
Building engineering services, which cover a wide range of systems and technologies necessary to a building’s effective operation, are an important part of contemporary construction and architecture. These services include crucial building infrastructure such as the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems as well as the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Building engineering services are important in ensuring that structures are secure, comfortable, and useful, thus their significance cannot be emphasised. These systems are in charge of controlling the indoor air quality, preserving temperature, and making sure that water and energy are distributed effectively throughout the structure. This highlights a further pressing Sick Building Syndrome(SBS) issue. The term “sick building syndrome” describes a situation where residents of a building have a variety of negative health impacts because of the time they spend in the premises.
In India, SBS is a growing concern due to several factors, including poor ventilation, inadequate maintenance of HVAC systems, and the use of low-quality building materials. Many buildings in India are designed to be airtight to conserve energy, but this can lead to poor indoor air quality if the ventilation systems are not properly maintained or if the air outside the building is polluted.
Additionally, many Indian cities experience high levels of outdoor air pollution, which can enter buildings and contribute to SBS. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can also accumulate in buildings, exacerbating the symptoms of SBS.
To address this issue, building owners and managers in India need to prioritize indoor air quality by implementing regular maintenance of HVAC systems and using high-quality building materials that do not release harmful chemicals. Additionally, increasing ventilation and air filtration can help to reduce the symptoms of SBS. Government regulations and standards for indoor air quality in buildings can also help to improve the situation.
Here are some reports & studies that is conducted on this issue:
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- In a study conducted in Delhi, India, it was found that the prevalence of SBS was higher in air-conditioned offices compared to non-air-conditioned offices. The study also found that poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, and high levels of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide were contributing factors to SBS in these offices.
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- In a case study of a government office building in Mumbai, India, it was found that poor indoor air quality due to inadequate ventilation, lack of natural light, and high levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants were causing symptoms of SBS among the building occupants. The study recommended improving the ventilation system and reducing the use of synthetic building materials to improve indoor air quality.
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- In another study conducted in Bangalore, India, it was found that the prevalence of SBS was higher in office buildings located near busy roads with high levels of outdoor air pollution. The study recommended improving the air filtration systems in these buildings to reduce the impact of outdoor air pollution on indoor air quality.
These studies suggest that SBS is a problem in many buildings in India, particularly those located in urban areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution. Improving indoor air quality through better ventilation, air filtration, and use of natural building materials can help to reduce the prevalence of SBS in India.
Bootes is at the forefront of the construction industry’s shift towards sustainable and green building practices. Our strength has been our ability to undertake design, engineering and construction for our projects to incorporate a net zero implementation plan from the very beginning to achieve sustainable / aatmanirbhar infrastructure.
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our use of cutting-edge technology and innovative construction models, which are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Some of the key methodology that we incorporate are:
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- We implement energy efficiency measures in the buildings, to reduce energy consumption and costs.
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- We use world-class technology such as hydronic systems, efficient energy storage, high temperature cooling & low temperature heating, carbon capture, to achieve carbon neutral / positive buildings.
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- We Integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind power, biofuels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in our infrastructures.
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- We integrate Zero liquid discharge & Zero waste systems for water conservation and waste management.
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- We use sustainable materials and construction practices inspired from ancient Indian architecture.
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- We collaborate with stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and communities, to ensure buy-in and support for net zero infrastructure initiatives.
With Net-Zero infrastructure, we deliver reduced carbon footprint and reduced operating costs.
Get in touch with us to know more:
info@bootes.in