Taking the LEED

Laura Fisher Kaiser -- Interior Design, 1/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

The world's first platinum-rated building under the revised Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design system, the Confederation of Indian Industry–Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre has scored a jaw-dropping 56 points, four higher than the platinum threshold. Karan Grover Associates relied on eco-friendly materials, such as fly-ash brick and broken mosaic tile, to construct the 8,000-square-foot Hyderabad complex, which features a technology center and conference facilities. A courtyard represents architect Karan Grover's interpretation of a Mogul garden.

Wind towers and screen walls cool air as it passes into the circular structure, which required less building material than a Western box. Photoelectric cells generate 20 percent of energy requirements—already minimized by the narrowness of the floor plate and the integrated daylight sensors.