November 2023

The persistent problems of drainage smell, clogging, and flooding in urban spaces demand a critical reassessment of the design approaches. The conventional methods that we have been relying on are clearly falling short, and it’s time to acknowledge that. Zero discharge buildings are not just a trendy concept, they’re a necessity. The stench from poorly managed drainage systems and the inconvenience caused by incessant flooding are warning signs that the designs are out of touch with the urgent needs of the modern world. It’s time to break away from the status quo and embrace sustainable drainage solutions.

In the domain of construction relying on rule-of-thumb approaches has long provided a quick and convenient guide. The conventional wisdom of the 200– 300 sq ft/ TR rule for estimating cooling loads may not be the most prudent choice. Similarly using rule of thumb for electrical load “6 VA / sqft”.

Electricity is initially generated at 11 kV and then stepped up to higher voltages for long-distance transmission. The power travels through a network of high voltage lines into the grid, which connects to cities through substations. These substations step the voltage down to 11 kV for distribution to load points via a network of lines. The distribution network includes feeders that branch into subsidiary lines, delivering power to various locations. Transformers at load points further reduce the voltage (LT), providing the last-mile connection to individual customers at either 240 V or 415 V. Feeder lengths vary based on urban or rural areas, with longer feeders leading to potential low voltage issues at the consumer end.

When it comes to evaluating the sustainability of a building, the Energy Performance Index (EPI) plays a pivotal role. These remarkable structures have been honored as Platinum Rated Buildings for their sustainable qualities. Nevertheless, there’s a deeper layer to these edifices that often leaves their platinum status open to scrutiny.