Regions having similar characteristic features of a climate are grouped
under one climate zone. Predominantly, Indian subcontinent is divided
into five climate zones, viz. Hot and Dry, Warm and Humid, Temperate,
Composite, and Cold.
Browse through each of these zones and know more about the characteristics
of buildings constructed there in the pre- and post-ECBC era, the ECMs
(Energy Conservation Measures) which can be used in each zone, and the
features of high performance commercial buildings in that zone.
Hot & Dry
A hot and dry climate is characterized by a mean monthly maximum temperature
above 30 ºC. The region in this climate is usually flat with sandy or
rocky ground conditions.
In this climate, it is imperative to control solar radiation and movement
of hot winds. The building design criteria should, thus, provide appropriate
shading, reduce exposed area, and increase thermal capacity.
Warm & Humid
Warm and Humid climate is characterized by high relative humidity,
around 70-90 %, and high precipitation levels, about 1200 mm per year.
The temperatures usually vary between 25–35 ºC in summers; while in
winters, temperatures vary between 20–30 ºC.
The building design in this climate should aim at reducing heat gain
by providing shading, and promoting heat loss by maximizing cross ventilation.
Dissipation of humidity is also required to reduce discomfort.
Temperate
Temperate climate is characterized by temperatures which are neither
too hot nor too cold. The total rainfall usually exceeds 1000 mm per
year. Winters are dry in this zone.
This climate requires a building design which would reduce heat gain
by providing shading, and promote heat loss by ventilation.
Composite
Most characteristics of the composite zone are similar to that of
the hot and dry climate zone, except that composite regions experience
higher humidity levels during monsoons.
The building design criteria are more or less the same as for hot and
dry climate (appropriate shading, reduced exposed area, and increased
thermal capacity), except that maximizing cross ventilation is desirable
in the monsoon period.
Cold
Regions that lie in the cold climate zone are situated at high altitudes.
The temperatures range between 20–30 ºC in summers; while in winters,
it can range from -3 ºC to 8 ºC, making it quite chilly.
Cold climate requires buildings to have appropriate insulation and infiltration
to resist heat loss, and promote heat gain by directly admitting and
trapping solar radiation within the living space.
