GREEN BUILDING

Green building is also known as green construction or sustainable building. It is referred to both the structure and the using of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient through out a building's life cycle right from its siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition.

Green building material refers to materials which are used to construct eco friendly, energy saving and healthy to live in buildings. Green or sustainable building material helps building have good air quality, they make environment healthier to live, study, work and comfortable.

‘Sustainable’ ‘recycled’ ‘non-toxic’ ‘locally sourced’ ‘renewable’ and ‘organic are few example of  sustainable or green building material.

WHY GREEN OR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIAL IS IMPORTANT?

In today’s life when there is so much usage of energy, natural resources. We are at a stage where it is getting depleted and have to think about our future generation. If not, then our future generation may not have a healthy and eco friendly life. In order to make our life and future generations lives healthy, energy saving and eco friendly  green or sustainable building is a perfect solution as it is truly effective. For the construction of the green building, green or sustainable materials are used such as recycled, non toxic, renewable, locally sourced and organic material.

HOW CAN WE MAKE A BUILDING GREEN OR SUSTAINABLE?

Following materials can be used to make a building green or sustainable:

Energy efficiency:

• Develop strategies to provide natural lighting from sunlight.

• Use a proper sized and energy efficient heat cooling system.

• Consider alternative energy sources such as solar energy.

Water Efficiency:

• Harvesting rain water.

• Dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing.

• Minimize waste water by using ultra low-flush toilets.

• Use water conservation fixtures in bathroom and kitchen.

Air quality efficiency:

• By using low or non-toxic construction material.

• Use materials that require only simple, non-toxic methods of cleaning.

Resource efficiency:

• Using materials which are recyclable and renewable.
• Using locally available materials.
• Materials which are organic.

WHY GREEN BUILDING MATERIAL?

Buildings are responsible for all greenhouse gas emissions,  electricity use, tons of solid waste stream, and potable water consumption. The green building movement is an attempt to minimize and eliminate negative impacts and maximize environmental, economic and community in other words human benefits.

Benefits of green buildings:

Environmental Benefits:

• Protect existing natural spaces:

Green buildings tend not to be constructed on environmentally sensitive lands. If they are constructed on or near green spaces, measures are taken that the building doesn’t affect or causes any type of impact on the environment.

• Enhance existing ecology:

Green buildings often are constructed on previously developed property, with measures taken to restore plant life to building sites by decreasing the site area used for parking, or through the use of green roofs, which provide a more ecologically friendly alternative to conventional roofing systems, by conserving water, by reducing electricity consumption and by a lot of other things which makes building and its surrounding a “green” place.

• Reduce water use:

Water is a very important part for a green building. In green building usage of water is reduced and the used water can be recycled for toilets and for irrigation purpose by waste water treatment. By reducing water use, green buildings minimize the detrimental effects of water use and its effects on local ecologies, such as aquatic life.

• Reduce material use and use low-impact materials:

All materials carry environmental effects in them, in that there are environmental and ecological consequences, as a result of their production and use through their life cycle. Green building is about using the materials which has lower harmful effect to environment. Green buildings also typically utilize “green” material which can be recycled and do not affect the environment around.

• Reduce emissions to air:

Green buildings effectively reduce air pollution through reduced energy use, the use of refrigerants, the use of materials with low off-gassing. The reduction in use of fossil fuels at the building site result in lower air pollution contributions at the site, while reduction in electricity use results in lower air pollution associated with power plants. 

Economic Benefits:

• Reduced Operating Costs:

Savings in energy costs of 20-50% are common through total planning, site orientation, energy-saving technologies, on-site renewable energy-producing technologies, light-reflective materials, natural daylight and ventilation, and downsized HVAC and other equipment.

• Improved Employee Productivity and Satisfaction:

Improved employee productivity and satisfaction can be achieved by better occupant comfort, improved indoor air quality, natural light, and better acoustics. A variety of studies show a positive relationship between green building elements and increased worker productivity. Since a majority of the annual employee and workplace costs is for salaries, increasing worker productivity by a very small percentage or reducing absenteeism by a day or two per year, or causing people to work a few additional minutes per day, the economic productivity benefits will make the economic benefits associated with energy savings or reduced water use.

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN

Passive solar design refers to using the solar energy to heat the interior spaces of a building without relying on mechanical devices that require additional energy.  Passive solar system rely on the natural heat transfer processes of conduction, convection and radiation for the collection, storage, distribution and control of solar energy. Here, windows, walls, and floors are made to collect, store, and distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in the summer. This is called passive solar design or climatic design because, unlike active solar heating systems, it doesn't involve the use of mechanical and electrical devices.

Conduction is the transfer of heat between substances that are in direct contact with each other. The better the conductor the more rapidly the heat will transfer. Good conductor are copper, iron, steel etc. Poor conductors are wood, paper, air etc.

Convection is the primary method by which heat moves through the gases and liquid in up and down movement with the heat transfer. As the gas is heated it warms, expands, rises because it is less dense. When the gas or liquid cools it becomes denser and falls. As the gas or liquids warmer and rise or cools and falls it creates a convection current

Radiation are the electromagnetic waves that travel through the empty space. The sun warms the earth through radiation of electromagnetic waves.

Based on the relationship with sun, the interior space and the heat collection system there are three types of passive solar heating.

1)Direct gain

2)Indirect gain

3)Isolated gain

1) Direct gain

        Direct Gain System is a type of passive solar heating system in which south-facing windows provide heat gain during the daytime and high-mass thermal-storage materials absorb and store that heat. At night, the stored heat radiates back out, warming the space. This is the simplest type of passive solar heating system, but careful design is required to prevent overheating.

         Direct gain attempts to control the amount of direct solar radiation reaching the living space. This direct solar gain is a critical part of passive solar house designation as it imparts to a direct gain. The cost effectiveness of these configurations are currently being investigated in great detail and are demonstrating promising results.

2) Indirect gain

       Indirect gain systems control heat gain at the exterior skin of a building. It is of three types:-

i. Trombe wall

ii.Sun space

iii.Roof pond

i.Trombe Wall

       A Trombe wall is a system which consists of a dark coloured wall of high thermal mass facing the sun, with glazing spaced in front to leave a small air space. The glazing traps solar radiation like a small greenhouse. The solar radiation first strikes the trombe wall located between the sun and the living space. The sun absorbed solar energy moves through the wall by conduction and then to the space by radiation and convection.

ii.Sun space

            A ‘Sun space’ is usually a south-facing glazed area located outside of the main fabric envelope of the building. The space naturally heats and cools allowing daytime temperatures to raise higher and night time temperatures to fall further than the ‘comfort zone’ temperatures of the adjoining living space. This sun space having a floor of a high thermal mass by a thermal storage wall from which the heat is drawn as needed. For cooling the sun space can be vented to the exterior.

   iii.Roof Pond

         This is another form of indirect gain system that serves as a liquid mass for absorbing and storing solar energy and insulation panel is moved over the roof pond at night along the stored heat to radiate downward into the space. At night, the insulation is removed and the water exposed, losing significant amount of heat by radiation to the night sky. Early in the morning, the insulation panels are replaced to protect the water from the heat of the day and solar radiation. The water remains relatively cool throughout the day, cooling the ceiling of the space below. A cool ceiling is particularly effective in rooms where heat is being generated as warm air always rises to the top, to lose its heat almost immediately to the ceiling. The water is typically contained in black bags or dark coloured containers to maximize radiant emissions and minimize evaporation.

3) Isolated gain

      Isolated gain involves utilizing solar energy to passively move heat from or to the living space using a fluid, such as water or air by natural convection or forced convection. Heat gain can occur through a sun space, solarium or solar closet. These areas may also be employed usefully as a greenhouse or drying cabinet. An equator-side sun room may have its exterior windows higher than the windows between the sun room and the interior living space, to allow the low winter sun to penetrate to the cold side of adjacent rooms. Glass placement and overhangs prevent solar gain during the summer. Earth cooling tubes or other passive cooling techniques can keep a solarium cool in the summer.

BLACK

Black one of the darkest and dominant of the colour, one of the best beautiful colour I feel. It has always stayed as my favourite colour. I love this colour. Most of the times I prefer to wear BLACK.

Black is the darkest colour owing to the absence of or complete absorption of light. It is a dominant colour. The opposite of white. It absorbs all lights in the colour spectrum hence, giving it the darkest appearance. It is associated with elegance. To obtain the shade of a colour black is mixed to its original colour. It absorbs a lot of heat & light. Hence, many people don’t prefer wearing black during hot summer days.

As expressed & said by Rani Mukherjee in the bollywood movie BLACK “it is the visual impression experienced when no visible light reaches the eye.”

Black is used in various places according to their situations. It is often associated with death, evil, witches and magic. In Europe & North America it is commonly associated with mourning, the end, secrets, magic, power, evil, violence and elegance. During the 20^th century, black was the emblematic colour of the punk culture. It is the common colour for limousine. The black belt in martial arts symbolizes experience.

Black is a powerful colour. Hence judges & magistrates of many countries wear black robes. It is the colour of achievement, the colour of knowledge.

POSITIVE & NEGATIVE TRAITS OF BLACK

+ve: Sophistication, glamour, security, emotional safety, efficiency, substance.

-ve:  Oppression, coldness, menace, heaviness.

BLACK IN FLAGS

In spite of considering black the colour of mourn, evil etc. in the past & present its been used in various flags too. The flags which have black colour on them are:-

• Banner of the Holy Roman Emperor.

•  Flag of Belgium.

• Flag of the Arab Revolt against the Ottomen Empire.

• Flag of Germany.

• Flag of Estonia.

• Flag of Egypt.

•  Flag of South Africa.

BLACK IN SPORTS

Black is also used in different sports variously. It is used in uniforms, flags etc.

• The National Rugby Union team of New Zealand is called the “All Blacks” referring to their black outfit. The colour is even shared by other New Zealand National Teams such as the “Black Caps” (Cricket) & the “Kiwis” (Rugby League).
• Football referees traditionally wear black uniforms.
• In auto racing, black flag signals the driver to go into the pits.

BLACK IN FASHION

• Black is a colour which matches with everything & anything.
•  It is used in fashion largely because of its slimming advantage.
• It gives elegance to an outfit.

BLACK IN INTERIOR

Black is used variously in Interiors. We used it largely, evenly or less according to the outcome and the pleasant effect we need for the interior space. Black helps to make the space look smaller. Applying black on one of the walls of a large space will make the space look smaller or comparatively less big. Hence a large space can be made to appear small or large by the use of colour & black helps to make large spaces to look smaller.

BLACK IN A RETAIL STORE

The black interior in the retail store complements the type of merchandise sold out in the store. It gives a cosy feeling. The black ceiling brings down the height of the store and covers the AC Ducts shown through them.

BLACK IN RESIDENCE

   

The black in this space is used in carpet, window and door frame, slightly in furniture, hand rail, flooring, ceiling. It hence gives an eye liner look for the interior space.

The combination of white with black always gives an elegant look. Black can make the larger side of the room look smaller and even white has the vice versa quality too.

                                                                            

The black colour in the toilet area gives a cosy feel for relaxation.

Going through all these views and uses of the colour black, it has dignity and prestigious hold as well as a mourned standard too. According to me its still my favourite colour and will always be my favourite colour. As Rani Mukherjee expresses in the movie “BLACK”, I would say “It is the colour of Achievement, the colour of Knowledge, the colour of the graduation robe”. 

VISUAL MERCHANDISING

Visual Merchandising is the art of displaying merchandise in a manner that is appealing to the eyes of the customer. It sets the context of the merchandise in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, presenting them in a way that would convert the window shoppers into prospects and ultimately buyers of the product. A creative and talented retailer can use this upcoming art to breathe in new life into his store products. Passion for design and creativity are essential to be a good visual merchandiser. A perfect design process and the ability to create ideas that are different are required. Awareness of happenings in fashion world is needed so as to keep up-to-date with the dynamics of the market constantly.

Visual merchandising includes window displays, signs, interior displays, cosmetic promotions and any other special sales promotions taking place.

IMPORTANCE OF VISUAL MERCHANDISING

Visual merchandising is a critical element in retailing. The facades and windows which are done with an objective to attract the passer bys and walk-ins of the corridor, there are in store decors too that are enhanced for the customers comfort and convenience while shopping and to offer a superior shopping experience.

Consumer behavior studies has confirmed that a beautifully done up show window and decorated facades prove irresistible as they walk into check out what is an offer. When no two stores look alike it ensures exclusivity. Besides, when the mood and theme of displays change at regular intervals it makes certain that the store remains top of mind. ‘Stickiness’ in retail formats is ensured by the imaginative use of colours, lighting, space, furniture and visual elements with regard to in-store displays.

When customers walk in, it is to ensure that they enjoy their first encounter with the store. Repeat visit will only happen if a customer’s first visit is a memorable one and was satisfied with the purchase. The logical arrangement of counters, with clear passageways allows for easy ace to merchandise rather than getting lost in the mazo which happens with most of the large stores. This system of arrangement makes the customers feel more in control too. Clear passages are provided for products which need touch and feel. All the impulse purchase driven products should be clearly displayed so that its easy to reach them without any hindrance. Also, it has been observed that, when a person enters a room or a store, the human eye moves in a Z pattern, i.e. from rear left of the room to right rear then from front left of the room to front right. Care should be taken while we design the store; it should be in an appealing manner so that it guides the direction of vision and keeps the shopper visually interested.

COMPONENTS OF VISUAL MERCHANDISING:

There are certain components which a retailer needs to take care while displaying their products. All these components when combined together in a proper ratio will give a successful outcome in the displays of a showroom.

MAKE MECHANDISE THE FOCAL POINT

The main aim of displays is to showcase the product within the display area even enhancing the display area. Customers normally gives three to five seconds of their attention to the window display at first. In this short period of time, the retailers visual message should be conveyed to the customer. The arrangement of the window display should go with the products and should not be discernible to the eye.

RIGHT CHOICE OF COLOURS IS VITAL:

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in the visual merchandising segment. It’s a visual perceptual property. Colours are associated with emotions, special occasions and gender. It gives attention and pulls more customers to the store. A retailer has to choose a right colour that would match with the theme of the display. Its not always possible to satisfy everyone but its possible to cultivate the taste of customers gradually and purposefully. A right choice of colours in the displays can make a walker into the shop and lowly convert them into a customer. Its there for mandatory to choose the right colour in the display theme.

Ex: A Halloween display have a black colour, Christmas display as a colour of red, green, gold and silver etc.

DISPLAY SHOULD COMPLEMENT THE RETAILERS OTHER STRATEGIES:

The content of the display should complement the in store environment and other marketing strategies of the retailer. If the retailer has a specific logo, the colors of the display can reflect the same color of the logo. For e.g. MacDonald’s display, the clown is of the same color, red and yellow as in their logo.

CLEANLINESS:

Neat and clean arrangement is the foundation of an inviting a successful visual display. A beautiful display can be ruined by a cracked sign holder or an unclean display environment. Effective cleaning schedule of showcases and display fixtures is required.

CHANGE THE DISPLAY SETTINGS INFREQUENT INTERVALS:

Changing the arrangement of the displays in regular intervals will initiate new interest about the products in the minds of the customer. By designing a plan-o-gram and activating changes frequently one can thus be a proactive retailer.

With globalization and the retail boom, visual merchandising is growing in leaps and bounds. It is not simply concerned about decorating a store beautifully; but must also symbolize the brand keeping the target audience in mind.