RATING SYSTEM FOR ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDINGS ON HILLY TERRAINS - WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KODAIKANAL

Abstract

This research concentrates on the framing of a Rating System for evaluating Eco-Friendly buildings. It is observed that the existing rating systems concentrate on buildings on plains but not for those on terrains of high altitudes which are mostly surrounded by nature. These'regions are predominantly having tourism importance. This research concentrates on rating the buildings of the hilly regions of Kodaikanal in southern Tamilnadu. It uses the existing rating system, LEED, developed by the US Green Building Council and later modified for Indian context called the LEED-India, as a model for preparing a place relevant Rating System. Through the analysis of various case studies taken up at KODAIKANAL, this research is an attempt to add a few criteria of evaluation in the model rating system LEED-India and frame a Rating system meant for evaluating Eco-Friendly buildings at Kodaikanal. This Dissertation also attempts to provide various Design Ideas and Innovative practices adopted for Eco-Friendly Buildings.