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High-performance buildings (HPBs) have come into focus with the acceleration of urbanization and worsening of climate change. High-performance buildings (HPBs) are essential for sustainable living, addressing critical challenges like energy efficiency, climate resilience, and resource conservation. HPBs are designed to minimize energy consumption, conserve resources, and endure extreme weather.
In this article we will focus on what are High Performance Buildings (HPBs), what are their advantages, and the challenges in their creation.
What are High Performance Buildings (HPBs)? What are the key features of HPBs?
High-performance buildings are structures designed to exceed traditional standards in areas such as energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, occupant comfort, and operational performance.
Key Features of HPBs
| Integrative Design | Integrative design is central to HPBs. HPBs have measurable goals, uniting architects, engineers, sustainability experts, and building owners to achieve the same. For example- Achieving 90% daylighting or optimizing cooling to 700 sq. ft. per tonne of air-conditioning. |
| Sustainable Material Choices | HPBs prioritize durable, energy-efficient materials with low embodied carbon and high recycled content. Life-cycle assessments help identify materials with minimal environmental impact, while low-emission interior materials improve indoor air quality by reducing harmful volatile organic compounds. For Example- The Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) campus in Bengaluru uses lifecycle cost analyses to select materials that balance comfort, durability, and energy efficiency over 50 years. |
| Energy Efficiency Strategies | HPBs aim for net-zero or net-positive energy performance, generating as much or more energy than they consume. The use of renewable like solar and wind energy is prominent in HPBs. For Example- The Infosys Hyderabad campus features a radiant cooling HVAC system combined with daylighting and task lighting, significantly cutting energy use. |
| Water Conservation | HPBs tackle water scarcity through efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling. For Example- Infosys campuses recycle 100% of wastewater using aerobic membrane bioreactors, achieving zero-discharge status. |
| Performance Monitoring | HPBs use advanced monitoring systems to track real-time energy, water use, and indoor environmental quality. For example- The IIHS Bengaluru campus uses AI-linked smart devices to maintain thermal regulation and operational efficiency. |
| Resilience to Climate Risks | HPBs are designed to endure extreme weather, integrating site-specific flood protection, durable materials, and passive survivability measures. Renewable energy and water systems enhance resilience during outages. |
What are the advantages of High Performance Buildings?
Economic Advantages
1. Energy Cost Savings- High energy efficiency in HPBs reduces heating, cooling and lighting needs of the building.
2. Increased Property Value- Sustainable and high-performing buildings tend to have higher market values due to lower operational costs and greater appeal to tenants or buyers.
Environmental Benefits
1. Reduced Carbon Footprint- Lower energy consumption and the use of renewable energy in the HPBs help in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Resource Efficiency- Optimized water use, energy-efficient systems, and the use of recycled or sustainable materials minimize resource depletion.
Social and Health Benefits
1. Enhanced Indoor Air Quality- High-performance buildings are designed to minimize pollutants and provide clean, healthy air for occupants.
2. Improved Comfort- Features like optimal thermal insulation, acoustic controls, and advanced lighting systems in HPBs ensure a more comfortable living or working environment.
What are the challenges with HPBs?
Financial Challenges
1. Higher Initial Costs- HPBs have higher upfront costs compared to traditional buildings due to the use of advanced materials, technologies, and design processes.
2. Budget Constraints- Balancing sustainability goals with cost-effectiveness is difficult, especially for smaller projects or in regions with limited financial resources.
Technical Challenges
1. Complex Design and Planning- High-performance buildings require integrated design processes, involving collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and sustainability experts. This can lead to complicated project management.
2. Maintenance Complexity- Sophisticated systems such as smart HVAC, building automation systems (BAS), and renewable energy sources require specialized knowledge for maintenance and troubleshooting.
Regulatory and Policy Challenges
1. Lack of Standardized Metrics- Measurement and definition of “high performance” often vary across regions and projects. This leads to inconsistencies in HPBs maintenance and operation.
2. Changing Building Codes and Standards- HPBs also face the challenge of resource-intensiveness due to evolving regulations and meeting certification requirements.
How are governments worldwide supporting HPBs?
1. The European Union’s Green Deal mandates energy-efficient building designs and retrofits, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.
2. Germany’s KfW Bank provides low-interest loans for energy-efficient projects. Denmark’s BR18 building codes encourage sustainable construction by offering incentives.
3. The U.S. programmes Energy Star and LEED promote energy-efficient buildings and offer tax credits for green building initiatives.
How is India adopting HPBs?
1. India promotes High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) through its National Action Plan on Climate Change, focusing on energy-efficient construction.
2. The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) aims to reduce energy demands by up to 30% in buildings. Cities like Hyderabad, Noida, and Pune offer higher floor area ratios and incentives for buildings that meet ECBC standards. Examples include ITC’s Green Centre in Gurugram, TCS Siruseri IT Park in Chennai, and the Embassy’s commercial developments in Bengaluru, which command premium rents and higher occupancy rates due to their green certifications.
3. India’s Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) has registered over 3,000 projects that prioritize sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions.
4. The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has certified more than 14,000 projects, covering 12.5 billion square feet of green building space.
What should be the way Forward?
1. Strengthen Building Codes and Standards- The focus must be on updation and enforcement of energy and sustainability standards to align with high-performance goals.
2. Provide Financial Incentives- There must be expansion of grants, tax credits, and subsidies to offset the higher upfront costs of HPBs.
3. Support Research and Development- Investment in R&D for innovative materials, energy-efficient technologies, and building design tools, will propell the HPB sector.
4. Encourage Mandatory Reporting- Transparent and mandatory reporting of building performance metrics, such as energy use and carbon footprint, will help in further development of High performance buildings.
HPBs exemplify sustainability, lowering operational costs, boosting real estate value, and fostering climate resilience. As these practices gain traction, the ultimate goal is to transition all buildings into high-performance benchmarks for a sustainable future.
| Read More- The Hindu UPSC Syllabus- GS 3- Environment conservation |
