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Case Study 4
Lessons in energy-efficiency
by Sudha Pillai
Jnana Jyothi, a Vedic Center and Patashala in Bangalore where Vedas are taught systematically under the pedagogic principles of the age-old gurukul system of education, is being set up by the Namma Sampradaya Trust. The project will be fully operational by the end of 2009.
The Vedic centre is designed and constructed by Bangalore-based Rare Earth Developers, a sustainable development company started by three engineers, Ajay Chandrashekar, Basavaraj Deodurg and C.A. Thimaiah. “The company roped in Satej Alur of Alur Associates to conceptualize the project with system integration of sustainability and green technologies,” says Pradeep Kumar Rao, VP Projects, Rare Earth Developers.
The concept for the design revolves around the fundamental Hindu motif, the Swastik – symbolizing `well being’, with the four dots in the four quadrants symbolizing the four basic elements: earth, water, fire and air.
Each of the four legs of the swastika will contain one function pertaining to the Patashala and will also be linked to one basic element. The central vertex will consist of the main meditation hall, pyramid in shape, to harness the maximum energy possible.
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“Each block is being constructed using energy-efficient materials designed to resonate with Vedic chants and sutras. The endeavour is to diminish the use of conventional construction materials and use natural materials. However, the centre will be technologically advanced. It is a self-sufficient design in terms of water usage, power, etc.,” reveals Pradeep Kumar.
Natural and eco-sensitive building materials are being used, which age well and require less maintenance. The centre will make efficient use of space, light and ventilation and will be self-sufficient in terms of power and water usage by tapping Solar Energy, a clean source of energy.
Pradeep elaborates, “The energy needs of the campus were studied (Lifecycle and Usage pattern study) according to the location of the project, placement of the buildings and their power requirements. The study revealed that the campus would need 21 KW/hr. The revised power consumption was brought down by 8.5 kilowatt hour (KWHr) by use of customized LED lightings, which was exclusively designed and manufactured for the campus. The power requirement was plugged on to solar energy.”
By using the LED lightings, the power consumption is brought down by 70%. That also brings the cost of the equipment down to 50% (Rs. 10 lakh) as compared to conventional lighting systems (CFLs). The return on investment is brought down from 35 years to 6 years by use of LED lighting and tapping solar energy. The life cycle of these lighting systems is 10 times higher than the conventional systems life span.
Rare Earth is also proposing a windmill of 1.5 kilowatt for power generation, which will take care of 25% of the power needs of the campus. This Hybrid system of power generation is the clean renewable energy, which is virtually off-grid campus from the main power grid. The grid power is used only for pumping the ground water (bore well) to the underground water tank. Solar pumps are used to pump the water from the underground water tank to the overhead water tanks for consumption. Provision is also made to pump ground water through solar energy.
Instead of geysers, solar energy is used for heating. “We have used evacuated glass tube collector water heating system, which heats water faster with minimal heat loss,” says Pradeep.
Zero-waste Bio kitchen (Briquette Kitchen) and solar cooker and Sarai Cooker are used for cooking at the campus. Provision is made for a biogas plant which will generate gas for cooking.
Water management is done through rainwater harvesting, recharging ground water, ground water recycle and re-use. The Vedic Patashala is testimony to the principles adopted by new-age green warriors such as Rare Earth Builders, and highlights what could be possible in future.
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