Rumi Engineer explaining the energy data analytics at Godrej Plant 13[/caption]
EDS kickstarted its NZEB tour initiative with a visit to the first IGBC Net Zero Energy certified project- Godrej Plant 13 in Mumbai on 9th August ’19 . The building is a 24,443 sq. metres office-cum-convention centre. It exemplifies sustainable performance through thoughtful design coupled with efficient systems and controls.
The tour was joined by 30 participants from the building industry, including professionals, students and faculty. Green building veteran Rumi Engineer who is the senior General Manager Green Buildings at Godrej led the tour. Pradip Kumar, the facility manager at Plant 13, added his insights from running the building as a net-zero energy facility.
The tour helped demystify energy efficient cooling system design, building management systems and controls. Participants observed the daylight strategies in the space, green roof and thoughtful architectural details. A visit to the HVAC room helped participants recognize different components of cooling system like chillers, pumps, AHU and high-performance components like meters, VFDs and controls.
Achieving Net-Zero energy targets requires architects, engineers and experts from other disciplines to take an intergated approach to design. Further, Rumi provided much food for thought about the need to target net-zero energy! For many, the tour served as an important step to align with the technical side of high-performance buildings.
Was impressed to see how data analytics are being used for improving energy efficiency. I also appreciate the fact that the concept of maintenance and space planning was explained to junior architects. Good effort towards sustainability. If interactive meeting between architects and engineers are arranged regularly, buildings would be designed better!
The tour took me through the process of retrofitting an existing building into an energy efficient building. It was a good experience in learning from someone who has gone through the process. I gained knowledge on HVAC, energy management and architectural issues to be taken care of in buildings as well as understanding of the Godrej industry.
It was an amazing tour and the technicalities were explained in a way that a novice could grasp it easily. My main takeaway from the tour was- “First go lean then go lean”.
