Accessibility ramps for the differently-abled at ICICI RSETI, Jodhpur
Case Study
At ICICI Bank, it is our constant endeavour to set new benchmarks in managing our environmental footprint. Our vision for the new, state-of-the-art ICICI RSETI building at Jodhpur was to construct a building which would not exploit scarce natural resources and would be net zero for water consumption and energy consumption and produce net zero waste for landfills. This mandate drove all phases of the project - from conceptualisation and design to execution.
ICICI RSETI building in Jodhpur
The ICICI RSETI building at Jodhpur was commissioned in September 2019. It uses only renewable energy and harnesses available natural resources. It also serves as a model construction for recycling and reusing of water and waste, without compromising on aesthetics and functionality.
We commissioned a comprehensive survey of the proposed project site with special reference to the local environment and ecology and topography. The survey included contour analysis, climate analysis, wind-flow analysis, solar-egress analysis and a detailed study of locally available raw materials. This was critical because the site is situated a few kilometres away from the main city of Jodhpur. We were one of the first organisations trying to construct a building on this rocky terrain.
The team aimed at following the global best practices for the design of aesthetic environmentalfriendly buildings. It incorporated traditional and locally prevalent functional design features that suit the extreme climatic conditions of the area. Some of the unique design elements incorporated in the building are:
- Landscaping particularly suited to Jodhpur’s climate and vegetation
- Usage of natural gradient
- Structural provision of shading and ventilation
- Adequate access to natural daylight
- Natural cross ventilation through stone jalis and planned vegetation
- Creation of a heat island in the courtyard
We used some unique methods and tools in the construction which contributed to the making of a green building. Some of them are:
- Usage of excavated material for construction
- Double-height stone walls and minimisation of the window to wall ratio on the side directly exposed to the sun
- Usage of tiles with high Solar Refractive Index to reduce heat
- Usage of aluminum instead of wood
- Usage of eco-friendly paint
- Usage of recycled interlocking plastic paver blocks
- Usage of 5-Star rated air-conditioners and electric equipment and LED lighting
- Water efficient fixtures and fittings in washrooms
Architectural Highlights of ICICI RSETI, Jodhpur
The building is characterised by the following remarkable functional and innovative features as well as environment-friendly measures:
Captive installation of 35kWp Rooftop Solar Power Plant
Energy efficient and ecofriendly phytoremediation Sewage Treatment Plant
Facilities for drip irrigation
Rainwater harvesting system
Zero-energy vermicomposting pit
Single-use plastic free zone
Space-efficient, natural bamboo and babool furniture
E-rickshaws and electrical vehicle charging points
Hydro energy water turbine, solar cooker and distiller and gravity lights
Central energy management system
