Fly Green and Gold!

At the recent GreenCo Summit 2016, Gold certification was granted to GVK´s Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL). Indeed, Terminal 2 (T2) has been meticulously planned in accordance with green building guidelines. To make the green dream come true, plans were executed right from the construction stage to address key issues such as soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation by providing barricading, sprinkling water arrangement and recharge pits. Site imperviousness pre and post development of the project was maintained at 65 per cent by collection of storm water from the roof and site through recharge pits and storage tanks. Further, water conservation, waste management, control of greenhouse gas emissions, energy management (efficiency and renewable energy), green supply chain, material conservation, recycling and other green initiatives have been undertaken. MIAL explains to CW how these have been implemented and achieved... Orientation of the building: T2 boasts of a large, free-flowing, X-shaped structure where the aircrafts dock at the terminal. In the north, under the large mega roof, passenger processing takes place. The building is designed to minimise heat gain and there is abundant natural light and exterior view. The roof has skylights that provide added natural light in the vast check-in halls. Sustainable features: Sustainability efforts at T2 are a continuous process and, hence, constant innovation is required at every level and phase of the process. Here are some key initiatives: MIAL contributes 1,060 kWp of solar power towards saving the environment through its plants installed at five different locations across T2 and cargo terminals. MIAL installed an organic waste converter to convert organic waste (food waste) generated from the airport operations into organic manure. The converter boasts of 1 mt per day capacity (single-shift operation) with a shredder for garden, non-vegetarian and other waste. The airport has installed Noise Desk, a Web-based system that monitors and manages sound levels to efficiently implement noise abatement procedures and programmes. The airport recycles 25 per cent of the water used by every passenger with the help of three sewage treatment plants. The recycled water is then utilised for toilet flushing, cooling and in the airport´s green spaces. Air handling: Indoor air quality is maintained by controlling chemicals and pollutants through MERV 13 filters in air-handling units and low-VOC compliant paints, adhesives, carpet and composite wood. Thermal insulation: The airport uses high-value (R30) thermal insulation in the roof to prevent heat gain. The heat island effect is reduced by providing 100 per cent underground car parking to minimise impact on microclimate, human and wildlife habitat. High-performance glazing materials prevent heat gain and provide quiet interiors. The terminal at MIAL is designed to maximise the use of natural light. The central lobbies are provided with open-glass, heat-reflector ceilings and walls to utilise maximum sunlight while inhibiting maximum heat. This helps curtail air-conditioning load during daylight. Efficient fixtures: Through MIAL´s constant efforts, T2 achieves around 23 per cent improvement in energy consumption over the ASHRAE building baseline with high-performance insulated glass to reduce solar exposure. The terminal has daylight in around 51 per cent of regularly occupied space and features building management system monitoring with standalone control system interface with power monitoring to create a truly energy-efficient building. In addition, other features such as day-lighting controls have been installed to reduce energy consumption. Fixtures for energy conservation: Over 300 light bulbs have been replaced with 45-W LED bulbs, resulting in lowered perimeter lighting energy consumption by 40 per cent. Sun pipe lighting has been installed in many office areas where the roof is open to the sky. Also, the airport´s apron is the first-of-its-kind in Asia to be completely lit with LED high-mast lighting. Grey water: For irrigation, potable water usage is reduced by 50 per cent, calculated from baseline per month with the highest evapo-transpiration rate by opting for shrubs and mixed vegetation. Water efficiency is achieved by providing 100 per cent makeup water to the cooling tower from the sewage treatment plant. Potable water usage is reduced by having 70 per cent recycled grey water and efficient plumbing fixtures such as low-flow urinals with sensors, WCs and faucets. Recycling and storage bins: The project uses millwork material, which is 100 per cent FSC-certified wood to ensure that forestry practices are environmentally responsible. Waste management is done by providing recycling and storage bins with a main centralised collection point and salvaging non-hazardous construction and demolition debris. Project details ................................................................. Month of certification: June 2016 Project consultant: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM). Website: www.som.com Major contracting agencies: L&T. Tel: 022-6752 5656. Website: www.larsentoubro.com