After providing energy efficient solutions for few IT parks in the country, NYSE-listed Trane Inc is eyeing special economic zones (SEZs) and special residential zones (SRZs) projects in India.
The company is eyeing large-size projects as potential customers to make them energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
According to Pankaj Gupta, energy services leader,Trane, IT parks are among the highest energy consuming commercial buildings and these buildings accommodate thousands of people who work in rapidly increasing number of IT parks in major cities across the country. ?We are also looking at SEZs and residential places to convert them as green buildings for giving potential savings ranging from 30%,? he said.
As Gupta puts it, the average size of an IT park is 0.75 million sq ft and they operate 24/7 to accommodate MNCs along with incubation space for ITES and BPOs as well. This translates to heavy energy consumption, which equals operating costs and environmental impact.
?With all of the factors weighing heavily on IT park management, companies are taking a critical look at the physical environment of their buildings as a way to drive profitability, be energy efficient and environmentally responsible and to attract and retain tenants,? he says. Further, IT parks are now applying a ?high performance building? methodology to both new construction sites and existing buildings that includes identifying the building goals and outcomes that IT park owners want to drive; applying energy analysis and design capabilities to ensure building systems meet these goals throughout the life of the building; arranging for predictive service to promise that building systems operate with the quality and efficiency that is promised.
The results have been intense with 20-30% annual savings on utility costs from less energy usage. This translates into a significant positive environmental contribution as well as more comfortable and productive working spaces for occupants.
?IT parks must be efficient, comfortable and reliable in order to satisfy owners and multi-national tenants,? he feels. These factors have a direct bearing on employee health which reduces absenteeism, profitability, as well as on the value of the asset itself. Energy efficient, environmentally responsible IT Parks are simply more valuable.
