TGREDCO’s new Hyderabad office adopts net-zero energy model with solar integration

TGREDCO is constructing a five-storey net-zero energy office building in Hyderabad, powered entirely by solar energy. Designed with energy-efficient features and targeting LEED platinum certification, the green structure will also house TGSPDCL and serve as a model for future government buildings.

Hyderabad: To minimize energy consumption through energy efficiency measures, the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd (TGREDCO) adopted a net zero carbon concept for its own building which is coming up near the Hyderabad Mint.

Sprawling over 3,100 square yards, the entire five-storeyed building is designed to have zero or near-zero net carbon emissions from its operations. According to TGREDCO General Manager, GSV Prasad, the building is constructed with Super Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) compliance and grid-interactive ‘Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB)’ to demonstrate energy-efficient designs and technologies along with renewable energy integration in buildings for others to emulate.

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An important highlight is that the air-conditioning and ventilation, electric lighting, total building energy consumption, real-time analytical data, information dashboards, and external LED display, among others, will be powered by solar energy. “For this, a 170-kilowatt peak on-grid rooftop with custom elevated structure solar power plant will be built at the new office building,” he said.

Energy consumption is minimized through energy efficiency measures and generating or procuring enough renewable energy to offset the building’s energy needs. A park on the west side allows access to westerly winds, which is unobstructed at all, levels, making the structure a natural ventilation potential building, GSV Prasad said.

Use of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks for construction ensures consumption of 10 per cent less reinforcement steel compared to conventional structural systems for office buildings. A 15 KLD bio STP for TGREDCO & TGSPDCL will also be built on the premises.

The new TGREDCO building showcase the best energy conservation practices in Telangana, and TGREDCO will assist in extending technical support to the government departments interested in building their new offices, he said.

The works of this green building are nearing completion, and TSREDCO plans to inaugurate it by August. The project is going to be a ‘Grid-Interactive Net-zero energy building’ and is targeting a platinum level of certification under the LEED v4 New Construction rating system provided by USGBC.

The new building will serve as the corporate office for TGREDCO with TGSPDCL also having its office in the same building.