World’s second highest green rating for building in Coimbatore

The SIERRA ODC, a three-storeyed IT office building in Coimbatore, has recently been recognised as the world’s second highest ranked green building. This, with a score of 103 of 110 under LEED certification. The building has been reportedly designed and constructed with a special focus on increasing efficient resource use such as energy, water and materials, while reducing its impact on human health and the environment through its entire life-cycle. According to reports, water is recycled cent per cent; the building has achieved water use efficiency of 89 per cent by using water saving fixtures and curbing wastage. Moreover, the carbon-neutral building has registered a cost saving of 64 per cent on energy. Reportedly, the project has implemented Amorphous Silicon Thin Building Vortec, wherein photovoltaic modules produce power at low cost per watt – a technology, which as per reports, has been used for the first time in South India. The criteria for recognition reportedly included site selection, energy and water conservation, indoor air quality, among others. Furthermore, reports indicate that SIERRA ODC is in the process of establishing an on-site green learning centre to promote the benefits of green building. The centre will provide for people to learn the benefits and also consider applying certain strategies at home and work.