How high-rise buildings are the next step towards a sustainable future

THis talk on sustainability in the infrastructure sector often focuses on climate change, resource use, and energy efficiency. Buildings provide important global emissions, especially in fast-growing cities, so improving their energy and carbon efficiency is essential. Failure to act can lead to high energy consumption, over-reliance on fossil fuels, and missed climate targets, all of which will add to the burden of cities.

Globally, buildings account for approximately 40% of final energy use over their lifetime, mainly for operational needs such as running HVAC systems and lighting.

This significant use of energy accounts for approximately 28% of electricity-related carbon emissions from all on-site energy use and indirect emissions from power plants and other off-site sources. In India, buildings account for more than 30% of the country’s energy consumption and 20% of its carbon emissions, according to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

As urbanization increases, India is at risk of exceeding international benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon emissions in buildings, including standards set by the International Energy Agency, building certification programs, and the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

With India’s urban population expected to reach 600 million by 2030, this problem is accelerating. As cities grow, the need for new construction also increases, and without action the carbon footprint increases dramatically.

Adopting energy-efficient and low-carbon building practices is essential to achieving climate goals and promoting urban growth.

What are the top buildings?

Terms such as “green buildings” and “high-performance buildings” (HPBs) are often used interchangeably in the field of sustainable construction. Both approaches aim to reduce environmental impact and energy consumption and improve well-being, but differ greatly in their methods and outcomes.

Green buildings are often seen as the first step towards sustainable development, with certification programs playing an important role in their design. These programs evaluate the design intent and the end result in different categories, using standardized benchmarks to ensure that the builder is meeting development goals. Their key features are energy use, water conservation, and resource exploration.

HPBs enhance these ideas by striving for excellence in all aspects of their character and work. From energy and water use to the health and comfort of residents, HPBs are designed with measurable, measurable goals to achieve results that exceed local government requirements. They use advanced technologies and smart design strategies to keep track of their performance metrics, in real-time. In particular, HPBs optimize site-specific design methods, such as natural light, ventilation, and terrain water management using sustainable materials, insulation, and low U-value windows to maximize efficiency and reduce energy demand.

Advanced technologies include energy-efficient HVAC systems, gray water recycling, rainwater harvesting, intelligent lighting controls, and advanced metering. The ‘building management system’ (BMS) allows users to monitor HPB performance, including providing real-time analytics to optimize resource utilization.

Some HPBs already exist in India. Another notable example is Unnati in Greater Noida, which features a façade designed according to the Sun’s path in the sky to improve thermal comfort and reduce glare. This is enhanced by high-performance glass with a low solar heat gain coefficient, which improves energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.

Similarly, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi uses an advanced HVAC system with a unit that cools water that circulates through the beams on the roof, taking advantage of natural circulation and reducing energy consumption.

These architectural designs have paved the way for net-zero buildings (structures that produce as much energy and water as they consume) and energy-efficient buildings, which play a role in managing energy demand. Both push the limits of fitness.

Advantages of HPBs

HPBs provide environmental benefits and solve long-term operational problems that property owners and residents regularly face. Rather than focusing solely on energy conservation, HPBs create a holistic environment where technology, design, and sustainability interact to maximize building performance.

For example, their use of intelligent systems to efficiently manage the use of resources makes building systems last longer and do not require frequent upgrades. The Infosys campus in Bengaluru has a facility that monitors the performance of the entire building using a BMS and makes the necessary adjustments as and when to maintain peak performance. These properties tend to get higher returns on investment because of the property’s value and lower maintenance costs. Similar examples include the Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan in New Delhi and the Infosys campus in Hyderabad.

HPBs that take advantage of automation and artificial intelligence in addition to existing features can already create smart ecosystems. For example, computers in buildings can adjust lighting, temperature, and air conditioning based on occupancy or weather conditions to create a personalized, energy-efficient environment.

From the perspective of the market, HPBs are making a sign of development thinking. Beyond their benefits, they show a shift toward buildings that prioritize the well-being of residents with advanced air filters, ample natural light, and fuel efficiency.

How can HPBs help Indian cities?

Life in India is driven by resource scarcity, volatile energy markets, and rising temperatures. HPBs provide resilience through flexible, self-sustaining structures. They promote human well-being by maintaining good indoor health, including air quality.

For example, TCS Banyan Park in Mumbai combines green spaces and water features and its daylighting strategy includes well-placed windows and skylights to reduce artificial light. Such projects use limited resources while raising the quality of the workplace.

In India, where rapid urbanization can and does pose a public challenge, HPBs provide a sustainable solution that positions the built environment as a driver of the country’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. In short, in a rapidly changing real-estate landscape, where flexibility is essential, HPBs stand out as a future-proof investment that can withstand the changing climate of environmental and economic pressures while delivering value.

Sandhya Patil is a sustainability expert at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) and anchors ASSURE’s technical assistance. The author has no financial interests vested in any company or organization that may benefit from this article.