Building a structure has many direct and indirect ramifications on nature. Right from manufacturing of its raw material, getting it to the site, while constructing or repurposing the same; buildings consume energy, water, generate waste, and at times also emit hazardous emissions. Such adverse effects on people and environment; has prompted the world to craft an effective policy in form of green building certification and usage of sustainable commercial buildings material to mitigate serious impacts on our lives and ecosystem.
Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important in the construction of new green buildings. The green concepts and techniques in building sector can help address national issues like water efficiency, energy efficiency, and reduction in fossil fuel use in commuting, handling of consumer waste and conserving natural resources. Most importantly, these concepts can enhance occupant health, happiness and well-being.
In view of this, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has launched IGBC Green New Buildings rating system to address our nation’s priorities. This rating programme is a tool which enables the designer or an architect to apply green concepts and reduce environmental impacts.
COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel manufactured and marketed by Tata BlueScope Steel are ‘GreenPro’ certified and are ideal for creating buildings that satisfy environmental rating tool requirements such as the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), on their sustainability assessment. These are the new age eco-friendly construction solutions for propagating the green building movement.
Green building rating brings together best sustainable practices and solutions to reduce environmental impacts and provides an integrated approach considering life cycle impacts of the resources used.
Let us see how COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel conform to the sustainability quotient stipulated by GreenPro certification:
Manufacturing Process
During manufacturing process there has been special care taken for minimum water consumption, energy utilisation and hazardous and non-hazardous waste management system. Obtaining 90% of its raw material (by weight) from regional sources has further added to its green credentials. With adequate quality management system the plant has been effective in reducing rejection rates after sales. In addition to that an efficient manufacturing process, usage of energy sensitive machinery, solar energy, recycling and disposal management system further contributes to qualifying to a green manufacturing process.
100% Recyclable and Reusable
Recyclability refers to how effectively and efficiently a product or material can be recycled into a new product. Recycling prevents the waste of potentially useful materials; reduces consumption of raw materials and energy; and reduces overall pollution. COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME steel are water harvestable materials with RoHS compliance. Being lead free it has acceptable levels of volatile organic compounds.
Thermally Efficient
Roofs made from COLORBOND steel have high solar reflectivity reducing solar radiation and heat absorbed into the buildings. The paint technology known as THERMATECH technology, consists of high solar reflectance index that contributes to energy performance improvement in the built environment. An effective way to reduce a building’s energy load through less reliance on air-conditioning to maintain a comfortable internal temperature, Thermatech technology potentially saves occupants money on energy as well as reduces emissions from electricity generation.
Increased Lifespan
COLORBOND® steel with its advanced paint technology uses fewer metal resources and offers excellent corrosion resistance with an increased lifespan resulting in a smaller environmental footprints.
Conclusion
IGBC’s accreditation for COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® steel as green products, further increases the green rating points of the overall project; thus granting of government incentives. Both COLORBOND steel and ZINCALUME steel are sustainable products manufactured by a responsible establishment. Being durable and resilient to India’s harsh climatic conditions and coastal environments with its long life helps conserve resources and energy that may otherwise be invested in products with a shorter life span. It is a lightweight material which can mean a lower cost to transport to site and enables a lighter roof structure. It is a perfect combination of beauty, strength and environmental performance that makes it a responsible choice for a greener and a sustainable future.
Internationally, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was the first convention centre in the world to have achieved a 6 Green Star rating back in 2008. This recognition was accredited by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) with an objective to develop a sustainable property industry in Australia and drive the adoption of green building practices through market-based solutions. The entire roofing solution at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre; was made of COLORBOND® Steel (with THERMATECH™ technology).
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