ABB Global spends over $1 billion per annum on R&D

Existing buildings can be retrofitted to become more energy efficient by using only renewable energy. For instance, the decades-old Bengaluru Neelamangala factory, which was completely redone, now has a Platinum rating from Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and 80 per cent of its power is from solar.

Nelamangala Factory certainly was a great story to share with its re-purposed building spaces and its emphasis on energy savings and occupant comfort. And it is equally true that existing buildings can become far more energy-efficient and a classic example of that is our Disha Building, the headquarters of ABB India in Bengaluru. It was an existing building repurposed and is completely powered by renewable energy under RE100. The interiors of this three-floor block were redone keeping the shell, with the latest in energy efficient ArTu switchboards, Emax2 and XT circuit-breakers, metering and monitoring at MCB level. Also the ABB Building Management System @ Cylon, contributed significantly in energy saving through control of lighting and HVAC. The building uses sunlight very well to keep energy consumption low and at the same time multiple monitoring sensors keep air quality and ambience world class to make those working in the building comfortable. It is always challenging to re-tailor or re-purpose a building or application and it involves working within the space, within the available orientation and still ensure the best-in-class working ambience. As India urbanises and grows, green buildings will become the norm and efficiency, the driver.