“Kembhavi Green Building Research Center’ is a pioneer organization established to spearhead 'Green Building Technology” incorporating excellent practices and research providing applications and systems synergizing into ambient habitats encompassing optimized comfort conditions and energy savings to the user while mitigating adverse effects to the ecosystem. This center is conceived as a research as well as a service provider organization as per LEED standards of the US GBC (United States Green Building Council).

The building sector is growing at a rapid pace and is the third largest consumer of energy after agriculture and industry. World over today the focus is on constructing "Green buildings" Which address environmentally sustainable issues. Adaptation of environmentally benign technologies and practices in the building sector contributes to conserving the natural resources besides saving on operating costs.

A Green Building is one that is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work. Green Building ensures that waste is minimized at every stage during the construction and operation of building, resulting in low cost .Green Building applies to both existing and new construction from simple spaces to large development projects-A green building is one that incorporates several features involving -

• Effective use of existing landscapes.
• Use of energy efficient and eco-friendly equipment.
• Use of recycled and environmental friendly building materials.
• Optimum quality of indoor air tor human safety and comfort.
• Efficient use of water.
• Use of non-toxic and recycled materials.
• Use of renewable energy.
• Effective controls and building management systems.
• Regeneration and reuse of water.
• Optimum use of lighting (natural and artificial) tor varying purposes.
• Elimination of pollutants and other health hazards.

• Appropriate site selection.
• Effective use of nature.
• Soil erosion control.

• Capture storm water from impervious areas of the building for ground water re-charge or reuse.
• Do not use potable water for landscape irrigation. Use recycled water/storm water.
• Install moisture denser on plants for water conservation.
• Use recycled water for NVAC system.
• Use recycled water for toilet flushing.
• Use ultra high efficiency water fittings and controls.
• Monitor water consumption through on-line controls.

• Design orientation of the building to get maximum day-lighting.
• Use green wall and green roof to avoid heat gain into the building.
• Adopt spectrally natural glass materials such that it reduces heat gain, minimize lighting of landscape features.
• Use of energy efficient goods
• Use zero CFC base refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning system.
• Use of renewable energy to reduce environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel energy use.
• Establish Baseline data for energy consumption

• Recyclable and Salvage materials.
• Material from local sources mitigating / reducing environmental impact.
• Impact of manufacturing and transportation.
• Salvage controls.
• Material pollutant management
• Health Hazard management of workers on site.
• Material storage methodologies.
• Waste management.

• Distribution channels for air intake movement and exhaust
• Climate and pollution monitoring systems.
• Elimination of chemically toxic materials and devices.
• Maintenance of optimum temperature and humidity.

• 30% to 40% saving in operation costs.
• Alternative energy system design
• Optimization of Conventional Energy.
• Building management, control and monitoring systems.
• Adaptation of latest technologies.

Solar passive design involve methods of collecting, storing, distributing and controlling thermal energy flow by means of natural principals of heat transfer . Passive systems have no separate devices for collecting energy or storage units or mechanical means for transportation of heat; instead these make use of energy available in the immediate environment and effect energy exchanges through natural processes. The flow can be reasonably regulated by controls such as dampers, open able windows, movable insulation or shading devices.

In any design, one employs simple techniques such as orientation; shading of windows, colour, Vegetation .etc .Intelligent use of these techniques can considerably minimize the level of discomfort inside the building. This in turn reduces the consumption of energy required to maintain comfort conditions. In extreme climates comfortable indoor conditions cannot be completely achieved by limiting oneself to simple techniques, in such situations, advanced passive techniques such as wind towers roof ponds, evaporative cooling etc may be employed. Passive systems offer a number of advantages These afford large savings of energy and can be included m building designs at a little or no additional costs.

The Green building movement is advancing at a rapid pace in India. Considering the tremendous benefits that green building can result in several Corporate and Government agencies are considering green building by design. This could open up a plethora of opportunities for several stakeholderslike construction industry, architects, material and equipment manufacturers etc. The project growth potential for green buildings in India is estimated to Rs 730 crores by the year 2007.

A site under consideration requires critical analysis through visual studies as well as monitors and software to comprehend the complexities involved followed up by application of a number of systems to arrive at an appropriate design model. This design model is then loaded with parameters of logic, costing, resource availability etc and is further fine tuned to become a working model with detail application and cost ramifications. Based on this an execution work plan is prepared with necessary control and systems with documentation till the end of the project The final stage of work involves testing on site to ensure the parameters of the working model have been achieved and the final documents are ready or the appropriate certification.

LEED system is based on of ratings and involves points for satisfaction of various criteria .The maximum achievable points are 52 and more points. Platinum rating has a point range of 52 and more. Gold involves a range between 39 to 51.Silver involves range between 33 to 38 and certification requires a minimum of 26 10 32 points.