Why Indian Cities Need a Buildings-First Strategy for Clean Air

by P. GopalaKrishnan, Managing Director – Southeast Asia & Middle East, GBCI

Air pollution has become a defining challenge for Indian cities. Year after year, we see episodes of haze, restricted visibility and long stretches of poor air quality. What is more concerning is that this is no longer limited to a single season or a single region. Analyses of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data over the past decade show that none of the major Indian cities consistently met the “good” air quality category. Several recorded pollutant levels far exceeding permissible national limits for most of the year.

This situation calls for approaches that are more stable and long term. Short-term restrictions help during extreme episodes, but they cannot replace the deeper reforms needed to manage emissions at their source and reduce exposure. Among the many sectors connected to air quality, the building and construction ecosystem offers a practical and measurable starting point. Buildings shape how cities grow, how construction activity is managed and how indoor environments respond to outdoor pollution. By putting building performance at the centre of their air quality strategies, cities can make significant progress.

Understanding the construction link

One of the clearest examples of this comes from the recent study conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in Gurugram. The researchers monitored an active construction site over an extended period and compared particulate levels during different activities. The findings were quite precise. Activities such as excavation, earthwork, and movement of vehicles within the site produced noticeable spikes in particulate matter. On the other hand, activities like brickwork or structural framing showed far lower emissions, particularly when basic controls were used.

What stood out in the study was the effectiveness of regular and timely water sprinkling. When carried out properly, it reduced particulate levels by a significant margin, and the reduction lasted for several hours. This gives regulators a strong scientific basis to work with. Instead of applying the same restrictions to every activity, cities can prioritise the ones that have the highest impact. It also reinforces the need for on-site monitoring and clear operating protocols. These measures align well with the kind of practices already promoted in performance-based green building frameworks.

Why indoor environments matter just as much

Outdoor air quality usually receives the most attention, but occupants experience a large part of that exposure indoors. Filtration and ventilation systems in buildings therefore play a central role, particularly in cities that record frequent spells of PM2.5 (inhalable particulate matter, 2.5 microns or less in diameter) in the very poor or severe categories.

GBCI India’s recent white paper, developed with Hollingsworth and Vose, studied this issue in depth. Three MERV 14 industrial HVAC filters were tested in an office building in Noida. Although they carried the same efficiency rating, the filters differed in their media composition and pressure drop. These differences turned out to be significant. The advanced electret media filter consistently maintained indoor particulate levels close to the recommended threshold. It also lowered the energy required by the HVAC fan, which is an important outcome for building operations.

The findings underline a point that is often overlooked. The filtration rating is only one part of the picture. The characteristics of the filter media, the pressure drop across the system and the maintenance protocol all determine how well a building can deal with high outdoor pollution. For Indian cities, where particulate concentrations can fluctuate dramatically, these aspects need careful attention.

Why buildings should be at the centre of improvement plans

A buildings-first approach is practical for several reasons. To begin with, performance in buildings can be measured at regular intervals. Air quality, ventilation rates, energy use and filtration efficiency can all be monitored in real time or through routine checks. This enables cities and building owners to track improvements clearly and adjust their strategies based on actual data.

Buildings also offer controlled environments. Unlike the broader airshed, where pollutants move across jurisdictions and depend on multiple sectors, building systems provide direct levers that can be upgraded, retrofitted or managed through clear operational guidelines. This makes it possible to achieve meaningful improvements without long delays.

Another important factor is that buildings influence both sides of the air quality problem. Construction activity contributes to emissions. Once a building becomes operational, its ventilation and filtration systems determine how much of the outdoor pollution reaches occupants. Addressing both elements together gives cities a well-rounded path to improvement.

Moving from emergency response to long-term planning

A recurring challenge in India’s air quality management is the focus on short-term responses. These are necessary during periods of extreme pollution, but they do not change the underlying conditions. The growing reliance on independent monitoring networks, which often show values well above the capped Air Quality Index (AQI) of 500, also indicates that citizens want clearer information and consistent action.

A more durable solution requires systems that track performance regularly and apply standards consistently. Construction sites can follow activity-specific protocols supported by sensor data. Operational buildings can adopt filtration and ventilation strategies suited to high particulate environments. Public and commercial buildings can be required to maintain their systems to a clearly defined performance level. Several of these elements are already encouraged in global green building frameworks such as the new LEED version 5 rating system, and cities can draw from these approaches to strengthen their own standards.

Conclusion

Air pollution is a complex issue influenced by many sectors, but the building and construction ecosystem offers a practical place to start. Better dust management practices, stronger filtration strategies and performance-based building operations can all contribute to healthier urban environments. These are steps that can be implemented now and measured reliably. As Indian cities work toward long-term solutions, a buildings-first approach can support both public health and better environmental performance in a systematic, data-informed manner.