World Architecture Day (October 2) was established in 2005 by the International Union of Architects (UIA) to show appreciation for the works architects do and to celebrate some of the great global architectural works. The theme for this year was ‘Acting against climate change.’
Currently, cities suffer from severe environmental problems ranging from pollution, congestion, excessive waste, etc. Paying attention to the environmental impacts of growth is critical for provision of adequate housing, energy, water, sanitation and mobility needs in a manner that does not cause major depletion of natural resources or endangers future generations.
Climate change is one of the biggest global crises of the 21st century. Scientific consensus shows that increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide contributes significantly to rising sea levels, extreme weather events and degradation of natural resources. The increase in carbon dioxide concentration, which is gathered in the atmosphere due to burning of fossil fuel and industrial activities, has been impacting the global warming to a big extent. These trends threaten human health, food supply, natural ecosystems and global economies.
Odisha is experiencing distinctive changes in the climatic pattern. Atmospheric temperature is rising in the State making the summer seasons unbearable. The environment of the city of Bhubaneswar has been degraded due to high population growth and different manmade activities. The effects of climate change have been observed since last few years in the city. The temperature in summer is ranging in most of the days around 40 degree Celsius, which is not only affecting the health and comfort of the people but also demands more energy. A number of buildings are designed in the city without considering climatic conditions of the area. These buildings need air-conditioning to keep them cool and lead to more energy use.
The Government of India has prepared a National Action Plan for Climate Change. The mitigation measures would primarily include energy efficiency in buildings, improved urban land use planning and shift to public transport and management of water, waste water and solid wastes. Besides, the action plan would also facilitate adaptation to vulnerabilities arising out of climate change. Odisha is a leader in formulating a State Climate Change Action Plan identifying urban planning, water resources and disasters, etc.
Architects play a vital role in combating climate change. They are largely responsible for the passive energy use systems of a building—the orientation, fenestration, envelope, and massing of the buildings. They can reduce such operational and embodied carbon production with passive design techniques and energy efficiency measures which increase human health and productivity. Architects also integrate renewable energy sources into buildings, making them more sustainable, resilient and economical.
Numerous agencies in India along with Government are trying to make cities more climate-responsive. The setting up of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) provides a legal framework for energy efficiency initiatives in the country. The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 defines the powers of the State Government to facilitate and enforce efficient use of energy and its conservation. The State Governments have to designate State Designated Agencies in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to coordinate, regulate and enforce the provisions of the Act in the State. The BEE launched the ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) in 2007. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design and construction of buildings. The process of development of the ECBC involved extensive data collection and analysis regarding building types, building materials and equipment. Further, the code takes into consideration the climatic conditions of the area. The ECBC provides design norms for building envelope, including thermal performance requirements for walls, roofs, and windows; lighting system, including day lighting, and lamps and luminaire performance requirements; HVAC system, including energy performance of chillers and air distribution systems; electrical system; and water heating and pumping systems, including requirements for solar hot-water systems.
There are five distinct climatic zones in India and the ECBC takes into account these climatic zones in case of Building Envelop Design. ECBC is currently voluntary, but it is proposed that it will be made mandatory for all new building that have a connected load of 100 kW or higher or a contract demand of 120 kVA or higher. The code is also applicable to all buildings with an air conditioned floor area of 1,000 square meter or more. The Government of Odisha had mandated the Odisha Energy Conservation Building Code (OECBC) in 2011. Under the OECBC, all buildings except manufacturing industries having connected load of minimum 100 kW or transformer capacity of 120 kVA require to comply with the code. The code is also applicable to constructions having minimum 500 square meter air-conditioned area. ECBC 2017 sets parameters for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources and energy efficient appliances in building design.
Architects should keep climatic conditions in mind and design building that will cut down energy consumption. Energy-efficient buildings are only effective when the occupants of the buildings are comfortable. If they are not comfortable, then they will take alternative means of cooling a room such as air conditioners which will increase the energy load and affect the environment of the city.
To reduce the impacts on settlements and infrastructure, it is critical to develop appropriate mitigation and adaptation responses. Climate responsive buildings have minimal adverse impacts on the natural environment. These buildings also seek to maximize opportunities for indoor environmental quality and performance, saving money, reducing waste, increasing worker productivity and creating healthier environment for people to live and work.
Reducing the contribution of cities to climate change, or mitigation, requires an adequate understanding of the drivers of urban GHG emissions, while effective adaptation must be based on a good understanding of what makes cities vulnerable or resilient to climate change impacts. If properly designed, constructed and operated, a sustainable city and sustainable building will require less money and fewer resources to operate and will be healthier for its occupants.
Climate is the most important environmental factor and should be considered when designing a building. Architects can choose passive design strategies suited for their building based on the climate type. They can lead the climate change movement by designing climate responsive buildings. Climate design is the part of design that is concerned with the creation of healthy and comfortable indoor environments. Many elementary design decisions made by the architect determine the quality of the indoor climate. Architects can achieve energy efficiency in the building design by studying the climate of the site. Besides, building by-laws of the city need to be revised and updated keeping in view the effects of climate change.
(Dr Praharaj is faculty member, Department of Architecture, College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar)