Engineers from Ingersoll Rand (Trane) worked with Godrej on the project to achieve 15% overall reduction in energy consumption

Godrej Bhavan, the corporate office building of Godrej Group, located in the historic Fort area of South Mumbai, has been certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a high-performance green building that maximises operational efficiencies while minimising environmental impact. The upgraded building now offers a significantly reduced environmental impact as well as lower energy and operating costs.

Costing approximately US$ 125,000, and resulting in 15% reduction in annual energy costs, representing a simple payback of less than four years, Godrej Bhavan received the 'Gold' certification from USGBC in existing building (EB) category, version 2. To mark this achievement, Mr Venkatesh Valluri, Chairman and President, Ingersoll Rand India, and Mr Rajesh Sikka, Business Leader, Trane India, presented an 'Energy Efficiency Leader Award' to Godrej executives at a function held at the Godrej Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Valluri touched upon the role of his company in Godrej Bhavan achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. He stressed the need to build products that are picked up from across the globe, but are localised for Indian needs. Stressing that these products have scope for globalisation given their pricing, value and innovativeness,

Mr Valluri, drawing attention towards the need for technologies that are energy efficient, added that his company is working on solar and battery solutions that will save energy. Speaking torMr Sikka said in the case of Godrej Bhavan, Ingersoll Rand (Trane) worked in close co-ordination with engineers from Godrej to achieve optimal savings in the HVAC (heat, ventilation and air-conditioning) area. Trane, according to Mr Sikka, is one of the Ingersoll Rand brands (the others being Club Car, Ingersoll Rand, Schlage and Thermo King), and is engaged in enhancing the comfort and quality of air in homes and buildings, commercial properties, transport and protect food and perishables, and increase overall industrial productivity and efficiency. To achieve LEED certification, Godrej Bhavan leaders met strict requirements regarding sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design. As part of a carefully managed project, Godrej executed a number of infrastructure improvements, which would reduce energy costs, improve cash flow and increase employee satisfaction. Following this 'triple bottom line' approach, according to sources close to Godrej, the exercise demonstrates improvements to business, people and the environment, and is part of the LEED green building philosophy.

The process of certification spanned a period of three years, and posed many challenges. Mr Rumi P. Engineer, Deputy General Manager, Green Building Consultancy Services at Godrej Electricals & Electronics, said, "The building was built in the 70s and measures 45,502.51 sq.ft. It houses 102 employees. Given the age of the building, it had to be remapped from scratch. "Challenges included modifications to reduce energy consumption without disturbing the functioning of offices in the premises. Water meters were installed at strategic locations to understand the consumption levels, and how savings could be achieved. We focused on energy conservation by making improvements to HVAC systems, and others," he added.

Meeting LEED-EB: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) standards, the green benchmark for existing buildings in the tenant improvement market, Godrej Bhavan was chosen as the project for certification by Mr Jamshyd N. Godrej during a discussion to achieve energy savings at one of the Godrej facilities.

Speaking to IPF at the function, Mr Engineer asserted that upon completion, a 15% overall reduction in energy consumption, and 11% HVAC reduction was achieved. "We believe it is important to create a LEED-certified work-space because it benefits the environment and the bottom line," said Mr H N Daruwalla, vice-president and business head at Godrej Electrical & Electronics.

Interestingly, going green can pay big dividends for commercial building property managers and owners. According to a recent McGraw-Hill Construction Report, firms that execute environmentally responsible projects in their own facilities or who serve this market can expect to reap significant business advantages. Green building can lead to healthier places to live and work, reduce energy and water use, and generate better profitability. n