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Building Envelope

Sustainable Building Management with Know Your Building

Know Your Building: Empowering Sustainable Operations through Intelligent Insights

by Editor July 28, 2023

written by Editor

In today’s era of sustainability, it’s essential to have comprehensive knowledge about your building’s performance and energy consumption. Enter Know Your Building, a groundbreaking platform that revolutionizes the way we understand and manages our built environment. With their advanced analytics and intelligent insights, Know Your Building empowers building owners and operators to make data-driven decisions, optimize energy efficiency, and create more sustainable spaces. Let’s explore the innovative features of Know Your Building and how it is transforming the landscape of building management.

Real-Time Data Analytics: Know Your Building leverages real-time data analytics to provide a deep understanding of a building’s performance. By integrating with various building systems, sensors, and smart devices, the platform collects and analyzes a wealth of data related to energy consumption, occupant comfort, and environmental conditions. This data is presented through intuitive dashboards, allowing users to monitor and evaluate building performance at a glance.

Energy Management: Efficient energy management lies at the core of sustainability, and Know Your Building excels in this domain. The platform offers robust energy monitoring capabilities, enabling users to track energy usage patterns, identify consumption trends, and pinpoint areas of inefficiency. Armed with this knowledge, building owners and operators can implement targeted energy-saving measures, reduce waste, and optimize their energy footprint.

Occupant Comfort Optimization: Know Your Building goes beyond energy management by prioritizing occupant comfort. The platform gathers data on factors such as temperature, humidity, and air quality, allowing users to assess and enhance the comfort levels within their buildings. By making informed adjustments to HVAC systems and environmental controls, building operators can create spaces that promote productivity, health, and well-being.

Predictive Analytics: Know Your Building leverages the power of predictive analytics to anticipate and prevent potential issues. By analyzing historical data and employing machine learning algorithms, the platform can detect anomalies and anomalies in energy consumption, equipment performance, and maintenance needs. This proactive approach helps to prevent costly breakdowns, optimize maintenance schedules, and extend the lifespan of building systems.

Benchmarking and Comparison: Know Your Building enables users to benchmark their building’s performance against industry standards and similar structures. This feature provides valuable insights into how a building performs relative to its peers, highlighting areas for improvement and setting achievable sustainability goals. By leveraging this knowledge, building owners can take proactive steps to enhance energy efficiency and position their buildings as leaders in sustainability.

Collaborative Insights and Reporting: Know Your Building facilitates collaboration and data sharing among building stakeholders. The platform allows for the creation of customized reports, making it easy to communicate building performance, energy-saving initiatives, and sustainability achievements with tenants, investors, and other relevant parties. This transparent approach fosters engagement, encourages accountability, and creates a culture of sustainability within the building community.

Benefits of enlite’s Building Management Systems: By adopting Enlite’s building management systems, buildings can unlock a multitude of benefits:

1. Energy Efficiency: Enlite’s systems optimize energy consumption, reducing operating costs and environmental impact.

1. Cost Savings: By identifying energy inefficiencies and implementing energy-saving measures, buildings can significantly reduce utility expenses.

1. Enhanced Occupant Comfort: Precise control of HVAC and lighting systems ensures optimal comfort levels for occupants, contributing to productivity and well-being.

1. Sustainability: Enlite’s focus on energy efficiency aligns with sustainable building practices, reducing carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship.

1. Data-Driven Decision-Making: The comprehensive data analytics provided by Enlite’s systems enable informed decision-making, leading to continuous improvement and optimized building performance.

Conclusion: Know Your Building is a game-changer in the realm of sustainable building management. By providing real-time data analytics, energy management capabilities, occupant comfort optimization, predictive analytics, benchmarking tools, and collaborative reporting, the platform empowers building owners and operators to make informed decisions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being. Embrace the power of Know Your Building and unlock the full potential of your building’s performance in the journey toward a greener and more sustainable future. Visit knowyourbuilding.com and discover a new era of intelligent building management today.

July 28, 2023 0 comment

Testo Measurement Technology: Precision Instruments and Innovations"

Building Envelope Sustainable Architecture

Testo: Pioneering Excellence in Measurement Technology

by Editor July 20, 2023

written by Editor

In today’s rapidly advancing world, precise measurement and monitoring play a critical role in numerous industries, ranging from HVAC/R, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and more. As a leading provider of high-quality measurement solutions, Testo has carved a niche for itself in the market. This article delves into Testo’s objectives, their product offerings, and highlights one or two of their exceptional products.

What Does Testo Do?

Testo, founded in 1957, is a globally recognized company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of innovative measurement technology. With a steadfast commitment to quality and accuracy, Testo has become a trusted name in the field of measurement instruments and solutions.

Objectives:

Precision and Accuracy: Testo’s primary objective is to provide customers with highly accurate measurement instruments. Their dedication to precision ensures that industries can rely on Testo’s solutions for critical measurements, guaranteeing optimal performance and safety.
Innovation and Advancement: Testo continually pushes the boundaries of measurement technology by fostering a culture of innovation. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, Testo aims to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of various industries.
Customer-Centric Approach: Testo places great emphasis on understanding the requirements of their customers. They strive to develop user-friendly instruments that simplify complex measurement processes, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Product Range:

Testo offers an extensive range of measurement instruments tailored to meet the demands of diverse industries. Their product portfolio includes devices for temperature, humidity, pressure, airflow, gas analysis, indoor air quality, thermal imaging, and more. Let’s explore two noteworthy products:

1. Testo 440 Air Velocity and IAQ Measurement Kit:

The Testo 440 is a versatile handheld measuring instrument designed for comprehensive air velocity and indoor air quality (IAQ) analysis. With a wide range of probes and sensors, the Testo 440 allows professionals to conduct precise measurements in various applications. This kit offers an intuitive user interface, customizable display options, and advanced data analysis capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for HVAC/R technicians, facility managers, and air quality professionals.

2. Testo 885 Thermal Imaging Camera:

The Testo 885 thermal imaging camera is a high-resolution infrared camera used for professional industrial and building thermography. Equipped with an outstanding thermal sensitivity of <30 mK, this camera enables accurate temperature measurements even on small targets. With its wide temperature range and superb image quality, the Testo 885 allows users to detect and analyze thermal anomalies swiftly, making it an indispensable tool for preventive maintenance, building diagnostics, and energy auditing.

Conclusion:

Testo’s unwavering commitment to precision, innovation, and customer satisfaction has made them a preferred choice for professionals across various industries. Through their extensive range of measurement instruments and solutions, such as the Testo 440 and Testo 885, Testo empowers individuals and organizations to achieve optimal performance, efficiency, and safety. As the world continues to evolve, Testo remains at the forefront of measurement technology, pioneering excellence with their exceptional products and unwavering dedication to quality.

July 20, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope

Sand Free Plaster – Eliminates the use of sand in Construction

by Editor June 22, 2023

written by Editor

Perlcon Sandfree Plaster

Sustainability is the new taboo subject of modern time’s construction. Every day we talk about making our environment eco-friendly, using sustainable resources and much lot. But do you really think we are making any effort to do so. Even if not by taking much bigger steps, we can change a small habit or our previous ways to support our environment. One such step is using sustainable construction materials. And here today we are gonna talk about one such amazing eco-friendly sustainable product.

Why switch to Perlcon Sand Free Plaster – Demand for construction sand has caused rapid depletion of riverbeds and raised many environmental concerns. Aggressive and controlled sand mining has resulted in erratic supply and also fluctuation in prices and also inconsistency in quality. So what there is an alternative?

Perlcon Sand Free Plaster – Perlcon Sand Free plaster is one such product, which replaces the use of sand in cement. It is a unique cement based formulation developed specifically to overcome sand related problems. Some of the problems which are faced by using sand are availability, quality, labor and time. By the use of sand free plaster various benefits are ensured like consistent quality, fewer operational cycles and quick construction.

Not only this, it also saves time and manpower. And one of the most important quality of this cement is it is self-curing which makes it resolve the problem of water for curing. Also it is a premix materials which is supplied in bags. So just add water and apply, as simple as that.

Benefits :

Crack Free
Self-Curing
Saves Water
Lasts Long
Efflorescence Free
Dust Free and Clean
Light Weight
Saves Time and Cost

Technical Specifications –

Dry density: 1600 kg/cum (+/- 5 %)

Initial setting time: 90 – 120 mins

Final setting time: 200 – 260 mins

Pot life: 3 hrs

Coating thickness: 10 – 18 mm

Coverage*: 170 kg/100 sq.ft. (10 mm thick plaster)

Shelf life**: 6 months

Ideal for use at 27oC – 30oC

Submit Your Inquiry For Sand Free Plaster Click Here.

How to Apply –

Fill a clean pot with potable water measuring 18% (+/- 5%) the weight of Sandfree Plaster (1 kg Sandfree Plaster : 0.18 litres water).
Now pour Sandfree Plaster into the pot. Mix and knead slowly to form a homogeneous paste. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes. Mix the green mortar again without adding more water.
Evenly apply a coat of Sandfree Plaster with a mason’s trowel or with aluminum level patty.
Apply aluminum level patty from bottom to top direction followed by left to right & right to left direction without leaving stroke marks to level the plaster.
After initial setting apply aluminium scrapping patty to achieve true level and create a rough texture for subsequent coat.
Over smaller area and in corners, apply grilled float to open out plaster surface. Remove loose particles.
After 45 min apply steel/float/muster, if necessary with little sprinkling of water to achieve perfectly leveled plaster surface.
Smooth, leveled, Sandfree Plaster wall is now ready. No curing is required.

Conclusion –

So I feel it’s time for us to think about the environment and also about the future coming generations. Don’t extinct resources yourself completely that our future generation don’t even know what the thing looked like. So take a first step towards the sustainable development, and start using Perlcon Sandfree Plaster for further construction.

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Join The Social NetworkTags: Building materials, Perlcon Block Bond, Perlcon BlockBond, Sand free Cement, sand free plaster, Sand Free Products

June 22, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope Sustainable Architecture

Energy-Conscious | Use of Eco-Friendly Glasses in a Building

by Editor June 15, 2023

written by Editor

It’s nothing new to say that, we are on the verge of wiping out our most the resources. And the most scaring one is the Energy. Inappropriate use of resources has led us to a situation where we are not only short of resources but we have created harm to the environment is a massive way. Global warming, ozone layer depletion, shortage of water electricity and much more are merely a result of human’s need and greed.

One of the industry where the most efficient use of resources can be done but due to the lack of awareness, wide wastage of resources are done – ‘Construction.’ While constructing a home or a building most the people are unaware of the fact which materials to use which are not budget-friendly but also eco-friendly and most importantly will be durable for longer period of time.

Today we are gonna talk about one such material which will not only save energy but have several other benefits too.

Eco-friendly glasses

It would be not wrong to say that almost every building utilizes glass in one or another way, still it is one of the most overlooked building construction material. There are many who remain unaware that using right type of glass can make a major difference in the energy consumption of home.

Not only one use an ‘eco-friendly’ glass while constructing their house but it is also feasible to change the glass of an existing house/apartment from regular to one that is more ‘Eco-friendly.’

With the raising awareness about use of sustainable material increasing day by day, property developers and real estate companies are also doing their bit in improving the environment for a better future. This has led to the boost of green buildings.

One of the most vital materials within the construction of a green building is glass whose specialized energy efficient and eco-friendly varieties like solar control and tinted glass are used.

Green Buildings

The development of green buildings is a step towards that direction. Green buildings are buildings which use less water, optimize energy efficiency, conserve natural resources, generate less waste and provide healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building.

They are also beneficial for the environment as most buildings use recycled and environmental friendly building materials and provide effective building management systems.

Econaur is one such platform which promotes the use of eco-friendly products and sustainable development. Econaur’s main focus is to promote the construction of more and more green buildings in the country. Also to aware people of the advantages and clear the myths about the green buildings.

Use of Glass in Architecture of Green Buildings

To achieve all of this, developers use glass as a major component during the construction. Glass is known to be an excellent green material. Glass, as a transparent material, allows sunlight into the building reducing the need for artificial lighting – which contributes to around 25 per cent of energy consumed in buildings today.

Types of glasses like solar control glasses and low-e glass can reflect heat or UV rays to maintain optimal temperature inside the building. Glass in buildings also allows daylight to make the interiors airier and more open.

From design, appearance, thermal performance and comfort, to simple aesthetics, selecting the right glass is inevitably important for constructing a green building.

Glasses such as AIS Ecosense, a low-E high performance energy efficient glass helps a green building achieve great balance between all the parameters, and blocks a high amount of solar radiation by reflecting away the infrared part of sunlight.

This helps building remain invariably cool in summers and cuts down on the energy bills and air conditioning usage. And in the winters, they ensure solar gain. So no matter what the season is, people can stay comfortable inside all the times.

Glass and Energy Saving

When used properly, glasses can reduce the total energy consumption by anywhere between 8-10 percent. Hence, the accrued benefits of using glasses keep growing over the years.

Furthermore, it is not just the recurring savings but also the reduction in capex because of the lower energy loads required for conditioning the building that further augments the versatile nature of these glasses.

Typically, the heat gained or lost through glazing in a normal building is anywhere between 40-50 percent and using the right type of glass can bring down the energy consumption by 30-40 percent. The incremental cost for high performance glazing can be recovered in a time span of 3-4 years.

Are these eco-friendly glasses expensive?

Once considered an expensive commodity, glass today is cost efficient. It is true that, to begin with, achieving Green Buildings meant shelling out something extra. This was the majorly due to limited supply of access to technology and products that help achieve such efficiency.

However, today we have product manufacturers, cutting across product lines, which have been able to develop green friendly products in India thereby making it affordable and price-competitive.

The products efficiency and pricing have come to a level where it is practically possible to recover the incremental cost within the first few months of completion and occupancy.

Impact on Environment

The biggest advantage that makes glass a major component in green buildings is the fact that it is recyclable and also does not have a huge impact on the environment itself. Glass can play a role in accomplishing greater indoor environmental quality and when used carefully, can also improve energy efficiency.

Along with tangible benefits, glass can also provide enhanced air quality, excellent daylighting and general health & well-being of the occupants. Through a global point of view, conservation of scarce national resources is also a huge advantage while its widespread acceptance and enhanced marketability for the project makes it a viable option for the industry too.

Conclusion

Little things only make the big differences. And as little as making changes to what kind of glass you are using in your home/building can make a huge difference for both you and the environment. I think it is the perfect time now that we should start thinking for nature and also for our future generations. Making changes today only can ensure a safer future tomorrow.

Tags: #energy, energy consumption, Energy Efficiency, energy saving ideas, energy saving products, energy saving tips

June 15, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope Energy Efficiency Sustainable Architecture

Tips to reduce the heat of your roof

by Editor May 30, 2023

written by Editor

Summers can be troublesome especially if your roof is not insulated. The roof and building stay exposed to the scorching heat of the Sun and get heated. This heats the room which takes longer to cool. The roof is made up of concrete which is a dense material, meaning doesn’t cool down easily. When the day begins to cool, the heat from the roof and walls radiates in the rooms. When the fan is switched on, the hot air from the roof circulates the hot air in the room.

Prepare a shade for your roof
False Ceilings

In buildings that are a work in progress, insulation can be built on the roof. Lightweight foam concrete panels are used to fill in the roof. They are also known as filler slab roofs. The advantages are – there is less consumption of concrete, the structural load is reduced, and the heat retained by the roof is under control.

Ballast Roofing Hire a roof installation service that does ballast roofing. This roofing involves a membrane to be spread over a roof deck with natural stones weighing them down in place. In this roofing system, the stones are used to hold the roof membrane in place while acting as an insulating barrier against the scorching sun. It acts like those old stone houses that stay cooler due to their thick walls. They are mostly inexpensive and can be combined with a rooftop garden to make it more effective.

Ways to Cool Your Roof

Ballasted roofing systems are roofs in which a membrane is laid on the roof deck and held in place by the weight of concrete pavers or natural stones, such as river stones. While ballasted roofing systems don’t meet current Energy Star guidelines for cool roofing options, they do meet the “cool roof” standard for Chicago, which has been one of the earliest adopters of rooftop gardens and other green roofing technologies.
While a rooftop garden isn’t technically a “cool roof,” it achieves many of the same benefits as qualified cool roof products and reduces stormwater runoff to boot.

If you’d rather enjoy the benefits of a cool roof without the addition of new surface materials or coatings, consider a roof mist cooling system. Also called an evaporative cooling system, a roof misting system lowers surface temperatures by spraying an extremely small amount of water across the roof, allowing the water to cool the roof as it evaporates.

You have begun to see a slight increase in popularity thanks in part to newer manufactured tiles containing “cool-coloured” pigments. Developed through a partnership between the California Energy Commission, national research laboratories, and roofing manufacturers, these tiles are produced in earth-toned colours including brown, green, and terra cotta, and many qualify as Energy Star materials for steep-sloped roofs. The cost of these “cool-coloured” tiles is comparable to the cost of traditional roofing tiles

Unpainted metal roofs are naturally reflective (high solar reflectance), but they tend to hold heat in (low emissivity), so they are generally a better choice for steep roofs than for flat or low-sloping roofs, which receive more sunlight throughout the course of a day. A factory-applied cool roof coating can improve the heat releasing properties of a metal roof, enough so that some coated metal roofs are able to qualify as cool roofs.

How to Beat The Summer Heat By Keeping the Roof Cool

Grow a roof Garden

One of the best ways to keep the roof cool is by growing your own rooftop garden with green grass and potted plants. The green roof shades the building from direct sunlight while the mud within the potted plants and the lawn absorbs most of the heat that hits the roof. Before going for a roof garden, make sure that the roof is properly waterproofed so as to prevent any type of water seepage through the external walls or roof slab, which may cause damage to the building.

2. Paints the terraced white

Heat gain can be considerably reduced by turning the roof into a reflective roof surface. How?

Paint the concrete floor with cool roof paints. These paints provide good thermal insulation by reflecting the sun’s rays and keeping the indoors cool. Brands such as Dr Fixit have such products on offer.
A cost-effective way to keep the roof cool throughout summer is by coating the floor with white lime wash, locally known as chuna. One drawback with using lime wash is that it gets washed away during the monsoon season, hence reapplication is required every summer.
For a more permanent solution one can install white ceramic or porcelain tiles on the roof.

3. Add shade

The roof slabs are made of concrete, which is a very dense material – it retains heat for a very long time and then transfers it to the indoors. The temperatures can be controlled by creating shade on the rooftop because shaded areas are cooler than the surroundings.
Go for high walls or trellises along the perimeter of the roof, like in the photo here; this is an interesting way to shade the roof.
Introduce design features, such as pergolas with creepers, to create shade.

4. Go for heat-resistant flooring

Go for flooring materials such as wooden deck tiles or terracotta tiles that do not absorb or transfer as much heat to the lower floors and are comfortable to walk on even during peak summers.

5. Install solar panels

Alternatively, one can cover the roof with solar panels. The solar panels comprise photovoltaic cells and block the heat from hitting the roof, as in his example. Instead, these panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.

Note that the whole roof can be covered with solar panels only in multi-storied buildings or apartment complexes where the roof is primarily used for building services.

A cool roof is one that has been designed to reflect more sunlight and consume less heat than a standard roof. Cool roofs can be made of a deeply reflective type of paint, a sheet covering, or highly reflective tiles or shingles.

Thermal Insulation Cool roofing Coating — Solar Roof

Cool roofs can be made of a highly reflective type of paint, a sheet covering, or profoundly reflective tiles or shingles. Standard or dark roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more in the summer sun. A cool roof under the same conditions could stay more than 50°F cooler and save energy and money by using less air conditioning.

Benefits of Cool Roofs

Reducing energy bills by decreasing air conditioning needs
Improving indoor comfort for spaces that are not air conditioned, such as garages or covered patios
Decreasing roof temperature, which may extend roof service life.
Reduce local air temperatures (sometimes referred to as the urban heat island effect)
Lower peak electricity demand, which can help prevent power outages
Reduce power plant emissions, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and mercury, by reducing cooling energy use in buildings.

Deciding Whether to Install a Cool Roof

If you are building a new home, you can decide during the planning phase what type of roof to install and whether it should be a cool roof. If you want to convert an existing roof into a cool roof, you have three basic options:

Retrofit the roof with a specialized heat-reflective material
Re-cover the roof with a new waterproofing surface (such as tile coating)
Replace the roof with a cool one.

Cost and Energy Savings

A cool roof does not necessarily cost more than a non-cool roof, particularly if you are installing a new roof or replacing an existing one. However, converting a standard roof that’s in good condition into a cool roof can be expensive. Major roof costs include upfront installation (materials and labour) and continuous maintenance (repair, recoating, and cleaning). Additional cool roof costs include specialized materials and labour.

Climate and Environment

Your climate is an important consideration when deciding whether to install a cool roof. Cool roofs achieve the greatest cooling savings in hot environments but can increase energy costs in colder climates due to reduced beneficial wintertime heat gains.

Moisture Control

In warm, moist areas, cool roof surfaces can be more susceptible to algae or mould growth than hot roofs. Some roof coatings include special chemicals that prevent mould or algae growth for a few years.

In cold climates, roofs can accumulate moisture through condensation, and it is possible that cool roofs might be more susceptible to accumulating moisture than dark roofs of the same design. Condensation can be avoided using proper design techniques.

May 30, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope Editor's Pick Sustainable Architecture

6 Innovative Green Building Ideas for Your Next Commercial Remodel

by Editor May 26, 2023

written by Editor

Eco-friendly construction is more than just a trend. Your business can save money and help the environment by renovating your commercial building with environmental upgrades. Green construction is a relatively new concept in commercial structures, and many business owners find the planning and implementation of these upgrades to be overwhelming.

Benefits of Green Building

There are many reasons to make your next commercial remodel environmentally friendly.

Cut energy costs: Electricity, water, and gas can be costly. Making eco-friendly upgrades to your building can help your business save money on monthly utilities. Over time, your business can save hundreds or thousands of dollars on its energy bills. For businesses seeking to get the most savings possible from their eco-friendly renovation, we recommend performing an energy audit to determine where upgrades are most needed.
Reduce consumption of non-renewable resources: Eco-friendly upgrades allow your business to cut back dramatically its use of non-renewable resources like petroleum and natural gas.
Help your community. What’s good for the earth is good for your community. By joining the ranks of businesses that have made a commitment to protecting the environment, your company will help make your community a cleaner and more desirable place.

Attract environmentally conscious customers: Many people who prioritize protection of the environment will seek out businesses that do the same. By making green improvements to your business and by advertising these improvements to the general public, your business is more likely to attract environmentally conscious customers.
Take advantage of tax credits: In some cases, businesses that invest in green building upgrades can claim tax credits. Your business’s accountant will be able to tell you more about tax credits for energy efficient improvements. Consult with your accountant to find out more information.
Put your business on the cutting edge: Environmentally friendly upgrades tend to incorporate the most recent advances in building and construction, which can put your business on the cutting edge of modern construction.

Environmentally Friendly Upgrades to Commercial Construction

Solar Panels

To get solar panels for your business, you’ll need to have a consultation with a company that can determine how many panels your building will need to satisfy your energy consumption.

Reclaimed Materials

Reclaimed or repurposed materials are materials that have already been used once and are now being used again. Reclaimed materials can come from anywhere. In Connecticut, many reclaimed materials come from old barns, sheds, and warehouses. Wood and metal are among the most common types of reclaimed materials. Even old, unused paint can be given a second life.

Some businesses intentionally seek out reclaimed materials for aesthetic value. Reclaimed wood can include certain types of hard to get species and even extinct woods that are no longer available. Often, reclaimed wood bears scars, scratches, nail holes and other imperfections, giving this type of material a rustic appearance. This decorative and aesthetically interesting material is often used in showrooms, restaurants, and rustic shops. In addition to natural beauty, reclaimed materials can also save businesses money and eliminate waste.

Skylights

Many business owners don’t think of skylights as being green, but skylights are used to allow natural light to illuminate interior spaces. Skylights save electricity that would be used to power electric lights and also create a more pleasant interior environment. In establishments like restaurants and other businesses that rely heavily upon ambience, skylights are desirable and attractive in addition to being practical.

Heated Floors

Heated floors are a good investment for a variety of reasons. Heated floors keep warmth close to the ground, which helps keep people warmer. Heated floors are an especially wise investment for establishments like spas, massage clinics, and hotels, where customers are likely to walk around barefoot.

Heated floors also save money by heating only the space they intended to be heated rather than heating the entire interior space in order to keep customers comfortable.

Water Reduction

Water systems like rainwater barrels, tankless water heaters and other appliances can help your business save water. For businesses that use water to conduct business, a water collection system like a rain barrel can reduce the amount of water that the business draws from nearby water supplies.

Green Windows

Old windows that no longer fit properly in their frames can be a major source of heat loss during the winter. In the summer, old windows can contribute to the warming of interior spaces. Both of these problems force your business’s HVAC system to run extra hard just to keep your commercial space comfortable for your employees and customers.

Green windows represent a significant upfront cost. In some cases, businesses choose to save money by installing a Low-E coating over their existing windows. A Low-E coating can prevent the exchange of heat through the glass. In other cases, businesses choose to replace their existing windows with brand new windows. Costs for window replacement can be recouped over time by saving money on utilities. In addition to lower heating and cooling costs, green windows reduce pressure on the building HVAC system, thus reducing HVAC maintenance costs.

Radiant systems for commercial projects

As far as green building innovations go, radiant solutions have long been popular in Europe, even as they continue to gain steam in the US. Barcol-Air itself has been a large part of the excitement. But some have asked: Can radiant systems be used in a commercial building as the sole sensible heating and cooling system?

Six Fundamental Principles of Sustainable Building Design

1. Optimize Site Potential

Whether designing a new building or retrofitting an existing building, site design must combine with sustainable design to achieve a successful project and begins with the proper site selection, including the actual building’s rehabilitation. The location, orientation, and landscaping of a building all affect local ecosystems, transportation methods, and energy use.

2. Optimize Energy Use

Improving the energy performance of existing buildings is important to increasing our energy liberation. Operating net-zero energy buildings is one way to significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuel-derived energy.

3. Protect and Conserve Water

A sustainable building design and construction is one that uses Water efficiently to minimize the impact that influences freshwater stock. Additionally, sustainable construction and building design should encourage the practice of recycling water on certain on-site projects when possible.

4. Optimize Building Space and Material Use

As the world population continues to grow; the use of natural resources (and the demands for them) continues to increase. A sustainable building is designed and operated to use and reuse materials in the most productive and sustainable way over the entire life cycle.

Utilizing sustainable materials can also help to minimize environmental impacts such as global warming, resource depletion, and toxicity. According to wbdg.org, “environmentally preferable materials reduce impacts on human health and the environment, and contribute to improved worker safety and health, reduced liabilities, and reduced disposal costs.”

5. Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building has a significant impact on occupant health, comfort, and productivity. Among other attributes, a sustainable building maximizes daylighting, has appropriate ventilation and moisture control, optimizes acoustic performance, and avoids the use of materials with high-VOC emissions.

6. Optimize Operational and Maintenance Practices

Building owners face unique challenges to meet increasing demands for new or renovated sustainable building designs that are balanced with safe, secure, and productive environments.

Through collaboration, engineers, architects, and other site contractors can specify materials and systems that simplify operational practices and reduce maintenance requirements. On-site and within the facility, these systems not only aim to reduce water and power requirements, and require less toxic chemicals use, but are also cost-effective and reduce life-cycle costs.

Green buildings, as many knows, have a less negative impact on the environment than standard buildings. Their construction minimizes on-site grading, saves natural resources by using alternative building materials, and recycles construction waste rather than sending truck after truck to landfills. A majority of a green building’s interior spaces have natural lighting and outdoor views, while highly efficient HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) systems and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) elements like paint, flooring, and furniture create a superior indoor air quality.

Sustainable Building Design — Green Building

Sustainable Wall Systems

When constructing a new green project, the interior walls and infrastructure should include sustainable materials. You can choose metal wall systems that meet LEED standards, ensuring quality and sustainable materials. Using recycled materials, metal panels that go into walls could have a lower impact on your carbon footprint compared to using traditional lumber materials.

Furthermore, a quality wall system has better insulation, moisture management and cooling properties than traditional walls. These factors will add to the sustainability of the building in the long term as well.

May 26, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope

Understand various types of mortar used in Buildings !

by Editor May 21, 2023

written by Editor

Mortar in construction occupies an important place as it is the most essential product for binding the stones and bricks of a building. There are various types of mortars available which are mainly segregated based on their binding strength, applications, bulk density, and binding materials. Some mortars are used for special purposes like providing fire- resistance, packing oil wells, reducing noise, protecting against the harmful effects of X-rays and resistance against a chemical attack.

It requires proper skill and knowledge of mortars to select the right one for any construction project. You must be aware of the structural design requirements before finalizing the type of mortar in construction. Inputs from different stakeholders in a construction project must be considered along with the effects of weather to select the correct and appropriate type of motor.

Types of Mortar In Construction

ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, is an organization that mentions certain specifications and standards for materials to ensure durability and security. The ASTM C 270 divides mortar in construction into four different types based on their binding capacity, Type M Mortar, Type S Mortar, Type N Mortar, and Type O Mortar. Let’s know a little more details about them:

1. Type M Mortar

It possesses the greatest binding strength among all. The minimum compressive strength of Type M Mortar is 2500 psi. Its strength is almost equivalent to stone, hence recommended to be used in external places like driveways, retaining walls, springs and fountain areas, walls capable to bear a heavy load. It is not preferable to use Type M Mortar is areas that are exposed since it lacks in providing proper adhesion or sealing capabilities.

2. Type S Mortar

The binding strength of this type of mortar is medium. The minimum compressive strength of Type S Mortar is 1800 psi. It is recommended to be used for below-grade projects like in sewerage systems, pavements, pathways, exterior walls. It is capable to tolerate to bear pressures from an earthquake or similar vibrations due to pressure from soil or wind.

3. Type N Mortar

The binding strength of type n mortar is also medium. But its minimum compressive strength is lesser than of Type S Mortar, its 750 psi. It consists of a mixture of sand, lime and Portland cement in the proportions of 3, 1 and 1 respectively. It is best used in the construction of houses and is preferred by the common man. Type N mortar is also preferred in the construction of buildings or sculptures which use soft stone.

4. Type O Mortar

The binding strength of this mortar is low. The minimum compressive strength of Type O mortar is 350 psi. It is mostly used in interiors which has a low load-bearing capacity. Generally, this type of mortar is not used in exterior constructions and places where there are high wind pressures. Since it can be applied very easily it is perfect to be used for repairing any joints or any other repair work in an already established structure.

There is another type of mortar, Type K. It is seldom used in any buildings due to its low compressive strength, which is only 75 psi. Type K Mortar may be utilized for any building restoration work.

In addition to the standards and specifications mentioned by ASTM, mortars can also be subdivided based on the binding material. The categories can be :

Cement Mortar which is water-resistant and strong
Lime Mortar, used in areas which are subject to water clogging or dampness
Gypsum Mortar, generally to be avoided in damp areas
Gauged Mortar, similar to the lime mortar with more durability and strength due to the addition of cement to lime
Burnt clay Mortar, which is strong and available at a low cost
Mud Mortar, used as a substitute for lime mortar or cement mortar

The requirements of mortars for brickwork and that of any building with architectural significance are different. The second one should have the capability to withstand the resistance and pressure from various natural phenomena like rain, storms.

Certain structures necessitate a special purpose and demands preparing the mortar to satisfy the unique needs of the construction. For example resistance from fire, oil wells, soundproof, shielding X-rays and resistance from chemicals. The mortar constituents must be mixed in adequate proportions to meet the above specifications.

Guidelines for Selecting the Appropriate Mortar

The important and essential criteria for selecting the correct type of mortar is to first understand the two questions:

“Do your construction project demand high or low compressive and binding strength?”

“Is the mortar capable to protect the underlying brick or stone layer?”

It is compulsory to consult an engineer and be aware of the structural needs of your construction. Based on the specifications or requirements, the right proportion of the ingredients is mixed to derive the desired strength of the mortar. The key elements which are combined are lime, cement, and sand. The ratio in which they are fused determines their binding strength, enduring power, and flexibility. The compressive strength of the mortar must be robust enough to bear the structure. But the strength should be comparatively less than that of the surrounding brick or stone units.

The construction projects generally opt for two different methods to finalize the mix of the constituents required for preparing the exact type of mortar. One method is to experiment in a laboratory and test the performance of the mortar before applying it finally in the structures. The important factors which are considered in the experiment are the mix ratio of the elements and the percentage of water and air in the mortar. The second method is to directly mix the elements in appropriate ratios, after proper analysis and study, instead of experimenting.

Tips:

For new constructions selecting the mortar is quite straightforward since the manufacturer ideally specifies the type of mortar to be used. The difficult part is choosing the mortar while restoring old or historical buildings or for any repair work. Proper attention and analysis are required for selecting the appropriate type of mortar.

Why Say ‘No’ To Wet Mortar

Presently the construction industry is plagued with numerous challenges; out of that pool, the most alarming one is the shortage of natural resources like water and sand. Bearing in mind the rapidly increasing volume of construction in the urban areas, saving water in the pre-construction stages can provide huge relief to the city’s water crisis.

Submit your query for Sand free materials here.

May 21, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope Product Reviews

Perlcons BlockBond – An Revolutionary Product that replaces the use of Sand in Construction

by Editor May 17, 2023

written by Editor

Product Description

AAC/CLC blocks are lightweight, evenly finished and provide insulation. They have lower compressive strength and absorb much less water in comparison to bricks/CC blocks and are a boon for quick construction.

Blockbond – The Newest Aid In Construction

Construction – a term with which everyone is aware. Thousands of new buildings are getting constructed every day. But with everything around us moving so fast, don’t you feel our construction ways and materials used are still quite old for the new world.

For the construction of normal buildings, the basic materials which are required are cement, dry sand, concrete, bricks and blocks and much more.

But what if there is a way that doesn’t require sand for construction.

Blockbond –

Nowadays, AAC/CLC blocks are used for construction as they are lightweight, evenly finished provides better insulation. Also, they are much stronger & use less water than the CC/Blocks which were previously used.

However, such great properties of these new blocks are nullified when they are mixed with the old method of preparing mortar i.e. mixing dry sand and cement. Due to their mismatching properties, thicker joints are formed and a huge possibility of cracks in walls also arises.

What if there is a way to maximize the use of AAC/CLC blocks.

Use Perlcon Blockbond, lightweight mortar, which is not only lightweight but also provides high strength and low probability of cracks.

It is a sand-free plaster which is a premixed material supplied in bags. It can be applied directly by just mixing it with water.

Benefits of using Blockbond –

As it is sand free, it reduces the dead load on the building.
It is anti-fungus
Saves time and cost
Lasts long
It is self-curing reduces water consumption by minimizing ill-effects of hard water.
Crack free
Dust free and clean
Lightweight
Efflorescence free
Smart construction which reduces manpower

As per the survey “constructing a 12-floor building with this material would save 1,100 metric tonnes of sand, 6,000 kilolitres of water, 7,500 kilowatt of electricity and 15,000 kilowatt by way of energy conservation due to insulation in plasters, besides huge savings in time and labour costs”.

Product Technical Specifications –

Initial setting time: 90 – 120 mins

Final setting time: 200 – 260 mins

Pot life: 3 hrs

Coating thickness: 10 – 18 mm

Coverage*: 125 kg/100 sq.ft. (10 mm thick plaster)

Shelf life**: 6 months

Ideal for use at 27^oC – 30^oC

Coverage	25 kg/cum (for AAC blocks of size 600 x 200 x 200 mm)
Shelf Life	6 months
Pot Life Of Mix	3 hrs
Dry density	1050 kg/cum
Initial setting time	250 mins
Final setting time	400 mins
Ideal for use at	30 degree Celsius

Product Techincal Specification

Submit Your Enquiry For Perlcon BlockBond Click Here.

How to apply –

Fill a clean pot with potable water measuring 18% (+/- 5%) the weight of Sand free Plaster (1 kg Sand free Plaster: 0.18 litres water).

Now pour Sand free Plaster into the pot. Mix and knead slowly to form a homogeneous paste. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes. Mix the green mortar again without adding more water

Evenly apply a coat of Sand free Plaster with a mason’s trowel or with the aluminium level patty.

Apply aluminium level patty from bottom to top direction followed by a left to right & right to the left direction without leaving stroke marks to level the plaster.

After the initial setting applies an aluminium scrapping patty to achieve the true level and create a rough texture for a subsequent coat.

Over a smaller area and in corners, apply a grilled float to open out the plaster surface. Remove loose particles.

After 45 min apply steel/float/muster, if necessary with a little sprinkling of water to achieve a perfectly levelled plaster surface.

Smooth, levelled, Sand free Plaster wall is now ready. No curing is required.

Conclusion –

So undoubtedly, this is the new way of constructing your new home which is not only cost-efficient but also environment-friendly. Hence, it is a high recommendation to go for it and enjoy a better home.

Tages: Sustainable Buliding Materials, insulation, Curing free Surface, Light Weight.

May 17, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope Interior & Flooring

Choosing the right sustainable door for our homes !

by Editor March 5, 2023

written by Editor

Sustainable Door Most of us think all doors are created equal, but this is one completely wrong notion as they are definitely not. When you start planning the interiors of your new home, you will discover that there are so many types of doors to pick from. When in the process of selecting, the first thing that comes to mind is the material i.e. do you want a glass door or a wood door? then comes the style; do you wish to go paneled, French, or maybe Dutch. While the choices are endless and baffling, there are few common designs that you can consider. Here we break down the 7 common types of doors for your home.

Types Of Doors – 7 Common Designs

Below listed are 7 types of doors based on their materials:

1. Wooden or Timber Doors

This is a go-to door. Wood or timber as a material are the pillars for door/window construction. Regional accessibility of the product and the ease with which it can be used by the regional carpenters are the primary benefits of using this material. These days wood is readily available in the market in an assortment of ranges. You would need to choose it based upon the demand for your property and your plan for total spending. They can be utilized for all places in the home, they are best positioned for outside places.

2. Metal Doors

For years, steel or other such metal materials are used in building and construction as strength and sturdiness can be banked upon them. This material is a very strong alternative for outside and interior doors alike. Metal doors can be both solid or hollow and are a great alternative to wood. These can likewise be made in high quality in cold rolled moderate steel, accuracy crafted. They are long enduring and demand minimum upkeep.

3. Glass Doors

Glass doors normally comprise of panels of glass fixed into a wooden frame. Ideally, glass doors cannot be used in the main entrance due to privacy considerations. They can be used in common areas or for the back of the house where views will be most apparent. One area where glass doors absolutely excel is with the amount of Natural light they let in; but again, these are very hard to maintain and more expensive than other types of doors.

4. PVC Doors

Poly Vinyl Chloride is a plastic material very commonly used for making products like pipes, water tanks, fittings, etc. Currently, PVC is extensively being used in the manufacturing of doors. Today a large variety of PVC doors are available in the market, all of which come in diverse colors and designs. The biggest advantage of using these doors is that they are extremely light in weight, termite-proof, moisture resistant, and anti-corrosive. Also, they can be easily installed and fabricated.

5. Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass is a glass which is drawn into fibrous form and woven into cloth. It is strong, light and non-flammable and has high tensile strength. Fiberglass doors are doors with insanely low upkeep. These are super durable, have high insulation, and are tough to dents. Also, fiberglass doors can be installed with wood panels, can be stained or painted. Above all, they are great options for interiors and exteriors.

6. Aluminum Glazed Doors

Aluminum has been one of the most common materials used in the construction world. A huge number of items like doors, windows, partitions, drape walls and much more… aluminum is one metal that has been put to a large number of uses due to its lightweight. Aluminum frames for doors have the unique benefit of enduring tough ecological conditions. These frames are not impacted by termites and last for ages.

7. Bamboo-Jute Composite Doors

With a maturity cycle of 3-4 years, bamboo is one of the fastest renewable plants and a great natural resource when compared to other forest hardwoods. This material is a good substitute for wood as it offers great potential for processing it into composites. Laminates made of Bamboo can replace timber in many applications including doors, windows, and their frames, etc. Jute-coir is another great alternative for wood which can be effectively utilized in the manufacturing of doors. Bamboo-jute composite doors have the lead of being water-resistant, corrosion-resistant, termite resistant, eco-friendly, bio-degradable and cost-effective.

Go Sustainable With Doors

While designing the perfect ‘Green Home’ or transforming the one you already own – one thing you would need to focus on is the doors. Green doors play a huge role in the home design as they automatically increase the energy efficiency of a home.

One great thing about opting for the environmentally-conscious movement is that unlike earlier, today there are many different options being developed for those interested in sustainable green materials.

source – Gosmartbricks

March 5, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope Editor's Pick Energy Efficiency Organic Solutions Sustainable Architecture Sustainable News

What a 10th Century Mud Building’s Strength Can Teach Modern Sustainable Architecture

by Editor December 20, 2022

written by Editor

From the extreme Himalayan weather, unpredictable climate changes to natural disasters like earthquakes, the Tabo Monastery has weathered several storms, teaching the world a valuable lesson on sustainability.

There are a number of ways one can adopt a sustainable lifestyle. From food, choice of products to the choice of house, the motivation to embrace out-of-the-box sustainable ideas and designs seems to be a newfound trend in the modern world.

However, this isn’t such a new development as we might credit it to be, especially in terms of sustainable architecture and design. This involves going back to the roots to learn and use ancient building techniques and materials married with innovative technologies.

One such example is the rekindled love for earthen buildings made out of a natural building material called cob. Cob is a careful blend of raw earth, water and fibrous materials like straw and has been enjoying global prominence for centuries. Be it the shores of the Nile river in Egypt, the Andes Mountains in Peru or the peak of Tibet, the use of raw earth to build public and private structures has been a practice for thousands of years. It continues to be so even in the modern world with over 1.7 billion people across the globe living in earthen homes. But its integration in urban infrastructure and planning is something we ought to explore in a large way.

The use of raw earth, one of the oldest and most popular construction materials, is also referenced by anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss in 1964, whereby he highlights the dual dependency of civilisations on raw or baked earth for development in any sector, from food, medicine to even architecture. In this regard, it is the use of a concoction of raw earth with other materials left to dry and harden under the sun, that has sustained the test of time.

This is because of many advantages of cob houses – one being that it is energy efficient. Walls built with cob are known to have good thermal mass and when that is combined with thatched straw roofs or terracotta tiles, it makes for a well-insulated interior even in the coldest environment.

A living proof of its wonders is the famous Tabo mud monastery in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Built in 996 CE, by the Tibetan Buddhist translator Rinchen Zangpo, as per the orders of the king of Yeshe-Ö, the head of the west Himalayan kingdom of Guge, this monastery is the oldest standing cob structure in India. The use of the raw earth concoction as a construction material is predominantly used in the region, even to build the flat-roofed traditional houses.

Located in the Tabo village, it is the oldest operating Buddhist structure in the Himalayas and is commonly known as ‘the Ajanta of the Himalayas’ – owing to its impressive and priceless collection of frescos and thankas (scroll paintings) adorning it’s walls.

Steeped in mythology and spirituality, these remarkable colourful walls however bear within themselves, centuries worth of strength, allowing them to ram through the extreme Himalayan weather, especially during the winters and earthquakes. It was only in 1975, that the monastery’s structure, after having survived several natural disasters due to its structural strength, eventually faced a major threat because of an earthquake. Although the earthquake managed to harm the structure considerably, its superior building quality allowed it to sustain its ground until a reconstruction project was initiated in 1983 with the 14th Dalai Lama at the helm.

Although now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a national historic treasure of the country, the monastery continues to sustain preservation threats, especially with regard to the art adorning its interior that has immense historical significance. The cob walls for ages have conserved and preserved the beauty it cradled within, however the challenges it faces today are more grave than before. Climate change being a constant reason of concern, untimely and increased rainfall in the arid regions of Spiti have contributed to the damage of many of its murals and valuable architecture.

In this regard, it is important to take cognisance of the statement by the UN World Commission on Environment and Development that encourages sustainable building solutions that meet the needs of the present without compromising on the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, especially in terms of usage of natural resources. It is time for innovative sustainable techniques that compliment ancient earthen structures like this while improving its overall strength and durability.

December 20, 2022 0 comment

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