Namrata Nulwalla
ESG and Advisory Lead, Rustomjee Group
How is the green buildings segment evolving in the country? What are the latest trends?
The green buildings segment in India is experiencing a transformative evolution, driven by a combination of increased environmental awareness, proactive government policies, and the global emphasis on sustainable development. This shift reflects a broader commitment to combating climate change and promoting eco-friendly practices across industries.
One of the top trends in green building for 2024 has been the construction of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) which are no longer futuristic; they are becoming the standard. Advances in solar panel technology, energy storage solutions, and smart grid integration are making NZEBs more achievable and cost-effective. In parallel, smart technologies are being adopted to optimize energy and water efficiency, from advanced HVAC systems and energy-efficient lighting to intelligent water management systems that minimize water wastage.
Net Zero Water and Waste are also an integral part of green buildings. Achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings will gain traction in the coming years and will by no means be an easy feat as the focus will shift to using sustainable building materials (green certified building materials) along with energy, water and waste.
Mass timber construction is gaining popularity due to its sustainability benefits and architectural versatility. Using engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) reduces the carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete and steel.
Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into the built environment, is becoming a mainstream approach in green building. This design philosophy enhances the connection between people and nature, promoting well-being and productivity by integrating green walls, natural light, indoor gardens, and water features in the built environment.
The construction industry is embracing the principles of the circular economy, which focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing the reuse of materials. The use of reclaimed, recycled, and upcycled materials in new construction projects is on the increase. Smart technologies enabling real-time monitoring and optimization of energy use, predictive maintenance, and adaptive lighting and climate control, contributing significantly to the sustainability of buildings are also on the rise.
India’s rapid urbanization has further underscored the need for sustainable housing and commercial spaces. This demand has led developers to embrace green building certifications like IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) and GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), ensuring compliance with global standards for sustainability and environmental performance. These certifications not only enhance the market value of properties, but also appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and tenants.
What are your current activities in the green buildings concept?
At Rustomjee Group, sustainability is not an afterthought but a core design principle. We have witnessed a growing preference among customers for designs that prioritize natural ventilation, daylight utilization, and reduced energy consumption. Our projects increasingly incorporate features that align with sustainable living practices such as biophilic designs, rainwater harvesting systems, water and energy-efficient equipment, use of sustainable materials, landscaping that promotes biodiversity and waste management solutions. This holistic approach not only supports our environmental goals but also fosters healthier and more fulfilling lifestyles for residents. Our approach not only encompasses sustainable environmental practices but also diversity and inclusivity of all our residents. Thus, at Rustomjee, the environment isn’t the only beneficiary, social factors impacting human health, safety and well-being is an integral part of our design and construction of homes.
Our developments, such as Rustomjee Urbania in Thane, Rustomjee Crown at Prabhadevi, and Rustomjee Seasons in Bandra East showcase these initiatives with their eco-friendly designs and community-centric planning. Upcoming projects, including new phases in these integrated townships and gated communities continue to emphasize green building practices, ensuring that residents enjoy sustainable living without compromising on luxury and convenience.
Some of our key projects to look out for as part of our green building portfolio are Rustomjee 180 Bayview in Matunga, Rustomjee Verdant Vistas in Thane, Rustomjee Ocean Vista in Versova, and The Panorama by Rustomjee to name a few.
What are the challenges faced by developers and contractors in the construction of green buildings?
Building green structures might be difficult due to high initial costs for a number of reasons such as:
Upfront costs: Using specialised materials and technology that are more expensive than conventional building materials is frequently necessary when developing a green building. For instance, adding solar panels or energy-efficient windows to the construction project may result in hefty up-front costs.
Design complexity: In order to maximise energy efficiency, natural lighting, and ventilation, green buildings frequently need more complicated designs. Specialised knowledge may be needed during the design phase, which might be expensive.
Skilled labour: Building green structures frequently calls for specialised knowledge and abilities that may not be present in the local labour market. In order to ensure that their staff members have the skills needed to create green buildings efficiently, builders may need to invest in their training.
Regulatory requirements: Building codes and regulations may increase the price of building green structures. For instance, there may be additional fees and administrative expenses while acquiring IGBC, LEED or GRIHA certification.
Financing: Finding funding for green construction initiatives can be difficult.
In general, developers and builders may find it difficult to enter the market due to the high initial expenses of creating green structures.
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At Rustomjee, we address these challenges by building strong partnerships with innovative suppliers to ensure a steady supply of sustainable materials. We also take advantage of economies of scale across multiple projects to reduce costs and make green building more affordable. Our in-house design and architecture team is highly skilled and innovative in their approach and provide befitting solutions to the green building nuances making them more cost effective and doable. Moreover, we work closely with all stakeholders, including contractors, outsourced architects, and residents, to raise awareness about the long-term advantages of an environmentally and socially sustainable development that has far reaching, long-term benefits including decreased operating costs, increased asset value and better occupant productivity and health. By regularly engaging with our stakeholders and focusing on education, streamlining processes, and finding cost-effective solutions, we are able to overcome these challenges and continue delivering sustainable, commercially viable projects.
What kind of policy support is needed for the continued growth of green buildings?
To ensure sustained growth in the green building sector, a multi-faceted approach is essential, focusing on both incentivizing stakeholders and creating a robust regulatory and awareness framework.
The government can encourage the adoption of green practices by offering tax rebates, reduced property tax rates, or discounts on development charges for projects that meet green certification standards such as IGBC or GRIHA. Streamlining and expediting approval processes for certified green projects can also motivate developers to prioritize sustainable construction. Additionally, subsidies for renewable energy installations—such as rooftop solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and water recycling setups—can lower the financial barriers for both developers and homeowners.
Certifying bodies like IGBC and GRIHA play a critical role in ensuring sustainable construction practices. Regular updates to guidelines, informed by the latest advancements in green technology and global best practices, can help maintain high standards. Moreover, offering developers access to technical support, training programs, and resource materials can ease the transition to green practices, especially for small and mid-sized firms that may lack expertise or resources.
Public awareness campaigns can help highlight the environmental, financial, and health benefits of green buildings, thereby increasing demand. Government-backed initiatives, such as workshops, advertisements, and community engagement programs, can educate consumers about the long-term cost savings, improved indoor air quality, and reduced carbon footprint associated with sustainable housing. Collaborating with educational institutions, industry associations, and local governments can amplify the impact of these campaigns.
Encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector can further accelerate green building adoption. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can support large-scale sustainable housing projects, renewable energy parks, and the development of green urban infrastructure. Providing grants and funding for research and development in green building technologies can lead to innovative solutions that improve efficiency and affordability. Innovations such as advanced construction materials, smart energy systems, and sustainable architectural designs can enhance the overall appeal of green buildings.
What are your future plans in developing green buildings?
We plan to expand our portfolio of green-certified projects, ensuring that more of our developments meet stringent sustainability standards such as net zero and near net zero benchmarks. We are also continuously exploring innovative materials and technologies that can enhance energy efficiency, conserve resources, move towards a circular economy (waste management), focus on reducing the environmental impacts during the life cycle of our product (buildings) and create healthier and safer living spaces. Globally, the built environment is responsible for roughly 42% of energy consumption, according to Architecture 2030. It’s also a major culprit of environmental degradation, energy use, resource depletion, and air pollution.
To counter these effects, the goal of green building is to produce structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their entire lifecycle.
Keeping this in mind, our focus extends beyond individual buildings to creating holistic, integrated townships that promote sustainable lifestyles. Our future projects will be built with reduced carbon footprints to healthier, more enticing environments for people, flora, and fauna contributing to the vision of a greener and cleaner India. By staying at the forefront of this movement, Rustomjee aims to make a significant impact on India’s path toward sustainable urban development.
