‘All about green buildings and interiors’ was a webinar organized on 14th July 2021 by JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru as a part of the institute’s 3C’s series – Conv. (Conversations), Comm. (Community) and Conf. (Conference).

All About Green Buildings and Interiors: CONV. Conversations with Ar. Neha Vyas

3Cs is an initiative of JD Institute of Fashion Technology that enables students to interact with professionals, researchers and practitioners of diverse disciplines and perspectives who have been a significant part of their professions. Students thereby get an opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge from industrial experts who impart light from their years of experience.

The session was conducted by Ar. Neha Vyas, Green Building Consultant and has expertise in the design and execution of green buildings, green building certification projects, energy modeling and environmental analysis. The conversation began with Ar. Neha Vyas introducing sustainable design and its significance in the realm of interior design. With modern methods of architecture, interior design and technology forming the perfect blend combination, environmental harm continues to haunt the world.

Life cycle of buildings

The session dove into explicit details of life cycle of buildings and stated that a typical building lasts for approximately 50 to 60 years beginning with the construction and ending at demolition. The life cycle of buildings in this context apart from consuming natural resources at the construction stage goes on to emit wastes both directly and indirectly affecting the environment as a result.

Turning the spotlight on the need for green buildings at this point of discussion in the session, the speaker highlighted that green buildings are the need of the hour and usage of recycled products and renewable energy constitutes the core of green buildings. This is what green interior design fosters – green buildings that use less water, conserves natural resources, generate less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants.

What constitutes as green buildings?

Moving on to explain the differences between green buildings and conventional buildings, the expert indicated that the core of green buildings lies in building an exterior and interior that strikes the balance between providing comfort for humans and conserve natural resources at the same time.

Taking into account the benefits of green buildings and green interiors, Ar. Neha Vyas pointed out that green buildings offer a holistic benefit approach covering aspects of environmental benefits and health and safety benefits.

Benefits of green buildings

Shifting the focus on green interiors, the discussion threw light on various technologies and sustainable solutions that help in the way of creating sustainable interiors. New technologies like waterless urinals, insulated walls, low emitting materials and light pipes can make a wondrous transformation in creating green interiors. In addition to this, the speaker introduced the participants to concepts like green building certification and the green building movement in India.

How to create green buildings?

‘All about green buildings and interiors’ was JD Institute of Fashion Technology’s honest attempt at bringing about a sense of collective consciousness in aspiring interior designers to drive them to create environment-friendly interiors.

All About Green Buildings and Interiors: CONV. Conversations with Ar. Neha Vyas