Platinum Advantage

DLF Cybercity, Chennai, recently received the Platinum LEED certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Spread across over 44 acre, DLF Cybercity has about 5.6 million sq ft of operational space. It features 10 blocks of multi-tenanted and independent buildings to effectively cater to Grade A workspace solutions with built-to-suit and scalable growth options. Recently, this IT SEZ in Chennai received the ´LEED Platinum Certification´, for all nine office buildings, under the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) rating system by the USGBC. Supporting facilities: The campus, with its no-emission green technology power plants providing high-quality uninterrupted power, has turned into one of India´s most coveted green office destinations. Nature has been used to the best advantage; the campus features a 12-acre landscaped belt and 26 acre of open space, an initiative to turn the facility into India´s greenest available workspace. Each building overlooks a centrally- located upcoming central amenities zone and multi-utility area featuring recreational and retail facilities set amid captivating greens. Additionally, to relax and rejuvenate, an Oxy Zone with 4 acre of themed garden space and landscaped breakout zones are being made. Moreover, amenities include Grade A workspace solutions, central multi-utility area, planned sporting area, 100 per cent power back-up, central air-conditioning, crFche, stationary and convenience stores, bakery, banks, ATM, 24-hour paramedic and fully-equipped ambulance and a dedicated fire station. Further, the central amenities zone has a 1,000-seat food court with an extensive multi-cuisine offering, a roof-top amphitheatre and lush green landscaping and water bodies along with a sports complex with facilities like badminton courts, table tennis, billiards and pool tables, carom and chess boards with a gymnasium. The green tag: Speaking on the specific norms required to get the USGBC certification, Amit Grover, National Director, DLF Offices, says, ´The O&M Rating System addresses the building exterior and site maintenance programmes, efficient and optimised use of energy and water, purchase of environmentally-preferred products and food, waste stream management and ongoing indoor environmental quality.´ Indeed, DLF Cybercity is a testament to the commitment to create healthier and more productive workplaces, firmly focused on reducing both operating costs and the impact on environment. Centralised core design for maximum efficiency, recreational green Oxy Zone, excellent natural light penetration and dedicated safety measures are some of the features that helped the company achieve this rating. DLF projects conform to prevailing regulations and norms since the inception stage itself. As Grover adds, ´We incorporated energy-efficient and sustainable initiatives such as gas-based power generation; rainwater harvesting; wastewater treatment; energy management system and vapor absorption machine (VAM) system power refrigeration technology.´ All these initiatives have led to reduced levels of CO2 emissions besides conserving energy and reducing the carbon footprint. Indeed, with its 4-acre themed garden with extensive lush, green, landscaped breakout zones, jogging track, etc, DLF IT SEZ, Chennai, is rapidly turning out to be one of the most coveted corporate office destinations in south India. DLF Cybercity has functional rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment plants as part of its facility. The treated water is reused for cooling in the central air-conditioning system, horticulture, and flushes in the facility. Technology at play: DLF Cybercity Chennai has a dedicated zero emission co-generation plant cutting down the carbon footprint. The co-generation technology concept involves the use of a power station to simultaneously generate electrical output and useful heat (thermal output). The quick starting and good response characteristics of the gas plant make it a desirable peak load and essential standby plant. DLF complexes and occupants consume about 150 mw of energy. However, the company generates approximately 228 mw through the use of windmills, which convert wind into energy through adjustable vanes called sails. Thus, they contribute more than they consume. Also, a VAM utilises waste hot air and exhaust gases from heat sources and power generating equipment such as gas turbines and gas engines to produce chilled water through a vapour absorption refrigeration cycle. Additional sustainable measures include efficient lighting and floor plans, compliance to NFPA and seismic zone specification, a co-generation captive power plant, district cooling system, water conservation and waste recycling. Project details Project: DLF Cybercity, Chennai. Area: 5,000,000 sq ft. Year of completion: 2007-2011. Year of certification: 2016. Architect: Architect Hafeez Contractor. Tel: 022-2266 1920. Website: www.hafeezcontractor.com Developer: DLF developers. Mobile: (0) 99620 03033. Website: www.dlf.in Clientele: Petrofac, L&T Technology, Hella, IBM, Cognizant, CSC, Symantec, MPhasiS, BNY Mellon, CGI, TCS e-Serve, Zoho Corp, Barclays, etc.  To share details of any green initiatives, write in at feedback@constructionworld.in