REPORT

IGBC GREEN INTERIORS

On 20th March 2023, an expert in green interiors and a member of the Indian Green Building
Council (IGBC), Bhavesh Mehta, gave a guest presentation on IGBC Green Interiors at Amity
University Mumbai.

Overview of the Presentation:

The presentation began with an introduction to the IGBC and its mission to promote
sustainability in the built environment.

Mr Bhavesh then explained the concept of green interiors, which involves designing and
operating buildings in an environmentally friendly way that promotes the health and well-
being of occupants.

The presentation covered various aspects of green interiors, including energy efficiency, water
conservation, indoor air quality, and material selection.

Bhavesh Mehta highlighted the significance of each of these aspects and provided examples of
how they can be incorporated into building design and operation.

Furthermore, the presentation discussed the various benefits of green interiors, such as
reduced energy and water consumption, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced occupant
comfort and productivity. Bhavesh Mehta emphasized that these benefits not only have a
positive impact on the environment but also on the bottom line of businesses that adopt green
interiors.

Water conservation

Water conservation is an important part of IGBC's sustainability guidelines for buildings, and
adopting these practices can help reduce water consumption and promote a more sustainable
built environment.

IGBC gives 12 credit points for implying water conservation.

Reuse of harvested rainwater: A facility having the provision of storing harvested rainwater
can supply this water to the fit-out for various purposes thereby conserving municipal/bore-
well sourced potable water.
Reuse of treated wastewater for flushing: A facility having the provision of a wastewater
treatment system can reuse the treated wastewater for flushing purposes inside the fit-out
thereby conserving potable water.

Keynotes on water conservation under IGBC regulations:

1. Water-efficient fixtures: IGBC encourages the use of water-efficient fixtures such as

low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads. These fixtures can significantly reduce
water consumption without compromising performance.

2. Wastewater treatment: Wastewater is wastewater generated from activities such as

washing clothes, dishes, and bathing. IGBC encourages the treatment and reuse of
Wastewater for non-potable purposes such as flushing toilets, irrigation, and cleaning.

3. Rainwater harvesting: IGBC recommends the installation of rainwater harvesting

systems to capture and store rainwater for later use. This can reduce the dependence
on municipal water supply and help replenish groundwater reserves.
Energy efficiency

IGBC encourages a holistic approach to energy conservation in buildings, taking into account
the building's design, construction, and operation.

Energy conservation measures can further help contain energy demand. Proper monitoring of
the sources of energy demand and taking corrective action is another key strategy in
achieving energy efficiency and therefore operational cost reduction.

1. Energy Efficiency: IGBC emphasizes on reducing energy consumption by implementing

energy-efficient building designs, optimizing the use of natural light, and using energy-
efficient equipment such as HVAC systems, lighting fixtures, and appliances.

2. Renewable Energy: IGBC encourages the use of renewable energy sources such as
solar, wind, and hydropower to meet the building's energy requirements. Buildings can
achieve a higher rating by installing renewable energy systems.

3. Lighting: Lighting accounts for a significant portion of a building's energy consumption.

IGBC recommends using energy-efficient lighting fixtures, such as LED lights, and
incorporating natural lighting using skylights and windows.

4. HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for
a significant portion of a building's energy consumption. IGBC recommends using
energy-efficient HVAC systems, such as those with variable speed drives, and
optimizing the use of natural ventilation.

5. Building Automation: Building automation systems can help optimize energy use by
monitoring and controlling lighting, HVAC systems, and other equipment based on
occupancy and usage patterns.
 6. Energy Monitoring: IGBC recommends implementing energy monitoring systems to
track energy consumption and identify opportunities for energy savings.

Interior Material

• Ozone-friendly materials

IGBC encourages the use of materials that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and have a low
environmental impact. By using ozone-friendly materials in building construction and design,
we can help protect the ozone layer and create a healthier environment for ourselves and
future generations.

IGBC encourages the use of materials that are free from CFCs and HCFCs, as these
chemicals have been found to be harmful to the environment and contribute to the
depletion of the ozone layer.

• Eco-friendly refrigerant

Eco-friendly refrigerants are substances that have lower global warming potential (GWP) and
ozone depletion potential (ODP) than traditional refrigerants. They are designed to have less
impact on the environment and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Types of eco-friendly refrigerants:

Some examples of eco-friendly refrigerants include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with low GWP
such as R32, R1234yf, and R1234ze, and natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide (CO2),
ammonia (NH3), and hydrocarbons (HCs).

Benefits of eco-friendly refrigerants:

Using eco-friendly refrigerants can reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, improve energy
efficiency, and reduce operating costs over the life of the building.

They also help in compliance with regulations such as the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali
Amendment.
Interior Material

One of the aspects of sustainable building is the use of eco-friendly interior materials. Low
VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and coatings are preferred as they reduce indoor air
pollution.

1. Natural or recycled materials like bamboo, cork, and linoleum are preferred for
flooring as they are renewable and recyclable.
2. Carpets made of natural fibres like wool and jute are preferred over synthetic carpets,
as they are biodegradable and do not emit harmful chemicals.
3. Gypsum boards made with recycled content are preferred over conventional gypsum
boards.
4. Plywood made with alternate materials like rice husk or agricultural waste is
preferred over conventional plywood.
5. Furniture made with recycled or sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or bamboo
is preferred.
6. Lighting fixtures made with energy-efficient materials like LED bulbs are preferred.
7. Insulation materials like cellulose and recycled denim are preferred over conventional
insulation materials.
8. Glass with low emissivity coating is preferred as it reduces energy consumption and
helps maintain indoor temperature.
9. Water-based adhesives are preferred over solvent-based adhesives as they are eco-
friendly and non-toxic.

In summary, IGBC encourages the use of interior materials that are sustainable, non-toxic,
and have a low environmental impact.
• Waste management:
IGBC encourages buildings to implement waste segregation and composting systems to
reduce the amount of waste generated and promote recycling. Local materials: IGBC
promotes the use of locally sourced materials to reduce the environmental impact of
transportation and support local economies.

• Fresh air ventilation:

IGBC recommends the use of natural ventilation systems and the provision of outdoor air
through mechanical ventilation systems to maintain indoor air quality.

• Daylight:
IGBC encourages buildings to incorporate natural daylight into their design to reduce the
need for artificial lighting and improve the occupant's well-being.

• Indoor plants:
IGBC recommends the incorporation of indoor plants to improve indoor air quality and
promote occupant well-being.

• Acoustical materials:
IGBC promotes the use of acoustical materials that reduce noise pollution and provide a
comfortable environment for building occupants.

• Rainwater harvesting:
IGBC encourages buildings to implement rainwater harvesting systems to reduce the
demand on municipal water supply and promote sustainable water management practices.

Key Takeaways:

• Green interiors are crucial to sustainable building design and operation.

• Incorporating energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and material selection
into building design and operation can significantly benefit both the environment and
occupants.

• Adopting green interiors can also have a positive impact on the bottom line of businesses.

• businesses and individuals must be aware of and incorporate green interior principles into
their building projects.

Conclusion:

The guest presentation on IGBC Green Interiors by Bhavesh Mehta was informative and
engaging. Attendees gained valuable insights into the importance and benefits of green
interiors and were inspired to incorporate these principles into their building projects.