GRIHA Green Tour at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan

New Delhi, September 26: A green tour of Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan (Headquarters of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India) was organised by GRIHA Council on 23rd September 2022, Friday as a part of the Regional Conference of Indian Institute of Architects – Northern Chapter for 35 architects. The said project is registered with GRIHA Council aspiring for a 5 star GRIHA rating.

The objective of the green tour was to raise awareness among the delegates regarding the operations of the net zero energy building. The project showcased demonstration of green building and architectural designs undertaken in the project. The concepts of energy conservation, renewable energy, water saving and sustainable designs were some of the other areas that were covered. It was an interactive session, where the delegates learnt about the operation and maintenance schedules and protocols of operating a green building covering design, construction and operational stages.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ankit Bhalla, Manager, GRIHA Council said that this is a collaborative effort with Indian Institute of Architects – Northern Chapter to sensitize delegates on environment, ecology, climate responsive design, green buildings and innovative technologies incorporated in the project. He urged the students among the delegates to use this platform to enhance their expertise and knowledge skills as budding architects of future and promote the change, we need for a sustainable future.

After the presentation, the delegates were taken on a visit around the project where they experienced design aspects, energy and water conserving measures, renewable energy setup etc. GRIHA Council gratefully acknowledges the support of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India in facilitating the visit. The project architects (Edifice) provided an insight on the design concepts based on which the interiors and exteriors of the building are constructed. They further apprised the delegates of the motive behind it. Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Government of India explained the operation and maintenance activities of the project and imparted significant details about day to day operations of the project.

Representatives from organizing partners included, Mr Ankit Bhalla, Manager, GRIHA Council, Mr Ahmad Saud, Senior Project Officer, GRIHA Council, Mr Sanchit Malik, Senior Project Officer, GRIHA Council, Mr Anmol Chitransh, Assistant Project Officer, GRIHA Council, Ms Shaon Sengupta, Director, Edifice Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Mr Pranav Gupta, Project Architect, Edifice Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Mr Samdarsh Nayyar, Principal, Sunil Nayyar Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Mr Ankit Swaroop, Assistant Electrical Engineer, Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Government of India and Mr Akshay Gupta, Director, Passive Design Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

About GRIHA Council

Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Council is an independent, not- for -profit society jointly setup by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India to promote and administer green buildings in India. GRIHA was adopted as the National Rating System for Green Buildings in India by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India in 2007. GRIHA Council aims at to eliminate adverse impact on environment and to increase green footprint. The final rating is awarded only after the submission of audit reports done by certified auditor after a year of commissioning of the project.

About Indian Institute of Architects, Northern Chapter (IIA NC):

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of Architects. The Institute plays a major role in promoting the profession of architecture by organizing and uniting the Architects of India to promote aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession both in practice and in education.

The IIA has 24 Chapters and Northern Chapter is one of the oldest chapters, formed in 1956 and represents the IIA in North India. To further the objectives of the IIA within the geographical limits of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, the IIA Northern Chapter holds events including Conferences, Seminars & Workshops for promoting the interaction amongst its Members. As a part of outreach, the IIA Northern Chapter regularly interacts with the Society /other allied professionals/development bodies by holding exhibitions, lectures and proposing solutions for the local area development.

For more information, write to: info@grihaindia.org