How is India adopting High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)?

Source: The post how is India adopting HPBs has been created, based on the article “How policies shape high-performance building standards and climate goals” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Infrastructures

Context: The article discusses High-Performance Buildings (HPBs), which reduce energy use and emissions while improving occupant well-being. HPBs offer financial benefits, including lower costs and higher property values. Governments promote HPBs through energy efficiency policies, financing, and carbon credits.

What are High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)?

1. HPBs are buildings designed to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and operational costs while improving occupant well-being.
2. These buildings minimize energy and water consumption through climate-adaptive designs, contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation.
3. HPBs address urban and climate challenges as the construction industry contributes 39% of energy-related CO2 emissions globally.

For detailed information on Importance of high-performance buildings (HPBs) read article here

How are governments 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.
3. Denmark’s BR18 building codes encourage sustainable construction by offering incentives.
4. 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.
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.
5. 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.

How are HPBs financed?

1. Carbon financing supports HPBs by converting carbon savings into financial value. Carbon credits are tradable permits earned by reducing emissions.
2. Carbon pricing regions, like the European Union and China, allow HPBs to generate credits, providing developers with financial incentives.
3. Green bonds finance HPBs; in 2020, $269.5 billion in green bonds were issued globally.
4. Climate funds like the World Bank and Green Climate Fund provide financial backing.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) contribute to financial and environmental benefits, as well as government climate goals.