How bad air & urban heat have cancelled out 88% of Delhi's comfortable hrs in a yr
New Delhi: Air pollution and urban heat cancel out 88% of Delhi's comfortable hours in a year. According to the latest research, Delhi experiences around 2,210 thermally comfortable hours in a year, defined using an outdoor temperature range of 18 to 31 degrees Celsius.
However, 1,951 of these hours coincide with poor air quality (AQI above 150), leaving just 259 hours in a year for residents to enjoy both clean air and comfortable temperatures.
Chennai mirrored Delhi's challenge, with 88% of its comfortable hours too impacted by air pollution, suggesting that the convergence of climate stress and ambient pollution is becoming more common across Indian metros. The study found the situation to be better in other cities like Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, providing more usable outdoor conditions than Delhi.
The research by CEPT University and Respirer Living Sciences advocated Personalised Environmental Control Systems (PECS) to design and manage better indoor environment to provide comfort in polluted and warming cities. The study said that conventional building operations, which are either based on fully sealed air-conditioned spaces or unfiltered natural ventilation, no longer met the needs of urban India, especially in cities where thermal comfort and clean air rarely overlapped.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Jeder schwärmt von dieser Wärmepumpe
Musterhaus.net GmbH
Hier klicken
Undo
The study proposed the incorporation of a personalised environment which offered localised thermal comfort and air quality using proper ventilation.
The study also introduced the concept of "temporal mixed-mode buildings" or designs that adapt dynamically to outdoor conditions. These buildings combine sensor-based feedback with intelligent ventilation and filtration strategies, enabling occupants to breathe clean air without unnecessary energy expenditure.
"PECS contributes to both short-term and long-term health and energy performance outcomes. With ongoing improvements in AQI across Indian cities, there is growing potential for occupants to utilise natural ventilation when outdoor conditions permit," said Rajan Rawal of CEPT University. "Nevertheless, PECS continues to offer substantial energy savings under prevailing conditions, serving as a contextually appropriate strategy to ensure thermal comfort, safeguard occupant health, and reduce energy demand.
PECS work especially well in conjunction with low-energy solutions like ceiling fans and task-based ventilation, which enhance perceived comfort through increased air movement without the energy costs of cooling the entire space."
The modelling conducted by the research team also showed that buildings using PECS could achieve major energy savings for ventilation, which is 72% in Chennai, 70% in Ahmedabad, and 68% in Delhi, when compared with conventional air-conditioned setups.
"PECS is also an equity solution. It allows even schools, community centres or homes without full heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems to deliver healthier environments. We're not just rethinking comfort; we're reimagining what low-energy, people-centric buildings can look like in polluted and warming cities," said Ronak Sutaria, founder and CEO, Respirer Living Sciences.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Eating food cooked in THIS oil can improve memory and reduce dementia risk by 28%
Research indicates that regular olive oil consumption may significantly lower the risk of fatal dementia. A study revealed that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil daily is associated with a 28% reduction in dementia-related deaths. This benefit appears independent of overall diet quality, suggesting unique properties of olive oil that support brain health. In this modern day, most of us try to avoid consuming oily food, due to health concerns. But what if an oil could actually protect your brain and also lower your risk of dementia ? Yes, that's right. Researchers have found that adding a certain oil to the diet could boost brain health and also reduce the risk of dementia. A study presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, NUTRITION 2023, suggests that regular olive oil consumption can lower fatal dementia by 28%. What is dementia (Pic courtesy: iStock) Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide, with an estimated 10 million new cases every year. How does olive oil improve brain function The study led by researcher Anne-Julie Tessier, suggests that incorporating olive oil into your diet could help reduce the risk of dying from dementia . Amidst the rising rates of Alzheimer's disease, the study has found that healthy lifestyle factors such as diet can help to prevent or slow the progression of such conditions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo This study is the first of its kind to investigate the relationship between diet and dementia-related death. To understand the benefits of olive oil on brain function, the scientists analyzed dietary questionnaires and death records collected from more than 90,000 Americans over three decades, during which 4,749 study participants died from dementia. The researchers found that people who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia compared with those who never or rarely consumed olive oil. They also found that replacing just one teaspoon of margarine and mayonnaise with the equivalent amount of olive oil per day was associated with an 8-14% lower risk of dying from dementia. The study suggests that people who consume olive oil regularly instead of processed or animal fats tend to have healthier diets overall. However, Tessier stressed that the relationship between olive oil and dementia mortality risk in this study was independent of overall diet quality. This suggests that olive oil has properties that are uniquely beneficial for brain health. 'Some antioxidant compounds in olive oil can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially having a direct effect on the brain. It is also possible that olive oil has an indirect effect on brain health by benefiting cardiovascular health,' Tessier said. Previous studies have suggested that higher olive oil intake is linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Interestingly, the Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the best diets for overall wellness, also has olive oil as part of it, and it has shown protection against cognitive decline. Trump Health Scare: 'Cognitive Decline' Spotted? Political Adviser's BIG Warning Amid Dementia Claim Tessier, however, cautioned that the research is observational and does not prove that olive oil is the reason behind the reduced risk of fatal dementia. Further studies are required to confirm its effects. Also, keep in mind that olives are calorie-dense, so use them in moderation. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh's landmark 1987 Act: Birth of structured yoga education in India; Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend International Yoga Day event in Vizag on June 21
VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh will take centre stage on June 21, when Visakhapatnam hosts the International Yoga Day celebrations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending as the chief guest. The event also highlights the state's historical role in the formalisation of yoga education, a legacy that dates back to 1987. Former chief minister NT Rama Rao's second term (1985-89) was marked by a conscious appeal to Telugu cultural pride, and the Andhra Pradesh Yogadhyayana Parishad Act, 1987 (Act 25 of 1987) fitted neatly into that narrative. By legislating an autonomous 'Parishad' dedicated to yoga and naturopathy, NTR moved these disciplines from the realm of private ashrams and short-term courses into the formal education structure. The Act's preamble explicitly positions yoga not merely as heritage but as a public health instrument, signalling a state-centric, welfare-oriented approach rather than a purely cultural one. Historically, the practices of yoga in India, while deeply ingrained in cultural and spiritual traditions, often lacked a formalised structure for education and professional accreditation. Teaching methodologies and standards varied widely, typically relying on lineage-based instruction or individual institutional discretion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This informal landscape presented challenges in ensuring consistent quality, professional recognition, and public trust. The 1987 Act emerged as a transformative measure to address this gap. While national bodies like the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (1995) would take a broader mandate later, Andhra Pradesh's 1987 experiment offered a template — legislative recognition, university linkage, and fiscal support. Interestingly, while the state health minister served as the chairman of the governing council of the Parishad, the vice-chancellor of the (Dr NTR) University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada was the vice-chairman. Before Andhra Pradesh enacted the Yogadhyayana Parishad Act in 1987, no other Indian state had introduced a yoga-specific statute for higher education. Earlier initiatives in states such as Gujarat, Bihar, Delhi, and Karnataka operated either as depts within existing universities or as private or centrally administered societies, rather than through state legislation. AP Yogadhyayana Parishad Act formalised yoga education in three key ways. First, it introduced a standardised curriculum and certification process, eliminating the inconsistencies of guru-issued diplomas. Second, by granting the Parishad oversight over funding and institutional inspections, it established a quality-control framework and ensured stable financial support for yoga schools. Third, its mandatory affiliation with the Health University integrated yoga pedagogy into mainstream education, fostering cross-disciplinary research, shared libraries, and clinical internships, an early example of state-level integrative medicine policy. Despite these advancements, the model had its limitations, particularly in centralised decision-making, which restricted its outreach beyond Hyderabad. Ultimately, the 1987 Act was repealed in 1990 following a change in regime. However, in a high-power committee meeting held in March 1990, it was resolved to maintain the institutions created under the Parishad. Even though the Act was short-lived, it successfully transformed yoga from a cultural practice into an examinable, research-driven academic discipline. The Act also laid the groundwork for India's contemporary Ayush framework nearly a decade before its formal inception. AP Yogadhyayana Parishad Act, 1987 Act was the first dedicated, yoga-specific legislative initiative in any Indian state It created Yogadhyayana Parishad as a statutory body with extensive authority over curriculum, examinations, research, and institutional oversight By formalising curriculum guidelines, the Act eliminated inconsistencies in yoga education previously shaped by individual institutions The Act positioned yoga not just as a cultural practice but as a tool for disease prevention and holistic well-being It encouraged evidence-based research in yoga and naturopathy, contributing to the modernisation of traditional health systems The framework was designed to be robust yet adaptable, serving as a potential model for other states or even countries The Act contributed both to improving public health outcomes and preserving India's cultural heritage Though repealed in 1990, the Act's foundational approach to structured yoga education continues to influence policy and professional standards in India
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Dutch government recommends children under 15 stay off TikTok, Instagram
The Dutch government advised parents on Tuesday not to have children under 15 use social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, citing psychological and physical problems among children using them, including panic attacks, depression and difficulties sleeping. The Ministry of Health also encouraged parents to limit how long their children spend using electronic devices, keep phones and laptops out of bedrooms, and have 20 minutes of screentime followed by two hours of outside play. The advisory "gives children the time to further develop digital resilience and media literacy," Vincent Karremans, caretaker deputy minister for youth and sport, said in a letter to parliament. Karremans is one of several ministers who remained on after the Dutch government collapsed earlier this month pending October elections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo Both TikTok and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years of age. The guidelines, which are not legally binding, distinguish between "social media" sites like TikTok and Instagram and "social interaction platforms" such as messaging services WhatsApp and Signal. The social media sites have "significantly more additive design features" that have a negative impact on children, the government said. Live Events Children can use the messaging services from age 13, the year most Dutch children start secondary school, according to the recommendations. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Last year, Australia became the first country in the world to ban children under 16 from using social media. Denmark and France are considering similar legislation and Sweden issued recommendations about limiting screentime for kids last year. A group of experts, put together at the request of the Dutch parliament, found that intense screentime and social media usage can result in physical and psychological problems in children. Dutch schools have banned students from using tablets, cell phones and smart watches, with some exceptions, such as classes on media literacy. In May, some 1,400 doctors and child welfare experts in the Netherlands signed a public letter, calling on the government to ban children under 14 from having cell phones and restricting social media usage until age 16. In February, Dutch Queen Maxima said that her youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, had eyesight problems from spending too much time on mobile devices.
