The last few years have seen significant progress in sustainable building practices, driven by government policies, industry initiatives, and consumer demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings. Green Building Council of India (GBCI) certified more than 146 green buildings in India, covering over 2.8 million gross sq.ft. of built-up area as of 2021, a testament to the changing practices. Additionally, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has developed a rating system called the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) India for green buildings. Leading the way, the government of India has also launched the Smart Cities Mission in 2015, which aims to promote sustainable urban development and green building practices in 100 cities across the country.
In keeping with these changes, the future looks promising, with emerging new technologies, materials, and design strategies that can reduce the environmental impact of the process. Here are some of the trends and innovations that are shaping the future of sustainable building construction:
Passive building design
Passive design strategies use natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal mass to reduce the need for heating and cooling systems. These are highly energy-efficient and comfortable, even in extreme climatic conditions.
Smart building technology
Sensors, data analytics, and automation, in addition to real-time data on energy use and indoor air quality can optimize building performance, improve occupant comfort, and reduce energy consumption.
Biophilic design
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements, such as plants, water features, and natural light, into the building to create a more sustainable and healthier environment. It has been shown to improve mental and physical well-being, reduce stress, and increase productivity.
Low-carbon materials
New materials, such as engineered wood, low-carbon concrete, and recycled steel, can reduce the embodied carbon of buildings, referring to the carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of building materials.
Prefabrication and modular construction
Prefabrication and modular construction can reduce waste, improve construction quality, and lower costs by enabling faster construction times and greater flexibility in design.
Circular economy principles
Circular economy is a regenerative system in which waste is minimized, resources are conserved, and materials are reused or recycled. Applying principles of circular economy to building design can reduce the environmental impact of construction and promote a more sustainable future.
With the introduction of United Nation’s Sustainable development goals, the focus on sustainable practices is rapidly growing. As the world faces the urgent challenge of climate change, sustainable building construction is becoming more important than ever, and architects, builders, and policymakers will need to continue to innovate and collaborate to create a more sustainable future, which relies on circular principles and redefines construction on a large scale across the globe.