By: Adithi Sivaprasad and Debashish Sanyal
1. Student, Department of Architecture and Planning, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
2. Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
In the past few years, the erection of high-rise buildings, or rather skyscrapers, with the extensive use of glass façades can be seen a lot. This paper mainly includes a study on the environmental impacts caused due to the increase of glass façades used in the city of Mumbai. Glass as a material does look pleasing but with the torrid temperatures we experience in Mumbai and the high amount of glass used, then is glass a better alternative to thick masonry? Is it necessary to know the cause of how it affects the environment and find out possible solutions for the same? Based upon the case studies of Mumbai, the heat island effect and high energy consumption are the major problems caused due to the extreme use of glass façades. To overcome such issues, it is mandatory to incorporate sustainable glass façades into our design to minimize the environmental impact. The use of photovoltaic glass, low emissivity coatings, and double or triple glazing, can be a few of the methods that can be followed.
Keywords: Heat Island effect, green façade, energy-efficient building, photovoltaic glass
Citation:
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