IES Consulting carried out a whole building energy simulation of this new state-of-the-art office complex to assess the energy performance, potential energy savings and meet the requirements to achieve a 4 Star GRIHA Rating.
The new Coal India Headquarters is a state-of-the-art office complex located on an expansive 15 acre plot. The total office area of the 9-storied complex to accommodate over 800 employees is approximately 270,000 Sq.ft in a G + 8 configuration. It also consists of a basement for car parking, water treatment plant and a chiller plant.
IES Consulting were hired to carry out detailed energy analysis to evaluate the energy performance index of the building and to assess the percentage energy savings of the building compared to the ECBC Performance index. Various energy conservation optimizations were performed in order to optimize the buildings performance and reduce energy consumption.
As a result of the work carried out by IES Consulting, the building achieved a 4 Star GRIHA rating. In order to ensure the GRIHA Rating criteria was met, IES consulting carried out a whole building energy simulation following the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and the National Building Code (NBC).
Kolkata comes under the category of warm and humid climate as defined by the ECBC. To meet the GRIHA requirements for unconditioned spaces in this climate category, IES Consulting had to ensure the zone temperature was maintained at 33 degrees Celsius and had less than 70% Relative Humidity (RH). This was a particular challenge for the IES Consultants due to the outside air RH levels being above 70%. To overcome this challenge and maintain the temperature, the consultants used the IESVE application MacroFlo to test different airflow and natural ventilation strategies.
The team were able to maintain the zone temperature within 33 degrees Celsius but weren’t able to stay below 70% RH because of the outside environment RH level. However, they were able to adjust the temperature by increasing the velocity and varying the window opening types and so were able to maintain the temperature setting inside the zone for more than 60% of the time which was acceptable.
The analysis led to the implementation of a number of Energy Conservation Measures and renewable systems. These included: photo-voltaic (solar) panels with a capacity of 140 KW, low volatile organic compound paint, double layer glazing for heat insulation, thermal storage with HVAC system, lighting control with day-light and movement sensors and water efficient toilet fixtures. Coal India is also aiming to substitute all lamps with energy efficient LED lighting.
“We had to work every aspect of the building right from the design stage to ensure highest standards of green. Energy efficiency played an extremely critical role. Critical inputs were provided at the design stage through a whole building analysis by IES to help us create a truly sustainable building. A complete coordinated effort by all members of the team has resulted in GRIHA 4 star rating.”
Samhita.M, Managing Director, Ela Green buildings & Infrastructure Consultants Pvt. Ltd.