CII IGBC, India’s premier body for green building certification and related services, inaugurated their first UP Sustainability Conclave 2024 in Lucknow. The Conclave, held at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) office in Lucknow, focused on how India is increasingly adopting green technologies and thereby contributing to environmental conservation, fostering economic growth, and providing a better quality of life for its residents.
The inaugural session was graced by Mr Amit Srivastava Co-Chairman, IGBC Uttar Pradesh Chapter; Mr Sachin Sharma, Chairman, IGBC Western Uttar Pradesh Chapter; Mr Ashish Rakheja, Chairman, IGBC Technical Committee & Managing Partner, AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP. Mr Sanjeev Bhardwaj, Engineer-in-chief – Design & Planning Public Works Department, Government of UP, Mr Sachinder (Sachin) Mohan Sharma DRM Lucknow India Railway, Mr SHARAD CHANDAK, Chief General Manager State Bank of India Lucknow Circle, along with other key stakeholder of Built Environment and the Building sector.
The Conclave also saw some lively discussion on “Transitioning Buildings & Built Environment towards Net Zero,” which focused on how the built environment account for a significant portion of global carbon emissions and as a result the urgency for immediate action toward a net-zero transition cannot be overstated. The buildings and construction sector is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a staggering 37% of global emissions. The production and use of materials such as cement, steel, and aluminum have a significant carbon footprint.
Historically, much of the sector’s progress has centered around reducing the “operational” carbon emissions of buildings – those emissions stemming from heating, cooling, and lighting. Projections suggest that these operational emissions will decrease from 75% to 50% of the sector’s total emissions in the coming decades.
In another discussion on “Emerging Green Technology and its impact on Construction and Infrastructure Development,” the discussion centered on how the rapid emergence of green technologies is revolutionizing the design, construction, and operation of buildings.
The conference pinpoints three overarching strategies which need to be implemented together to decarbonize building materials:
- Avoid unnecessary extraction and production.
- Shift to regenerative materials.
- Improve decarbonization of conventional materials.
How does LuminX help to achieve the above?
- Lowering costs and energy savings:
Costs are one of the major benefits of cool roofs. Cool roofing is known to be very affordable overall, with energy savings ranging from 7-15% of total costs. With LuminX, the cost of application is low. Payback periods can be as low as 5 years.The thermal load on air conditioning systems can be greatly reduced through the use of cool roofing solutions. This would in turn lead to lower energy consumption, reducing demand for electricity.
2. Thermal comfort :
During oppressive summer months, internal building temperatures are much lower than those in buildings that use traditional roofs. LuminX has evidently reduced temperatures as much as 20 degrees during peak summers in variety of installations.
3. Reduced maintenance costs and longevity :
Sustainability encapsulates long term viability and reduce cost of construction, both of which are to be met through cool roof installation. LuminX requires little to no maintenance. Its unique nano polymer technology is highly hydrophobic thereby providing water proofing, extending roof life.
4. Reduced Air pollutant emissions:
With the application of cool roof paints, air conditioning units will be used less frequently. The subsequent decrease in energy demand will reduce burning of fossil fuels,harmful emissions ( including NOx) and green house gases. Reduced emissions and improved air quality goes hand-in-hand.
5. Utility rebates:
There are multiple incentives for sustainable efforts and may pertain solely to cool roofing strategies. In India, it’s provided by Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) council.
6. Inclusivity :
One of important cornerstones of sustainable development. LuminX aims to provide cooling for all, especially the lower income groups who are among the most affected. Thus, the company has partnered with various civil societies and non governmental organisations to reach the last mile in delivering cooling solutions.
At its core,LuminX is guided by the philosophy of People,Planet and Prosperity—achieving one at the expense of the other can never bring sustainable development.
