=================================== Fortnightly News Bulletin (April 2, 2013) ===================================
What do we mean by the term 'green building'? Our urban spaces are going ballistic as far as construction is concerned, and a myriad variety of methods, materials and styles are being bandied around as green. How green, really, is a green building, asks Sunita Narain in her editorial in the magazine, This fortnight, we also bring you a Good Living special, on Down To Earth web -- a info-package on environment-friendly construction and all that goes with it. Take a peek at http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/green-buildings. There's more, of course. On its cover, Down To Earth digs into the prospects and challenges of India's new green revolution -- that of vegetables. Special reports touch upon subjects as varied as the Kharai camel breed of Gujarat, extreme weather events in 2012 and the economic mayhem they led to, and the travails of clinical trial participants. Scroll down to see what else we are up to... ==================================================================== To subscribe to this newsletter, or any of our other newsletters, please click on http://cseindia.my2.in/cseindia/?p=subscribe To unsubscribe from this newsletter, just click http://www.cseindia.org/content/please-enter-your-email-id-unsubscribe-cse-newsletter If you have any questions or concerns about newsletter subscription, please contact Vikas Khanna at vi...@cseindia.org ==================================== EDITORIAL: A green facade by Sunita Narain ==================================== Building green is definitely important. But equally important is to know how green is a green building. Take the glitzy, glass-enveloped buildings popping up across the country. It does not matter if you are in the mild but wet and windy climate of Bengaluru or in the extreme hot and dry climate of Gurgaon, glass is the in-thing. I have always wondered how buildings extensively using glass could work in such varied climatic zones, where one needs ventilation. Then, I started reading that glass was green. Buildings liberally using glass were being certified green. How come? Here the story becomes interesting. The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) has specified prescriptive parameters for constructing an energy-efficient building envelope—the exterior façade of a building. The façade, based on the insulation abilities of the material used for roof and wall construction, will reduce heat loss. It will also reduce energy use if it allows daylight in. It is, therefore, important for any green building to have the right material for its exterior. But this is not all that ECBC specifies. It goes on to set a wallwindow ratio and fixes the area of the building envelope that can be covered with glass at 60 per cent. This implies that a building can be green and energy-efficient if it is covered by glass. The code then goes on to define the insulation and energy-efficiency specifications of glass that should be used. In this way, double-glazed or triple-glazed glass, which is solar reflective, is preferred as it provides superior thermal erformance. In other words, glass built on certain superior and high specifications can reduce the heat gain of a building. ECBC, thus, endorses the extensive use of glass and promotes high-performance and expensive glass, which is manufactured by a few high-end companies. Small wonder glass manufacturers are making hay in this sunshine. Saint-Gobain Glass incidentally (or not) is also the founding member of the Indian Green Building Council, promoted by industry association CII. The green code is built for their business to thrive. This would still have been acceptable had this prescription worked. But first, builders cut corners in the use of expensive reflective material. Glass traps heat, therefore, buildings require more air-conditioning. Energy requirement goes up. Secondly, even when double- or triple-glazed glass is used there is evidence that in India’s extremely hot climate it does not work so well. A recent study by IIT-Delhi in Jodhpur, Delhi and Chennai found that energy use increased with increase in glazed area, irrespective of the glass type used in the building. The conclusion was that the glass curtain wall made of expensive reflective glass did nothing to cut energy costs as compared to ordinary glass. We also forget that natural light in India is a glare, unlike in parts of the western world where glass is used to reduce energy use for lighting. So, even if theoretically the use of glass optimises daylight use, it remains a function of how much is used, where and how. For instance, the use of glass—of whatever glazing—in the south and west facades of a building will be bad in terms of thermal transfer. Then, even if you use glazed or tinted glass, where 50 per cent of solar heat gets reflected off the surface, 65 per cent of the visible light is transmitted into the building. Heat transfer may be reduced but the harsh light filters through. Buildings then need blinds to cut glare, again adding to the use of artificial light and consequently raising energy cost. What would work better is building protection against direct glare. Go back to the old fashioned methods of providing shades on windows. And do not build tight and sealed buildings, which do not optimise use of natural ventilation and breeze to reduce air-conditioning needs in certain periods of the year. In fact, glass necessitates air-conditioning, and buildings become energy guzzlers. The irony is that these buildings still qualify for a green tag when the air-conditioning system used in glass-cased constructions is more efficient. Build badly and then sugarcoat it, is the principle. Clearly, we need more appropriate and inventive architecture. What is worse, these codes are being pushed through government and municipal schemes without any evidence that green-certified buildings are actually working. Noida awards a 5 per cent extra floor area for green-certified buildings; MoEF provides fast-track clearance to such buildings. But the two main certificates—LEED and GRIHA, by IGBC and TERI respectively—do not disclose data on the performance of the green buildings after they have been commissioned. So, even though rating agencies say that green-certified buildings save between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of the energy and reduce water consumption by 20-30 per cent, they do not have corroborating data to verify the claim. In this way we make sure that green is not so green. But it is definitely good for business, if not for the planet. To post your comments on this editorial online, please visit http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/green-facade ========================= MORE FROM DOWN TO EARTH ========================= Cover story: Veggies delight In a couple of years India has become the second largest producer of vegetables, this is a green revolution the government did not sponsor. DTE analyses the prospects and challenges. http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/veggies-delight Special Report: Half-baked mega project Power-starved Andhra Pradesh’s big lift irrigation schemes hinge on availability of electricity http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/half-baked-mega-project Special Report: The sinking ship A camel breed that can swim struggles for survival as its food source dwindles http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/sinking-ship Special Report: Inheritance of loss Economic losses due to extreme weather events reach record high while nations spar over liability http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/inheritance-loss-0 Special Report: Trial and error Recent notifications offer no security to clinical trial participants http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/trial-and-error Special Report: Hopes in Bloom Sikkim’s tryst with floriculture marks a new beginning for small growers, but poor market access and a flush of imported breeds may mar its sustainability http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/hopes-bloom Classroom: The light bulb moment Citing energy efficiency and durability, industry has put LED lights on a pedestal. But is it really time to bid adieu to CFL and the humble tubelight? http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/light-bulb-moment Crosscurrents: A violent forest Reconciling conservation and livelihoods in Sundarban mangroves http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/violent-forest Crosscurrents: Before the last trumpet Captive elephants of Kerala suffer because there is no proper policy for their management and welfare http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/last-trumpet Science and Technology: Salt assault Excessive salt use may trigger autoimmune diseases http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/salt-assault Science and Technology: Killing you sweetly High sugar intake is the primary cause of diabetes epidemic http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/killing-you-sweetly Science and Technology: Sweaty cure Secretion from sweat glands is a natural antibiotic http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/sweaty-cure Science and Technology: Green monster nailed Phosphorus can kill deadly bacterium that hits citrus plants http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/green-monster-nailed News: No two-finger test for rape Health ministry does away with the controversial test; medicos demand use of rape kit http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/no-two-finger-test-rape News: Governors in the dock They turn a blind eye to laws overriding tribal rights, complains national commission http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/governors-dock News: Is coal mineral or bioresource? Biodiversity board in Madhya Pradesh challenges coal companies http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/coal-mineral-or-bioresource Patently Absurd: The Microsoft way Wherein an Indian firm using pirated Microsoft software here is sued in the US by California state for using unfair trade advantage http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/microsoft-way - Down to Earth on your iPad: For more information and ordering please visit us at: http://www.magzter.com/IN/Society-for-Environmental-Comm/Down-To-Earth/Technology/ - Down to Earth on Google+: Please "+1" at: https://plus.google.com/106293307783638713083 - Down to Earth on Facebook and Twitter: Do follow us, share, comment, and discuss and stay in constant touch with our reporters on: www.facebook.com/down2earthindia and twitter@downtoearthindia. =============================================== Web DTE =============================================== - Interview: What ails Pakistan’s polio eradication drive In conversation with rotarians S Shahab Balkhi and Mohammad Hanif Khilji, part of the Pakistani team visiting India on what impedes the country’s polio eradication mission http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/what-ails-pakistan-s-polio-eradication-drive - Blog: Beyond a Flailing State http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/beyond-flailing-state - Reporter's Diary: Roadmap for an effective environmental regime Nivit Kumar Yadav reports on how different countries are tackling environmental pollution and the lessons in it for India http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/roadmap-effective-environmental-regime =========================== On India Environment Portal =========================== - Get weekly update from India Environment Portal Subscribe to weekly newsletter from the India Environment Portal for an update on environment and development from the region every week. http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/newsletter/india - Editor's Pick Check out Editor's Pick for a selection of top stories on environment http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/editors-pick - Browse and research in your language India Environment Portal is now available in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Urdu and several other languages too. Select the language of your choice, browse and research. - India Environment Portal is on Facebook and Twitter. Do follow, share, comment, and discuss at http://www.facebook.com/pages/indiaenvironmentportal/228015872817 and https://twitter.com/indiaenvportal For more details or any assistance, contact Kiran Pandey at ki...@cseindia.org, kiran...@gmail.com ============================================= LEARNING WITH CSE Courses offered by Anil Agarwal Green College ============================================= Orientation Programme on Managing Urban Air Quality: Focus on Clean Vehicle Technology and Fuels Date: March 19-21, 2013 Course module: - Pollution challenge of urbanisation - Understanding air quality, trends and monitoring in Indian cities - Why vehicles are a special challenge? - Meeting national ambient air quality standards - Vehicle technology and clean fuel roadmap - Gaseous fuel programmes – emissions and safety management - Challenges of in-use vehicles and transit traffic - Vehicle inspection system in India and ways to improve it - Mobility management Course contact: Priyanka Chandola Ph: 91-11-2995 5124 / 6110; Fax: 91-11-2995 5879 Mobile: 9810414938 email: priya...@cseindia.org For more details, please visit http://www.cseindia.org/content/orientation-programme-managing-urban-air-quality-focus-clean-vehicle-technology-and-fuels-1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C4C: Capacity for Change Date: April 15-20, 2013 Last date of application: April 8, 2013 C4C, or Capacity for Change, is a programme that wishes to enhance the talent and competence of civil society practitioners across South Asia. Course module: - Communication & Advocacy: Is the pen really mightier - Environmental Advocacy & Campaigns: Case studies - Law & Environment: Legal tools & strategies - Tools for activists: How online & offline media tools work - Field Visit - Assignment: Developing an effective campaign strategy Course contact: Sharmila Sinha Deputy Prog Manager Education & Training Centre for Science and Environment 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110062 Email: sharm...@cseindia.org; cseindiasharm...@gmail.com Office Tel: +91 (011) 29955124 +91 (011) 29955124 / 125 / Fax: +91 (011) 29955879 or visit http://cseindia.org/content/c4c-capacity-change-april-15-20-2013 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CSE’s short-term EIA training programme: Understanding EIA: From screening to decision making Date: April 22-26, 2013 Last date for application: April 15, 2013 Course module: - Exposure to all aspects of EIA, from its theory to the practical - Better understanding of the EIA process – from screening, scoping, data collection to impact assessment as well as the role of public consultation - Better understanding of the environmental and social impacts of the industrial and developmental projects - Better ability to review EIA reports and identify its strengths and weaknesses - Increased ability to play active role in post-EIA monitoring. Course contact: Swati Singh Sambyal, Industry & Environment Unit Industry & Environment Unit, Centre for Science and Environment Tel: + 91-11-29955124/ 6110, Extension: 281, Fax: + 91-11-29955879 Mob. No.: +91 9910496283 E-mail: sw...@cseindia.org or visit http://cseindia.org/content/cse%E2%80%99s-short-term-eia-training-programme-understanding-eia-screening-decision-making ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Training programme on urban and industrial wastewater treatment: Challenges, options and solutions Date: May 6-10, 2013 Last date for application: April 30, 2013 Course module: - Issues and challenges of urban and industrial wastewater treatment, conservation/ efficiency including reuse and recycle. - Wastewater treatment technologies including advanced treatment options - Decentralized approaches in treating urban wastewater (existing and emerging) - Planning, designing, monitoring and inspection of wastewater treatment systems - Proficiency on water and wastewater accounting - Sector specific exposure on wastewater treatment and management such as construction and industrial projects (distillery, tannery, textile, refinery, power plant etc). - Concept of zero discharge with case studies - Issues and challenges with Common Effluent Treatment Plants and way ahead - State of art practices for wastewater management - Law, policy options and standards for wastewater treatment - Hands on experience in wastewater sampling and analysis Course contact: Swati Singh Sambyal Research Associate – EIA Unit Email: sw...@cseindia.org Mobile: 9910496283 ================================== UPDATES FROM OUR PROGRAMME UNITS ================================== 16th CSE Media Fellowships: Off-grid Renewable Energy April-May 2013 CSE's Media Fellowship Programme invites journalists from India writing/reporting in any language to apply for its 16th Media Fellowships to address, analyse and report on the issue of off-grid renewable energy. For details, please get in touch with Sheeba Madan at she...@cseindia.org/08860659190 or visit http://www.cseindia.org/content/16th-cse-media-fellowships-announcement-grid-renewable-energy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Understanding environmental issues for better reportage A media briefing for regional/rural/local journalists April 8-9, 2013 Leh, Ladakh CSE and the The Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO) are jointly organising a workshop on environment and its reportage. The workshop is open to journalists working on local environmental issues in Ladakh. For details, please contact Papia Samajdar (pa...@cseindia.org / 09811906977) or visit http://cseindia.org/content/understanding-environmental-issues-better-reportage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- State level workshop on 'Mainstreaming Rainwater Harvesting' April 29-10, 2013 Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh CSE is organising a state level workshop on 'Mainstreaming Rainwater Harvesting' in Lucknow. The workshop is a part of various activities under Key Resource Centre (KRC) supported by Ministry of Drinking Water, Government of India, and will be open to PHED engineers, PRI representatives, practitioners, NGOs, researchers, academicians and media. CSE will also invite abstracts (for paper and/or poster presentations) from the stakeholders. Last date for sending in abstracts is April 10, 2013. The acceptance of the abstracts will be intimated within seven days after their receipt. The abstracts can be in Hindi or English (not more than 200 words). For details, please visit: http://www.cseindia.org/content/state-level-workshop-%E2%80%98mainstreaming-rainwater-harvesting%E2%80%99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Green Clearance Watch CSE has launched a website which is a public information system that tracks all environment clearances granted/pending with MoEF from 2007 onwards. The website is envisaged keeping in mind the increasing need for enhanced transparency in the environmental and forest clearance regime in India. We would like to invite your comments / view on the website. We would also like your participation to enrich the database and welcome you to share information on projects that has got or is awaiting to get Environmental Clearances. We soon plan to incorporate forest clearances on the website too. Check us out on http://www.greenclearancewatch.org/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainwater Harvesting Technical Support Every Friday between 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, CSE provides detailed technical guidance to interested individuals, RWAs and institutions to implement rainwater harvesting. This technical assistance is provided at CSE’s office at 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi. For details, see http://www.cseindia.org/content/catch-rainwater-solve-your-water-problems ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technical Advice: Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems Every second and fourth Friday, meet our experts at CSE, 41, Tughlaqabad Institutional Area for guidance on planning and designing these systems. For details, contact Deblina at debl...@cseindia.org or call her on 9899596661. ==================================== The CSE Store ==================================== New books: - Catch Water Where It Falls A comprehensive ready-to-use toolkit for urban rainwater harvesting - Reinvent, Recycle, Reuse A toolkit for decentralised wastewater management - Going Remote and Facing the Sun A set of two reports on the state of the Indian solar power sector. - Environment Profiles -- Steel Companies of India Profiles of 21 major steel plants, which were involved in CSE's Green Rating Project for the Indian iron and steel sector, containing detailed information on design, technology, operations, pollution control, environment management and stakeholders' perceptions for each plant. For details or for placing an order, contact Ramachandran (9810641996 / rchand...@cseindia.org). ================== About this e-mail ================== You are receiving this newsletter because you have asked to be included in our list, attended a CSE event or requested information. CSE is an independent, public interest organization that was established in 1982 by Anil Agarwal, a pioneer of India's environmental movement. CSE's mandate is to research, communicate and promote sustainable development with equity, participation and democracy. _______________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- _______________________________________________