Which of the following aims to improve thermal comfort and reduce energy use in residential buildings?

Correct option is D

GRIHA ( Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is a national rating system in India that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings, including residential structures. It aims to improve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption by promoting sustainable architecture and energy-efficient construction techniques. GRIHA encourages the use of passive cooling strategies, efficient building materials, natural ventilation, and renewable energy sources to ensure a comfortable indoor environment with minimal reliance on artificial cooling or heating.
Information Booster:
GRIHA
GRIHA is a sustainability rating system developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in association with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. It assesses buildings based on multiple parameters, such as:
· Energy Efficiency: Encourages the use of solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and HVAC systems.
· Thermal Comfort: Promotes natural ventilation, insulation, and passive cooling to maintain indoor temperature without excessive energy use.
· Water Conservation: Reduces water wastage through rainwater harvesting, low-flow fixtures, and wastewater treatment systems.
· Sustainable Building Materials: Encourages the use of eco-friendly materials such as fly ash bricks, bamboo, and recycled products.
· Waste Management: Implements waste segregation and recycling methods. By following these principles, GRIHA-certified buildings consume 30-50% less energy compared to conventional buildings.
Additional Information :
(a) ECBC – Residential 2017
The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) - Residential 2017, developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), sets minimum energy efficiency standards for residential buildings. However, its primary focus is on reducing energy demand rather than holistic environmental sustainability like GRIHA.
(b) BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency)
BEE is a government agency responsible for promoting energy efficiency policies. It implements the Star Rating System for appliances and the ECBC, but it does not provide an integrated rating system for building sustainability like GRIHA.
(c) Building Bylaws
Building bylaws are regulations set by local authorities to ensure safety, zoning, and structural integrity of buildings. While they may include some energy efficiency norms, they do not comprehensively address thermal comfort or sustainability like GRIHA.