TERI, Mahindra Lifespaces publish study on resource-efficient buildings

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Mahindra Lifespaces have released key findings from a five-year study on resource-efficient buildings, materials, and technologies tailored to Indian climates and conditions. These findings, which were launched in the presence of Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India earlier today, were led by a team of experts at the Mahindra-TERI Center of Excellence (CoE), a first-of-its-kind joint research initiative between Mahindra Lifespaces and TERI. Mahindra Lifespaces and TERI have also announced the start of Phase two of the CoE's research efforts, which will continue to focus on developing science-based solutions for India's construction industry. Mishra highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and researchers in developing integrated solutions for all aspects of sustainability, efficiency, and comfort in the built environment during his keynote address. The state-of-the-art Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence, according to Mishra, is a commendable step toward making credible data available to support the development of resource-efficient buildings and homes that protect the environment while improving user quality of life. The collaborative joint initiative has created a platform for validated information on materials, technologies, and occupant comfort about the built environment, according to Sanjay Seth, senior director, TERI, with the underlying principles of Greener yet Cheaper built spaces. The project Multi-pronged Approach to Promote Energy Efficient Glazing in the Indian Context was also launched at the event. The Glazing Society of India (GSI) and TERI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2021 to support this project. AR Unnikrishnan, chairman, GSI, said that it is critical to raise awareness, develop simplified tools, and train the entire construction value chain on how to choose and use energy-efficient glass in buildings by Indian energy codes and standards. Starting with affordable housing would be an excellent way to demonstrate how the use of appropriate glass can improve building energy efficiency while also ensuring occupant comfort. Industry partners like Asahi India Glass (AIS) will help Mahindra-TERI CoE expand its testing capabilities by providing equipment for testing transparent materials like glass. The SVAGRIHA 5-star rated Mahindra-TERI research lab in Gurgaon is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Image Source