What is Green building certification in India?

 

Green buildings are becoming more and more popular because they are environmentally responsible, but they also save money on utility bills. But first off, do you know what a green building means?

What is a green building?

A green building is one that uses energy and resources more efficiently than conventional buildings. It’s also one that uses “green” materials, such as recycled paper, or recycled glass. Green buildings can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they emit into the atmosphere, which helps fight climate change.

The three main certifications in India for green buildings are: GRIHA: Green Rating of India

This is the most basic form 5 star rating certification which was formulated by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It only requires you to have certain features such as solar panels installed on your roof, an eco-friendly paint job, and more. GRIHA certification is not required for all buildings, but it does prove you’re taking steps toward being more eco-friendly.

LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
This certification program is administered by the US Green Building Council and requires building owners to meet strict requirements for energy efficiency, water use efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and resource efficiency. The LEED rating system was developed by the USGBC to help consumers find buildings that are more environmentally friendly than others on their block or in their neighborhood. The highest score you can achieve is a Platinum LEED.

IGBC: Indian Green Building Council

The IGBC’s mission statement is to promote sustainable development through environmentally friendly buildings and construction practices in India. To receive an IGBC certification, a building must meet minimum requirements on energy conservation, water conservation, waste management, renewable energy generation, indoor air quality, and natural ventilation systems. An example of an IGBC-certified building can be Parkwest by the Shapoorji Pallonji Group.

Some other notable organizations that consciously promote green projects are the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and the World Green Building Council, among others.

If you are on the lookout for green-certified constructions, be sure to check Shapoorji Pallonji as they have a multitude of LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA-certified projects like the Parkwest residential project in Binnypet, Bangalore & SP Infocity commercial project Perungudi, Chennai in their wagon. Your one decision can make a world of difference, for you and future generations.

Go green!

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on July 22, 2022.

Top 5 green-certified constructions by Shapoorji Pallonji

 

Shapoorji Pallonji has always been at the forefront of green construction. As a leading Indian construction company, they have an impressive track record of building projects that are certified with LEED/IGBC/EDGE. They also provide solar rooftops, street lighting, and car parks, and Building-Integrated Photovoltaic services.

Here is a quick overview of their top 5 green-certified projects over the years. 1. International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru

The IIEC is one of the largest convention centres in India with a capacity to host events for more than 10,000 people at a time. It has been built with an eco-friendly design that reduces its energy consumption by up to 75% compared with conventional convention centres. The IIEC also includes state-of-the-art technology and amenities like free Wi-Fi and high-speed internet connections, as well as an air conditioning system that can cool down the entire facility at once.

2. ONGC, Dehradun

ONGC is one of India’s largest oil companies and they are responsible for producing nearly 80% of India’s crude oil supply. They had commissioned a new green office in Dehradun, Uttarakhand to Shapoorji Pallonji had constructed using the ‘Design and Build’ platform. The construction later earned the LEED Platinum rating after its completion in December 2013.

3. TSI Waverock, Hyderabad

Built-in 2010, Shapoorji Pallonji covered the complete construction of the building including the civil, structural, security systems, and even external development. A LEED Gold certified project, TSI Waverock has also received an award from the Green Building Council of India for being built with sustainable materials, including glass curtains and facade panels made from recycled plastic bottles.

4. Skyview Corporate Park, Gurugram

Skyview Corporate Park was completed by Shapoorji Pallonji in 2014; it features two towers with 9 floors each and over 15,000 sq. ft. of office space. The design includes eco-friendly features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems; it also includes a green roof area that will be used for landscaping activities. This construction has been recognized as a Platinum project under the Indian Green Building Council’s LEED certification since 2015.

5. SP Infocity, Chennai

SP Infocity is a mixed-use development that includes residential apartments as well as retail spaces and office spaces with a connecting underground parking garage. With LEED Gold certification, the entire project spans across 27 million sq. ft. and is a construction that was consciously converted into a green project by Shapoorji Pallonji.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on July 22, 2022.

What are the newest Shapoorji Pallonji projects in UAE?

 Shapoorji Pallonji is one of the most renowned real estate names in India while also being the first Indian construction company to expand its expertise to the Middle East. It began with the construction of the Sultan Qaboos Palace in Oman and has now followed into a number of high-profile projects across the UAE and other Middle Eastern locations.

Let’s take a look at the latest developments taken on by Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate within the UAE. Rove At The Park Hotel, Dubai (2019)

This 3-star hotel is located within Dubai’s largest theme park destination Dubai Parks and Resorts as well as in close proximity to the Palm Jumeirah island. The Rove Hospitality LLC hotel has a capacity of 579 keys.

Vida Hotel, Dubai (2019)

Located right along the Dubai Creek Harbour, this hotel flaunts an epic view of the city skyline. The Lagoos Phase One LLC hotel has a capacity of 286 keys.

MBR Dubai Hills Estate Business Park, Dubai (2019)

This business park was constructed and designed by SPRE in Mohammad Bin Rashid City, Al Khail Road, Dubai. The project included 4 office buildings, a multi-storey car park with retail areas, landscaping, and more.

Indigo Hotel, Dubai (2020)

This 269-key hotel is located in Business Bay, Dubai. The project included the construction of architectural finishing, external development, MEP works, swimming pool, landscaping, interior fit-out, and more.

FORSAN Central Mall, Abu Dhabi (2020)

Spanning 1.10M sq. ft., this grand shopping mall in Khalifa City offers visitors plenty of retail shops, F&B outlets, a 9-screen cinema, a Lulu hypermarket, and an entertainment area. A green and brown vertical design forms the unique facade of the mall.

Thanaya Residential Building, Abu Dhabi (2021)

This residential project was designed and constructed by SPRE. It features 84 homes, a swimming pool, underground and overhead water tanks, vehicle ramps, and more.

Mediclinic Hospital Expansion, Abu Dhabi (2021)

This SPRE project involved the construction of the extension of the Al Noor Hospital. An additional block with the capacity of 130 beds was added along with VIP areas, specialty treatment rooms, and a link bridge of the old hospital to a central utility plant.

Imperial Avenue, Dubai (2022)

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Emaar’s flagship master development, Imperial Avenue is Shapoorji Pallonji’s latest upcoming residential project in the UAE. It promises a home in the most upscale location, lined with high fashion, chic boutiques, luxurious restaurants, and grand boulevards within a 5-block radius.

It will offer the most premium apartments in a 45-storey tower within the Burj Khalifa district. The entrance features cascading water fountains with a grand entrance porch. The lobby spans 10,000 sq. ft. with double-height ceilings. The high-speed elevators can take you higher in seconds. There’s luxury on every floor with infinity pools on two levels, a dedicated kids’ pool, a private AV room, a best-in-class gymnasium, a grand party hall, both indoor and outdoor kids’ play areas, and a private deck with a view of the Business Bay Canal and the Arabian Sea.

The thoughtfully designed development also features solar panels on the roof for a centrally heated water supply and greywater treatment plants for a sustainable source of water for common areas.

The construction also features the 6D BIM Building Image Model process — a transformational technology that substantially reduces maintenance costs, introduced for the first time in the Middle East and Africa.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on June 22, 2022.

What you need to know about EL Testing of Solar PV Modules

Solar PV modules are the key components of the solar power systems that are the ideal renewable solutions for electricity. The PV modules consist of cells through which the sun rays are converted into current. When current passes through these cells, light is emitted from them. This phenomenon is referred to as electroluminescence. Testing the modules by observing their electroluminescence (EL) is a great way to detect any defects in the distribution of current or the structure of the modules.

EL testing is, therefore, used at various stages of the solar O&M to identify a number of structural issues.

The most common issues that can be identified through EL testing include the following.

Minute cracks may appear in the silicon wafers that form the solar PV cells. This can be a result of damage that occurred during the manufacturing, delivery, installation, or operation of the modules. Microcracks can cause the cell part to become inactive, having varying effects to none at all.

These cracks are more severe since they stop of flow of current passing through the area. Hot spots and thermal dissipation also occur which damages the panel due to heat. It’s imperative to identify these cracks before more damage occurs to the panel.

When the modules are being soldered, at times, the temperature may not be high enough. This leads to cold soldering which eventually causes interference in the connection between the cell ribbon and cell tab. Apart from the loss of power, the cold soldering can also turn into hot spots which become a fire risk.

Bypass diode failure means that one of three cell strings in the module gets switched off. This leads to a decrease in the output by one-third. In these cases, the biode should be replaced instantly to prevent this loss and avoid any junction box burn.

A long series of interconnected solar panels make up the solar power plant with the ability to create high voltage. Low-quality cells may not be able to keep up with the large voltage which leads to failure. This Potential Induced Degradation (PID) defects can be easily identified through EL testing.

Dead cells are no longer able to conduct current, often caused by mechanical stress as a result of a cell crack.

EL testing of solar PV cells does not have to be conducted at a defined time frame in the course of the projects. It is beneficial for different reasons at different stages of the project.

It is useful to identify any defects at the beginning, as the cells and modules are being manufactured. It reduces the rejection of batches and future warranty claims.

An inspection conducted by a third part also offers the buyer confidence in regards to the quality and the efficiency of the modules. Any required replacement is then done before it reaches the destination.

This is essential to identify any damages that occurred in the process of transportation. Bad handling of the modules will lead to cracks or micro-cracks, for which, the buyer can claim replacement and transport insurance.

Bad handling during the installation process is also likely to cause damage in the form of cracks and breakage. EL testing can identify these accidental damages and prevent future loss.

EL testing is also useful to assess the after-effects of floods, cyclones, hailstorms, and other unavoidable calamities. The results can be used to get protection against future losses caused by the calamity. This is especially important since insurance policies tend to have a certain time frame within which the damage must be reported.

Overall, EL testing can help to identify and therefore rectify a number of different types of damage at any stage of the solar PV module project.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on June 14, 2022.

Picking the best EPC Business Model for your Solar Plant

 

Solar energy is the most sustainable energy that is abundantly available on the planet and has the potential to match our daily needs. The Government of India is very supportive of Solar EPC companies, with the Ministry of Finance providing low-interest loans for private and public sectors.

So if you are thinking to start your own solar EPC company, here are the basics and two business models that are widely used in the industry to get you started.

What is an EPC company?

EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction. As the name suggests, EPC companies combine the main three components of creating quality products and services. The major advantage here is that the company has full control over the production of everything.

EPC Business Models

EPC business models are a way to work with customers by offering them the equipment and services they require while outsourcing the high-value engineering and construction expertise. This makes for a great system, especially for solar businesses.

There are two common business models in India for EPC companies, namely the CAPEX model and the RESCO model.

In the CAPEX model, the buyer generally hires an EPC company as their prime contractor. Here, the company is in charge of management and procurement for its value chain. An excellent example of a leading solar company that uses this model is Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Private Ltd. Having over 90 years of experience in the industry, they are known as the largest global EPC and MEP contractors.

In the RESCO model, the company provides you with renewable energy which you can pay for as you consume. The customer does not hold ownership of the Solar Power Plant but the seller and buyer share roles for handling all equipment and personnel for their project.

Make the choice based on the kind of equipment and services you are interested in providing. Here’s your green signal for a green business!

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on June 7, 2022.

What is Floor Rise Charge (FRC) & How to Calculate It?

 

Buying a home comes with many costs, especially when you are purchasing a high-rise apartment. One aspect of the pricing involved in the agreement value is the floor rise charges. Floor rise cost comes under PLC which stands for Preferential Location Charges and it majorly affects all real estate purchases in India. It is a charge that is not governed by any regulations and so they vary from city to city.

Here is a guide to explain the basics of floor rise costs and how they can affect your purchase.

What exactly is floor rise charges (FCR)? — Definition

Floor rise quotations are charges determined by the construction company in respect of an apartment located on floors above the fourth floor in their building. It is calculated on the basis of the cost of construction, interest during construction and overheads. These charges are calculated per sq. meter/per sq. ft. as per the total area of your desired apartment. Based on the particulars of location, the charges can range from Rs.25 per sq. ft. to Rs.100 per sq. ft. Some companies also charge you a higher price for a higher floor.

Calculating Apartment Floor Rise Charges (FCR)

The most common method of calculating this cost includes charging a particular price per floor or charging X% per cent of the entire project cost.

Let’s look at an example to understand how it works.

Imagine you have booked a property with a carpet area of 500sq.ft. If the rate of the area is Rs.2000 per sq.ft., the basic price will be calculated as Rs.10,00,000. In addition to this cost, you will be bound to cover the GST, PLC and stamp duty. If floor rise charges are applicable to your project, say it is at Rs.50 per floor, and your apartment is on the 10th floor, the final price will increase by Rs.500 making Rs.2500 per sq. ft.

This means, that your base price + floor rise charges = Rs.2500 x 500 sq.ft. = Rs.12,50,000 (excluding other charges)

Make sure you speak with your realtor to take you through the price breakdown so that you are fully aware of all the additional costs involved prior to making a purchase.

Happy Dream Home Shopping!

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a name to reckon with in the real estate sector. It is part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group — an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has a 150-year legacy of creating great spaces, from the earliest structures of India to modern marvels.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on May 25, 2022.

What are Builder Floors?

 

The booming real estate market is currently spoiling investors and homebuyers for choice. Homes don’t just come in tall, multi-storey apartment buildings anymore — there are villas, row houses, and even builder floor developments. The latter is an especially promising option because it offers all the luxuries of a private dwelling with the conveniences of a residential building. Builder floors are low-rise buildings where each floor is an individual apartment, taken up by a number of renowned real estate developers.

Multi-storey apartments are usually the most preferred option with around 60% of first-time homeowners choosing it as per a recent survey. The appeal could be the community living aspects along with the variety of lifestyle facilities. However, independent living has its own premium appeal today. Having the whole floor to yourself with extreme flexibility and privacy is attracting an increasing amount of buyers.

Bringing independent living to the larger masses, builder floors have three notable benefits that should be considered by home buyers and investors alike. Privacy

Having your own floor in a low-rise residential colony is definitely a luxury. This premium choice offers more control over your environment as well as private access to resources like water supply and electricity.

Space

These floor units also guarantee plenty of space, usually spanning over 1500 sq. ft. with a floor plan of 2–4 BHK. This extra space is the best asset especially when you have complete liberty when it comes to decor and renovations. With the required permissions, owners are able to customize their space without the hassle of reluctant neighbors.

Costs and Dividends

Although these homes are more expensive than those in a multi-storey development, they offer complete independence and flexibility that can otherwise only be offered by much more expensive private plots. This desirability ensures great dividends from rental income. Lesser amenities and shared spaces also reduce the maintenance cost. On the other hand, there might be a higher per flat average cost of maintenance due to the private power and parking facilities.

When deciding whether to go for a multi-story or a builder floor apartment, it comes down to the choice between affordable or the ideal lifestyle. Builder floors offer that comfortable, luxurious life for those that want complete liberty and privacy.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on May 18, 2022.