The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) it was
called Tata Energy Research Institute earlier has this remarkable energy
efficient building called Retreat. Today, there are plenty of LEED certified
buildings which manage this, but TERI’s RETREAT was one of the pionners. So what makes the RETREAT so special. Well read on....
Most of the buildings / homes we live in are virtual
energy guzzlers. An energy efficient home contributes to a cleaner, healthier
surrounding, adds positively to the environment, conserves resources and above
all it is LIGHTER ON THE PURSE - it helps save quite a packet ; with no
compromise on the degree of comfort.
Hard to believe, it has been so proved at TERI’s RETREAT
(Resource Efficient TERI Retreat for Environmental Awareness and Training),
situated at Gual Pahari, Gurgaon. This eco-friendly training complex a mere 35
minutes drive from Delhi is equipped with all modern amenities & its
comforts- from fax, phones, airconditioners to computers & internet but at
the same time conserves resources and is not detrimental to the environment. It
reduces the use of fossil fuels, there
is little emission of pollutants, optimum use of water together with its
recycle and recharge and reduced waste generation. The place can be called
truly self sufficient in all its needs.
It is completely free from municipal services, is not connected to the
city’s grid system (generates its own electricity), provides for its own water requirements and
all such infrastructure facilities. As
crunch points try this, building design and engineering has resulted in an
overall load saving of 184 kW (peak), i.e. reduction in load to 96kW (peak)
from a conventional high of 280 kW (peak). In rupee terms it is almost a saving
of Rs. 26,86,400 p.a., assuming peak usage for 8 hours daily for 365 days at
Rs. 5 per unit of electricity. The place uses sun’s rays, wind current, rain
water and harnesses effectively natural conditions & seasonal phenomenon,
to create a marvellous example of modern day sustainable living.
Electricity Connection - The building is run on a
photovoltaic gasifier hybrid system. The 50 kilowatt gasifier runs on biomass
fuel (dried leaves, twigs, firewood and crop residues converted into
briquettes) with one kg biomass producing 1 unit. About 10 kW of solar energy
is generated by the roof photovoltaic system. The building management system
manages the power available from both the sources. The daytime needs are met by the gasifier
while the solar PV plant the night time requirements. Stand alone systems power
the external lights and water pumps. This system runs all electricity based
appliances including computers, airconditioners and photocopiers.
Passive design
concepts resulting in reduced energy consumption - “Passive design
concepts” in lay man’s language can be defined as design nuances which make
optimum use of available knowledge of natural resources to reduce energy utilisation.
The latticework for shading at both ends cuts off the summer sun and lets in
the winter sun. As also the North South orientation of the building with
shading devices which cuts off the summer sun and lets in the winter sun. The
roof is insulated by using vermiculite concrete and china mosaic white
finish. This reflects the sun’s rays and
reduces the roof load. The walls are insulated with Styrofoam which balances
the temperature and prevents the walls from becoming heated in summers and
becoming very cold in winters. The building is partially sunken into the
ground. This helps stabilize internal
temperature. Skylights are designed in such a manner as to provide glarefree
daylight in the conference halls, library and recreation hall. I had to constantly pinch myself to believe
that it was not the usual electric light but sunlight pouring into the place.
After working under artificial lighting, it does take a while getting used to
natural light. Landscaping alters the flow of wind while the deciduous trees
planted on the southern side provide shade during summers while in winters they
conveniently shed their leaves to allow for the warm bright winter sun. A smart
approach indeed ! All this reduces the
load by atleast 10 - 15%.
There is more to this place, it will be telling if I
put everything down here, go there take a look, come back convinced and use it
in your home.
Location – It is around 10 – 12 kms from
Mehrauli if one takes the short road via Chattarpur, Jaunapur to Gwal Pahari.
The route via the Pahari from Gurgaon is circuitous though it is wonderful to
see such empty roads so near Delhi.
How to get there - It is better to go in one’s own vehicle.
Highlight – The design concept of the
building. The harnessing of natural resources to provide for light, air inside
the building. The planting of trees to facilitate this.
Insider Tip – Study the use of energy
efficient techniques and see what can be implemented in one’s own home. The
range of technology available to reduce the use of electricity, water and
treatment of sewage is mind boggling. If you are planning to construct your own
house, this is the ideal place to check out before starting work. It is
remarkable how this green landscape has been achieved in a pahari or
mountainous area.
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