Pledges vs. Reality: Can your construction sites do better?

Newsletter March 2024

Monthly Highlights

VK:e Leading Discussions on Sustainability

VK:e Environmental emerged as the winner of the Icebox Challenge - Delhi 2024, earning the opportunity to showcase the practical impacts of passive design on building thermal performance. The winning structures were constructed and subjected to a rigorous 9 day ice storage test to compare their effectiveness under varying specifications.

Dr. Poova Keskar, director of VK:e environmental and a renowned expert in the field, conducted an enlightening session during the program's inauguration, focusing on Sustainable Design. During the session, Dr. Keskar elaborated on the crucial passive design parameters that significantly influence a building's thermal performance. She backed her insights with compelling case studies, from VK:e Environmental's portfolio of projects. These case studies served as tangible examples of how effective passive design strategies can be implemented to optimise energy efficiency and enhance occupant comfort. The session not only provided valuable theoretical knowledge but also showcased real-world applications, offering attendees practical insights into sustainable design practices. Dr. Keskar's expertise and VK:e Environmental's successful projects underscored the importance of integrating sustainable design principles into building practices to mitigate environmental impact and foster a greener future.

Ar. Kanchan Sidhaye led the session conducted by One Click LCA, focusing on increasing the drive for embodied carbon and life cycle assessment (LCA) in India to make informed decisions and support the transition to a low carbon economy .

VK:e Featured Projects

Terminal One Awarded IGBC Gold Rating

Terminal One, Pune, has received GOLD rating under 'IGBC Green New Buildings' system. The integration of high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) materials coupled with vegetation contributes significantly to urban greenery and mitigating heat buildup. Embracing the ethos of inclusivity, the project incorporates universal design principles with amenities such as differently-abled toilets, Braille assistance, and visual warning signage, ensuring seamless accessibility for individuals of all abilities. Rainwater harvesting, facilitated by six recharge pits with a combined capacity of 219.48 cubic meters, along with an Organic Waste Converter (OWC) system capable of managing 82.49% of organic waste generated onsite, exemplifies the project's dedication to resource efficiency and circular economy principles. Energy simulations reveal an impressive 38.89% reduction in energy costs compared to ASHRAE baselines. Water-efficient fixtures, coupled with the utilization of low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paints and materials, ensure optimal indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

What's Trending

Sustainability in Construction: Monitoring EMPs

As professionals committed to the built environment, we're at the forefront of a significant shift. The landscape of construction is changing, not just in how we build, but in the ethos that drives our projects. Sustainability, once considered an afterthought, has now become a cornerstone of modern construction practices.

Designing in compliance with national standards is only the beginning. Continuous monitoring, real-time tracking and performance evaluation in construction is essential to ensure that the pledges made on paper translate into tangible actions on the ground. VK:e has played an instrumental role in fostering this awareness within Maharashtra's construction sector.

As we approach our 15th anniversary, VK:e is setting its sights on a new horizon—the diligent monitoring of Environmental Management Plans (EMP). The industry is witnessing a growing receptivity towards this initiative. EMP is a tool to mitigate the negative impacts due to construction activities. Implementation of EMP ensures good construction practices as well as selection of materials and technologies after due consideration to their environmental performance and compliances. Monitoring EMPs includes a comprehensive evaluation of how contractors conduct their operations on site. It involves ensuring that noise levels remain within permissible limits, air pollution is curtailed, and several other critical factors are addressed. This shift demands small tweaks in standard project management practices, extending the focus beyond mere structural completion to encompass environmental considerations like dust control, site barricading, water conservation, and the provision of adequate sanitary facilities for workers.

VK:e Environmental is committed to spearheading this initiative by conducting audits, monitoring compliance, and offering corrective measures. This effort aims to catalyse a movement towards enhanced site management practices, as highlighted by Ar. Anagha Purohit, director and co-founder of VK:e. "We're seeing a significant shift in perspective, with the industry increasingly acknowledging the importance of these measures. Our role will involve a closer examination of on-site practices, from dust management and site security to water conservation and worker welfare, to ensure that EMPs are more than just paperwork."

Periodic review of the EMP is an essential and valuable service being provided by VK:e. Connect with us to embark on a journey towards sustainable construction and comprehensive EMP management.

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