As India rapidly urbanises, integrating sustainability into construction practices is crucial for ensuring a resilient and eco-friendly future
The need for green buildings is greater now than ever before. Could you share your perspective on this?
The urgency for green buildings has never been more critical. With greenhouse gas emissions at alarming levels, the construction and real estate sectors have a pivotal role in mitigating environmental impacts. According to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, a “rapid and far-reaching” sustainable transition in land, energy, buildings, transport and cities is needed to meet global carbon reduction goals. Buildings account for almost 40 percent of global energy-related CO2 and hence, they will play a major role in a sustainable transformation. Green buildings, like those that are LEED certified, are a global solution for cities, communities and neighborhoods. The tangible benefits of green buildings might not be immediately apparent to tenants or visitors, but through sustainable design, construction, and operations, they are significantly reducing carbon emissions, and energy consumption. These buildings conserve water, use safer materials, and lower exposure to toxins. As India rapidly urbanises, integrating sustainability into construction practices is crucial for ensuring a resilient and eco-friendly future.
What are the certifications and ratings systems you offer?
At GBCI, we offer several internationally recognised certification and rating systems, including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), SITES, TRUE, PEER, and ICP,. To earn these certifications, projects must meet stringent criteria across various sustainability parameters. In LEED, for example, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and indoor environmental quality are a few parameters to be tracked. The process involves registering the project, submitting detailed documentation, undergoing reviews, and achieving specific performance benchmarks.
It is a common perception that there is an incremental cost in going green. What's your take on this?
While it's true that green building practices had involved a small elevated upfront costs, efficiencies in Sustainable materials and design processes have brought down these inflations to a bare minimum. And these are quickly offset by short-term savings. Energy-efficient designs and systems reduce utility bills, while sustainable materials and construction practices enhance durability and lower maintenance costs. Additionally, green buildings typically command higher market values and attract premium tenants, offering substantial financial benefits over time. Green buildings reduce day-to-day costs year-over-year. LEED buildings have reported almost 20 percent lower maintenance costs than typical commercial buildings, and green building retrofits typically decrease operation costs by almost 10 percent in just one year.
What are the benefits of sustainable buildings? How are you creating more awareness among the real estate fraternity to embrace sustainable building practices?
Sustainable buildings offer numerous benefits, including reduced energy and water consumption, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced occupant comfort and productivity. They also contribute to environmental conservation by minimizing waste and lowering carbon emissions. To promote awareness, we engage with the real estate community through workshops, seminars, and certification programs. We also collaborate with industry stakeholders to demonstrate the tangible benefits of green building practices through case studies and success stories.
Please brief us on your tie-ups for promoting green buildings.
GBCI partners with various governmental and non-governmental organizations, industry associations, and educational institutions to promote green buildings. These collaborations focus on advancing sustainability standards, providing training and certification programs and advocating for supportive policies and incentives. By working together, we aim to create a robust ecosystem that fosters the growth and adoption of green building practices. Examples include Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), Skill Council for Green Jobs, etc.
What are the challenges you face and how do you address these challenges?
One of the primary challenges is the misconception that green buildings are prohibitively expensive. We address this by providing data and case studies that highlight the long-term economic benefits of sustainable construction. Another challenge is the lack of awareness and technical expertise. To overcome this, we offer extensive training programs and resources to educate industry professionals on the best practices and technologies in green building.
Is it only new construction or are existing buildings also eligible for green certification?
Existing buildings are absolutely eligible for green certification. Programs like LEED for existing buildings provide a framework for evaluating and improving the sustainability of existing structures. Retrofitting older buildings with energy-efficient systems, improving water management, and enhancing indoor environmental quality are key areas where existing buildings can achieve significant sustainability gains.
What role can the government play in promoting sustainable building practices?
The government can play a crucial role by providing incentives such as tax rebates, grants, and subsidies for green buildings. Implementing and enforcing stricter building codes and sustainability standards can also drive the adoption of green practices. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and educational programs can help to highlight the benefits of sustainable construction and encourage broader participation.
How is the market for ‘Green’ products and technology shaping up in India?
The market for green products and technology in India is growing rapidly. There is increasing demand for energy-efficient appliances, sustainable building materials, and renewable energy systems. Innovations in smart building technologies, such as IoT-based energy management systems, are also gaining traction. As awareness and demand for sustainability rise, we expect this market to continue its robust growth.
Lastly, what future trends do you foresee for green buildings in India?
Looking ahead, we foresee a significant increase in the adoption of net-zero energy buildings, driven by advancements in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. The integration of smart technologies and IoT for real-time monitoring and optimization of building performance will become more prevalent. Additionally, we anticipate a greater emphasis on health and wellness features in building design, aligning with the growing awareness of the impact of built environments on occupant well-being. We also see emphasis on Climate Resiliency, Social equity and ecology and increasing integration between Sustainability and ESG reporting.
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