Features

KOCHI: Incorporating energy-efficiency measures in buildings has the potential to save up to 50 per cent energy, since buildings are responsible for 40 per cent of the total greenhouse gas emissions. For existing buildings, the savings potential through alterations and energy-efficient fittings is between 20 and 25 per cent. Even non air-conditioned buildings can go green, by making optimal use of wind and daylight and by adopting other environment-friendly measures. These were stated at ‘Go Green' – a seminar-cum-exhibition on green buildings, organised here on Friday by the Rotary Club of Thripunithura and KREEPA, as part of their Akshaya Vikas Project. Making a presentation, Siva Kishan, chief executive officer of GRIHA – Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (which is the national rating system for green buildings), said the Energy Conservation Building Code regulates the usage of power in new buildings. “Green-rating mechanisms have been able to sensitise the construction industry to the benefits of integrated design and resource efficiency, from both the economic and environmental perspective. A rating system for India must respond to the country's diversity and help develop sensible solutions relevant to different building projects.” In her presentation on ‘Green buildings – the potential to earn carbon credits,' Mayurika Chakraborthy, senior consultant with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India, said that less power consumption for lighting, air-conditioning, etc., would mean lesser usage of electricity from the thermal-power dominated power grid. “This in turn means an equivalent reduction in the amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that are released from fossil fuels. This makes a green building eligible to earn carbon credits.” Guruprakash Sastry, manager (Green Initiatives) of Infosys, said the IT firm has been aggressively going ahead with its plan to design all its buildings as green buildings, to optimise energy performance and occupant comfort. “Sustainable buildings and saving every percentage of electricity and water make business sense and reduces expenses, especially when the annual electricity bills exceed Rs.120 crore and the water consumption is over 3 billion litres.” Quoting Winston Churchill, Sathiaram Ram of IGBC, Hyderabad, said, “We shape our buildings. Thereafter, they shape us.” Buildings consume more energy than industry and vehicles. The green concept must become part of society's DNA. Even a 100-sq ft building can make a difference in shaping a better world. The intangible benefits of green buildings include better working/living atmosphere, he said and cited how a 20,000 sq ft green building saved Rs.9 lakh a year. “India also has a great opportunity to export green-building technologies. Already, India has 508 green buildings spread over 358 million square ft area,” Mr. Ram said. SOURCE: THEHINDU

ISHRAE, the "Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-conditioning Engineers" was founded in 1981 in New Delhi by a group of eminent HVAC&R professionals. Between 1989 & 1993, ISHRAE Chapters were formed in all major cities in India and also in the Middle East. ISHRAE has grown rapidly and now has more than 3000 HVAC&R professionals as members in 11 chapters in India and abroad. The Delhi Chapter is the first and the oldest of the constituent chapters of ISHRAE and has about 700 members. Organizing successful international and national exhibitions is one of ISHRAE’s major activities. Its primary objective is to further the arts and sciences of heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning. ISHRAE has successfully organized more than ten exhibitions out of which four have been in New Delhi. ISHRAE is an associate of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers). ISHRAE Foundation Trust was formed in 1995, mainly to consolidate the Society's resources and to channel them towards projects necessary for achievement of Aims and Objectives, as listed below. Aims and Objectives Advancement in Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineering and related Sciences. Education of interested persons in said sciences through lectures, demonstrations and publications. Rendition of Career Guidance and Financial Assistance to students of said Sciences. Encouragement of Scientific Research. To establish facilities for testing, rating, certification of air-conditioning, refrigeration, and allied equipment and systems. To offer consultancy services in the areas of Education and Training in said sciences. To disseminate and make available to the Government, Industry, and General Public information relating to said sciences through papers, reports and periodic publications. Priority Areas Training ISHRAE has recognised that training technical personnel is the single most important need at present, to improve the quality of HVAC & R work and raise it to meet ever-increasing customer expectations. It has also been felt that the existing manpower needs continuing education to equip them with the latest technology. This has become particularly relevant in the wake of globalisation of the Indian economy. Several industry leaders have also strongly expressed the need for such training. Testing, Rating & Certification of Equipment and Devices The last few years have seen a surge in manufacturing of both - major equipment as well as ancillaries and devices in the HVAC&R Industry. This has given rise to a need for a facility which will undertake testing, and will develop ratings which will help the industry establish reliable ratings and encourage development work. Advisory Council In addition to the Board of Trustees, an Advisory Council consisting of eminent persons in the fields of Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration and Allied fields, are to be formed to deliberate on the activities of the foundation. Sustainable Development ACREX INDIA 2010, which is Asia’s largest International Exhibition and Conference catering to Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Ventilation & Building Services Industry is organised by ISHRAE, endorsed by ASHRAE and supported by the Indian Green Building Council, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, and the Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Manufacturers Association amongst others. ACREX INDIA 2010 was held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from 17th - 20th February and brought together leading companies and technologies that focussed on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and innovation in and products and services that are green and sustainable. Highlights of the Exhibition: Exhibitors showcased products that conform to the Energy Conservation Building Code, 2007 of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Solar Energy for Air-conditioning was featured by Mamata Energy of Ahmedabad The Indian Green Building Council (CII organization) and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Govt. of India) were both supporting agencies that influence the development of the Industry and its products. ASHRAE (The American Society, with 55 000  members) endorsed ACREX for the 1st time with an active contribution to Workshops, Seminars and overall Promotion With substantial overseas participation, ACREX demonstrated India as a prime market for efficient products The event was produced professionally by UBM, a leading International Media and Exhibition Company Workshop for BEE Energy Star A Half day workshop on “Workshop for BEE Energy Star Labelling and Energy Efficiency Improvement in Buildings‟ has been organised by ISHRAE. BEE Star labelling program for buildings has recently been launched by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, New Delhi, for evaluating the energy performance of buildings. There was a provision of issuing “Energy star labels" to buildings as per their energy efficiency, similar to the energy star labels for home appliances (e.g. air-conditioners, tube-lights). Energy audit studies in buildings have shown large potential for energy savings both in government and commercial office buildings.

Join us for a Webinar on March 9 Learn more about Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), and the core concept of this design evaluation system. This webinar is designed to bring you great insights and knowledge on the 34 different criteria that GRIHA envisages, and how Glass is an integral and quintessential component. About Ms. Mili Majumdar Ms. Majumdar is an Architect-Building Technology professional with specialization in energy efficiency and development of sustainable habitats. She has over 17 years of experience in the field of energy and environment with core expertise in sustainable development of habitat and buildings. She has been involved in several policy initiatives to mainstream sustainable buildings in India. She has led the initiative on development of GRIHA . Teleconferencing numbers For Participants: •         Bangalore: 2532 6215/2532 6216 •         Chennai: 2370 2370 •         Delhi/NCR: 2685 2727/2644 8899/2653 4544 •         Hyderabad: 2799 2211 •         Mumbai: 2821 3311/2821 8855/2823 3311/2823 8855 •         Any phone in India: 044 2370 2370 Audio PIN number (to be dialed subsequently, when prompted): 694683# Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/537012577 After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

The Council of Architecture (COA) has been constituted by the Government of India under the provisions of the Architects Act, 1972, enacted by the Parliament of India, which came into force on 1st September, 1972. The Act provides for registration of architects, standards of education, recognized qualifications and standards of practice to be complied with by practicing architects. Council of Architecture is a body corporate, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power to acquire, hold and dispose of movable and immovable property, and to contract, and may by that name, use or be used. The Council of Architecture is entrusted with the responsibility to regulate the education and practice of the profession throughout India, besides maintaining the register of architects. For this purpose, the Government of India has framed rules, and the Council itself has framed Regulations as provided for in the Architects Act, with the approval of Government of India. The COA oversees the maintenance of the standards by way of conducting inspections through Committees of Experts. The COA is required to keep the Central Government informed of the standards being maintained by the institutions and is empowered to make recommendations to the Government of India with regard to recognition and de-recognition of a qualification. The Head Office of the Council of Architecture is in Delhi at the Indian Habitat Centre. There are 135 institutions which impart architecture education in India for recognized qualifications. The standards of education being imparted in these institutions (constituent colleges/departments of universities, deemed universities, affiliated colleges/schools, IITs, NITs and autonomous institutions) is governed by Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 1983, which set forth the requirement of eligibility for admission, course duration, standards of staff & accommodation, course content, examination etc.

The Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) is the apex body for the field of Interior Design in India. The IIID was founded and registered as a society in 1972 to establish good professional and trade practices and ethics among its members, highlight and enhance the image of the Interior Design Profession and create a platform for knowledge sharing with similar organizations at an international level. Today it comprises of over 5500 members spread across the country, and has 21 Chapters / Centres. The IIID is a non-profit, professional body whose members include leading Interior Designers, Architects, Consultants, Engineers, Project Management Consultants (PMC), Design Students, System Integrators, Artists, Painters, Facility Managers, Industry Members, Manufacturers, Suppliers, Vendors, Contractors, Turnkey Solution Providers and so on. All these entities are affiliated to the field of Interior Design, Architecture and other related fields. The IIID is headquartered in Mumbai and is a Full Member of: International Federation of Interior Architects / Designers (IFI)  Asia Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA) It is also an Associate Member of the Japan Design Foundation (JDF). Mission The Mission of the IIID is to consolidate and extend contributions from the Interior Design Profession towards improving the quality of life in contemporary and future societies by sharing knowledge, expertise and experience. Structure The IIID has a multi category membership with the Associate/Fellow and Trade categories forming the core of the Institute. The other categories include Affiliate, Education, Licentiate, Student, Press and Honorary Members. In order to accomplish the mission and objectives it has set for itself, the IIID has established a two-tier hierarchy to maintain close contact with its members spread over its chapters and centres. An Executive Committee at the Head Quarters in Mumbai and a Managing Committee at each Chapter / Centre is elected biannually from among the core members. The President heads the Executive Committee at the national level and a Chairman heads each of the Managing Committees at the Chapters/Centres. New Chapters/Centres are established depending upon the membership strength in the city or state. Presently Chapters are formed where core membership stands at a minimum of 130. Member Services Encourage and foster ideas of the profession Facilitate liaison between members and authorities Promote fellowship and ethical conduct Act for the common benefit of members Advocate common interests of members Activities The IIID has planned to undertake the following activities during the term 2008-2010 Make their presence felt in society by opening Design Cells to provide professional services by giving design inputs to Government. projects and Local Authorities. Provision of an online forum on the IIID website for both experts and laypersons to post their queries or appreciate products/practices. Organisation of a syndicated column providing regular insight into Design Practices. Creation of a bridge between rural artisans & designers, by opening a Design Centre, which would promote handicrafts and showcase skills of artisans. Setup of interactive sessions with corporations/experts with the intention of providing members a re-learning experience on products/practices. Networking & Collaboration The IIID communicates and cooperates with similar bodies at the national and international levels.  It also encourages cooperation between designers, affiliated professions, other artists and traders. IIID believes in collaborating with institutes of affiliated professions, such as The Indian Institute of Architects, Practicing Architects & Engineers Association and so on. IIID also has a close liaison with the Council of Architects in New Delhi Education IIID has worked out a comprehensive syllabus on education in Interior Design which is available for adoption by educational institutes. The syllabus will be periodically updated in line with developments both in educational systems and interior design trends. Communication IIID publishes a quarterly magazine - INSITE, a "walk through" its various national and regional activities and events. INSITE now includes sections that contribute to the continuing education of its members by updates on technology and associated services, and features examples of good design practices from around the country. Awards IIID promotes and acknowledges excellence in Interior Design by conducting an annual competition for completed works at a National level. Held at different cities and venues each year, the Awards Nite is a much talked about and featured event of the Institute. Exhibition 'Showcase' - the very name, which is synonymous with the work – An exhibition' of latest products and trends in the profession. Showcase is hosted by each of the various Chapters/Centres of the IIID. Conventions The biannual National Convention gathers members to deliberate on issues of contemporary interest to members, ranging from good practices and principles to social responsibility and technological advancements in design. The panache with which the Convention is organized and administered speaks of the high standards set by the IIID and its mission. Sponsorship IIID invites sponsorship based on specified guidelines for special projects or events of the institute which mutually benefit its members as well as sponsors. Sponsorship could be specifically designed to suit sponsors, budgets and themes. Sponsorship on a long term basis is also available for specific activities. IFI The IIID is actively involved with The International Federation of Interior Architects & Designers (IFI) which was founded in Denmark in 1963. During the IFI's existence there has been tremendous growth in IIID membership, while representing 52 member associations, institutions and schools in 45 countries of every continent. The IFI collectively represents over 25,000 practicing Interior Designers worldwide. IIID was admitted to the IFI as a full member in 1995 and hosted one of the most successful IFI Congress - 'DesignSutra' at Mumbai in 2003. Presently the IIID has a representative on the IFI Board since 2001.  

GreenSpaces™ is 1.75 million square feet LEED certified ‘Super’ Platinum Green Building and approved SEZ Information Technology Park, located 6 kilometers from Delhi on the Faridabad border. GreenSpaces™ is all set to be the World’s most energy efficient commercial building, and will be ready for occupation in 2013. GreenSpaces was nominated by the Government of India and accepted as a reference Flagship project by the Asia Pacific Partnership (APP) of seven countries - Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea and USA. These countries, together, use 50% of the World’s energy and also contribute to 50% of its pollution. The GreenSpaces™ team has launched the ‘GreenSpaces Challenge’ and invites creative and innovative people around the globe to contribute ideas, products or services that will help improve energy efficiency by over 80% and / reduce cost. GreenSpaces Challenge provides an opportunity for all – students, engineers, scientists, researchers, suppliers, architects. It is an opportunity for participants to position themselves at the forefront of technology and for onlookers to experience a glimpse of the future of a sustainable building. According to the recent studies on climate change, buildings account for 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and 40% of global energy use. This clearly represents a challenge and an opportunity for all. GreenSpaces’s mission is to achieve dramatic energy savings by reshaping the way commercial buildings are designed and built. Its current design saves 74.4% energy over a standard ‘A’ grade building and the aim is to achieve + 80%. It will demonstrate that the energy footprint of buildings can be reduced from 40% to 10% of global energy usage, and serve as a role model for all future buildings. www.greenspaces.in For detailed information about the project and an invitation for ideas please visit www.greenspaces.in/challenge.  

The National Building Code is a single document in which, like a network, the information contained in various Indian Standards is woven into a pattern of continuity and cogency with the interdependent requirement of sections carefully analyzed and fitted in to make the whole document a cogent continuous volume. A continuous thread of preplanning is woven which, in itself, contributes considerably to the economies in construction particularly in building and plumbing services. Building codes exist to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare. National Building Codes (NBC) regulate building construction & building use in order to protect the health, safety & welfare of the occupant. You must always take the correct precautionary measures to assure the safety of your family members. Beginning and history of National Building Code A Planning Commission was entrusted with the preparation of the National Building Code. For fulfilling this task a Guiding Committee for the preparation of the Code was set up by the Civil Engineering Division Council in 1967. This Committee, in turn, set up 18 specialist panels to prepare the various parts of the Code. The Guiding Committee and its panels comprised of architects, town planners, materials experts, structural, construction, and electrical illumination, air conditioning, acoustics and public health engineers. These experts were drawn from the Central and State Governments, local bodies, professional institutions and private agencies. First Version - 1970 The first version of the Code was published in 1970. After the National Building Code was published in 1970, a vigorous implementation drive was launched by the ISI to propagate the content and use of the Code among all concerned in the field of planning, designing and construction activities. For this, State-wise implementation conferences were organized with the participation of the leading engineers, architects, town planners, administrators, building material manufacturers, building and plumbing services installation agencies, contractors, etc. Second version - 1983 The Code, published in 1970 at the instance of planning commission was then revised in 1983. Thereafter three major amendments were issued, two in 1987 and the third in 1997. The 1970 and 1983 versions of the code were recommendatory in nature. List of Standards along with National Building Code of India 1983 The following list records those standards, which are acceptable as `good practice`, and `accepted standards` in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Code. The latest version of a standard shall be adopted at the time of enforcement of the Code. The standards listed may be used by the Authority as a guide in conformance with the requirements of the referred clauses in the Code. In the following list the number appearing in the first column within parentheses indicates the number of the reference in this Part. IS: 8888-1978 Guide for requirements of low income housing IS: 6313 Code of practice for anti-termite measures in buildings: IS: 6313 (Part I)-1971 Part I Constructional measures IS: 6313 (Part II)-1971 Part II Pre-constructional chemical treatment measures IS: 6313 (Part III)-1971 Part III Treatment for existing buildings IS: 3792-1978 Guide for heat insulation of non-industrial buildings (first revision) IS: 1634-1973 Code of practice for design and construction of wood stairs in houses (first version) IS: 4838 Anthropometrics dimensions for school children: IS: 4838 (Part I) - 1969 Part I Age group 5 to 11 years IS: 4838 (Part II) - 1969 Part II Age group 12 to 16 years IS: 4963-1968 Recommendations for buildings and facilities for the physically handicapped. Third version -2005 Considering a series of further developments in the field of building construction including the lessons learnt in the aftermath of number of natural calamities. As a culmination of the Project, the revised NBC has now been brought out as National Building Code of India 2005 (NBC 2005)on 16th September 2005. It is the third revision compiled under the aegis of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It provides guidelines for regulating building construction activities across the country. The NBC 2005, formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards, spells out new regulations for adoption by infrastructure departments, municipal administrators, public bodies and private agencies. It contains mainly administrative regulations, development control rules and general building requirements, fire safety requirements, stipulations on use of materials, structural design and construction and building and plumbing services. It has the basic codes for construction materials, services, systems and processes. The NBC lays down the minimum provisions buildings need in order to ensure public safety with regard to structural sufficiency, fire hazard and health aspects. It contains administrative provisions, development control rules and general building requirements. NBC 2005, in addition to the technical specifications for buildings, has for the first time, focussed on the techno-legal requirements, including the scope of participation of professionals in providing the built environment and also pinning responsibility on professionals for the structures that they create. What’s new in NBC 2005? It allows architects and engineers to sanction building plans for smaller plots and less complicated structures. It makes it mandatory for architects and structural engineers to take responsibility for the safety of their structure in case of a natural disaster. It provides for a periodic renewal of certificate for occupied buildings from a structural, fire and electrical safety point of view. The code has detailed town planning norms for amenities such as educational and medical facilities, fire services, etc. It has revised parking requirements for metro and mega cities. Provisions for buildings and facilities for the physically challenged have been revised. Contents of NBC 2005 Part – 0: Integrated Approach – Prerequisite for Applying Provision of the Code This part covers guidelines to be followed for judicious implementation of the provisions of various parts/sections of the Code. Part – 1: Definitions It lists the terms appearing in all the parts/sections of the National Building Code of India.  However, some common definitions are reproduced in this part also. Part – 2: Administration It covers the administrative aspects of the Code, such as applicability of the Code, organization of building department for enforcement of the Code, procedure for obtaining development and building permits, and responsibility of the owner and all professionals involved in the planning, design and construction of the building. Part – 3: Development Control Rules and General Building Requirements It covers the development control rules and general building requirements for proper planning and design at the layout and building level to ensure health safety, public safety and desired quality of life. It provides provisions for covered area, plinth area, FAR, amenities, land use classification, height/ size of rooms, kitchens etc. Part – 4: Fire and Life Safety It covers the requirements for fire prevention, life safety in relation to fire, and fire protection of buildings.  The code specifies planning and construction features and fire protection features for all occupancies that are necessary to minimize danger to life and property. The code cagorises the buildings as follows: Group A - Residential Group B - Educational Group C - Institutional      Group D - Assembly Group E - Business             Group F - Mercantile Group G - Industrial          Group H - Storage Group J - Hazardous Part -5: Building Material It covers the requirements of building materials and components, and criteria for accepting new or alternative building materials and components. 29 Materials/ components which have been covered in this part are: Aluminum & other light materials & their alloys, Bitumen & Tar products, Builders hardware, Building chemicals, Building lime and products, Burnt clay products, Cement & concrete (i/c reinforcement), Composite matrix products, Conductors & cables, Doors / windows & ventilators, Electrical wiring & accessories, Fillers, stoppers & putties, Floor coverings, roofing’s & other finishes, Glass, Gypsum based materials, Lignocellulosic building materials (timber bamboos etc.), Paints & allied products, Polymers, plastics, Sanitary appliances & water fittings, Soil based blocks, Steel & its alloys, Stones, Structural sections, Thermal insulation material, Threaded fasteners & rivets, Unit weight of building materials, Water proofing & damp proofing materials, Welding electrodes & wires, Wire ropes & wire products Part – 6: Structural Design This part through its seven sections provides for structural adequacy of buildings to deal with both internal and external environment, and provide guidance to engineers/ structural engineers for varied usage of material / technology types for building design. Section 1: Loads, Forces and Effects     It covers basic design loads to be assumed in the design of buildings.  The live loads, wind loads, seismic loads, snow loads and other loads, which are specified herein, are minimum working loads which should be taken into consideration for purposes of design. Section 2: Soils and Foundations It covers structural design (principles) of all building foundations such as raft, pile and other foundation systems to ensure safety and serviceability without exceeding the permissible stresses of the materials of foundations and the bearing capacity of the supporting soil. Section 3A: Timber It covers the use of structural timber in structures or elements of structures connected together by fasteners/ fastening techniques. Section 3B: Bamboo   It covers the use of bamboo for constructional purposes in structures or elements of the structure, ensuring quality and effectiveness of design and construction using bamboo.  It covers minimum strength data, dimensional and grading requirements, seasoning, preservative treatment, design and jointing techniques with bamboo which would facilitate scientific application and long-term performance of structures. It also covers guidelines so as to ensure proper procurement, storage, precautions and design limitations on bamboo. Section 4:  Masonry It covers the structural design aspects of unreinforced load bearing and non-load bearing walls, constructed using various bricks, stones and blocks permitted in accordance with this section.  This, however, also covers provisions for design of reinforced brick and reinforced brick concrete floors and roofs. Section 5A: Plain and Reinforced Concrete It covers the general structural use of plain and reinforced concrete. Section 5B:  Prestressed Concrete It covers the general structural use of prestressed concrete.  It covers both work carried out on site and the manufacture of precast prestressed concrete units. Section 6: Steel It covers the use of structural steel in general building construction including the use of hot rolled steel sections and steel tubes. Section 7: Prefabrication and Systems Building Section 7A: Prefabricated Concrete Though desirable for large scale building activities, has yet to take a firm hold in the country. It includes a few recommendations on the need to avoid ‘progressive collapse’ of the structures. Section 7B:  Systems Building and mixed/ Composite Construction It covers recommendations regarding modular planning, component sizes, joints, manufacture, storage, transport and erection of prefabricated elements for use in buildings and such related requirements for mixed/composite construction. Part – 7:  Constructional Practices and safety It covers the constructional practices in buildings; storage, stacking and handling of materials and safety of personnel during construction operations for all elements of a building and demolition of buildings.  The objective can be best achieved through proper coordination and working by the project management and construction management teams. Part – 8: Building Services This part through its five elaborate sections on utilities provides detailed guidance to concerned professionals/ utility engineers for meeting necessary functional requirements in buildings. Section 1:   Lighting and Ventilation It covers requirements and methods for lighting and ventilation of buildings. Section 2:   Electrical and Allied Installations           It covers the essential requirements for electrical installations in buildings to ensure efficient use of electricity including safety from fire and shock.  This section also includes general requirements relating to lightning protection of buildings. Section 3:   Air conditioning, heating and Mechanical Ventilation This section covers the design, construction and installation of air conditioning and heating systems and equipment installed in buildings for the purpose of providing and maintaining conditions of air temperature, humidity, purity and distribution suitable for the use and occupancy of the space. Section 4: Acoustics, Sound Insulation and Noise Control It covers requirements and guidelines regarding planning against noise, acceptable noise levels and the requirements for sound insulation in buildings with different occupancies.  Section 5:   Installation of Lifts and Escalators    It covers the essential requirements for the installation, operation, maintenance and also inspection of lifts (passenger lifts, goods lifts, hospital lifts, service lifts  and dumb-waiter lifts) and escalators so as to ensure safe and satisfactory performance.    Part – 9: Plumbing Services This part through its two sections gives detailed guidance to concerned professionals/ plumbing engineers with regard to plumbing and other related requirements in buildings. Section 1:  Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation (including Solid Waste Management) It covers the basic requirements of water supply for residential, business and other types of buildings, including traffic terminal stations.  This section also deals with general requirements of plumbing connected to public water supply and design of water supply systems. Provisions on Rain Water Harvesting have also been included Section 2: Gas Supply It covers the requirements regarding the safety of persons and property for all piping uses and for all types of gases used for fuel or lighting purposes in buildings. Part – 10: Landscaping, Signs and Outdoor Display Structures Section 1:  Landscape Planning and Design It covers requirements of landscape planning and design with the view to promoting quality of outdoor built environment and protection of land and its resources. Section 2: Signs and Outdoor Display Structures It covers the requirements with regard to public safety, structural safety and fire safety of all signs (advertisements) and outdoor display structures including the overall aesthetical aspects of imposition of signs and outdoor display structures in the outdoor built environment. Few more terminologies related to signage and explanatory figures have been added.

Dinesh Kabra presented to us this Residential Bungalow as a part of the Design Showcase 2010 that made it to the final lists because of its finest aesthetic sense and architectural splendour. This traditional joint-family home is a sprawling 7200 sq.ft spacious and clean-lined home that reflects the true persona of the family. The design blends contemporary style with tradition. With seven bedrooms, multiple living areas, parking space for 5 cars, servant accommodation, and plenty of green spaces, the clients specifications were quite demanding, but the end result was a home of the hearts. Click here to View the Designs. Click here to view other Finalists and their works.  

In the first of its series of interviews with prominent personalities in the field of Architecture and Interior Design, Glazette brings to you - Architect K P Nagaraj at Bengaluru - upclose and personal. Ar. Nagaraj shares his experiences right from when he passed out of the Goa College of Architecture, and then made Bangalore his home. He is instrumental in the architecture and planning of the Infosys Campus. In this interview, he shares provides insights on Glass in Architecture, green buildings and the increasing trends in sustainable designs. Watch this clipping, and share your thoughts with us.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives aims to be a global steward of Sustainable Development.  Saint-Gobain Abrasives recognize the importance of protecting the environment in the communities they live and work and encourage all employees to act accordingly to reduce the carbon footprint. Recently in North America, Saint-Gobain Abrasives has inaugurated the “Green Tag” program to promote the Group’s environmental commitment. The Goal of this “Green Tag” is simple. Any environmentally-friendly product, process or tool may be identified by a “Green Tag” label, indicating its ecological benefits: an effective way to show customers the environmental progress made by Saint-Gobain. This recent implementation of a new program, Green Tag, will further develop the evaluation of policies, procedures and improvements in operations, through products, purchasing and production at Saint-Gobain. How the company presents its corporate identity and ongoing actions of eco-consciousness sends a strong message on its commitment to safe practices and the dependability of their brands. Leona Fleischmann, Director of Marketing Communications for Saint-Gobain Abrasives in North America said, “With the growing focus on eco responsibility, having this mark shows our support of greener ways in product designs, processes and end-user uses that make a measurable, positive impact on the environment. The goal was to keep it simple, distinctive and specific. The development of Green Tag creates a marketing platform to “tag” / promote initiatives associated to the manufacture and/or use of product(s) that help protect the environment.” The e2010 program, aimed at saving 31 million sheets of paper used in printing electronic communications, is one of the “Green Tag” initiatives. Not only “Green Tag”, Saint-Gobain Abrasives are also carrying out many environmental actions such as actively engaging in recycling and ISO programs and have won numerous awards, including the 1998 American Eagle Award from the ASMMA for the best  recycling program among national manufacturers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also awarded Saint-Gobain with the 2009 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award.