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MAERIALS & RESOURCES: Pre-requisite 1: Separation, storage and collection of recyclables

OBJECTIVE

Streamline waste segregation, storage and collection of recyclables. Facilitate reduction of waste generated by building occupants that is hauled to and disposed off in landfills.

REQUIREMENTS[1][2]

Provide an easily accessible area that serves the entire building and is dedicated to the separation, collection and storage of materials for recycling including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals. Take appropriate measures for the safe collection, storage, and disposal of two of the following: batteries, mercury-containing lamps, and electronic waste.

TECHNIQUES[1]

Coordinate the size and functionality of the recycling areas with the anticipated collections services for

glass, plastic, office paper, newspaper, cardboard, and organic wastes to maximize the effectiveness of the

dedicated areas. Consider employing cardboard balers, aluminum can crushers, recycling chutes, and

collection bins at individual workstations to further enhance the recycling program. Provide multi coloured

bins for segregation of waste at source.

Purpose

E Waste: In Tamil Nadu the electronic scrap processing industry is in the stage of infancy. The operations are restricted to dismantling of computer hardware, manual segregation of scrap after breaking the scrap by using mechanical equipments like jaw crushers and cutters. The scraps are segregated into plastic components, glass, ferrous material and non-ferrous material. Individuals in the un-organised sector also

carry out such operations. No industry is available in the organized sector, which reprocesses the electronic

scrap for recovering metals. The printed circuit Boards available in computer are segregated and exported to reprocessing facilities at Belgium, Hong Kong, China & Taiwan for metal recovery. Metals recovered are usually copper and gold

.[5]

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E Waste Recovery Procedure

[7]

Segregation of waste at source will reduce the land area requirement for the landfill by 70% and organic manure could be produced from the biodegradable wastes. Further, 20% of the wastes generated could be recycled as useful products. The problem of odour nuisance, fly nuisance, water pollution and air pollution can be eliminated.

[6]

Increasing construction, maintenance, retrofitting and demolition activities across the country generate a considerable quantity of construction and demolition waste that is just dumped in landfills.

Experts estimate that the construction industry in India generates about 15 million tonnes of waste annually. Experts say this creates huge challenges in terms of space for disposal and unauthorized dumping. There is potential for large-scale recycling of this waste material.

[3]

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COMPOSITION OF SOLID WASTE IN CHENNAI[4]

Sources & References

[1]Council, I. G. (2009, January). LEED India NC Abridged Version.

[2] GRIHA Rating System

[3]http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-02/developmental-issues/41005277_1_construction-industry-construction-and-demolition-waste-waste-stream

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[4]http://www.chennaicorporation.gov.in/departments/solid-waste-management/index.htm

[5] [6]http://www.environment.tn.nic.in/SoE/images/WasteManagement.pdf

[7] Environmental Management, Infrastructure Development and Financing, Dr.K.Thanasekaran

Director, CES, Anna University, Chennai http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/SMPS/SMPS_Session5.pdf

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MAERIALS & RESOURCES: Pre-requisite 2: Responsible sourcing of materials

OBJECTIVE

Increase demand for building materials and products that are extracted and manu-factured within the region,

thereby supporting the regional economy and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from transportation.

REQUIREMENTS[1]

Use a minimum of 20% of building materials and products that are manufactured regionally preferably within a

radius of 800 km.

The above material should consist of a minimum of 25% of building materials and products that are extracted,

harvested or recovered (as well as manufactured) within 800 km of the project site.

PERCENTAGE CALCULATIONS

Percentage Regional Material[6]= Cost of regional Material X 100

Total Cost of Material

BUILDING MATERIALS AND ELEMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED[2]

BUILDING ELEMNTS

1. Structural Frame 2. Ground floor 3. Upper floors (including separating floors) 4. Roof 5. External walls 6. Internal walls 7. Foundation/substructure 8. Fittings: includes stair case, windows (frame and glazing units), doors (internal and external),

floor finishes and any other significant fitting or finish present. 9. Hard landscaping

APPLICABLE MATERIALS

1. Brick (including clay tiles and other ceramics) 2. Pavers (concrete, clay) 3. Resin-based composites and materials, including GRP and polymeric render 4. Concrete (including in-situ and pre-cast concrete, blocks, tiles, mortars, cementitous renders 5. etc.) 6. Plastics and rubbers (including EPDM, TPO, PVC and VET roofing and other membranes and 7. polymeric renders)

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8. Metals (steel, aluminium etc.) 9. Dressed or building stone including slate 10. Stone and gravel 11. Timber, timber composite and wood panels 12. Plasterboard and plaster 13. Bituminous materials, such as roofing membranes and asphalt 14. Other mineral-based materials, including fibre cement and calcium silicate 15. Products with recycled content

Excluded Materials

1. Insulation (refer to BREEAM issue Mat 04 Insulation) 2. Fixings 3. Adhesives

Purpose

Some of the commonly used construction materials such as bricks, cement, steel, aluminium, plastic products, paints, polished stones and ceramic products are made at one place and transported large distances, increasing the cost of construction. The energy consumed in making these products is high. Hence, it will help to use natural resources and raw materials wherever possible. One of the biggest advantages of such materials is that they can be recycled and disposed of safely because they are biodegradable.

[3]

Example 1: Athangudi tiles, named after the place of manufacture in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu,(near Chennai) come in a myriad of colours and patterns and are made by a unique process using local soil and glass plates. These tiles are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Chettiar community, who effectively adapted many influences to their own brand of local craftsmanship. The designs and colours used in Athangudi Tiles are still those of a bygone era. The Athangudi tiles are hand-made.[4]

EXAMPLE 2: The Building Material And Technology Council Of India, through its first Model Houses of 252 dwelling units under VAMBAY in Bangalore in their specifications regarding R.C.C filler slab for roofing, Precast R.C.C Door Frame, Door Shutters used coir and Bamboo Composite Materials, locally available Random Rubble Stone Masonry in foundation & Plinth and load bearing masonry in solid concrete flyash blocks without compromising with functional utility and structural safety requirements. The housing project is being appreciated for its layout, quality of construction and the cost-effectiveness.

[5]

Sources & References

[1]Council, I. G. (2009, January). LEED India NC Abridged Version.

[2] BREEAM: Technical Manual:Version:2013 – Issue:0.0 – Issue Date:01/06/2013

[3] http://www.hindu.com/pp/2010/09/04/stories/2010090450050800.htm

[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chettinad

[5] Building Material And Technology Council Of India http://mhupa.gov.in/ministry/associates/autonomousbodies/bmtpc.htm

[6] Adopted from The Pearl Rating System for Estidama, Building Rating System Design & Construction Version 1.0, Regional Materials

75

MAERIALS & RESOURCES: Pre-requisite 3: Construction Waste Management

OBJECTIVE

To limit the amount of waste generated during construction and divert construction and demolition debris from landfills.

REQUIREMENTS[1]

Develop and implement a construction waste management plan that, at a minimum, identifies the materials to be diverted (Note that diversion may include donation of materials to charitable organizations and salvage of materials on-site) from disposal and whether the materials will be sorted on-site or comingled.

Appoint an individual to implement the following:

• The amount of site construction waste created is being monitored and targets regularly reviewed.

• Using the collated data, report the amount of waste generated per 100m2

(gross internal floor area) in

m3

(where volume is actual volume of waste, not bulk volume)

A minimum of 50% of the debris must be reused and/or salvaged.

Where space on site is too limited to allow waste materials to be segregated, a waste contractor may be used to separate and process recyclable materials off site. Similarly, manufacturers’ take-back schemes could also be used. Where this is the case, sufficient documentary evidence must be produced which demonstrates that segregation of materials is carried out and that materials are reused/recycled as appropriate.

SUPPORTIVE STRATEGY

Waste materials can be sorted into separate key waste groups (according to the waste streams generated by the scope of the works) either onsite or offsite. Even though some locations may have limited infrastructure, it should be possible to reuse and recycle the five basic materials (ceramics, excavated material, plasterboard, concrete and timber) locally.

The implementation of a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) can help manage the site construction waste produced. The aim of a SWMP is to promote resource efficiency and to prevent illegal waste activities. Resource efficiency includes minimizing waste at source and ensuring that clients, designers and principal contractors assess the use, reuse and recycling of materials and products on and off the site. A SWMP consists of a combination of commitments to:

1. Design out waste.

2. Reduce waste generated on site.

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3. Develop and implement procedures to sort and reuse/recycle construction waste on and off site (as

applicable).

Data obtained from measuring and monitoring site construction waste can then be used to check

performance against targets and benchmarks, analyze the effectiveness of any solutions implemented and

strive for continual improvement.

In case of demolition work, pre demolition audits provide detailed information on materials that can be

reclaimed and recycled, so reducing the cost and environmental impact of waste disposal, bringing savings

from re-using existing materials and earnings from selling those that aren't needed. They:

1. Identify volumes of wastes so that your company can plan ‘re-use, recycling and recovery’ activities prior

to work starting.

2. Are tailor-made for each demolition project. Available services include:

• Identifying markets for recycled or recovered material

• Identifying reclamation and re-use potential both on site and off site

• Local and national material valuation

• Segregation recommendations

• Environmental quantification.

3. Increase material and labor efficiency, reduce waste and maximize profit.

These practices would reduce the cost and environmental impact of waste disposal, bringing savings from re-using

existing materials and earnings from selling those that aren't needed.

Purpose

Construction and demolition waste as a percentage by weight of total waste generated in a country [3]:

Construction waste as a percentage of total amount of purchased construction materials in Brazil:

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In India, about 14.5 MT of solid wastes are generated annually from construction industries[4]

Some 30% [2]

of the waste collected and dumped in Chennai is categorized as inert, a major part of it being construction debris.

Every week, the city generates more than 8000[2]

tons of construction and demolition debris, which includes nonhazardous materials such as soil, brick, plaster, concrete, masonry material, plastic, electrical wiring and metals generated from construction, remodeling repair and demolition of structures.

“Every morning, we find construction and demolition debris dumped on the road or waterways. When some dump at night, we are unable to trace the culprits .Demolition contractors are able to sell the debris only when there is demand. Such debris is not in demand throughout the year. So, these contractors dump it stealthily in the neighbourhood on account of the high transportation costs. A large amount of construction and demolition debris is being dumped in Perungudi and Kodungaiyur now,” a Corporation official said in an interview for an article in the news paper ‘The Hindu’ on August 16 2013.

The debris from some of these demolitions often finds its way to the city’s water bodies. Cooum, Adyar, Buckingham Canal and Pallikaranai marshland are popular sites where construction debris is dumped illegally.

Some of the debris is just left on roads and carriageways of streets.[1]

SOURCES AND REFERENCES:

LEED India NC 2011

BREEAM International Construction

USGBC LEED 3

[1] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/no-constructive-solution-to-debris-strewn-about-in-chennai/article4899029.ece, last accessed 11/22/2013

[2] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/is-chennai-ready-to-recycle-construction-debris/article5026583.ece, last accessed 11/22/2013

[3] Bossink, B. and Brouwers, H. (1996). ”Construction Waste: Quantification and Source Evaluation.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage., 122(1), 55–60.

[4] Parekh D. N and Dr. Modhera C. D (2011). “Assessment of recycled aggregate concrete”, Journal of Engineering Research and Studies.

78

MAERIALS & RESOURCES: CREDIT 1: Recycled Aggregates

OBJECTIVE

To recognize and encourage the use of recycled and secondary aggregates, thereby reducing the demand for virgin material.

FULLFILMENT CRITERIA

The following is required to demonstrate compliance:

1 .At least 50%* of the aggregate uses (within the development) are provided by secondary and/or recycled aggregate. This percentage can be measured using either weight or volume.

(* In India share of recycled aggregates varies from 25% in old green buildings to as high as 75% in new green buildings

[1]

)

2. The aggregates are EITHER

a. Obtained on site

OR

b. Obtained from waste processing site(s) within a 30km radius of the site; the source will be principally from construction, demolition and excavation

OR

c. Secondary aggregates obtained from a non-construction post-consumer or post-industrial by-product source

3. The definition of Recycled Aggregates mentioned in RILEM TC 121-DRG. Specifications for concrete with recycled aggregates. Mater. Struct. 1994;27:557–9 must be used to classify recycled aggregate and to calculate the percentage use.

SUPPORTIVE STRATEGY

According to RILEM TC 121-DRG. Specifications for concrete with recycled aggregates. Mater. Struct. 1994;27:557–9 recycled concrete aggregates can be classified into 3 categories based on their applicability:

• Class A: recycled aggregates for use in a wide range of concrete including marine environments,

• Class B: covering most combinations of natural and recycled aggregate and suitable for most ‘moderate’ exposure conditions, and

79

• Class C: those aggregates suitable for only the ‘mildest’ exposure conditions.

The following steps can be taken during the design stage:

Relevant section/clauses of the building specification or contract specifying the aggregate use and Project team calculations.

• Documentation confirming the source of recycled/secondary aggregates and that the required amount can be provided.

• Appropriate documentation for the Approved standards and weightings list e.g. specification, standards etc.

The following steps can be taken post – construction:

• Perform calculations detailing the weights (or volumes) and types of aggregate provided for each application.

• Obtain delivery notes (or confirmation from supplier) of the types and quantities of aggregates provided on site.

• Confirmation that the materials meet the appropriate standard as defined in the Approved standards and weightings.

Purpose

Recent research by the Fredonia group has established that the global demand for construction aggregates may exceed 26 billion tones by 2011[1]. Leading this demand, are the single user: China (25%), EU (12%) and the USA (10%). However, because of industrialization and significant infrastructure and construction development, there are expected to be significant increase in use of aggregates in India (which is already one of the major national markets at 3%) beyond 2011.

From environmental point of view, for production of natural aggregates of 1 ton, emissions of 0.0046 million ton of carbon exist where as for 1ton recycled aggregate produced only 0.0024 million ton carbon is produced. Recycling reduces the cost (LCC) by about 34-41% & CO2 emission (LCCO2) by about 23-28% for dumping at public / private disposal facilities. [2].

Issue of Illegal sand mining (A major source for concrete aggregate in construction work) in Chennai and Tamil Nadu:

About 235 lakh units of river sand have been mined illegally from the Palar and Cheyyar basins in Kancheepuram( very close to Chennai) district of Tamil Nadu in the last five years. An interim report of a fact finding team (FFT) from the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has revealed that that large scale illegal river sand mining has been going on for several years. Currently, the control of the sand mining activity remains only nominally under the purview of the state, with ample scope for looting by private players with the overt and covert support of the political and administrative establishment[3].

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

BREEAM International New Construction

[1] Parekh D. N and Dr. Modhera C. D (2011). “Assessment of recycled aggregate concrete”, Journal of Engineering Research and Studies.

[2] Tushar R Sonawane, Dr. Sunil S. Pimplikar (2013), “ Use Of Recycled Aggregate In Concrete”, International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) Vol. 2 Issue 1.

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[3] http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-09/chennai/42861643_1_river-sand-mining-pucl-cheyyar, last accessed 11/22/2013

[4] http://newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Illegal-sand-mining-caused-Rs-5200-cr-loss-to-govt-PUCL/2013/10/10/article1828363.ece, last accessed 11/22/2013

81

MAERIALS & RESOURCES: Credit 2: Building Reuse

OBJECTIVE

To extend the lifecycle of existing building stock, conserve resources, retain cultural resources, reduce waste and reduce environmental impacts of new buildings as they relate to materials manufacturing and transport.

FULLFILMENT CRITERIA

Either one or both following parts can be pursued

PART 1: MAINTAIN EXISTING WALLS, FLOORS AND ROOF

Maintain the existing building structure (including structural floor and roof decking) and envelope (the exterior skin and framing, excluding window assemblies and non-structural roofing material). The minimum percentage building reuse for each point threshold is as follows:

BUILDING REUSE CREDIT MULTIPLIER

55% x1

75% x2

95% x3

PART 2: MAINTAIN INTERIOR NONSTRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

Use existing interior nonstructural elements (e.g., interior walls, doors, floor coverings and ceiling

systems) in at least 50% (by area) of the completed building, including additions.

(Note: The percentage of building reuse and retainment is adapted from the Credit 1.1 and Credit 1.2 of

Materials and Resources section of LEED India New Construction 2011)

SUPPORTIVE STRATEGY

Consider reusing existing, previously-occupied building structures, envelopes and elements. Remove

elements that pose a contamination risk to building occupants and upgrade components that would

82

improve energy and water efficiency such as windows, mechanical systems and plumbing fixtures. Quantify

the extent of building reuse.

Purpose

Building reuse almost always yields fewer environmental impacts than new construction when comparing buildings of similar size and functionality. The range of environmental savings from building reuse varies widely, based on building type, location, and assumed level of energy efficiency. Savings from reuse are between 4 and 46 percent over new construction when comparing buildings with the same energy performance level.[1]

Building reuse in Chennai(an initiative by the CMDA):

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is in the process (as of June 5 2013) of readying a list of important buildings for heritage conservation[2].

The listed buildings will have three grades.

Grade I structures will be prime landmarks upon which no alterations will be permitted.

Under Grade II, external changes on structures will be subject to scrutiny.

Buildings under Grade III may be changed for ‘adaptive reuse’ with suitable internal and external changes. The list of heritage buildings has been readied by a team of architecture students engaged by the CMDA under

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

LEED India NC 2011

*1+ “The Greenest building: Quantifying the environmental Value of building reuse”, A report by preservation green lab. National trust for historic preservation.

[2] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/42-government-buildings-among-70-vying-for-heritage-status/article4383165.ece, last accessed 11/22/2013

http://www.transparentchennai.com/tag/adaptive-reuse/?catID=1, last accessed 11/22/2013

http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2013/adaptable-re-use.html, last accessed 11/22/2013

83

MAERIALS & RESOURCES: Credit 3: Design for Robustness & Durability

OBJECTIVE

To recognize and encourage adequate protection of exposed elements of the building and landscape,

therefore minimizing the frequency of replacement and maximizing Materials optimization**

To promote a long life building by protecting its components from condensation, water ingress, improper

drainage and protecting vulnerable areas of the building envelope and surroundings.

REQUIREMENTS[1]

Develop a building durability plan(BDP) which not only accounts for durability but also protection

measures or design features/solutions to prevent damage to the vulnerable parts of the building

ELEMENTS OF THE BUILDING DURABILITY PLAN : MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Estimated life span of key building features, including concrete walls, foundations and structural elements,

flooring, ceilings, roofs, cladding, windows and glazing/curtain wall systems or installations;

Where components or assemblies have a shorter service life than the life of the building, a plan for how

these slower cycling materials will be specified to reduce life-cycle impacts (e.g. carbon and toxicity) and be

maintained or replaced without damage to the longer cycling elements/materials; and

Description of design measures to improve durability and long term service life

such as:

o Bollards in loading areas;

o Condensate capture;

o Drains/shower waterproofing and drainage gradients;

o Façade waterproofing and leakage;

o Insulation of ducts and durability of ceilings (particularly waterproofing);

o Ease of maintenance; or

o Access to façade and systems.

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For strong and sturdy construction the following must be include, but is not necessarily limited to:

Protection from the effects of high pedestrian traffic in main entrances, Public areas and thoroughfares

(corridors, lifts, stairs, doors etc).

Where relevant, protection against any internal vehicular/trolley movement within 1m of the internal

building fabric in storage, delivery, corridor and kitchen areas.

Protection against, or prevention from, any potential vehicular collision where vehicular parking and

maneuvering occurs within 1m of the external building façade for all car parking areas and within 2m for all

delivery areas

Purpose

Chennai has witnessed minute earthquakes and major Tsunami in recent times.[5] Sturdy construction is a necessity for the city to prevent heavy economic losses. The Asian Region suffered average economic loss of $ 4.9 billion in 1960, increasing to $ 9.5 billion in 1970, shooting up to $ 15.1 billion in 1980 and with a five times multiplier in 1990 which has come to $ 76 billion. [5]

The Durability and serviceability are the key elements of any structure. Ensuring Quality in construction will enable achieving durability and serviceability as a desired end result.[4]

Few examples of right construction practices to achieve more durable structures:

[4]

85

Sources & References

**Material optimization means adopting a resource efficient approach to design, which results n less material being used in the design (i.e. lean design), and/or less waste produced in the construction process, without compromising the design concept. Whilst this assessment issue s focused on specifying suitable durability measures, the design team should consider solutions that optimize the use of materials and therefore minimize construction waste.

[1] Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010

[2] BREEAM: Technical Manual:Version:2013 – Issue:0.0 – Issue Date:01/06/2013

[4]http://sheltercentre.org/sites/default/files/UNDP_DisasterResistantConstructionPractices.pdf

[5] PROMOTING SAFER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, V. Suresh, former CMD, HUDCO, India

and Human Settlements Specialist.

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MAERIALS & RESOURCES: Credit 4: Rapidly Renewable Materials Objective

Reduce the use and depletion of finite raw, and long-cycle renewable materials by replacing them with rapidly renewable materials.[1]

REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrate that any combination of the following building components comprise a proportion of materials

(by area) containing rapidly renewable content (made from plants that are typically harvested within a ten-

year cycle or shorter) minimum of 25% by of the material being rapidly renewable itself according to the

Requirement [2]

Achievement table below:

walls and partitions; o Sunflower Seed[4] o Bamboo o Wheatboard o Other rapidly renewable materials

floors; o Bamboo[4] o Natural Linoleum o Cork o Other rapidly renewable materials

ceiling

roof

joinery;

OR

Use rapidly renewable building materials and products (made from plants that are typically harvested within a ten-year cycle or shorter) for 5% of the total value of all building materials and products used in the project. [2]

PERCENTAGE CALCULATIONS

Percentage Rapidly Renewable Material[2]= Cost of rapidly renewable Material X 100

Total Cost of Material

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TECHNIQUES

Establish a project goal for rapidly renewable materials and identify products suppliers that can support the

achievement of this goal. Consider materials such as bamboo, wool, cotton insulation, agrifiber, linoleum, wheat

board, strawboard and cork. During construction, ensure that the specified rapidly renewable materials are

installed.

Purpose

Most building materials necessitate the consumption of large amounts of natural resources. Rapidly renewable materials are materials that substantially themselves faster than traditional extraction demand (i.e., planted and harvested in less than a 10 year cycle) and do not result in significant biodiversity loss, increased erosion, or air quality impacts. Rapidly renewable materials include, but are not limited to, bamboo, linoleum, cork, fast-growing poplar, pine and products such as wheat straw cabinetry. Materials such a bamboo, wool, natural linoleum, etc. require fewer inputs, have reduced environmental impacts, and can provide economic benefits.

Designers should establish objectives for the use of rapidly renewable materials and identify where such materials can be applied as substitutes for more commonly used resource intensive materials. The use of materials such as bamboo flooring, strawboard, cotton insulation, natural linoleum flooring, etc. should be considered as a minimum.

[4]

Example: Use of Particle boards. Commonly used as a material for flooring, roofing and furniture, have in the past few years come to replace solid wood as building material. Innovations such as the use of plantation timber, which form rapidly renewable resources instead of hard wood for their manufacturing, have made this material further sustainable. More economical than solid wood, these ‘green’ particle boards can help bring down building costs to a great extent. They are available in the thickness range of 2mm to 6mm. Particle boards have low moisture absorption, high internal bonding and dimensional stability.

[3]

Sources & References

[1] LEED INDIA NC Abridged Version, January 2009, Green Building Council Of India

[2] Pearl Building Rating System: Design & Construction, Version 1.0, April 2010

[3] http://www.thehindu.com/features/homes-and-gardens/5-green-building-blocks/article4813910.ece

[4]http://www.bse.polyu.edu.hk/Research/BEP/hkbeam/HK-BEAMWEB/4-04%20WEB%20PAGES/4-04%203%20MATERIALS%20ASPECTS%20WEB%20PAGES/3.2.1%20Rapidly%20Renewable%20Materials.htm