The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : “Make buildings energy efficient”

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Friday, Dec 12, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

“Make buildings energy efficient”

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: Architects, engineers, builders and urban planners have to shoulder greater responsibility of making the buildings energy efficient, according to Monsingh D.Devadas, Dean, School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University. Speaking on the occasion of F.B.Pithavadian Memorial Lecture on climate responsive architecture Dr.Devadas said, “Studies have shown that design and construction of climatically responsible houses will bring down the energy requirement by 30 per cent.”

“The hot and humid climate of Chennai demands proper planning and design of buildings as architecture is the primary instrument in modification of energy,” he said.

Multi-pronged approach

He added that energy efficiency in buildings can be achieved through a multi-pronged approach involving the adoption of bio-climatic architectural strategies responsive to the climate of the particular location.

The occupants need for thermal and visual comfort at a reduced level of energy and resource consumption can be achieved by incorporating passive techniques in building design, energy efficient lighting, use of renewable energy system and use of low energy materials, he added.

The climate responsive strategy of construction takes into account factors such as the topography of the site, land form orientation, vegetation pattern, water bodies, street width and orientation, open spaces and built form, ground character, roof form, surface area to volume ratio and internal materials, said Mr.Devadas.

Chairman of the Institution of Engineers, Tamil Nadu State Centre, D.Thirunavukkarasu and Secretary P.R.Seshadri participated.

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