Did you realise that buildings are a source of pollution as well? Yes, you read that correctly. Buildings account for roughly 40% of total consumption in the country. By 2050, it is anticipated that conventional structures will account for 70% of India’s emissions. This might put India’s green energy goals in jeopardy. As a result, it is critical to construct green buildings now in order to ensure our future sustainability. Currently, green buildings account for barely 5% of India’s stock market.
What exactly is a green building?
When compared to conventional structures, green buildings are more energy efficient and emit fewer emissions. As the globe progresses toward a more sustainable way of life, it is critical to raise awareness of green buildings for future generations.
The following are some of the benefits of green construction:
- More effective resource management
- Low maintenance and minimal influence on the environment
- Energy efficiency through the use of emission-free renewable energy
- A healthy way of life
- Eco-friendly
- Water management and improved air quality
- A higher return on investment
However, the high cost of construction and design is now one of the biggest downsides of green buildings.
The current pandemic has also highlighted the significance of leading a healthy lifestyle, with many preferring to live and work in greener environments. Green buildings are intended to have better air quality/ventilation, adequate lighting, and access to fresh water. Reduced water and energy use are further advantages. Energy savings are from 20 to 30 percent, while water savings range from 30 to 50 percent. From material procurement to construction and certification, green building design and construction necessitate a focus on implementing energy efficiency, clean energy, and energy management throughout the infrastructure value chain.
What is the Net Zero Goal?
India is a developing country with a high rate of construction; if this energy is channelled into green construction, it will benefit both the economy and the environment. India, which ranks third in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions after China and the United States, is facing enormous pressure to meet its net-zero carbon emission target. The country has set a goal of becoming net zero by 2070, at a cost of $10 trillion in investment.
The funding will be utilised to expand renewable energy infrastructure, improve energy transmission networks, and establish green hydrogen capacity. India had previously stated that it would reduce carbon emissions by 33 percent to 35 percent by 2030. The United States, the United Kingdom, and China have set a timeframe for achieving the net-zero goal. Saudi Arabia has also said that it will attain net zero carbon emission targets by 2060.
To mitigate the effects of climate change, countries all over the world are adopting net zero targets. People and organisations are attempting to reduce emissions while also innovating and investing in healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. The use of intelligent and smart design, investment in renewable energy, and a focus on energy efficiency and waste reduction can all contribute to achieving a balance.
What is the purpose of Mission 500GW?
In 2021, India’s current capacity will be at 101 GW. To satisfy the commitment, another 400GW of renewable energy must be added by 2030. At COP26, Modi stated India’s intention to achieve 500GW of non-fossil-fuel built capacity and 50% of its energy requirements from renewables by 2030. The following are the top five highlights:
- To begin, India’s non-fossil energy capacity would be increased to 500 GW by 2030.
- Second, by 2030, India will have met 50% of its energy needs through renewable energy sources.
- Third, India will lower its overall estimated carbon emissions by one billion tonnes between now and 2030.
- Fourth, by 2030, India’s economy will have reduced its carbon intensity by 45 percent.
- Fifth, by 2070, India will have achieved its net-zero-emissions goal.
Green Construction in India
The largest campus in the world, Infosys Pune, has been awarded LEED Platinum certification by the US Green Building Council.
The following are some of the highlights of the Infosys Pune Phase-2 campus:
- Energy efficiency: in the last eight years, per capita energy usage has decreased by 47 percent.
- Water conservation: in the last eight years, per capita water use has decreased by 38%.
- This year, solar power was used to cover 77 percent of the campus’s electricity needs.