glass and metal), here is a quick rundown:
Durability – Terracotta tiles are tested for high strength and safety and hence perfect for exterior walls of homes, offices and even public buildings. With weather resistance properties, these tiles can last for nearly decades.
Sustainable – Made of natural resources like clay which make them best fit for building sustainable structures.
Provide Insulation – Clay is a natural thermal insulator and along with that, a combined benefit of ventilated façade increases the insulation further.
Maintenance Free – Once installed, these are very easy on maintenance. They can easily prevent rattling of the panels, and their indigenous system provided for rainwater drainage helps in preventing soiling, which results in low maintenance.
Easy Installation – Very easy to fix as there is no use of sealants or rout. In addition to that, it also helps in overcoming uneven surfaces and appearance of cracks on the walls.
Fireproof – This is one of the major benefits of using clay facades as these are fired at exceptionally high temperatures which make them fire resistant.
Colour Fast – The façade plates are colour fast and will not deteriorate.
Aesthetic Appeal – Clay facades provide a contemporary look to the building, they come in a variety of colors to suit the overall design concept of the building.
Clay façade are becoming the first choice of modern architects who want to leave their environment-friendly thumbprint in the world.
Read: Choosing The Right Façade Material
Clay Facade
It’s What’s Outside That Counts
Facade
A killer look or an awe-inspiring design should be augmented by functionality – i.e. energy efficiency, insulation capabilities, durability, strength, stability, easy installation, low maintenance, resistance to chemicals, fire, moisture, pests, competitive cost, and so on.
In sum, a façade system with terracotta tiles is an ideal choice because of its guaranteed advantages. Clay façade tiles are the best way to make that first impression and make your building stand out amidst the concrete clutter.
To know more Get In Touch with us.
Related – Different Types Of Building Façade Cladding Systems To Know About
Authored by a building expert from Wienerberger India
For any kind of assistance or tips on green building materials – drop us a word at [email protected]
River Sand or Bajri, refers to the loose, fragmented, and naturally-occurring material consisting of very tiny particles of decomposed shells, corals, or rocks. Apart from being an important part of the river, sand plays a crucial role in the construction industry. Currently, it is one of the most required material for the construction process and is being widely used and utilised all across the globe to offer bulk, strength, and other properties to building materials like concrete and asphalt.
When we picture sand spread across tranquil beaches and endless deserts, we understandably think that it is an infinite resource, but the reality is totally opposite. Yes, our world is facing a global sand crisis. Skyrocketing demand, along with unregulated mining to meet it, is creating the faultless recipe for sand shortages. There are plentiful evidences that strongly say, sand is becoming increasingly scarce in many regions. States like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are becoming a mafia due to limited sand supplies.
Sand Mining: Solution Or A Threat?
As the demand for sand continues to increase, sand mining seemed to have popped up as one perfect solution to meet the demand. But, sand mining has been causing huge environmental damage.
Extreme instream sand mining is causing degradation of rivers. It is also lowering the stream bottom, which can ultimately lead to bank erosion. Diminution of sand in the streambed and along the coastal areas can cause deepening of rivers and estuaries, and the expansion of the coastal inlets and river mouths. Saline-water intrusion is another negative effect of sand mining. The consequence of mining is compounded by the effect of sea level rise. Also, any volume of sand exported from the streambeds and coastal areas is a damage to the system.
Irresponsible sand mining is also a huge threat to the river banks, bridges, and nearby structures. It also affects the contiguous groundwater system and the usages that local residents make of the river.
Sand mining can be responsible for the destruction of riparian and aquatic habitat through huge changes in the channel morphology. Effects include bed coarsening, bed degradation, lowered water tables adjacent the streambed, and channel volatility. These physical effects cause degradation of aquatic and riparian biota and may lead to the deflation of bridges and other structures. Constant extraction can also cause the complete streambed to destroy to the depth of excavation. Sand mining also engenders extra vehicle traffic, which undesirably damages the environment.
Other Striking Issues Of Mining:
One of the air quality issue with mining is dust particles. Huge amounts of dust particles can be highly hazardous to health and can result in exacerbating respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchial passages and irritation of lungs.
Mines can affect the quality of surface runoff and groundwater through contamination with suspended and dissolved materials.
The characteristics of mineral deposits and the kind of mining both have a huge impact on the landscape. Underground mining can cause surface disturbance and rehabilitation and surface mining can cause the destruction of the existing vegetation and soil profile. Elimination of waste rocks and its replacement in waste dumps or the mined-out pit totally transform the stability and topography of the landscape.
Value of construction industry grew at an astounding annual rate of 15.10 percent even in the economic slowdown and has contributed around 7.5-8.5 percent of the country’s GDP (at current prices) for the past 8 years. The people in the construction industry have just begun to go green, but currently, they do not have any practical answer to this very critical question, this is quite embarrassing isn’t it? Well, while most of us fail in answering this question, here are some alternatives which can definitely help in creating that positive impact.
Alternatives For Sand That Are Perfect For Construction Purposes
The overuse of river sand in construction as we already mention has various undesirable social and ecological consequences. As a solution to this, here are few alternatives which can be considered.
Manufactured Sand (M Sand)
Processed Crushed Rock Fines (Crf)
Slag Sand
Powdered Glass
Granite Fines/Slurry
Dune Sand
Processed Quarry Dust
Washed Soil/Filtered Sand
Offshore Sand
Fly Ash/ Pond Ash/ Bottom Ash/
Copper Slag Sand
Construction Demolition Waste
Aluminium Saw Mill Waste
The Need Of The Hour
Currently, the alternatives to sand (like m-Sand, copper slag, recycles construction waste and powdered glass are progressively being used in many EU nations, US and Singapore. The use of such materials needs to be encouraged in our Indian construction too.
Striking a balance between increasing needs of the construction industry and environmental concerns to save river beds amongst excessive sand mining is the need of the hour. The government needs to take stringent steps and come out with a policy for sand mining and encourage the use of alternatives because as long as our national regulations will be lightly enforced, harmful effects will continue to occur.
Curated by editor at Wienerberger India
Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected]or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Energy and its effective utilization is an important aspect in current times. However, the concept of Energy Efficiency is only about a decade old, the word “energy efficiency” gained momentum in India with the setting up of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in 2001 in an effort to institutionalize energy efficiency measures and to enable creation of industrial leaders in this regard. Efficient use of energy has been defined as the reduction in amount of energy used to provide certain products and services.
Need for Energy Efficient Homes
It is not only the advantages that we are extracting out of efficient utilization of energy but the need is making more and more consumers to flock to it. This need has been outstretched due to continuous depletion of resources, significant failure of earth’s well-being and increase in energy prices. There is ever increasing global demand and cost of energy which is unsatisfied. As per International Energy Agency, energy prices are likely to rise by another 17% in next two decades. Well! Now with certain tips and tricks, you can save money at home by adopting some energy efficient initiatives.
Heat entering the home comes mainly through the ceiling (25-35%) windows (25-35%) and walls (15-25%), as all are directly exposed to the sun. Hot winds blowing through as draughts can also contribute to heat entering your home (5-15%) making the need more imperative.
The advantages of being energy efficient (particularly savings) can be categorized on different levels, each one being independent and affecting the others at the same time:
Foremost, it helps to cut down on the exorbitant electricity bill by almost 30 to 50% especially in the summer months when Air conditioned rooms serve as permanent refuge.
Secondly, it also helps to protect the consumers against the rising Electricity costs by reducing their appetite for energy.
These in turn translate to a reduction in costs of several infrastructure projects.
Moreover, in the long run it would help to eliminate the dependence on foreign energy resources and hence cut down on the import bill.
Ultimately, it would also help to cater to Sustainable development by ensuring a clean environment and address the climate change issues by reducing the levels of local air pollutants, remarked Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.
Tips to make a normal house Energy Efficient
Beating the mindset that homes could only be constructed to utilize energy efficiently is the report by The Alternative.in, which states that any residential space, no matter how old can employ certain techniques to enable efficient use of energy.
Energy Efficient Kitchen
The most important room of the house presents the opportunities for maximum savings as well.
The most important change to boost efficiency in Kitchen would be by the usage of Gas Stoves instead of Electric stoves for cooking. These stoves consume unprecedented amount of energy and generate unmanageable quantities of heat at the same time, both of which are absent in Gas Stoves.
Secondly, different appliances such as Refrigerators and Ovens should be properly spaced away from each other.
Microwave Ovens have been found to reduce the overall energy quotient by 50%, hence their use should be promoted.
[Image Source: hoycomprare.com]
Energy Efficient Bathroom
The most important tip to save energy whilst in the bathroom is utilization of solar energy to heat water.
Besides, replacing a shower bath with a bucket bath helps cut down on the water bill by as much as 70%. In this regard water saving showerheads and ultra low flush toilets work wonders.
It is also imperative to check all faucets and pipes for leakage in a timely manner.
[Image Source: baltimoresun]
Energy Efficient Bedrooms
The best way to romanticize the bedrooms and save energy simultaneously comes in the form of dimmer switches for various lights.
Moreover, the windows should be covered using blinds especially in scorching areas like Southern India which help to cut back on Sun’s glare whilst ensuring optimum supply of light. This also helps to boost the efficiency of one’s Air conditioners hence, providing a major relief during Hot Indian Summer.
A rather unknown way to boost AC efficiency is employing the use of double or triple glazed windows, which have been found to reduce the heat transfer in the house.
[Image Source: pegasuslighting]
Energy Efficient- Living Room
This room consumes the most energy in terms of Electronic appliances such as Televisions, Play stations and DVD Players.
Thus the best way to boost efficiency is ensuring proper switching off of these devices after their use. Any ideal operation of these devices leads to wastage of about 10 watts per device.
[Image Source: photos.hgtv]
Dining Room
Electric Kettles used herein should be replaced by eco friendly kettles, which boil any quantity of water, hence avoiding wastage of electricity due to heating full load repeatedly.
[Image Source:selfbuildhomesmag]
Roof
Maximum heat loss occurs via the roof owing to its faulty construction generally.
Foremost, the roof should be colored using a reflective paint. White colored roofs have been found to be the most reflective in this regard.
Secondly, constructing Skylights on the roofs help to cut down on the electricity bill significantly.
Most importantly, it should be properly insulated to avoid any heat loss during winters and cooling loss during summers.
[Image Source: Weinerberger]
Some General Guidelines
While constructing it is suggested to use construction materials made out of natural products like Porotherm Thermo Bricks. They not only help your pockets in saving money but also use of water efficiently while construction make them more eco friendlier.
Clay tiles also pose certain advantage in this regard as they possess immense reflective properties, thus boosting the efficiency of both heating and cooling systems used in houses.
Use of Clay facades on walls over metal and glass can lead to significant savings of energy and money.
The doors and windows of the house should be well sealed to avoid any loss of energy.
Besides, another effective way would be utilize Inverters instead of Generators for providing backup. Inverters are more efficient and only consumer DC power, which is in direct proportion to the power supplied by them.
Interestingly, the use of three or five star rated appliances like AC’s, refrigerators and geysers help to reduce the energy consumption by about 20 to 30%. In tandem to this, timely servicing of all these should also be ensured to ensure maximum efficiency, says Mercindia.
Moreover, all sources of light should be replaced with CFL and LED lights, which provide a longer life and also boost on the energy efficiency.
Last but not the least, employing the use of programmed home thermostats, which automatically switch off all lights and related heating and cooling systems at the press of one button.
It is surprising how such small measures could help reduce the monthly budget by almost 50% and at the same time provide satisfaction about one’s contribution towards the environment as well. Moreover, the number of users of such practices has been increasing at a slow yet steady pace and it is only a matter of time before all houses in every city in the country become energy efficient.
Summers’ months are really hard in India, and you just cannot underestimate the damage the scorching sun can do to your building roof. When it comes down to proper roof maintenance – Awareness plays one crucial role. If you know the ways the sun can damage your building roof, you can successfully prolong its life – ultimately saving you a lot of time and money in costly roof repairs.
In this blog, we aim to raise awareness on how extreme summer heat affects your building roof, keep reading!
Extreme Summer Heat Can Affect Your Building Roof – Here’s How
The sun makes a very huge impact on your building roof’s lifespan, primarily because of extreme heat, UV rays, and thermal shock. Did you know? Sun’s UV rays wear down your building rood every single day, and; this also includes the cool and cloudy days. The harsh rays from the sun dry out the oils present in the roof and make it dry and brittle, and; eventually causes it to lose it waterproofing qualities.
The heat of the sun accelerates the breakdown process. You would be surprised to know that your roof can reach up to 160 degrees even when it’s 90 degrees outside. Heat fastens the damage done by UV rays – ultimately your roof is left weak and it loses its flexibility.
Overlooking to maintain your roof can cause more damage, shrinking the life of your roof and costing you more money and time in the long run. Here a quick rundown of what summer heat does to your roof:
#1 – UV Exposure
Your roof is constantly bombarded with the UV rays from the sun, and this is causing it to decay and age faster than it is foreseen. You may think that this holds true for the long, sunny summer days only, but that’s incorrect as the sun’s UV rays don’t spare your roof even on the cold and cloudy days. The energy at this wavelength is not visible to the naked eye, but it sources your roofing and construction material to dispel and shingles to buckle and split.
#2 – Heat
When your building roof is not shaded, its dark color absorbs heat, touching temperatures as high as 160°F on a 90°F day. These exorbitantly high temperatures hasten chemical processes in the process, instigating your roofing materials to break down faster.
#3 – High Humidity Levels
One of the most uncomfortable realities of living in India is Humidity. The rise in temperature during the summer months results in extremely humid conditions in many regions of India. During this period, condensation and moisture can easily settle in between the shingles and the underlayment, ensuing in water leaks. In addition, once the moisture starts collecting, it gives room for molds to grow and threaten your family’s health.
#4 – Thermal Shock
Your building roof touches exorbitantly high temperatures during the daytime, and quickly cools off when the sun sets – this causes the construction and roofing materials to contract and expand. This consequently wanes your roof’s structural integrity with time.
#5 Constant Wear And Tear
By now we understand that increased exposure to direct sunlight can damage your roof. Most roofing systems are built to last; they normally have a good lifespan of 20 to 30 years but constant wear and tear due to the summer heat chases its limit. Once the heat becomes unbearable, the shingles can curl and dry up – resulting them to become extremely brittle and prone to cracking.
#6 – Discoloration On The Roof
You can blame the sun if you witness draining in the color of your once- bright roof shingles. Unquestionably, it has everything to do with the sun’s powerful UV rays. The discoloration is just one part; the other side is that discoloration can really impact the roof’s ability to do its job well. The color of the roof shingles matters because they work to reflect the sun’s light, staving off the heat damage as best as it can against its surface and the rest of the home. So not only its reflective capabilities depend on the coat and color of the shingles to keep the sun rays off, but it helps keep the inside of the home cool. So if your roof is getting discolored, your home would get hotter and hotter during the summer months.
A Roof Is More Than A Roof Over Your Head
The roof is not just a shade over your head… but it is much more than that. A well-built, roofing system regularizes the internal temperatures of a home – ultimately helps in conserving energy in a big way, it repels moisture to prevent damages from water, reflects the sun’s rays during hot summer months. The roofing system should have roof shingles having a reflective coating, ventilated to prevent heat build-up, and a gutter system to guide rainwater away from not just its surface, but from the entire home.
Now that was about what the roof can do your you, more importantly, there is something you can do for your roof. Indicating “Roof Inspections” – these are a crucial element in keeping your roof well-maintained and prevents damage from the extreme summer heat. Replace damaged shingles immediately and have a professional examine your roof annually. You will surely extend its longevity and your roof will pay back silently in its own ways! You can also read Roof Inspection – Your All In One Guide
Building A New Roof Or Replacing A Damaged Roof?
Winter months do cause most of the damage to your roof, but summer heat has its own set of problems that can cost y our huge. UV damage from sunlight, degrading materials, and thermal shock as temperatures fluctuate from day to night can all cause serious damage to your roof.
Repairing a damaged roof is only a temporary fix and most homeowners would greatly appreciate the benefits from replacing the complete roof. You should consider everything from great energy efficiency to cost-saving energy costs, you will have it all once you replace your roof with Wienerberger Roof Solutions.
Wienerberger, the No.1.Clay Roof Tile Manufacturer in Europe brings to you Natural and Long-Lasting Roof solutions. With an exclusive range of imported roof tiles, with different colors, finishes, and fittings. Visit us at https://www.wienerberger.in/products/roof.html and explore our range of eco-friendly and most durable roofing materials.
Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India, World Leaders in Building Material Solutions since 1819. For expert advice, drop a word at our email id [email protected].
We all are pretty well aware of increasing environmental issues like water and air pollution and global warming. Sadly, it is the human’s ever-growing demand for resources which is putting tremendous pressure on the biodiversity of our natural world.
Coming to the construction industry, this industry is responsible for producing the largest amount of greenhouse gases and destruction waste. Buildings also consume a huge amount of energy during its construction phase and even more during its operations phase. Despite the fact, that services like lighting, water heating, air conditioning, provide ease of living to the building dwellers, these services consume a massive amount of energy and add to the increasing pollution levels. Added to that are the denizen activities which produce enormous amounts of solid and water wastes.
Green Buildings are truly the need of the hour in India. If the country’s architects, builders, designers and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) have their way, most of the buildings in India (old and new) will soon turn environment-friendly, decreasing the amount of power they gobble.
Currently, India has over 400 crore sq ft of registered green footprint, i.e. the second largest globally. By 2022, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is aiming 1000 crore sq ft of sustainable footprint. Now you may ask who is Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), let us discuss their story and why is there so much buzz around them.
What Are Green Buildings?
For the past few years, the word ‘Green Buildings’ is endlessly hogging limelight in the media. But, what exactly are these structures? How are they different from other buildings? And why are they green?
In simplest terms, a green building is the one that uses less water, energy and other natural resources, creates lesser amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and are healthy for its occupants as compared to the regular building structures. Building a Green Structure is about constructing buildings which enhance the use of local materials, local ecology and most significantly they are built to cut power, water, and material requirements.
Green Building Rating Systems
Source
So, Who Decides A Green Building Is Really Green? Whether a Green building is really green is to be decided against predefined rating systems. In India, Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) are the three primary Rating systems.
The main purpose of any green building rating system is to guarantee that an existing or upcoming construction project incorporates the finest green building practices which would ensure constant savings and higher operation and processes.
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
Source
Indian Green Building Council was formed in the year 2001 as a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The vision of the IGBC is, “To enable a sustainable built environment for all and facilitate India to be one of the global leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025”.
The council offers an extensive array of services which include:
Developing new green building rating programmes
Certification services
Green building training programmes
Green Building Congress which is IGBCs annual flagship event on green buildings is also organised by this council. IGBC is committee-based, member-driven and consensus-focused. All the participants of the construction industry including of developers, architects, product manufacturers, Government, corporate, academia and nodal agencies actively participate in the council activities through local chapters.
IGBC closely works with numerous State and Central Governments, World Green Building Council (WGBC), bilateral multi-lateral agencies in endorsing green building notions in the country.
Green Building Movement In India
The Green Building movement in India gained momentum in 2003 when CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre building in Hyderabad was bestowed with the first and the most respected Platinum-rated green building rating in India. From just about 20,000 sq.ft in 2003 to 450 crores sq.ft green footprint in India today IGBC is playing a catalytic role in leading the green building movement in India.
Source
As on 16th April 2018, more than 4,553 Green Buildings developments coming up with a footprint of over 5.29 Billion sq.ft are itemized with IGBC, out of these 1336 Green Building projects are certified and copiously functional.
Today almost all kinds of building structures are choosing to go Green – Government, Offices, Residential, Institutions, IT Parks, Banks, Convention Centre, Airports, Institutions, Hotels, Hospitals, Factories, Townships, Metros, Schools, etc.
IGBC Green Ratings
Source
The main goal of any green building rating system is to make sure that any existing or imminent construction project incorporates optimum green building practices which would ensure sustained savings and higher operations. Indian Green Building Council Green ratings are all-inclusive, user-friendly and strong and also offer the best services to its stakeholders.
These rating systems are based on the five elements of nature (panchabhutas) and are a blend of ancient architectural practices and modern state-of-the-art technological innovations. Most prominently, they address the national priorities like:
Conservation of natural resources
Sustainable Infrastructure
Water efficiency
Energy efficiency
Handling of domestic waste
Occupant health and well-being
Innovation & Development
Based on these principals, CII’s Indian Green Building Council launched around 20 Green Ratings to suit different types of construction projects, let us know them:
1. IGBC Green New Buildings
This Green rating system was launched to address national priorities. It is a tool that empowers the designer to apply green concepts and decrease environmental impacts which are practically measurable. The rating programme covers methods to cover various climatic zones and changing lifestyles.
Green New buildings can have incredible advantages, both tangible and intangible. Saving in water and energy consumption right from the beginning are the most tangible ones; enhanced air quality, outstanding daylighting, health & well-being of the inhabitants, safety benefits and conservation of scarce national resources are the intangible benefits of this rating system.
2. IGBC Green Existing Buildings
This is a voluntarily and consensus-based program that is primarily focused on the sustained performance of building structures with reference to the green features. The predominant objective of this rating system is to simplify the process of implementing green strategies for the building owners and facility managers, further measure their effects and withstand the performance in the long-run.
The rating system is essentially designed to address national primacies of resource preservation at the same time providing quality of life for the occupants. Energy and water savings, enhanced air quality and health and higher satisfaction level of the occupants are among few of the benefits of Green Existing Buildings.
3. IGBC Green Homes
The Green Homes Rating System addresses the most significant national priorities that include
handling of household waste, water conservation, lessen the use of fossil fuels, energy efficiency,
lesser dependence on the usage of virgin materials and health and well-being of inhabitants.
IGBC Green Homes is one of the first rating programme developed in India, solely for the residential sector. This rating system is a measurement system designed for rating new residential buildings that include the below construction categories:
Individual homes
High rise residential apartments,
Gated communities
Row houses
Green Homes is designed mainly for new residential structures. But, it is also applicable for existing buildings designed in accord with the IGBC Green Homes standards.
4. IGBC Green Schools
Green School rating system is a totally unique system which addresses eco-education, Health and hygiene factors in addition to the infrastructural facilities, water conservation, waste management and energy efficiency. Nutrition, physical activity, and safety are other aspects which are also addressed. Few of the benefits of this rating are:
Intensification of student’s performance through the improved indoor environment by accommodating more fresh air and natural light.
Improve student’s health and well-being and also the overall ambiance of school.
Advance building performance through efficient water and energy savings.
Educate the students on green features and also sensitize the students to environmental aspects.
Aids children to learn and take responsibility for their own actions which concern the environment.
Green Schools rating is designed in such a way that both existing schools and new schools can use the guidelines.
5. IGBC Green Affordable Housing
The Green Affordable Housing Rating system is the first-of-its-kind rating system that addresses sustainability and promotes higher living standards for the residents across all levels of society. Green ideas and techniques in the affordable housing sector can help address the below:
Reduced consumption of energy and water.
Better health and hygiene
Improved sanitation
Improved ventilation and light
Fuel savings in transit
Reduced pollution
This rating system is applicable for housing projects designed with carpet-area less than or equal to 60 square meters per dwelling unit, which constitute at least 70 % of the total project built-up area throughout the country.
6. IGBC Green Residential Societies
Green Residential Societies rating system under IGBC addresses green features under categories like facility management, sustainable water practices, energy conservation, waste management and innovative building practices. It is designed to address the specific requirements of existing Multi-Dwelling residential buildings.
The validity of IGBC Green Residential Societies certification is for 3 years from the date of issue. For recertification, the projects are required to show compliance with the latest version of IGBC Green Residential Societies rating dominant at the time of recertification.
7. IGBC Green Factory Buildings
Green Factories under IGBC rating system is the first of its kind that addresses sustainability in industrial buildings. The programme is primarily designed to address national primacies and quality of life for the factory workmen. Green Factory uses well-accepted national standards, also wherever local or national standards are missing, suitable international benchmarks have been considered.
This rating system addresses both new and existing factory buildings, also note it would only address the factory building structures, not the processes. It is applicable to all sectors of the industries and for climatic zones in the country.
8. IGBC Green Interiors
Indoor air, aesthetics, and comfort are of supreme importance to occupants as 90 percent of the time people stay indoors. Green Interiors under IGBC Rating system addresses green features under categories like eco-design approach, energy efficiency, indoor environment, interior materials and innovation in interior design.
This rating programme is designed to address the explicit requirements of tenants-occupied commercial spaces and can also be applied to owner-occupied spaces. Ideally, this rating suited to office interior fit-outs but can be applied to retail spaces, malls, hotels, resorts, restaurants, IT spaces, banks and other buildings.
9. IGBC Green Townships
Green Townships Rating System under IGBC is a tool which enables the designers to apply green ideas and criteria’s, in an attempt to reduce environmental impacts which are measurable. The rating system is typically designed to address large developments and makes it is mandatory to include residential development as part of the township.
Some typical examples of large-scale developments are integrated townships, satellite cities, gated communities, campuses with multiple buildings etc. Also, note this rating system is not applicable for independent buildings and land parcels.
10. IGBC Green Cities
This rating system aims to enable the development authorities and developers to apply green notions and planning principles, in an attempt to lessen negative environmental impacts which are measurable and enhance the overall quality of life. Few benefits of IGBC Green Cities are:
Efficient Land Use
Efficient Mobility
Efficient City Infrastructure
Enhanced Quality Of Life
Projects should meet certain criteria to qualify for IGBC Green Cities Rating:
Any upcoming large-scale Development with a minimum area of 250 Ha and a minimum gross population density of 125 persons per hectare (pph).
The city shall generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities for at least 20% of the total population
The city should have social infrastructure facilities like, education facilities, socio-cultural facilities, sports facilities, healthcare facilities and recreational facilities
Green Cities is first of its kind rating system in the country that addresses environmental sustainability in the emerging cities.
11. IGBC Green Campus
Green concepts are now penetrating into other forms of environments like the IT Parks, Administrative campuses, Educational campuses, Healthcare campuses, Convention centers, Hospitality campuses, Industrial parks, Military campuses, Leisure & Recreational campuses, Religious campuses, etc. IGBC Green Campus rating system is designed for both New and Existing Campuses.
The green concepts and techniques in campuses aim to address National problems like water and energy efficiency, reduction in the use of fossil fuels, handling of consumer waste and conserving natural resources. Most prominently, these concepts can improve the inhabitant’s health, happiness, and well-being.
12. IGBC Green Villages
Green Village rating is structured to address rural challenges. IGBC Green Village rating is a tool for identification & implementation of green features in a village. This rating system aims to address the below mentioned national priorities:
Clean Village and Improved Lifestyle
Improved Drinking water and Sanitation facilities
Adequate infrastructure for Education & Healthcare
Reduced Potable water demand
Effective Solid waste management
Ensure Power security through Clean Energy
Local Economic Development
Digital Village Initiative
Green ideas and techniques in the villages can help in addressing National worries like water and energy availability, reduction in fossil fuel use, handling of waste and conserving natural resources. Most notably, these concepts can augment health and well-being in villages.
13. IGBC Green Healthcare Facilities
Green Healthcare Facilities Rating System under IGBC is designed for Sub-centre, Primary Health Centre, Clinics, Private Hospitals, Community Health Centre, District Hospital, and Medical Institutions.
14. IGBC Health and Well-being
The main objective of this rating is to enable the buildings to incorporate people-centric measures for advancing the health & well-being.
15. IGBC Green Data Center
The Green Data center rating system is planned to enable construction and operation of data centers with enhanced resource efficiency, thereby leading to National benefits. This rating system is designed for both new and existing data centers.
16. IGBC Green Landscapes
The prime objective of IGBC Green Landscape Rating System is to smoothen the creation of comfortable and environmentally friendly landscape for people. This rating system is comprehensive and user-friendly.
17. IGBC Green SEZs
IGBC Green SEZ facilitates the conception of energy efficient, water efficient, healthy, comfortable and environmentally friendly SEZ. It is an extension of the Green SEZ guidelines.
18. IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS)
IGBC Green MRTS rating system is a tool that enables new Rail based MRTS to apply green concepts during design and construction, which helps in reducing environmental impacts which are measurable. The principal objective of IGBC Green MRTS is to ensure environmental sustainability and at the same time enhance the commuters experience.
19. IGBC Green Existing Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS)
IGBC Green Existing MRTS rating system is a tool can enable operational Rail based MRTS to apply green ideas and sustain performance of the system with respect to the green elements during operation, so as to further reduce environmental impacts which are measurable. The main objective of this rating is to facilitate the MRTS operators in implementing green strategies, measure their impacts and endure the performance in the long run, and at the same time enhance the commuters comfort and experience.
20. IGBC Green Railway Stations
This is another first of its kind holistic rating in the country that addresses environmental sustainability in the railway stations of India. The core objective of this rating is to facilitate implementation of green ideas, in that way it reduces the adverse environmental effects due to station operation and maintenance and improve the overall commuter experience at the station.
This rating system would also help the station management understand their existing position with respect to the ‘green performance’ and the measures which need to be taken to boost the performance constantly.
Most of these rating systems are based on the Panchabhutas (the 5 elements of nature) (panchabhutas) and are a mixture of ancient architectural practices and modern state-of-the-art technological innovations. Most prominently, these aim at addressing national priorities like conservation of natural resources, water efficiency, energy efficiency, management of domestic waste and inhabitant health and well-being.
The IGBC Green Building Certification Process
IGBC green building certification procedure adopts an all-inclusive multi-pronged approach in the overall rating process:
Project teams who are interested in IGBC Certifications for their project are required to first register with IGBC. Registration is the opening step to establish contact with IGBC and offers access to the essential documents, templates, important communications and other required information.
To register a project online one can visit the IGBC Registration Page.
Once the project is registered, the project team can begin to prepare for documentation and calculations to adhere to the mandatory requirements and credit submittal requirements.
Conducting a project feasibility study is one of the major steps in the process of getting an IGBC Green Certification. This empowers the project team to draw out a roadmap for attaining the desired green building rating level. The broad areas which are evaluated during this study are:
Site Selection and Planning
Sustainable Architecture and Design
Site Selection and Planning
Building Materials and Resources
Site Selection and Planning
Indoor Environmental Quality
Innovation and Development
Post feasibility study comes in project facilitation, here a green building consultant plays a pivotal role. IGBC commends that project teams should consider IGBC Accredited green building consultants (IGBC APs) for the overall feasibility study and facilitation process. IGBC APs are reliable professionals who counsel the project team on various eco-friendly ideas, technologies, and products specific to the project.
IGBC offers developer-based projects to opt for precertification at the design stage, the outcome of which is optimization of costs and as well as resources. Pre-certification also aids in ruling out which credits and pre-requisites are more likely to be attained during the final rating. Adding further to the benefits is that it allows the developers to flaunt the proposed green features to their potential buyers or tenants.
Documentation is one of the most critical steps in achieving the desired green building rating. Owing to its importance, IGBC allows project documents to be submitted in two stages.
Preliminary Submission – This phase includes the mandatory requirements and the number of credits a project team aims for. The documents are reviewed by a third-party accessor appointed by IGBC. Further, IGBC provides review comments to the owner/ project team within 30 days.
Final Submission – This phase includes explanations for the preliminary review queries. The final submission review comments are also given within 30 days by IGBC after which it awards the rating.
A project is required to satisfy all the mandatory requirements and minimum number of credit points in each section to achieve an IGBC Green Building Rating. The project team is required to make available all supporting documents at preliminary and final stages of submission for all the mandatory requirements and the credits attempted. Here is what needs to be submitted:
General information documents – like project brief, project type, different types of spaces, occupancy schedule, number of floors and area statement.
General drawings – this includes the master/site plan, floor plans, parking plans, elevations, sections, photographs and rendered images.
Filled-in templates from the IGBC rating manual.
Narratives and supporting documentation – like drawings, calculations, contract documents, declarations, purchase invoices and manufacturer cut-sheets/ letters/ material test reports for every mandatory requirement and for each credit bid.
IGBC, carries out an exhaustive physical audit of the project through a third-party assessor team. This audit is done to ensure that the project meets all the demands for the rating. At this phase, IGBC counsellors recommend the project team on the possibility for further developments or improvements.
Physical audit is typically conducted when around 20-30% of the project work is complete. This offers an opportunity to the project team to take stock of the development made and look at the likelihood of integrating suggestions made by the audit team.
In addition to this, IGBC gathers energy and water performance related data annually from all the certified projects to confirm that they are able to achieve sustained performance as envisioned at the design stage.
After validating all the documents and submissions of the project team, IGBC rewards a final rating to the project. The different levels of ratings are as follows:
Certification Level
Recognition
Certified
Good Practices
Silver
Best Practices
Gold
Outstanding Performance
Platinum
National Excellence
Super Platinum
Global Leadership
The IGBC commemoration and certificate are normally provided to the project at the “Annual Green Building Congress”.
Final Thoughts
IGBC, is actively involved in promoting the green building movement in the country and hopes to rope in 10 billion sq ft by 2022. All the IGBC Green Building Rating Systems are well poised to develop world-class green building standards and practices, in fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they are totally changing the shape of the Indian construction industry.
We hope, this all in one guide did help you understand everything about IGBC.
Brick is one of the best choices if you want to stay “GREEN” and make eco-friendly choices. Well, using red mud bricks has been a never-ending practice in Indian construction, but this exquisitely prevalent building material is not considered environment-friendly as the precious topsoil is used in their production. But change is imminent, today environmental friendly construction materials are being progressively used in big apartments and independent housings. Yes, builders and homeowners are looking forward to selecting earth-friendly choices for their homes and one of the best products of building materials in that context is – Porotherm Bricks.
Porotherm Bricks – The Sustainable Building Material
Porotherm Hollow Bricks are the star product of Wienerberger, India. It is a technologically innovative smart clay brick designed for all building setups. This innovative product has been designed after carefully keeping in mind the changing climatic conditions, keeping homes naturally cool and comfortable throughout the year for generations. Porotherm bricks are environment-friendly, cost-effective and easy to handle. It is not just a brick but a Smart Clay Brick!
Green is good and when building your home, selecting Porotherm is a great green choice. With long-lifecycle, many recycling choices and minimal wastage, Porotherm Clay Bricks are surely one of the greenest choices one can make.
Porotherm Hollow Bricks & Their Green Advantage
Porotherm Bricks means durability which is green. The estimated lifespan of bricks is roughly 100 years or more, so when you build with Porotherm, it stays built forever, and that indeed is a very GREEN idea.
Porotherm Bricks are about getting as natural as you can. The clay used for production is sourced from de-silting of dead water tanks and only natural additives like coal ash, rice husk and saw dust is used. This means these bricks are not only natural but also sustainable. In view of all of its benefits i.e. beauty, durability, strength, and energy efficiency; selecting Porotherm for your new house is a truly natural and GREEN choice.
Brick, as we know, is a completely Recyclable material. Which means old bricks in a good state can be reused in building new buildings and crushed ones can be used to provide natural mulch or pave streets. Also, if the bricks end up in a landfill, no special treatment is needed and there is no fear of pollution.
Bricks are known to soak up the heat and keep your house cooler during summers. And in the winter, it traps the internal heat longer to provide warmth and that’s GREEN. Porotherm Bricks offers 45% higher thermal insulation than other walling materials, which means direct savings in energy consumption. Porotherm Brick help in reducing your carbon footprint and your energy bill.
Porotherm stands up to fire far better than any other building material. Porotherm HP is naturally fire-resistant as it is fired at 1000 degrees and has a fire rating of F240 for 240 minutes for HP 200.
Porotherm bricks are naturally strong; they provide outstandingly long life with Zero maintenance, retaining their quality for generations
Porotherm is listed by IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) in the ‘Green Product Category’ under energy-efficient product, material with recycled content & use of regional material. It is also rated by GRIHA, Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.
Read: How Do You Benefit From Having Porotherm Walls?
Final Thoughts
Exploring different options is a good idea but choosing the one that offers long-lasting durability, cost, and energy savings is the best thing that can happen to your home. Considering all the dimensions of Porotherm smart bricks, it is indeed a smarter choice and truly a class apart. Experience the difference. To know more visit www.wienerberger.in.
Curated by editor at Wienerberger India
Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected]or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
[Image Source: baltimoresun]
