Green Buildings: The Future Of Sustainable India

Green buildings are a growing trend in India. It is expected to become more popular as the country moves towards a sustainable future. To promote green buildings, the government has set up various schemes. The National Buildings Code of India (NBCI) and Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) are few of them. All of these aim to promote high-performance and energy-efficient buildings.

Environment friendly green buildings covered with plants

Latest News on Green Buildings 

Incorporating an Improved Way of Designing Buildings Can Reduce 6 Gigatonnes of Carbon 

March 2023: How you construct a building is responsible for atmospheric carbon emissions. Statistically, embodied carbon emissions contribute to 50% of the carbon footprint. However, the design of the building is in such a way that embodied carbon emissions can be reduced, and then we can reduce the overall carbon footprint. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Bath, UK, conducted a study and shared their recommendations. These recommendations include using steel frames or using tile cladding for multistory apartments, among others. The type of frame used has a large impact on embodied carbon. It also affects the cost of the building. Materials considered the lowest carbon emissions include steel frames and laminated timber floor slabs with laminated beams. The researchers also designed a model that can help evaluate the impact of carbon emissions by following certain recommendations. The model defined that by following these recommendations, there is a possibility to save 28 to 44 per cent of annual heating and cooling costs while using the same technology. 

What are Green Buildings?

Green buildings are defined as those that are designed to increase energy efficiency. And to improve environmental quality. It also contributes to a healthier environment for the occupants and the community.

Green building refers to a range of building types, including residential homes and more that include features such as:

Energy-efficient design (e.g., use high-performance materials)

Recycled materials (e.g., recycled content in construction)

Reduced embodied energy/emissions through energy conservation measures like passive cooling systems etc.

A view of a vertical garden inside green buildings

Government of Rajasthan: 

Urban Development Department offers additional 0.075, 0.10 and 0.15 BAR free of charge for projects which are rated silver, gold, and platinum respectively by IGBC. 

Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme – 2019 offers enterprises of MSME sector a subsidy in the form of reimbursement of 50% of amount paid to the suppliers for the plant, excluding civil work, for adopting Green Building Measures.

Types of Green Building

There are five main types of sustainable green buildings:

Passive: Passive design in green buildings stands for using natural energy sources for the betterment of the environment. These buildings use energy-efficient design combined with the latest technology.

Active: These are green buildings with a mechanism that traps the heat produced by the structure inside it; hence, protecting the environment.

Integrated: Under the integrated green building design, structures are constructed with a holistic approach. These buildings are high-performing designs that focus on sustainability and safety of the environment.

Hybrid: Hybrid buildings combine different design ideas and patterns from the modern and traditional construction elements. They aim to reduce the carbon footprint by using sustainable materials in construction.

Net Zero: Net zero energy buildings use renewable resources in their construction. They are the most energy-conscious green buildings and use design features that do not use any kind of energy.

Green Building Technology for Sustainable Development

Green building technology is a new concept that is currently being experimented by many organizations and individuals around the world. It has been defined as a building that uses less energy, water, and other resources, making it environment friendly, sustainable, resilient, and healthy in the end.

Green buildings can be explained through three main dimensions. These are environmental performance, social performance, and economic performance. The first dimension is how well a building performs its role within its environment. The second dimension is how it contributes to improving the quality of life. Finally, the third dimension is whether it satisfies economic requirements or not.

Low-Cost Housing

Low-cost housing is a priority of the government. It is an opportunity for the private sector to establish itself. It will help improve the quality of life and employment opportunities as people will be able to diversify their spending on other important stuff which might not be possible if they spend a large sum of money on housing.

Benefits of Green Buildings

Reduce carbon footprint. Green buildings can reduce the amount of CO2 emissions. This can be done by reducing energy consumption and waste generation.

Reduce water consumption. Green building technologies help to reduce water usage in buildings. It is by using rainwater harvesting or even desalination technology if necessary.

Reduce waste generation/reduce pollution levels in India's cities. Also, it can be built in areas around the world where there are increasing populations. 

State Governments give concessions to green buildings. For example, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, offers fast track environmental clearance for green building projects which are pre-certified or provisionally certified by IGBC. 

Government of Punjab: 

Department of Local Government (Town Planning Wing) offers an additional 5% Floor Area Ratio (FAR) free of charge for projects which are rated Gold or above by IGBC. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Government of Punjab offers an incentive of additional 5%, 7.5% and 10% FAR free of charge with 100% exemption of building scrutiny fee for projects which are rated silver, gold and platinum, respectively by IGBC.

Many countries around the world have used the concept of low-cost green buildings. But, it has not gained popularity in India until recently. The reason why this development is taking place now can be attributed to several factors. However, if people start accepting these concepts, the country will benefit a lot.

Cooling of The Building Through Shading

The cooling of buildings is a major concern in India. It is where high temperatures mean that air conditioning costs are often prohibitive. One of the most effective ways to keep cool is through shading. In short, blocking the sun's rays from entering your home or workplace. And this is why you need green buildings. You can easily cool your apartments by planting trees around them. It needs to be done by covering the windows and doors at night. 

You can search online for this type of buildings in your city or outside. The beauty and designs must leave you in awe! 

Why Should You Invest in a Green Building?

There are more than a few reasons why you should invest in green buildings. Take a look:

Pay less on energy bills: Energy cost is the single largest expense for most businesses. Although, it's one of the highest-cost components. According to Energy Risk Management Solutions (ERMS), companies can save up to 30% on their annual operating costs. It can be done by implementing strategies that improve efficiency across all areas. To do so, one can power office equipment to cooling buildings during the summer months. Another can be reducing waste through recycling programs like curbside pickup services. And in the end, by installing panels or rooftop solar panels for electricity. Investing in green buildings will help you achieve these savings. Also, it will help improve the inhabitants' health, productivity, and morale at work.

A recent study by RealtyTrac shows that homes selling faster than other properties may be worth as much as 20% more. It is because they are better insulated against energy loss. Using the innovative technology platform, green buildings are being designed around European standards in the present day. It includes high-performance windows with double-glazing units. Also, developers have access now, never before possible, before today's market conditions. It is where buyers choose between traditional styles versus modern green buildings instead.

Moreover, green buildings help in improving both mental and physical health, productivity, and morale. Improving indoor environmental quality is also a great concern which can be achieved by opting for green buildings.

Going Green Will Make You Rich

Investing in green buildings will give you a higher return. The value of your property will increase. You'll save money on energy bills and have a healthier, happier work environment. You can also attract higher-quality tenants. Green buildings are ideal for people who want to live or work in environment-friendly environments. 

Wrapping up Green Buildings

There is a need to promote green building technology and make it affordable for the masses. The government should take the necessary steps to bring more awareness to people about the importance of green apartments. They should also provide incentives for those who are adopting green technologies. Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into what green buildings are and how they're used to reduce carbon footprints and energy consumption. So, why think twice? Go green for the future of sustainable India!