Why is it in the news?

• High-performance buildings (HPBs) are making headlines as India grapples with the pressing challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change.

An Overview of HPBs

• As urbanization accelerates, India faces the risk of exceeding global benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon emissions in buildings.
• High-performance buildings (HPBs) provide resilience through adaptive, self-sufficient structures that enhance social well-being and promote healthier indoor environments.
• Discussions around sustainability in the building sector often center on climate change, resource use, and energy efficiency, given that buildings are significant contributors to global emissions, particularly in rapidly growing cities.
• Worldwide, buildings account for nearly 40% of total final energy consumption, primarily for operational needs such as HVAC systems and lighting, resulting in approximately 28% of energy-related carbon emissions.
• In India, buildings represent over 30% of national energy consumption and 20% of carbon emissions, according to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. With the urban population expected to reach 600 million by 2030, the urgency to address the construction sector’s carbon footprint is increasing.
• HPBs differ from green buildings in both methodology and outcomes. While green buildings rely on certification programs to meet sustainability goals like energy efficiency and water conservation, HPBs strive for peak efficiency in design and function, often exceeding local requirements.
• HPBs utilize advanced technologies and smart design strategies to continuously monitor performance metrics, optimizing energy and water use while prioritizing occupant health and comfort.
• Through site-specific design approaches, HPBs maximize thermal efficiency by incorporating natural lighting, ventilation, and sustainable materials.
• Key technologies include energy-efficient HVAC systems, greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and smart lighting controls, all of which are monitored via a building management system (BMS) for real-time performance analytics.
• Notable examples of HPBs in India include Unnati in Greater Noida and Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi, showcasing innovative designs that enhance energy efficiency.
• Beyond environmental benefits, HPBs tackle long-term operational challenges faced by building owners and occupants. By integrating technology with sustainability, they improve overall performance.
• For example, the Infosys campus in Bengaluru employs a BMS to optimize building operations, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and yielding higher returns on investment through increased property values and lower maintenance costs.
• HPBs represent a shift towards innovative development, prioritizing occupant well-being with superior air filtration and optimal natural lighting.
• In India, where resource scarcity and fluctuating energy markets are prevalent, HPBs provide proactive solutions by enhancing resilience and fostering healthier indoor environments, as demonstrated by TCS Banyan Park in Mumbai.

Conclusion

• Thus, HPBs present a critical opportunity for Indian cities to address the challenges of rapid urbanization and environmental change.
• By positioning the built environment as a catalyst for a low-carbon, sustainable economy, HPBs emerge as future-proof investments that can adapt to evolving ecological and economic pressures while delivering lasting value.