Meritage Homes is a leader in energy-efficient homebuilding and with CitySquare, the company is setting the new standard to design and build super efficient homes. The net-zero energy design features high performing insulation and windows, heat pump water heater, heat pump dryer, LED lighting, induction cooktops, mechanically supplied outside air and rooftop photovoltaics.
Advancing Net Zero
Advancing Net Zero is WorldGBC’s global project which aims to promote and support the acceleration of net zero carbon buildings to 100% by 2050. The Green Building Council’s of France, Canada, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, USA, Germany have already introduced programs with Net Zero target at various levels. This is going to bring about a market transformation towards accelerating energy efficiency in order to achieve the Net Zero goals.
IGBC has launched the Rating System for Net Zero Energy Buildings in India
The Indian Green Building Council has come out with Net Zero Energy Buildings rating system in collaboration with the World Green Building Council and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The rating system, launched during the 16th Green building Congress 2018 here, seeks to complement the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency and the National Solar Mission.
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ECBC 2017 will prepare the future building stock to achieve net zero energy goals
The major update to the Energy Conservation Building Code of India (ECBC) was released in June 2017. The requirements for energy efficient performance has become stringent. As per the Update, it is now mandatory for new construction to allocate dedicated space for installing on-site renewable energy systems in the future. This is a step towards creating a built stock that will be equipped to get to net zero in the future. The Code can be downloaded here
USGBC Launches LEED Zero, to Address Net Zero Carbon Operations and Resources in LEED Green Building Projects
LEED Zero complements LEED to verify the achievement of net zero goals and signals market leadership in green buildings. Read more
A report by the New Buildings Institute shows the overlap between LEED certification and zero energy
Green building rating systems such as LEED have become stringent over time pushing the building sector towards better performance. LEED v4 encourages aggressive reductions in energy usage, with points awarded proportionally with higher levels of improvement from the baseline. For example, a new construction project that demonstrates a 50% reduction in energy usage from the baseline has the opportunity to earn a total of 18 points. Read more to understand how LEED supports zero energy goals.
Montreal Protocol extended to global warming HFC gases
Montreal Protocol was amended to completely phase out HFCs by 2047. This can prevent global temperature rise by 0.5 ºC. HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer but can cause greater global warming than carbon dioxide. Targets for reducing HFC use is different for developed and developing countries. Developed countries like US have committed to reducing HFC use to 85% of 2011 levels. Baseline year for India and few other developing nations like Iran, Pakistan is 2024, while the reduction target of 85% and milestone year of 2047 remain the same. More than 190 countries gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2016 to sign the amendment during the 28th Meeting of Parties to Montreal Protocol.
Environmental Audits for Delhi Government Buildings
National Green Tribunal has directed Delhi Development Authority to conduct environmental audits in all government buildings in Delhi as a measure to against rising air pollution checks in Delhi. The audits will include solid waste collection and disposal, sewage and indoor air quality systems. NGT has also specified that guidelines to curb pollution emitted from government buildings shall be issued by Central Pollution Control Board and Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) shortly.
Green Buildings Exhibition at China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) 2016
Theme of the Green Building Exhibition, held from 16th to 21st November, was “Green Homes”. Several units with green technologies and materials were installed for demonstration. Other manufacturers of building envelopes, HVAC, thermal insulation, smart building controls technologies, participated in the Green Buildings Exhibition at the 18th CHTF.
IGBC to introduce Net Zero Energy Building Certification in India
IGBC is expected to launch a net zero energy certification by mid-2017. IGBC also plans to promote demonstration NZEBs to prove their business case and is likely to work closely with Government of India to mainstream NZEBs in the country. This certification program by IGBC is designed to achieve World Green Building Council’s vision of reducing GHG emissions from buildings to zero by converting new and existing global building stock into net zero energy buildings.
IGBC certifies Gangadevipally as a platinum green village
Indian Green Building Council has decided to certify Gangadevipally, in Warangal district, as a 100% green village. The rural community boasts of green initiatives like purified drinking water, solar power plants for street lighting, composting pits, separate storm water and drainage water systems. Gangadevipally also has a segregated waste management system.
Paryavas Bhawan – Chattisgarh’s Newest Green Building
Paryavas Bhawan, the new office building for Raipur Development Authority, Chhattisgarh State Housing Board and state environment protection board has been certified five star by GRIHA. Paryavas Bhawan has a rain water harvesting system and 200 kW on site solar power plant. Read more
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