Build to Sustain

Commercial Design talks to facility managers about their approach to sustainable methods.

- Shristi Nangalia

Green practices have become a fashion statement in cities but a very few of the medium and small commercial ventures include ‘sustainable design’ in their checklist. It is unarguable that commercial structures are accountable for a large slice of carbon emissions, especially in India’s metropolitan areas.

Building construction,operation and maintenance – all have distinct impacts on the environment as well as the users. Sustainable design aims at reducing negative impacts, enhancing indoor environment as well as balancing the functional requirements with the imparted techniques. Though, some green practices cost more, they are an investment for the future as the cost efficiency rises.

“The external layout, utilities, interior planning, indoor air quality, hygiene, etc, are a few important functions of a facility manager. On the whole, the entire process of taking care of the building is to ensure that the life cycle of the structure’s functionality is sustained over a long period of time,” states Anand Krishnan, general manager – administration, TCS.

In commercial applications, sustainable strategies can be implemented right from scratch. Apart from wood, bamboo and other plant derivatives; rammed earth, composite concrete, fly ash, etc, are green materials that can be used in plenty without affecting nature adversely. Further, recycled plastic and iron extracts are also making way in the building material industry to give rise to healthier indoor climates. The orientation and massing of a building is itself an approach to sensibility. Beside the fact that it controls the sunlight, wind and heat, it can be used as a tool to amplify the benefits of passive techniques used in building design.