Authored by: By Suhavi Arya, with inputs from Mr. Anshuman Jagtap, Partner at Lexicon Law Partners.

As the world was grappling with the mode, manner, and speed with which it can take precautions to reverse the effects of climate change and initiatives to promote green and sustainable buildings, the Indian industry was not far behind.

The United Nations, through its UN Environment Program (UNEP), launched the Sustainable Buildings & Climate Initiative in 2006, focusing on energy efficiency and GHG emission reductions. On this side of the world, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – a trade body, took the initiative by establishing the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in the year 2001 to promote the construction of green buildings and launched awareness, certification and rating programs among the architects, engineers, and construction community.

Simultaneously, the UN Summit adopted SDGs or Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015 at a historic UN Summit, and it officially came into force on 1st January 2016. All countries are expected to mobilize efforts to tackle climate change apart from ending all forms of poverty and fighting inequalities. It is the responsibility of the countries to follow up and review the progress they have made in implementing these Goals, with targets set for 2030.

Why Green Sustainable Buildings?

Green buildings are an important aspect of sustainable development, as they reduce the adverse impact on the environment. With the growing awareness and concern of climate change and the need for sustainable development, green sustainable buildings have become increasingly popular in India.

Promoting green buildings supports Sustainable Development Goals in more than one way. They enable:

• people’s good health and well-being with non-toxic materials used, reduced waste generation (SDG 3, Good Health and Well Being);
• Energy-efficient buildings and utility systems can reduce energy demands by as much as 40 per cent (SDG 7, Affordable and Clean energy);
• Green building infrastructure creates jobs and boosts the economy (SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth);
• The design of green buildings with resource-efficient structures can spur innovation and contribute to climate-resilient infrastructure (SDG 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure);
• They are the fabric of sustainable communities and cities, starting from – material sourcing, energy modelling, resource reuse, civic amenities, and waste disposal, and local resources are used innovatively (SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities);
• Resources are not wasted in green buildings as they use ‘circular’ principles (SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production);
• They produce fewer emissions, and it offers the most cost-effective solutions to climate change (SDG 13, Climate Action);
• Green buildings can improve biodiversity, save water, and help to protect forests (SDG 15, Life on Land); and
• Through green buildings, strong, global partnerships can be created (SGD 17, Partnerships for the Goals)

Paving the way – the Indian Initiative

I. CII – The Torchbearers!

After having formed the IGBC [Indian Green Building Council] in 2001, the CII launched its Green Business Centre in 2004, offering world-class advisory services on the conservation of natural resources. Its Centre in the city of Hyderabad (Telangana) is housed in one of the greenest buildings in the world and the oldest green building in India.

The IGBC is a non-profit organization that promotes green sustainable building practices and certifications in India. The Council:

• Conducts project rating programs.
• Conducts Certification training programs.
• Has established a certification system called the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and awards them based on their performance.

From a meagre 20,000 square feet in 2003, i.e., within two years of its establishment, the IGBC, as of 20th February 2023, has green building projects having 10.24 billion square feet area registered with it. Out of these, about 3,260 projects have been certified and fully functional.

II. Notable Action by Builders & Developers

The private builders & developers, too, did not lag and took the lead in developing green sustainable buildings in India. As a result, many new projects are coming up with eco-friendly and energy-efficient tasks, thereby meeting the growing demand for sustainable buildings. These buildings use various green building techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources.

To name a few, the following projects/buildings are the testimony of this Initiative:

• Suzlon One Earth (in Pune),
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (in Hyderabad),
• Infosys Limited in Mysore,
• Infinity Benchmark (Kolkata), and
• Bank of India in Goa.

III. The Government Initiative

Back on the heels of the CII and private builders/projects, the Indian Government came up with directives for the promotion of SDGs via green buildings through the Model Building Code of 2016, the Energy Conservation Building Code of 2017, and the Shunya Scheme (Zero) by the Ministry of Power.

The Model Building Code of 2016 mandates that buildings spread in areas beyond 100 square meters should have provision for solar energy, solar water energy etc. The Energy Conservation Building Code of 2017 makes it mandatory for commercial buildings with connected loads with more than 100 Kilowatt-hour to reserve a minimum of at least 25% of roof area for renewable energy and ensure 1% of their peak demand from renewable energy. Under the Shunya Scheme, the Bureau of Energy Standards certifies net-zero buildings.

The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) – a body under the Indian Government responsible for the construction and maintenance of Government buildings- has developed a Rating Manual for the construction of green buildings. However, there is no concept of net-zero buildings.

Besides promoting and aiming towards implementing SDGs, the concept of green buildings also provides business opportunities to build on new green technology.

Conclusion

Although developing green sustainable buildings in India is crucial for sustainable development and the fight against climate change, it is not bereft of challenges. The building industry looks forward to government support through legislation whereby the steps taken by the building industry are rewarded with tax & cess remissions and affordable funding options.

With the confluence of increased public awareness and skilled professionals in the field, the remarkable Initiative by CII, and whole-hearted support and participation by the builders’ community, green sustainable buildings have become more popular and contribute to a more sustainable future for India.

Lexicon Law Partners fully supports such initiatives!