LEADING THE GREEN BUILDING MOVEMENT | TKM COLLEGE OF

ENGINEERING (CHENNAI)
A green building is one which uses less water, optimizes energy efficiency, conserves
natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as
compared to a conventional building.

As the world reels under the stress of economic recession and Peak oil, efforts are being made to
minimize the use of energy, to maximize return on invested resources by recycling and optimum use
of natural resources. Such efforts have culminated into the new Green building movement across the
planet.

Brief Introduction of the Project

A contemporary convention centre having state of art facilities, using modern building techniques and
energy efficiency as the prime design parameters.

Main Concept
The main idea was to integrate the climatic considerations in the form and landscape, yet preserving
the monumental character of Chennai, keeping in mind the need of open green spaces in the
metropolitan city.

TKM- College of Engineering

Site Analysis
The site measuring 100mx100m is situated in Chennai, free from any features like trees, HT and LT
etc. The key elements in the centre are the amphitheatre and auditorium for 300 or 400 persons,
common convention and seminar facilities, exhibition spaces, library and resource centre, health
facilities, guest rooms and offices which have been provided well in the very prominent curvilinear
design.

Site View of TKM College

The auditorium and amphitheatre are intentionally designed replicating the sculptural look amidst a
large green space to find itself fitting in the monumental character of buildings offered by Chennai.

Special Features of the Project

Limitation of several measures to reduce thermal heat load in the complex with the help of east-west
building orientation. Insulation of the roof with traditional earth material permits 50% radiation alone
to the roof. This is provided with the view that contact of any surface with earth serves a better
solution than evaporative cooling, cutting down on humidity levels. Induction of earth mass to the
thermal mass of the building reduces fluctuations in the load besides acting as a form of shading and
insulation.

TKM building - Novel roof structure

Partial power requirement along with features such as solar pump, waste water treatment plant and
energy efficiency lighting. Reduction of the heat conduction through roof and walls is done by
insulation and earth-berming. Control of ambient temperature and micro-climate is achieved by
landscaping.
Adaptation of several measures to reduce thermal heat load in the complex with the help of eastwest building orientation.
Insulation of the roof with traditional earth material permits 50% radiation alone to the roof. This is
provided with the view that contact of any surface with earth serves a better solution than
evaporative cooling, cutting down on humidity levels. Induction of earth mass to the thermal mass of
the building reduces fluctuations in the load besides acting as a form of shading and insulation.

The Rise of Green Building Movement and LEED

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is an
internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance
green buildings.
LEED provides a third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using
strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings,
water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of
resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
The Green Building movement is succeeding in a big way because there is a financial incentive to
the owner of the building over a long term as a green building would reduce external energy costs to
a large extent. Many new innovative technologies and products are being introduced everyday, which
would help more architects and designers to incorporate the ideals of green building design into their
projects.
Green Buildings technology in succeeding in a big way in India, which suffers from chronic electricity
and water shortages. Maybe Green technology is the answer to resource scarcity in the nation of 1.2
billion people.