Lotus Greens sponsors the GRIHA-NASA Trophy to groom students in Sustainable Habitat

Lotus Greens, NCR-based real estate developer, once again underlined its commitment to the development of sustainable habitat, by sponsoring the GRIHA-NASA Trophy, at the 57th Annual NASA Convention 2014-15, a joint initiative of GRIHA, India's National Rating System for sustainable habitats and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is awarded by GRIHA Council under the aegis of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India, in partnership with National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA).

Lotus Greens in its effort to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of architecture for sustainable buildings had shared a brief for developing 50,000 sq. mtr. of group housing on its land parcel in Sector 150 NOIDA. This is the first time that a live project was given to students with the challenge to understand the ground realities and present sustainable and implementable solutions. The contest saw representation of over 35 colleges of design and architecture in India, out of which 12 entries were shortlisted from the presentations, before deciding on the final 3 winning entries.

The shortlisted entries were adjudged by an eminent jury comprising celebrated names in the fields of architecture and green building. It included Architect Jaisim, Founder Jaisim-Fountainhead; Dr Ranee Vedamuthu, HOD Architecture, Anna University; Mr Gopal Krishnan, Director and Head - USGBC- Asia Pacific and Middle East; Ms Mili Majumdar, Director TERI and Secretary cum Treasurer, GRIHA Council; Mr Ashwani Singh, Senior General Manager – Strategy, Lotus Greens; Ms Priyanka Kochhar, Sr. Programme Manager, GRIHA Council and Ms Chitrangada Bisht, Programme Officer, GRIHA Council.

The 3 winning entries were presented by the students at the prestigious GRIHA Summit held between 12th-14th March, 2015, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The GRIHA Summit is the largest conclave on high performance sustainable habitats in India. The winners were felicitated by Mr. P Sahel at the Summit - Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi won the 1st prize, followed by Gateway College of Architecture , Sonepat, as 1st runner up, Aalim Muhammed Salegh Academy of Architecture, Chennai as 2nd runners up while a special jury recommendation went out for NIT Calicut.

The designs were selected on the basis of their conformity to stringent norms and standards prescribed by GRIHA. The participating students studied the climate of Noida with the objective of maximizing natural ventilation and views for individual dwelling units. The entries received were overwhelming and included interesting recommendations like extensive terrace gardens to maximize the total landscaped area of the project, with native plants to reduce landscape water demand.

On the occasion, Mr. P. Sahel, Vice Chairman, Lotus Greens, said, "Only sustainable development can meet the needs of today without compromising the future. The students of architecture will be the ambassadors and catalysts for guiding sustainable development in the future. The GRIHA - NASA Trophy is a great opportunity to help budding architects appreciate the power of eco-friendly practices. As part of Lotus Greens' commitment to promoting sustainability across India, we have been sponsoring the GRIHA - NASA Trophy. We are elated to see the response; some exemplary work has been showcased by the students."

The Summit brought together representatives from the building and construction industry and policy makers, thought leaders, academicians, researchers and others to develop and drive new initiatives as well as showcase best practices.

Ms. Mili Majumdar Director, Sustainable Habitat Division TERI and Secretary cum Treasurer GRIHA Council said "We are proud to partner with Lotus Greens for supporting the GRIHA Trophy at NASA, which is an important initiative towards mainstreaming resource efficiency through future architects of our country. The students have shown a keen interest, especially for the live residential project that was identified as the problem statement. I look forward to the initiative gaining greater momentum."

Source : Equity Bulls

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