The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has prepared a background paper for the ministry of Urban Development on a rating system for water efficient fittings and fixtures in India. This is much-needed and will (like with the BEE ratings for energy efficiency) help architects who are interested in sustainable design in the choice of taps, showers and sanitary-ware.

The paper has some typos and errors but overall, the information is extremely useful -if a little technical. Free registration is required to download it from here.

I’ve been a strong critic of glass buildings in hot places like Mumbai or Delhi but recognise that it may be appropriate in more temperate climates. One thing that had escaped my attention, though, was the hazard that such buildings have become for birds.  The thing is, birds don’t see glass façades the way we do – in fact, they hardly see them at all – which is why they are known to fly straight at a glass building and be killed or maimed by the impact.

It costs a lot more to make a bird-friendly glass façade but, at least, we now know that such an option exists.

via: N.Y. Times :: New Windowpanes Have a Built-In Warning to Birds

Last evening at the American Library here, there was a web interaction between Peter J. Arsenault and Roshni Udyavar – head of the Environmental Architecture course at Rachana Sansad. I fully expected it to be all about LEED but was pleasantly surprised that there was only a passing mention to a system that I don’t think much of.

While the initial slideshow predictably made me want to yawn (powerpoint should be banned once and for all!) the discussion that followed was interesting enough. For one thing there was agreement that while a building may be tagged “green” in isolation, it may be totally unsustainable in the context of its surroundings (Mukesh Ambani’s Antilla is a prime example).

Peter talked about the ICLEI Star Index and a yet-to-be-released system called GreeningUSA which is in the public comment period till the end of September 2010.

The discussion was interrupted by a, well, person, who ranted on about how India could teach the world how to build sustainably. Maybe so but all the materials this chap espoused seemed to be of the edible variety and I’m sure I caught the word “nuts” in there somewhere…or was that my imagination? Made everybody cringe, that’s for sure.

Anyway the discussion came to an abrupt halt when the web-link between upstate New York and the American Library got messed up. Could hear Peter telling someone in the background that he couldn’t see or hear us any more.

Note to self: If you’re ever in such a situation, assume the opposite side can still see and hear you. Do not do or say anything inappropriate!