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New Delhi’s Thyagaraj Stadium - the edifice created to host the upcoming Commonwealth Games next year - has more than one claim to fame. Apart from the fact that it is likely to be the first architectural project to be completed and inaugurated in time by the Delhi government, it is also headed to be the country’s first green stadium.
To deem Thyagaraj a “green stadium” is hardly inappropriate. Environment-friendly material such as fly-ash bricks and specialized glass has been used in construction, besides the installation of a gas-based turbine for its power needs. The turbine, which was imported from the USA and is to be assembled in Switzerland, costs Rs. 19 crore and generates 2.5MW of power. The authorities also intend to use the heat energy generated from the turbine to run the central AC. Aided by a Vapour Absorption Machine (VAM), the exhaust heart from the turbine will combine with solar energy to power the entire air conditioning needs of the stadium.
The turbine, likely to be installed early next year in the stadium, could later even address the power needs of neighbouring buildings - residences and government buildings in the vicinity can be powered by the turbine.
Solar energy will also be harnessed and used on a large scale. The broad roof of the stadium (107X185m) enables generation of no less than 1MW of solar energy, which will be used within the building and also put into the grid.
The stadium’s green aspects are several and varied. From specialized double-glazed glasses that allow high light transmission but low heat transmission, to brick walls that have cavity to act as acoustic and thermal barriers – there are several firsts in the stadium.
Additionally, the stadium will, like other government buildings, have rainwater harvesting as well as an affluent treatment plant, so that water is treated and recycled for use within the stadium. The idea behind all of this is to leave behind minimal carbon footprint.
The stadium has even applied for a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification. The application is for the gold certification, while the goal is to attain the platinum. |
