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New Delhi: January 20, 2014: In a major milestone, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Association for Development and Research of Sustainable Habitats (ADaRSH) launched the GRIHA PRAKRITI- green rating for schools.
It aims to help in creating a more sustainable education system by imparting environmentally ethical values among the students and the faculty. The intent is to extend learning beyond classrooms and develop responsible attitudes that result in reduction of wasteful consumption, sharing and caring for the environment, and imbibing healthier and greener lifestyles. Prakriti will involve training of staff and evaluation of environmentally responsible practices on and off campus.
The TERI- ADaRSH technical experts shall carry out the energy and environmental audit and provide recommendations on ways to improve environmental awareness of the school. The rating will take place in two stages. The first stage is based on assessment of existing performance. At the second stage, recommendations on retrofit shall be provided and after implementing the recommended measures, the school shall have a choice to re-evaluate its facilities and upgrade the level of rating.
The launch was held at the glittering inaugural ceremony of the GRIHA Summit 2014, organized by ADaRSH in association with TERI and MNRE.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. R.K.Pachauri, Director General, TERI said “Given the growth in India’s population and projected increases in income, it is estimated that a large share of the buildings that would be standing in 2030 are yet to be built. Buildings of various kinds consume huge quantities of energy, which could lock us into a pattern of energy and resource consumption extending several decades for the life of these buildings. Yet, we now know that with proper design, planning and construction, buildings can be made substantially more efficient in the use of energy, water and other resources than what we see today. TERI has been at the forefront of promoting green and efficient buildings in the country, and the GRIHA Summit is a unique event where experiences on successful green buildings are shared, and plans and policies developed for the future”.
He also highlighted that 10 million sqm of GRIHA 5 star certified project can save the following: Enough electricity to power about 100,000 urban homes; enough water to meet needs of 22,000 urban homes; monitor data to ensure compliance & 6MW PV installation to enhance supply.
Ms Mili Majumdar, Director, Sustainable Habitat and Secretary cum Treasurer, ADaRSH said “GRIHA Prakriti is a rating system for existing schools that shall help transform youth’s mind to be more environmental friendly. It will also help school campuses to be more ecologically sensitive”.
ADaRSH has launched GRIHA Trophy at NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture) with the intent of spreading awareness about the concept of green buildings among the students through GRIHA. A special session, entitled, ‘GRIHA Design Trophy at 56th Annual NASA Convention, 2014’ was held at the GRIHA Summit which provided an interactive platform for undergraduate architecture students all over the country by holding conventions and competitions for various trophies which cover different aspects of architecture. This session also showcased the top 10 shortlisted entries.
