Special Edition March 2024

PROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY MATTER!

The initial investment for energy-efficient buildings can be higher, and it's tough to make people see its importance because the benefits are often invisible.

That's where the Ice Box Challenge comes in. 

It was conceived to demonstrate exactly that – the advantages of energy-efficient, high-performance buildings in a scientifically accurate and visually engaging way.  

Picture this: four small structures, each filled with a ton of ice. 

Two built according to current standard building practice (with a variation in material thickness), another to Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) standards, and the fourth to the international Passive House Standard. 

For around nine days, these ice-filled boxes sat in a central spot in SPA Delhi, braving the heat. 

Visitors could view the public demonstration and guess how much ice would remain. 

At the end, how much ice was left in each was checked and quantified. 

The less ice melted, the better the building kept out the heat. 

Why does it matter? 

Because it shows how materials choices can slash energy needs and improve indoor living conditions.

The prestigious award was won amidst stiff competition from notable names such as LEAD Consultancy and Engineering Services, BIOME, Monk Spaces, and other participants from across the country. 

A big shout-out is due to our industry partners, whose contributions were pivotal in bringing this demonstration to life. The precast components that gave shape to the icebox structures were crafted by B. G. Shirke Construction Technology Pvt Ltd, a titan in India's housing construction scene. Other materials like doors, windows, insulation, wooden flooring board and high SRI paint, provided by Shirke, Kalco, Lingel, Rothoblaas, Desert Board, BASF and Panache pertaining to the specifications, played a crucial role in enhancing the performance of these structures. Their support was instrumental in showcasing what we can achieve together in promoting energy efficiency.

VK:e thanks the event organisers The Passive House Institute (PHI), Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), Pledge4earth, Passiv’Optim and School of Planning and Architecture for the unique opportunity and support.

The Ice Box Challenge received one of the 5 Awards for the LiFE Global Call for Ideas and Proposals as part of Mission LiFE, which was created by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. 

Results announced on LinkedIN by Passive House Institute, one of the organisers. 

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This newsletter has been edited and compiled by Ar. Athulya Ann Aby, Architectural Writer, VK Group