The Hindu : New Delhi News : TERI University campus a model for energy efficiency

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Thursday, Sep 11, 2008
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New Delhi

TERI University campus a model for energy efficiency

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

NEW DELHI: Spread over two acres, the 80,000 sq. ft. campus of TERI University at Vasant Kunj here, which will be inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on Thursday, has emerged as a template for energy efficiency and conservation.

The University, which is the first of its kind dedicated to the study of environment, energy and natural sciences, will consume only 60 per cent of the energy that a building of its dimensions uses.

“We are looking at 40 per cent saving of energy. The building has been fitted with energy efficient systems and efforts have been made to minimise use of energy and wastage of water,” said TERI University Registrar Rajiv Seth.

The University has been designed to make the best use of natural resources to make it a “green campus”.

“We impart education on infrastructure and it is only fair that we set an example of energy efficiency for others to emulate,” said Mr. Seth. “Apart from passive energy saving architectural designs, the building also has an earth-air tunnel to cut the load of air conditioning. The earth-air tunnel is a technology whereby a tunnel is dug four metres below the earth where the temperature is more or less constant throughout the year. The tunnel passes through the building, allowing cool air to circulate in summers and helps maintain a pleasant temperature in winters.”

The campus also has thermal mass storage in the classrooms, which involves storing energy when available and using it when required.

In the proposed arrangement, cooling of the thermal mass is done during night. During daytime when ambient temperatures are high, the thermal storage is used as a sink for the fresh air requirement.

Through use of water saving fixtures, the University hopes to reduce water wastage by 25 per cent. Waster water will also be reused for irrigation and rainwater harvesting for aquifer recharge will be carried out.

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