HOW TO ACHIEVE BETTER SUSTAINABILITY OUTCOMES

Sustainability in Indian real estate has become a significant focus as the country grapples with resource depletion and environmental degradation. Sharing his perspective Sahil Priyadarshi, International Finance Corporation, Green Building Specialist - South Asia Region, said, “Collaboration is key and all stakeholders should be aligned with sustainability goals from the start. Embrace feedback and reflect on what’s been achieved, whether it's your own work or others’. Small steps collectively lead to significant progress, and adoption happens when positive results are evident. IFC doesn't invest in smaller developments due to our minimum cap, but we collaborate with banks like HDFC to support green property buyers with interest rate rebates. We're also enabling other financial players to scale up market opportunities while focusing on building resilience, exemplified by our Building Resilience Index platform. Finally, we’re working with insurance companies to manage risks effectively alongside developers.”

Diepu V Reddy, COO, Business Development, Strategy, Sales & Marketing, Champion Infratech, said, “From a real estate perspective, conserving natural resources is crucial for our projects. This includes raw material management and repurpose of materials and resource saving techniques. I believe, sustainability is key to success in real estate industry. Those who fail to consider sustainability will be left behind. The future of real estate is green!”

Sapna Srivastava, Editor, Realty+, added, “Having a clear agenda and strong collaboration is crucial for success. Engaging all stakeholders, whether developers, financiers, occupiers, or construction companies, is essential. Apart from skepticism about the genuineness of green ratings and the prevalence of greenwashing, the real challenge lies in proving long-term commitment beyond just meeting the certification criteria.”

Dr Mala Singh, Founder & Director, PEC Greening India, Executive Director - CSO Global Inc. was of the view that building in harmony with nature and using resources efficiently benefits everyone. “Focusing on the environment, social aspects, and profitability creates a balanced approach. This triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit is crucial for a sustainable future.”

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS SHAPING SUSTAINABILITY

Revolutionizing sustainability ef- forts, today’s smart building systems are enabling efficiencies in building construction, operations and maintenance. As per Shabbir Kanchwala, Principal, Global Network for Zero, USA, as technology evolves, achieving net zero in projects should be the sustainability goal of the real estate. Infrastructure is a long-term investment with significant impacts on energy efficiency. If you look at commercial buildings, green building practices make sense because developers targeting MNC clients prefer them. However, the residential sector lacks similar incentives, so developers often pursue green projects independently,”

Amitabh Kumar, Director, ProjMatrix LLP, Member CTBUH Height & Data Committee, stated, “Sustainability and smart buildings go hand in hand. Smart building systems comprehensive approach to resource management helps support environmental goals. A smart building supports sustainability by lowering energy use, reducing waste, and enhancing comfort. Building standards are extensive and diverse. Locally, we have the NBC offering ample guidelines for design, while internationally, vari- ous building certifications ensure sustainable design from the beginning. Additionally, IEEE standards provide substantial technological insights and have a dedicated division for these protocols.”

Sudeep Mehrotra, CEO - Asset Management, Welspun One, add- ed, “If you look at the energy con- sumption of buildings, for India, it's around 30-35%, and globally, it has reached 40-45%. More buildings mean higher energy use, making smart buildings crucial as they can consume less energy while being productive. Smart buildings integrate process, technology, organization, and long-lasting infrastructure to achieve sustainability goals, while green certifications, help clients in selecting environmentally responsible properties."

Sudeep Mehrotra further added, “In IT or industrial parks, certain basic considerations are now essential, like maximizing sunlight to cut energy costs and ensuring proper air changes to reduce artificial air- flow. These tech-based designs have become standard, and everyone is willing to invest in them. Solar power is now a given for any industrial or warehousing site. Making parks and buildings electric vehicle-friendly is vital as EV usage is growing in each quarter. Using the right materials and efficient water management, such as rainwater harvesting and waste disposal, are key factors.”

Elaborating on how smart buildings can be integrated with existing infrastructure, Amitabh Kumar said, “The existing building can't be written off; it needs retrofitting. We need to make it smart by deploying sensors without major structural changes. By using IoT networks and cloud platforms, we can integrate these sensors with legacy systems, centralizing data for better management. Implementing smart building systems in a modular, scalable way ensures minimal disruption. This method maintains robust overall services while upgrading the existing structure. With this approach, we can successfully deploy smart technologies in current buildings and make them eco-friendly.”

Shabbir Kanchwala added, “The issue with sensors and automation is the overwhelming amount of data generated. Human minds can't process this vast data, so we need algorithms and AI. These technologies can analyze the data precisely while enhancing its value. For instance, they can predict when HVAC systems need maintenance or when components require replacement. As we generate and collect more data, the demand for AI and machine learning will only grow. These tools help us manage data effectively and reap its benefits.”

GREEN CONSTRUCTION PIVOTAL TO SUSTAINABILITY

As urbanization and industrial growth surges, the construction industry stands at a crucial juncture where sustainability meets innovation. “Green construction, prioritizes environmental responsibility,” stated Pankaj Dharkar, Founder-President, Pankaj Dharkar & Associates. He added, “We're moving beyond green buildings to net zero and decarbonization, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2070. Despite high demand and manpower challenges, today's architects are conscious of energy use, indoor air quality, and water consumption, though political hurdles remain. I have also proposed to authorities to incetivize organizations and individuals to replace old air -conditioners that are energy guzzler with efficient models, That would save tremendous carbon emissions.”

Khurshed Gandhi, Managing Di- rector, Strategic Consulting, Cushman & Wakefield India, expressed, “India constitutes 17.4% of world’s popu- lation and 4% of the water. Despite leading in solar installation globally, 86% of our energy is still thermal. Effective building design and orienta- tion are essential to achieving net-zero energy consumption, especially in dense cities like Mumbai. Furthermore, studies show that incentivizing manufacturers will lead to more energy-efficient products.”

Talking about actions being taken to reduce not only inherent carbon emissions but also operational carbon usage, Nishant Gupta, Senior Associate Architect - Architect Hafeez Contractor, said, “Sustainability begins not with design but with choosing the right site, considering factors like terrain and soil. In more developed countries, sustainability leans towards environmental concerns, while in our region, it focuses on economic and social pillars. A large percentage of our built environment is housing, and much of it remains unconstructed; hence, we must build efficiently to meet these goals. Key elements include minimizing waste during construction through smart design decisions and ensuring the essentials like staircases are built adequately but not excessively. Ultimately, sustainability for us means zero-waste architecture and efficient use of resources.”

Komal Datta, Divisional Director,Mumbai, Benoy, concurred, “The initial design decisions greatly impact embodied and operational carbon, ensuring long-term sustainability. Early sketches are crucial for the project's overall eco-friendliness. Designers should leverage innovative tools for spatial analysis and passive design, alongside carbon calculators to choose better materials. Adaptive reuse in Western markets emphasizes repurposing existing structures to cut embodied carbon. In India, we focus on passive design, biophilic elements, and new materials for greenfield projects.”

Dr. Amit Chaudhari, Associate Director, KPM Engineering Consultants, said, “New constructions can achieve sustainability with the help of innovative technology like AI and ML, making designs more efficient. Embracing performance-based design is critical for complex structures like hospitals, hotels and high-rises etc., demanding urgent code amendments. Legislation is needed to mandate energy-efficient systems, and architects and consultants must advocate for this change.”

Amar Tendulkar, Founder & Principal Architect, Amar Tendulkar Architects, added, “Design’s three fundamental principles are: Firmitas (stability and timelessness), Utilitas (efficiency and utility), and Venustas (elegance and beauty). These principles ensure sustainable and future-proof architecture. Historical buildings like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus demonstrate that sustainability practices existed long ago; they were built to last and serve future needs. We must decide whether our modern cities or traditional villages better represent sustainable design and what valuable lessons we can learn from both. A holistic approach beyond technology is crucial for true sustainability today.”

GREEN BUILDINGS & BUYERS DEMAND

India's commercial real estate sector is witnessing significant growth. A key trend reshaping this market is the rising focus on ESG criteria and changing buyer demands. Aalok Deshmukh, Co-Founder & MD, SuperHumanRace Pvt. Ltd, said, “Data and technology are significantly enhancing commercial developments. For instance, we helped a client discover high energy usage at an office space was due to a tenant's server farm, not human occupancy. Another client saw an opportunity for on-site solar installations when a global bank rejected leasing due to the lack of renewables. These examples show how data uncovers hidden business opportunities.”

Nitesh Mehrotra, Partner - Sustainability & ESG, EY India, pointed out, “Many old commercial buildings still lack digital meters, making it challenging to collect detailed, credible data for analysis. This lack of detailed data can hinder the ability to take meaningful action, as it's crucial to track both inside and outside the building. We need to address both technological and human challenges, such as awareness and change management, to implement Green strategies for projects successfully.”

Mahesh Ramanujam, President & CEO, The Global Network for Zero, said, “After Covid, I noticed unprecedented commitments to net zero, but how do we ensure they result in actual zero emissions? The residential market is tough to crack due to cost concerns, making a net zero home the hardest goal.”

In discussing the key design considerations India should prioritize in infrastructure development, Dhaval Barbhaya, Principal, SWA Laguna Beach, California, said, “I've noticed a crucial need for environmental infrastructure in India's rapid growth. While India heavily invests in hard infrastructure like bridges and highways, critical issues such as monsoon flooding or drought, highlight the need for preserving natural infrastructure for comprehensive urban development.”

Shailendra Joshi, Head - ESG, Birla Estate Ltd, stated, “The primary challenge for sustainable and resilient infrastructure is skilled work- force and regulatory support. Being an unorganized sector, collabora- tions among various stakeholders is a challenge. Overcoming these issues requires continuous innova- tion and disruptive technologies to meet the current demand quickly and efficiently. Sustainable solu- tions in energy, waste, and water are essential to address environmental challenges of the country.”

Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, Indian Plumbing Asso- ciation and Chairman, CII IGBC - Marketing Outreach and Strategic Alliances, added, “Exciting times are ahead as India is pushing for all new buildings to be certified green by 2030D. Dispelling the myth that green buildings cost more remains key to our success. In fact, Green buildings are typically 3 to 4 degrees cooler than the outside temperature, reducing the need for cooling. By incorporating strategically placed glass, these buildings maximize daylight while minimizing heat, enhancing occupant comfort without relying heavily on artificial systems.”

Gopal NP, Vice President ESG Advisory Services, Knight Frank India, added, “Affordability and sustainability are interconnected, so we must keep both in mind. Achieving a net-zero home is challenging, primarily due to economic and technical barriers, as well as a lack of awareness and education. It's crucial to implement financial incentives and instill a strong sense of purpose in everyone involved.”

Karandeep Singh Nanda, Head- Operations (West Region), Em- bassy Services Pvt Ltd, said, “Today, we are primarily focusing on condition-based monitoring and predictive maintenance, using IoT-based vibration analyzers and thermography to detect potential equipment failures before they occur, ultimately enhance reliability and reducing costs. Additionally, in terms of sustainability, biodiversity, urban farming, water management with efficient STPs and innovative measures like waterless urinals, and waste reduction through source segregation and tenant engagement can be great assets.”

Shirish Patankar, Head Projects, Awfis Space Solutions, stated, “We are implementing measures to ad- dress social aspects in ESG by building offices near homes, reducing travel time and carbon footprint, and developing tier two locations to decrease migration and urbanization. Additionally, incorporating the principles of refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle from the design stage can significantly enhance sustainable practices.”

Jitesh Donga, Chief of Design, Mahindra Lifespaces Developers Ltd, articulated, “In residential projects, sustainability has to be a priority from site selection to construction and handover. The process involves analyzing hydrology, hydrogeology, flora, and fauna and designs that optimize site resources and use cli- mate-responsive strategies, while construction focuses on minimizing waste and water use. The next stage is all about embodied carbon.”

Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director, Canadian Wood, gave an example, “Wood is a unique renewable resource, and Canada's strict forest management ensures it remains so. Despite being the top exporter of softwood lumber, Canada maintains its ancient forest cover through sustainable practices. Annually, they harvest just 0.35% of forests and plant three seedlings for every tree cut down. With 80% of British Columbia's forests certified by rigorous standards, Canada proves wood can be forever if managed responsibly.”

It is a misconception that sustainable buildings are not profitable. Investing in eco-friendly systems and products pays off over a very short period of time, through savings in operational costs.

Embracing sustainable practices is essential for both residential and commercial properties today. Building green is not an option anymore.

Regulations demand it, and it's proven to be economically beneficial in the long run.

India is on the brink of a real estate transformation and technology will play a crucial role in ensuring, we leave a better planet for future generations.