Go Green with Green Buildings : Guest Lecture- a reflection

I would like to share some of the highlights on the guest lecture on “Criteria for Platinum Rated Buildings”.

Our presenter was an Architect, Ms Samitha, who specializes in construction of Green Buildings. LEEDS Platinum rating is the highest rating under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC). 

It was interesting to know how builders are innovating these days to create environment friendly construction. She shared with us some of the criteria that helps in building platinum buildings like: Energy, Site, Air Quality and Material. We learnt that in traditional (which use plain glass), energy gets trapped into the glass and provides low protection from ozone and increases the temperature. Hence builders for platinum rated buildings ensure rooms are facing North & South direction to avoid excessive heat and ozone radiation. Double glazing glass which reflect the heat and provide light at the same time are being used instead.

The site chosen are not sensitive to natural calamities ( storms, earthquakes or landslides). To prevent rich soil from erosion, trees are planted . To ensure proper level of water, they build an environment which ensures zero percent wastage of resources.

Green buildings also use renewable materials. They take special care to maintain air quality and comfort by using natural materials. 

Use of building materials such ash fly ash, hollow bricks, bamboo/eucalyptus for construction makes a smart, eco friendly choice.

There are 150 certified platinum buildings globally. Ms. Samitha has been involved in designing 30-35 green buildings.

My classmates and I found our guest lecture very informational .We learnt that a thoughtful construction can give an energy efficient, clean and green building which is the need of the hour.

Saloni Mathur