The fresh water required either directly or indirectly throughout the life cycle of the building which includes water used in the construction, operation, as well as the hidden water used in the manufacture of the materials used in construction.
The National Building Code (NBC) faces scrutiny for maintaining 45 liters per capita per day (LPCD) standard for water consumption in office buildings. Consultants contend that this policy is outdated and fails to align with contemporary water conservation practices, leading to increased capacities and higher costs. Initially established to ensure an adequate water supply for occupants, the rigidity of the 45LPCD standard is now a point of disagreement as advancements in water-saving technologies and environmental awareness take precedence. The resistance to modifying this policy reflects an outdated mindset that neglects the environmental and economic implications.
For those tasked with maintaining quality power at a commercial facility facing harmonics issues, the optimal approach involves the installation of a series of active filters. In the application of these filters, a meticulous examination of harmonic control requirements is crucial, and sizing the filter appropriately becomes pivotal in resolving the problem. It is unnecessary to address every amp of harmonic current originating from nonlinear loads, leading to significant savings in required filter size.
The conventional understanding has long dictated an electrical rule of thumb: 8VA/sqft. However, as we find ourselves well into the 21st century, it becomes increasingly evident that this standard, rooted in the 1980s, is outdated and in need of reevaluation. One might wonder, why persist with 8VA/sqft when technological advancements have transformed the landscape of energy efficiency? The shift from cathode-ray tube computer (CRT: 250W) to light-emitting diode (LED) display computer (60W), the replacement of tungsten bulbs with LED lighting, and the evolution of chiller efficiency from 1.2 kW/ton of refrigeration (kW/tr) to a mere 0.4 kW/tr are testament to the progress we’ve made in optimizing energy consumption.
Flooding events are on the rise across the world, in fact there is an increasing trend in the number of disasters and their total economic impacts. Floods have the greatest damage potential of all-natural disasters and affect the greatest number of people. Flood risk ignores borders, rainfall in one location can correlate to flooding in another. On a global basis, there is evidence that damages resulting from flooding are on the rise at an alarming rate. It is estimated that flooding affects more than 250 million people globally each year and results in over 1000 crores in economic damages. This is a trend that will continue unless concerted actions are taken to mitigate the impacts from flood risks.
The demand for sustainability in the era of increasing environmental problems has become a motto for companies and people. The world has entered the stage of “Nature Recovery,” emphasizing the need to revitalize resources rather than merely striving for minimal resource utilization.
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.
As the complexity and energy efficiency of buildings continue to rise, effectively managing and optimizing their performance becomes a more intricate task. Thankfully, there exists a solution to aid in this endeavour: the Building Management System (BMS).
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”.
Climate change has necessitated global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A pivotal tool in this fight is the concept of carbon credits, which come in various forms and are integral to both regulatory and voluntary markets. In this blog, we’ll explore the nuances of carbon credits, focusing on Compliance Carbon Credits, Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), Emission Reduction Units (ERUs), and Verified Emission Reductions (VERs).