Mumbai, July 26 A KPMG report, looking to assess India Inc’s preparedness on climate change, says only 21 per cent of businesses measured their carbon dioxide emissions. Over 70 business leaders at the CEO level were interviewed for this study. The survey found glaring gaps between good intentions and appropriate actions relating to environment. The report said that while 83 per cent of the respondents claimed to have a fair understanding of climate change issues, only under half said they had a clear strategy in place to tackle them. Mr Arvind Mahajan, National Industry Director (Energy, Infrastructure and Government) of KPMG said, “Developing countries like India and China are under increasing international pressure to undertake measures to limit their aggregate emission levels. While the government on its part has recently announced the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the onus is now on private businesses to do their bit.” http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/27/stories/2008072750110800.htm
MINNEAPOLIS—Daikin Industries and its subsidiary McQuay International have begun construction of a new $50 million global research and development center at McQuay’s headquarters in Plymouth, Minn. The new Applied Development Center will support product development, testing and verification. It is intended to allow the companies to leverage their respective areas of expertise. The center is expected to be completed in spring 2009.
The California Building Standards Commission announced on Friday the unanimous adoption of a statewide “green” building code, the first in the nation. The new standards will call for a 20% improvement in water use efficiency for both residential and commercial plumbing fixtures as well as target a 50% increase in conservation for water used in landscaping. The new code will also require all new construction to reduce energy consumption by 15%. Schwarzenegger also introduced his Green Building Initiative on Friday (Executive Order S-20_04) directing state agencies to reduce energy consumption for all state-owned buildings 20% by 2015. New construction and renovation of state buildings must meet minimum requirements for LEED Silver certification. Thirteen state buildings are currently LEED certified. Read more: http://www.enn.com/green_building/article/37708
 1850: Florida physician John Gorrie uses his mechanical ice-maker to astonish the guests at a party. It's America's first public demonstration of ice made by refrigeration. William Cullen had demonstrated the principle of artificial refrigeration in a University of Glasgow laboratory in 1748, by allowing ethyl ether to boil into a vacuum. American Oliver Evans designed in 1805 -- but never built -- a refrigeration machine that used vapor instead of liquid. Jacob Perkins used Evans' concept for an experimental volatile-liquid, closed-cycle compressor in 1834. Read more: http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/07/dayintech_0714#
President Bush, who had insisted that any commitment to combat global
warming must involve growing economies as well as the rich nations,
recruited China and India to the table and received rare accolades from
some environmentalists for doing so. The developing countries
received a promise that the rich countries would take the lead in
curbing emissions. And environmentalists said the agreements renewed
chances of reviving two ailing climate pacts, the 1992 United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. But
behind the congratulatory speeches on Wednesday, some experts said, was
a more sobering reality. The documents issued by the participating
countries had very few of the concrete goals needed to keep greenhouse
gases from growing at their torrid pace, they said. The
statement issued by the industrialized Group of 8 pledged to “move
toward a carbon-free society” by seeking to cut worldwide emissions of
heat-trapping gases in half by 2050. But the statement did not say
whether that baseline would be emissions at 1990 levels, or the less
ambitious baseline of current levels, already 25 percent higher. Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/science/earth/10assess.html?hp
SALT LAKE CITY—Opportunities for improving the performance of existing buildings were highlighted at the 2008 ASHRAE Annual Meeting held here. The meeting theme of “Building Performance” was reinforced by 2008–09 ASHRAE President Bill Harrison. His inaugural address focused on operation and maintenance of existing buildings, as well as building new high-performance structures. "Our future holds net-zero-energy buildings, but the vast majority of the buildings that will exist in 2030 exist today," said Harrison. "[W]e must attack energy use in those buildings with the same focused attention we direct at designing the buildings of the future." Read the full transcript of Harrison's address, Maintain to Sustain—Delivering ASHRAE's Sustainability Promise. http://images.ashrae.biz/redirect/?url=951
In 2007, the world market for air conditioning was valued at US$62 billion compared to US$55 billion in 2006. Asia Pacific is the largest market with total sales amounting to US$28 billion in 2007. The Chinese market alone was valued at US$12 billion in 2007. Sales of air conditioners in the Total Americas region were valued at US$15 billion, followed closely by Europe with US$13 billion market size in 2007. The Middle East, Africa and India market was valued at US$5 billion. The global residential/light commercial market, which includes windows, portables and moveables, was valued at US$39 billion, representing approximately a 14% increase from the previous year. Minisplits continued to be the largest market segment in terms of value. In our 2008 report, figures for VRF are presented separately due to the increasing importance of this product group: in 2007 the VRF segment was valued at US$5 billion. The total value of the chiller market (excluding air side products) was estimated at US$7 billion in 2007. China has become the world largest market for air-conditioning. China and the US were almost equal in market value in 2007, but in 2008 the Chinese market is expected to grow further and widen the gap between the two countries. Read more: http://www.bsria.co.uk/press/?press=479
Beijing — The Coca-Cola
Co. pledged Tuesday to reduce its carbon footprint by buying 100,000
beverage coolers fitted with new, environmentally friendly technologies.
Speaking at a lecture in Beijing organized by the environmental
group Greenpeace, Neville Isdell, chief executive officer of the
Atlanta-based beverage giant, said the company would "purchase and
deploy" by 2010 refrigerators and vending machines cooled by compressed
carbon dioxide rather than hydrofluorocarbons. Read more:
http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/05/27/coke_green_0528.html
"Energy Logic" Helps to Reduce Data Center Energy Usage, Quantifies Savings and Provides Insights on Return on Investment. Following the Energy Logic sequence can potentially save more than half of a data center's load. For example, in an Emerson Network Power-modeled scenario of a 5,000-square-foot data center, applying the recommended strategies produced a savings of 585 kW from the data center's initial 1,127 kW load. It also freed up two-thirds of the space, one-third of UPS capacity and 40 percent of cooling capacity, enabling easy expansion of compute capacity in the same data center. "When we released our report earlier this year, we stressed that energy reductions could be achieved with the proper planning and implementation of efficient technologies that exist today," said Andrew Fanara of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "We encourage companies like Emerson Network Power to share any and all expertise that helps the data center community reduce their energy usage." Read more: http://www.emersonnetworkpower-partner.com/news-11292007/default.aspx
Kirloskar Chillers Private Limited, part of the 120-year-old Kirloskar Group, inaugurated their new manufacturing facility on 30th April 2008 at Saswad, about 30 km from Pune. The inauguration was at the hands of Mr. Rahul Kirloskar, Director, Kirloskar Group, and attended by a distinguished gathering, comprising eminent HVAC consultants, customers and senior representatives from industry. Responding to increasing market demand for its products, Kirloskar Chillers has invested Rs. 80 million to set up the new factory at Saswad. The new facility covers an area of 40,000 sq. ft. and will have an annual production capacity of 1000 chillers. Kirloskar Chillers Pvt. Ltd. started its operations in the year 1996 and in last 12 years it has grown many fold. It initially started as a joint venture with an American company and in 2006; the Kirloskar Group acquired 100% equity in the company. It is the only company in India to manufacture the entire range of centrifugal, screw and reciprocating chillers, used for central air-conditioning and process cooling applications. Screw and reciprocating chillers are offered in both water-cooled and air-cooled designs, and with options of environment friendly R-134a, R-407C as well as R-22 refrigerants. The product range encompasses capacities from 50 TR to 1500 TR. Kirloskar Chillers was the first company in India to introduce environment-friendly technology, with chillers working on ozone-safe HFC refrigerants. The company is known for its energy efficient range of products which are preferred in today's power crisis situation. As a local manufacturer, Kirloskar Chillers takes pride in the fact that the technology and quality of the products offered are to global standards. Local presence also enables the company to offer the best to its customers in terms of after-sales support. The company has supplied its products for a variety of applications, including IT parks, malls, multiplexes, commercial buildings, automobile and pharmaceutical companies in India. Some of its important customers are Taj Group of Hotels, Nuclear Power Corporation, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Indian Space Research Organisation. The company has also exported its chillers to South East Asia and Africa. Kirloskar Chillers is the only Indian chiller manufacturer to acquire international accreditation for its range of products, having been awarded the prestigious ARI certification by the USA based institute. Further, the new factory will house India's first certified test facility, which will not only be useful for Kirloskar but even for other chiller manufacturers in India to test and certify their products. The new state-of-the art facility reinforces the company's efforts to manufacture products to global quality standards, and would enable the company to expand its export business. A Customer training center at the new factory would further enhance the company's commitment towards improving the quality of after-sales service to its customers. The new factory became fully operational on 1st May 2008.
Open for Public Comment: The U.S. Green Building Council's Proposed Improvements to the LEED Green Building Rating System. "LEED 2009" focuses on energy and carbon performance of buildings, transparent "weightings" and regional LEED credits. (May 19, 2008) Washington, DC - Today, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) opened the first public comment period on LEED 2009, the next evolution of the LEED green building certification system. LEED 2009 represents a reorganization of the existing LEED rating systems for commercial buildings, combined with a series of major technical advancements focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and addressing other environmental and human health outcomes. "Continuing to seek the right balance between technical advancement and market transformation was a driving force behind the LEED 2009 work," explained Scot Horst, Chairman of the volunteer LEED Steering Committee, which leads the technical development of the LEED rating system. "The 'big ideas' we've proposed include transparent weightings of LEED credits so the highest-priority credits achieve the most points, a new mechanism for incorporating bioregional credits, and a more nimble framework that supports rapid response to emerging environmental and human health issues." The LEED Green Building Rating System was developed by USGBC to drive market transformation in the building industry by defining a consensus metric for leadership in green building that forms a basis for continuous improvement. The evolution of LEED is based on technical, scientific and market-based advancements. "When it was introduced in 2000, the LEED Green Building Rating System helped to spark a revolution that is changing the way we build and operate our offices, schools, hospitals and homes," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. "LEED 2009 resets the bar for green building leadership because the urgency of our mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further." LEED 2009 is the product of thousands of hours of volunteer time and the deep expertise generously given by representatives from every corner of the building industry who serve on the USGBC member committees and oversee the development of LEED. LEED 2009, coupled with an expanded third-party certification program and significant enhancements to LEED Online, make up a multi-faceted initiative referred to as LEED Version 3.0. Detailed information about specific proposed technical changes to the rating system can be found in the number of background documents that accompany the public comment forms on USGBC's Web site. Further information about the expansion of the certification process and improvements to LEED Online as well as future technical improvements, including the integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) into LEED, will be forthcoming in late summer. About the Public Comment Period The public comment period is a critical part of the consensus process by which LEED is developed. During public comment, all stakeholders are invited to review all proposed improvements and offer technical or market-oriented perspectives through USGBC's Web site on the slate of changes represented by LEED 2009. All public comments are reviewed by the USGBC volunteer committees that oversee the LEED rating system. USGBC will respond to all comments and post the comments and responses (without commenter names or organizations) to the USGBC Web site. If changes to the LEED system are made as a result of comments, a 15-day second public comment period will be undertaken. The resulting draft will be sent to all USGBC member organizations for ballot prior to release. The public comment period will be open for 30 days, from May 19 through June 22, 2008, at 5 PM Pacific Time. http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1849Proposed changes for LEED 2009: http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEEDDrafts/RatingSystemVersions.aspx?CMSPageID=1458
As the green building movement in India gathers steam with growing numbers of real-estate developers adopting eco-friendly construction methods, it is trying to overcome a huge shortage in green-friendly industry professionals. The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) - the nodal body for eco-friendly construction - has some 190 buildings registered with it for certification and is drawing up plans to try and overcome the shortage, said Dr Prem C Jain, the Council's Chairman, speaking at a seminar on 'Green Buildings in India: challenges ahead', organised by Zicom-CNA Automation Ltd and The Economic Times. To start with, the Council proposes to train a team of architects from each real estate firm in eco-friendly design and construction. The council is also working with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to introduce specialised green-building courses in schools of architecture. The session was moderated by Ashish Rakheja, president, ISHRAE and director of Spectral Services, who managed to extract insightful responses from all the esteemed panelists. "Traditionally, Indians are known to be green in their construction practices, using materials that were locally available. But then we began aping the West and now use more steel, glass and concrete than required. Training professionals in ecofriendly construction methods is not difficult. Reducing our dependency on man-made materials like steel, cement and glass is the key to eco-friendly development," said Sheetal Rakheja, a leading architect and green building consultant.
Read more: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Corporate_Trends/Talent_shortage_may_stunt_greenbuilding_movements_growth/articleshow/3040676.cms
DUARTE, Calif.--For more than 6,000 years, humans have used silver to fight germs, also known as microbes. Now, some hospitals are using a silver compound to reduce hospital infections. This is possible because the ducts delivering air to patients' rooms are coated with a silver-based anti-microbial compound called AgION. It can kill bacteria, viruses and fungus. Jeffrey Trogolo, Chief Technology Officer at AgION Technologies, Inc. in Wakefield, Mass., says, "When the conditions are right, it turns on, and that's where the silver comes out." Agion technologies is using silver, a centuries-old germ killer, in a unique compound to coat surfaces and instruments that could spread disease. When bacteria are detected, the compound releases silver ions to the surface, killing existing microbes and any new ones that come along. "We have virtually no organisms grown," Dr. Miser says. It's potent enough to kill germs, but is safe to use on virtually any surface. Trogolo says, "It's less toxic than table salt and less irritating than talcum powder. Ultimately we hope this will result in less infections and actually better outcomes for the patients." Read more plus a video: http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2005/0910-killing_germs.htm
 ASHRAE’s image is larger than life in the building industry, but now it’s literally larger than life – in Times Square. As part of the Society’s public relations campaign centered around Earth Day, the ASHRAE logo, along with a news headline, is appearing on the Reuters billboard in Times Square. From April 21 to 24, ASHRAE’s materials will be displayed several times each day during the morning and evening rush hours. This display is in conjunction with an Earth Day package with PR Newswire, which entailed distributing a feature article with consumer-oriented energy-saving tips for the summer months. The article, bundled with other environmental Earth-Day articles, was also sent to reporters and editors through a separate news distribution service and has already appeared in the Tampa Tribune.
Merchartes is a company that has been set up in the Technology Business Incubation Unit at IIT Delhi. It is promoted by two ex-students and two professors. The company not only looks to design more energy efficient ventilation and air-conditioning systems, but it is also focussing on basic research that will challenge the standards for air quality and ventilation that have been set up by the National Building Code. The company has developed a computational flow dynamics (CFD) tool that helps it conduct human comfort analysis, tunnel ventilation, and smoke simulations so that the experimentation can be more targeted, saving precious time and money. Read more: http://www.expressestates.in/full_story.php?content_id=92546
NEW DELHI, April 4, 2008 -- DuPont signed a memorandum of understanding with an Indian organization to promote green building in the developing nation. The company signaled its intent to partner with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) this week at an event sponsored by the organization. TERI designed the Green Rating System for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), which is a tool endorsed by the Indian government as its national building rating system. "Energy efficiency in buildings is very crucial in Indian context since construction sector is growing at a very fast pace," said Mili Majumbar, head of the nonprofit's green building GRIHA project. http://www.greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?Page=1&NewsID=55849
Under the title “Modern refrigerated warehousing; the best of the best from all over”, ColdStoreDesign-experts Koenraad Van Simaey and Theo van Sambeeck discussed the consequences of the absence of a proper cold chain during the Acrex exposition in Bangalore (India). Based on 10 global trends in con-sumption and food retail, the main logistic obstacles in the Indian cold supply chain, and their expectations for the chilled and frozen food market in India, they presented their vision on how logistic entrepreneurs can meet international standards. A recently published article on the food industry in India is available in our database. For questions info[AT]ColdStoreDesign[DOT]com http://newsletter.coldstoredesign.com/March08/CSDMarch.htm
The Indian Green Building Council of CII - Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre announces its flagship event "Green Building Congress 2008", International Conference & Exhibition on Green Building Technologies between 24th and 26th September 2008 at Mumbai. In addition, IGBC shall also be holding training programs and Green building tours on 23rd September and 27th September 2008. For more details please refer this link: (pdf file) http://www.igbc.in/igbc/Green%20Building%20Congress%202008.pdf
Once again on the special request & repeated demand of Members and practicing Engineers in the field of Air Conditioning, we feel pleasure in informing you that IIE (ISHRAE Institute of Excellence) is conducting a workshop on following topic for the enlightenment of members and practicing engineers in the industry. Topic: - Duct Design & Air Distribution Faculty: - Mr. R.P Das Dates:- 26th April, 2008 (Saturday) Timing: - 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Fee: - Rs. 2500/ for each participant Venue: - USO International Centre, USO Road, Qutab Institutional area, New Delhi-67. It will be a very useful & knowledgeable workshop for all those who are working in the field of HVAC&R. Mr. R.P Das is the only certified trainer from the Carrier USA and has been working with Carrier Air Con Ltd. as training manager and sharing his knowledge & experience to train Carrier Engineers throughout India. The interested participants may send their confirmation to Mr.V.K.Seth / Mr. Santosh Pati at above mentioned address latest by 22nd April, 2008. Please send your cheque in the favour of ISHRAE Education & Research Foundation. Seats are limited to 30 persons, which will be accommodated on first come first serve basis. Note: Any organization sponsoring more than 3 participants can avail 10% discount on participation fee. You are requested to send your confirmation at the earliest. With regards, V. K. Seth Coordinator ISHRAE INSTIUTE of EXCELLENCE A-132, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi – 110016 011-46012930 / 26602642 (Telefax) Ierf05[AT]airtelmail[DOT]in ; ierf05[AT]ierfeducation[DOT]org
The International Code Council is developing an Inspector of Green Building Technologies certification exam to demonstrate a code official’s ability to understand the application of green building technology and assess adherence with green building programs. The new certification will help provide assurances that green and sustainable buildings also are safe. “The International Code Council and its members are proud of their support to protect the public through responsible and innovative green building technology that is safe, sustainable and affordable,” said Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. “Communities and code officials can use the Certified Inspector of Green Building Technologies as a tool to help ensure that green building programs are implemented in a coordinated manner with the International Codes.” The Inspector of Green Building Technologies certification exam will assess the ability to understand the green aspects of the International Codes including the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Plumbing Code. It also will measure the level of knowledge about the leading green building rating systems such as the National Green Building Standard under development by the Code Council and the National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, and the Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes program and associated standard. These programs generally include components that address sustainable sites, efficiencies of water, energy and other resources, indoor environmental quality and maintenance. “This new certification will test building safety professionals’ knowledge of green building to ensure the structure or system is safe and sustainable as provided by the various green building rating systems,” said Code Council Board President Steve Shapiro, Director of Codes Compliance for Hampton, Va. “As code officials, we can have a positive impact on our communities by facilitating safe and sustainable construction while promoting the environmentally-focused features of the I-Codes.” To develop the certification, the Code Council is creating an Exam Development Committee of recognized experts. Committee members must be proficient with green building practices. Individuals interested in serving can apply online, or call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 5287. For more information about the International Code Council’s Certification program click here. The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties, and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. http://www.iccsafe.org/news/nr/2008/0305Green-EDC.html
Daikin Industries, Ltd. (Head office: Osaka, Japan; hereafter "Daikin"), through its subsidiary Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt. Ltd. (Head office: New Delhi; established: April 2000), has acquired an industrial site to establish a new air-conditioning equipment production base in the Neemrana Industrial Area of the state of Rajasthan, Republic of India, as of February 12, 2008. With an investment of approximately 3.7 billion yen, construction of the new factory will begin next spring and operations are scheduled to commence in March 2009. Manufacture of multi-split type commercial-use air-conditioning equipment and chillers (large-capacity air-conditioning heat source equipment) is first planned at the factory. By reducing supply lead-time and meeting market needs in terms of product specifications, Daikin intends to strengthen its competitiveness in the Indian AC market. Product supply to Southwest Asia, the Middle East and Africa is also envisioned in the future. Aiming to further improve the level of product quality and service, Daikin will also establish a research & training center within the factory grounds for the purpose of enhancing workmanship in terms of installation, commissioning, after sales service, etc. The scale of the Indian AC market in fiscal 2007 is regarded as 110 billion yen, while AC ownership stands at less than two percent. Construction of large-scale commercial facilities and projects, including construction and upgrading of airports, has increased sharply accompanying recent economic growth. Air-conditioning demand is expected to surpass 200 billion yen in 2010. Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt. Ltd. currently imports and sells air-conditioning equipment and enjoys high market share in the commercial-use luxury air-conditioning market, and has established the Daikin brand in the country. It has domestic sales bases in major cities and plans sales of approximately nine billion yen in fiscal 2007. In year 2006 Daikin purchased OYL Industries and last year Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt. Ltd. newly established its applied business handling McQuay brand chillers (large-capacity air-conditioning heat source equipment). It then fully entered the market for large-scale projects such as airports. Large growth is forecast in India's commercial-use market in the future and Daikin intends to further increase its market share of large-scale projects. It projects sales in excess of 30 billion yen in fiscal 2010, the year the new Indian factory will be fully operational. Outline of new factory 1) Location: Neemrana, Rajasthan, Republic of India 2) Investment amount: Approx. 3.7 billion yen 3) Site area: 16,000 square meters 4) Start of production: March 2009 5) Items produced: Multi-split type commercial-use air-conditioning equipment (VRV), large-capacity air-conditioning heat source equipment (air-cooled and water-cooled chillers) 6) Production capacity (on an annual basis): In the range of 20,000 VRV units and 1,800 chiller units Outline of Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt. Ltd. 1) Company name: Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt. Ltd. 2) Location: New Delhi, Republic of India 3) Capital: Approx. 400 million yen 4) Investment ratio: Wholly owned subsidiary of Daikin Industries, Ltd. 5) Founded: April 2000 6) Business description: Production and sales of air-conditioning equipment 7) Employees: 230 (as of the end of September 2007) 8) Sales: Approx. 9 billion (2007 plan) http://www.daikin.com/press/2008/080213/index.html
A new approach to the cooling of buildings across the developing world that needs nothing but wind and sun to operate has been devised by engineers in India. Writing in the International Journal of Sustainable Design, the team explains the concept of a combined solar chimney and wind tower system that can reduce the temperature of incoming appear by 5 degrees Celsius. Jyotirmay Mathur of the Mechanical Engineering Department, at the Malaviya National Institute of Technology, in Jaipur, together with architect and urban designer Rajeev Kathpalia of Vastu Shilpa Consultants, in Ahmedabad, point out that the development of energy-efficient, and even passive, cooling systems for buildings is essential in the light of environmental pressures and costs. In the past, they point out, building designers had to rely on natural ways and means for maximising comfort inside buildings. The team has now reasoned that two distinct technologies - the so-called solar chimney for roof-based based ventilation and a wind tower that provides a draft of air could be combined simply and effectively into a passive cooling system. They have designed a building that incorporates a multi-storey wind tower clad with heavy stone panels which produces an upward draft of air drawn into the building passively and cooled by the massive tonnage of the stone classing. The air flows through the rooms and corridors and accumulates heat as it does so. This is then carried to the top of the building and vented with large black, thermally conducting, panels providing a way to shed the heat quickly from the top of the building. The result is a reduction in internal temperature of several degrees. The resulting temperature drop would be sufficient to improve the comfort of people in the building without the need for powered air conditioning that is both expensive to install, maintain and operate. "The combination of solar chimney and wind tower is found to be a good design option for urban buildings," the researchers conclude, "We have demonstrated how natural resources can be utilised to design sustainable buildings in an urban area where design of truly sustainable buildings is extremely difficult." http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/solar_chimney_plus_wind_tower_is_fuel_free_air_conditioningDesign of passive cooling system for a building in composite climatic conditions in India Author: Jyotirmay Mathur, Rajeev Kathpalia Email author(s) Address: Mechanical Engineering Department, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, India. 'Vastu Shilpa Consultants, Sangath, Thaltej Road, Ahmedabad, India Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Design 2008 - Vol. 1, No.1 pp. 110 - 126 Abstract: A combined solar chimney–wind tower concept has been developed for a typical urban institution building in Delhi. Due to site limitations, the concept of solar chimney based ventilation has been introduced through roof mounted thermo-siphon air panels of 70 m² absorber area. A wind tower provided on the suction side of fresh air has potential for cooling incoming air by 5°C by using 250 m² of stone cladding. Openings for airflow inside the buildings are designed to suit smooth natural ventilation. Evolution of the final design through various constraints is explained in this paper. http://www.inderscience.com/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=17060
ASHRAE has decided to reduce annual membership fees for low income and lower middle income economies covering territoties as listed by the World Bank. Dues stand reduced to $90.00 per year for Member and Associate Member grades for individuals who reside in countries listed in low-income and lower-middle-income groups of the World Bank List of Economies, effective for new members and renewals after July 1, 2008. Primary member benefits will consist of electronic-only access to the ASHRAE Journal, ASHRAE Insights, and the ASHRAE Handbook (CD Format). Low-income economies include India, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan. Lower income economies include China, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Bhutan.
D. Nirmal Ram, principal consultant, Cerebration Consultants, Bangalore, India, has been named as "Fellow" by ASHRAE. There were 21 Fellows named world-wide. Fellow ASHRAE is a membership grade that recognizes distinction in the arts and sciences of environmental technology. The honor is earned through achievement as a researcher, designer, educator or engineering executive. D Nirmal Ram is one of three of Indian origin to be awarded a fellowship this year. Read more
ATLANTA - To encourage energy efficient design in a range of building types, ASHRAE and its partnering organizations are making available for free the Advanced Energy Design Guide series. Download from: http://cms.ashrae.biz/aedgdownload/index.phpElectronic versions of the newest book in the series, Advanced Energy Design Guides for K-12 School Buildings, as wel | |