DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN COMPOSITE CLIMATE

Abstract

"A penny saved is a penny earned", they said. So with joules of energy! With recent exponential increase in energy pricing, the formerly neglected or under estimated concept of energy efficiency and conservation have swiftly assumed great significance and potential in cutting costs and promoting economic development especially in a developing country scenario. Reckless and unrestrained urbanization, with its hap hazard buildings has bull dozed over the valuable natural resources of energy, water, air and ground cover. Thereby greatly hampering the critical process of eco-friendly habitat development. However it's not too late to retrace our steps. The resource crunch confronting the energy supply sector can still be alleviated by designing and developing our future buildings on the sound concepts of energy efficiency and sustainability. Sustainable environment aims to create environment friendly and energy efficient buildings. This entails actively harnessing renewable natural resources like solar energy and utilizing materials that cause the least possible damage to the global commons like- air, water, forests and soil.