Navigating the path to 90% sustainable electricity.

As written by Dr. Kushal Nagaraj CPSCM™ , AVP - Head of Asset Management at Karle Infra Pvt Ltd.

In an era where sustainability is a top priority for businesses worldwide, the pursuit of renewable energy sources has become paramount. Among the various strategies employed by corporations to reduce their carbon footprint, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a powerful tool. These long-term agreements between renewable energy producers and consumers create an environment of stability enabling the latter to meet their green energy goals. At our flagship project Karle Town Centre (KTC), we have set a high target for ourselves: to source a minimum of 90% of the electricity consumed within the campus, from renewable sources. 

Implementing International Standards and Strategies

At Karle Town Centre, we achieve our sustainability targets using a data-driven approach to make our operations efficient. We also aim to pioneer sustainable practices in managing large-scale campuses and central to KTC's sustainability efforts is adherence to ISO and LEEDS standards, particularly ISO 14001:2015, which provides a framework for the environmental management system. While ISO standards allow for flexibility in target setting, KTC has committed to attaining goals that are seen well beyond the norms. This commitment underscores KTC's dedication to environmental stewardship and sets a high bar for sustainability practices within the industry.

Operational Efficiency: Maximizing Energy Utilization

KTC places a strong emphasis on operational efficiency to minimize energy wastage. This involves strategic selection of energy-efficient equipment and meticulous maintenance practices. From HVAC systems to elevators and UPS systems, every aspect of energy consumption is scrutinized to identify opportunities for optimization. Preventive and predictive maintenance protocols are implemented to ensure the optimal performance of equipment, thereby minimizing energy losses.

Nevertheless, energy conservation cannot be a cause for a dip in the comfort of clients. Keeping the occupants comfortable requires heavier and longer use of HVAC systems in the summer while the dark days of winter and monsoon require the lights to be turned on earlier than planned. These necessities push for a more operational and technological approach to sustainability. Advanced and modern HVAC systems do not leave a big impact on energy consumption ensuring that there is not a drastic increase in energy consumption. Heavy machinery like elevators, water pumps and ventilation systems have to be constantly kept at their best performing levels with regular preventive and predictive maintenance. We also periodically replace the equipment with advanced energy-efficient products that are available in the market and meet the highest levels of energy conservation. 

A support piece of infrastructure that helps fill up the gaps in times of unexpected changes is the 165 KWp solar power plants on the roofs of the buildings. These solar power plants give a sense of a buffer zone in the prediction models prepared by the talented team at KTC and together they play a crucial role in reaching the 90% green energy goals. In an effort to increase this share of onsite renewable energy production, KTC plans to increase the capacity of these renewable energy plants in the coming years.

A 52-week preventive maintenance schedule ensures that none of the equipment is left out of the cycle and keeps this equipment at its performance best throughout the year.

This consistent monitoring and maintenance creates a conducive environment, detecting potential energy inefficiencies and ensuring that every occupant of the buildings has the best experience. KTC's unwavering commitment to energy conservation underscores its dedication to sustainability at every organizational level while ensuring that high standards of user experience are not compromised to meet these sustainability goals. 

In Conclusion

The journey towards 90% sustainable electricity is a complex and multifaceted endeavour, requiring a strategic blend of the right infrastructure, predictive analysis, operational efficiency, and adherence to stringent international standards. Karle Town Centre exemplifies the transformative potential of such an approach, demonstrating how businesses can navigate the complexities of sustainability while achieving tangible results.