In response to the pressures of climate mitigation as well as adaptation, High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) are emerging as essential solutions in the construction sector.
What is a High-Performance Building (HPB)?
- The term “high-performance building” means a building that integrates and optimizes all major high-performance building attributes, including energy efficiency, durability, life-cycle performance, and occupant productivity.
- For Example: Unnati Building in Greater Noida and Indira Paryavaran Bhawan New Delhi.
- The term was first used in the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) to outline the concept of a highly-efficient and sustainable type of building.
- HPBs are designed to address both urban and climate challenges by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising energy and water consumption, and cutting operational costs.
- They integrate climate-adaptive designs that enhance occupant well-being, making them attractive to businesses and residents.
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Criteria For Designating a Building as High-Performance
- Instead of being one standard, ‘term high-performance building’ is actually an umbrella term covering a variety of existing standards.
- It’s helpful to think of it as a replacement for the vague “green building” designation.
LEED Vs Well Building Certification Criteria
- Leadership and Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
- LEED is the internationally-recognized standard-bearer for green building certification. The program provides a framework that measures cost-efficient and healthy indoor environments.
- Because LEED offers a number of certifications, the flexibility of the program means that almost any building can work towards green status.
- WELL Building Standard
- Another major standard, WELL’s goal focuses on the health and wellness of building occupants.
- The standard awards point based on a building’s performance in the areas of air quality, water purity, nourishment, light quality, availability of fitness facilities, occupant comfort, and emotional or mental well-being.
Environmental and Financial Benefits of High-Performance Building (HPB)
- Energy Optimisation: HPBs reduce energy consumption and operational costs, which increases property value and offers access to carbon financing.
- Better Living standard: They improve indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and overall occupant well-being.
- Reduced Carbon Emission: HPBs also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector, which is responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
Policy Support for High-Performance Building (HPB) Worldwide
- European Union: The Green Deal targets climate neutrality by 2050, mandating energy-efficient building designs.
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Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
- GRIHA is a national rating system developed by TERI in 2007, adopted by India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- It evaluates buildings based on their environmental performance over their entire life cycle, aiming to minimize resource consumption, waste generation, and ecological impact.
- The system assesses buildings at three stages: pre-construction, planning/construction, and operation/maintenance, focusing on resource efficiency (energy, water, land, etc.) and occupant well-being.
- GRIHA encourages reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water conservation, and recycling. It supports sustainable urban development and is aligned with national guidelines such as the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).
- Its target is to achieve reduced pollution, enhanced user comfort, and increased productivity in Constructions.
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- Germany: KfW Bank provides low-interest loans for energy-efficient projects.
- Denmark: The BR18 building codes offer incentives for sustainable construction.
- United States: Programs like Energy Star and LEED certifications encourage energy-efficient buildings, offering tax credits for green-building initiatives.
India’s Approach to High-Performance Buildings
- India is promoting energy-efficient buildings under its National Action Plan on Climate Change through the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), which aims to reduce energy demand by up to 30%.
- More than 3,000 sustainable projects have been registered under the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), while the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has certified over 14,000 projects.
- Cities like Hyderabad, Noida, and Pune offer incentives such as higher floor area ratios for buildings that meet ECBC standards.
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Changes Promoting HPBs
- Reduced cost of Construction: The initial cost difference between conventional buildings and HPBs is shrinking as green technologies become more affordable.
- Lower operating cost: HPBs can deliver significant energy savings at little or no incremental costs.
- For example, Infosys’ energy-efficient campuses have reduced energy consumption by up to 45%.
- Increased Property Value : HPBs command higher property values due to lower operating costs, smaller environmental footprints, and increased demand from environmentally conscious buyers and tenants.
- In India, green-certified commercial properties attract premium rents and higher occupancy rates; some notable Green Certified properties are ITC’s Green Centre in Gurugram, TCS Siruseri IT Park in Chennai, and Nirlon Knowledge Park in Mumbai.
- Diversified instruments for funding:
- Carbon financing allows developers to convert the carbon savings of HPBs into financial value, securing funding through carbon credits.
- In regions with carbon pricing, such as the European Union and China, HPBs can generate tradable carbon credits by reducing emissions.
- Green bonds and climate-focused funds, like those from the World Bank and Green Climate Fund, also provide financial support for HPBs, helping offset upfront costs.
22 Oct 2024
