Advancing Green Air-Conditioning Technology for Environmental Sustainability

The era of “Green Building” has brought with it a trend in HVAC design, where the new technologies and strategies are adopted to achieve higher energy performance. Our definition of green buildings inevitably extends beyond the concerns of HVAC designers alone since the very concept places an emphasis on the integration of mechanical, electrical architectural, public health engineering, and other systems. Green building is one that achieves high performance, over the full life cycle, in the following areas: Minimal consumption of energy – due to reduction of need and more efficient utilization- of non-renewable natural resources, land, water, and other materials as well. Minimal atmospheric emissions having negative environmental impacts, especially those related to greenhouse gases (GHG), global warming, particulates, or acid rain. Minimal discharge of harmful liquid effluents and solid wastes, including those resulting from the ultimate demolition of the building itself at the end of its useful life. Minimal negative impacts on site ecosystems. Maximum quality of indoor environment, including air quality, thermal regime, illumination, acoustics/noise, and visual aspects. HVAC designer plays an important role in the functionality of a green building. The HVAC system for green building shall be designed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the interior conditions at a comfortable level to keep occupants' health & productivity. The designer should ensure the HVAC system design NOT only meet the standard on energy front but beat the standard codes like Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC), India & American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards to achieve higher level of green building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating.