Why in the News?

Due to rapid urbanization, India is facing the challenge of exceeding global energy efficiency and carbon benchmarks. High-performance buildings (HPBs) offer resilient, adaptive, and self-sufficient designs, promoting healthier indoor environments and better air quality.

What are High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)?

• These are structures designed to achieve peak levels of energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.
• They go beyond standard building practices by integrating advanced technologies and smart design strategies to minimize environmental impact, optimize resource use, and improve overall performance.
  • For example, Unnati (Greater Noida) and Indira Paryavaran Bhawan (New Delhi) showcase smart designs like sun-optimized facades and advanced HVAC systems, reducing energy use.

Key features of HPBs include:

• Energy Efficiency: HPBs use cutting-edge technologies like energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart lighting controls, and advanced insulation to reduce energy consumption.
• Water Conservation: Techniques like greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting help HPBs minimize water usage.
• Sustainable Materials: HPBs use eco-friendly, durable materials to reduce their carbon footprint and increase building longevity.
• Site-Specific Design: HPBs leverage natural lighting, ventilation, and terrain-specific water management to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy demand.
• Building Management Systems (BMS): HPBs employ BMS to monitor real-time performance metrics such as energy usage, water consumption, and indoor air quality, ensuring continuous optimization of resources.

How can HPBs help Indian cities?

• Resource Efficiency: HPBs help reduce energy consumption and promote water conservation, addressing India’s resource scarcity and fluctuating energy markets.
• Urban Resilience: By being energy-efficient and self-sufficient, HPBs can help cities adapt to rising temperatures and urbanization pressures.
• Healthier Environments: HPBs enhance indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and occupant well-being through intelligent systems like air filtration, natural lighting, and smart temperature control.
• The strain on Infrastructure: HPBs can relieve pressure on public infrastructure by minimizing resource usage, making them crucial for fast-growing cities.
• Sustainable Growth: HPBs are key to driving India’s transition to a low-carbon economy, supporting sustainable urbanization, and enhancing property value through long-term cost savings.

Way Forward: 

• Scaling Adoption of HPBs: Promote widespread implementation of HPBs through government incentives, regulations, and public-private partnerships, aligning with SDG Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) to foster inclusive, safe, and resilient urban spaces.
• Innovation and Capacity Building: Encourage innovation in building technologies and workforce training to develop HPBs, contributing to SDG Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by ensuring energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in cities.

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