The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has prepared a background paper for the ministry of Urban Development on a rating system for water efficient fittings and fixtures in India. This is much-needed and will (like with the BEE ratings for energy efficiency) help architects who are interested in sustainable design in the choice of taps, showers and sanitary-ware.

The paper has some typos and errors but overall, the information is extremely useful -if a little technical. Free registration is required to download it from here.

I’ve been a strong critic of glass buildings in hot places like Mumbai or Delhi but recognise that it may be appropriate in more temperate climates. One thing that had escaped my attention, though, was the hazard that such buildings have become for birds.  The thing is, birds don’t see glass façades the way we do – in fact, they hardly see them at all – which is why they are known to fly straight at a glass building and be killed or maimed by the impact.

It costs a lot more to make a bird-friendly glass façade but, at least, we now know that such an option exists.

via: N.Y. Times :: New Windowpanes Have a Built-In Warning to Birds