Rise Of Green Buildings: A Growing Trend In Energy Efficiency & Eco-Friendly Construction

By Hriday Desai, Head – Residential Developments, Embassy Group

As India faces rapid urbanization, green building practices are becoming crucial for shaping the country’s future cities. A recent joint report by Resurgent India and NAREDCO revealed that the market for green buildings in India is projected to contribute USD 39 billion by 2025.

With more than half of the population globally already residing in cities – and this number is naturally expected to grow – there is a growing need for collaboration among stakeholders – governments, businesses and citizens in general – to reimagine urban development and promote sustainability. Industry bodies such as the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) are collaborating with the central and state governments to support the green building movement nationwide and offer advanced environmental clearance for green building projects.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards adopting eco-friendly practices and embracing sustainable lifestyles. This worldwide trend is driven by a number of factors, from increased environmental awareness to financial benefits. Let’s explore why more individuals, real estate developers and communities choose to go green.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Energy efficiency is a crucial component of green construction in order to lower the amount of energy used in and around buildings. Building materials, insulation, ventilation and other components are key elements of energy-efficient buildings which enable homeowners to reduce energy costs and help create cleaner power systems.

Energy-efficient appliances and adoption of The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) star-rated devices such as air conditioners and refrigerators help reduce electricity consumption without compromising on performance. Additionally, improving energy efficiency is largely dependent on innovative building designs. For example, passive solar designs help in optimising natural lighting and ventilation that can further minimise the need for artificial temperature control. Features like rainwater harvesting and insulation also contribute to lower energy demands.

2.      Sustainable Construction Materials
Sustainability of buildings is directly impacted by the choice of construction materials. Bamboo, fly ash bricks, and recycled materials like plastic and steel are now common in building projects, offering both cost-efficiency and sustainability.

Another rising trend is prefabricated homes, especially because of its efficiency. These homes are manufactured off-site, reducing material waste and energy use, and then assembled on location, making them faster to construct and more sustainable.

3.      Water Conservation and Management
Water conservation has emerged as a critical priority in today’s world. Rainwater harvesting system, which is mandatory in many states, help households reduce their dependence on municipal water supplies. Moreover, greywater recycling is being used in home designs to treat wastewater for non-drinking uses like toilet flushing and landscaping which lowers water consumption overall.

4.      Waste Management in Residential Buildings
Onsite waste treatment technologies like composting units and waste segregation facilities are being incorporated into residential projects to promote sustainable trash management. In addition to producing organic compost for landscaping these systems assist in lowering the quantity of waste that is dumped in landfills. Modular building is one example of a low-waste construction method that reduces waste and encourages material recycling thus promoting environmentally friendly practices.

5.      Smart Homes and IoT Integration
Technology plays a vital role in optimising energy use. Homeowners have more control over their energy use thanks to smart meters and other Internet of Things-enabled solutions that let them monitor and modify usage in real time. Home automation systems—controlling HVAC, lighting, and appliances—also enhance energy efficiency by controlling settings based on occupancy and time of day.

6.      Community and Integrated Living
The importance of designing integrated self-sufficient communities that are thoughtfully constructed to meet the various needs of inhabitants—from young children to the elderly—is becoming more and more important. To encourage both social life and solitude, common areas and landscapes are built with safety and convenience in mind. Above all, shared amenities promote sustainability and reduce the need for redundant infrastructure.

7.      Future Trends in Green Building
Modern technology like 3D printing and modular construction will revolutionize the housing sector in the future. These methods reduce the carbon footprint of buildings by improving accuracy and reducing material waste. Additionally, they could offer standardised, reasonably priced housing options, especially in developing and rural regions where there is a growing need for organised housing.

In summary, the rise of green buildings signifies a significant shift toward sustainable, energy-efficient and eco-friendly building practices. As new technologies emerge and construction practices evolve, the real estate sector is poised to have a long-lasting impact on the environment and quality of life for residents. The future of sustainable and conscientious urban living lies in green buildings which are more than just a fad.