How high-performance buildings are the next step towards a sustainable future

TConversations about sustainability in the buildings sector have often focused on climate change, resource use and energy efficiency. Buildings contribute significantly to global emissions, especially in rapidly growing cities, so improving their energy efficiency and carbon emissions is key. Failure to act could result in greater energy consumption, greater dependence on fossil fuels and failure to meet climate targets, all of which will place even greater strain on urban infrastructure.

Globally, buildings account for almost 40% of total final energy consumption over their lifetime, mainly for operational needs such as HVAC operation and lighting.

This significant energy use leads to approximately 28% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, resulting from both on-site energy use and indirect emissions from power plants and other external sources. According to India’s Office of Energy Efficiency, buildings account for over 30% of the country’s energy consumption and 20% of carbon emissions.

As urbanization accelerates, India is at risk of exceeding global standards for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings, including standards set by the International Energy Agency, building certification programs and the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

With India’s urban population expected to reach 600 million by 2030, this challenge becomes even more urgent. As cities grow, so does the demand for new construction, and without action, the sector’s carbon footprint will increase dramatically.

Adopting energy-efficient and low-carbon building practices is therefore key to achieving climate goals and promoting sustainable urban development.

What are high performance buildings?

Terms such as “green buildings” and “high performance buildings” (HPB) are often used interchangeably in the field of sustainable construction. Both concepts aim to reduce environmental impact and energy consumption and improve user comfort, but they differ significantly in their methods and results.

Green buildings are often seen as a fundamental step towards sustainability, and certification programs play a key role in making them happen. These programs evaluate design intent and final results in a variety of categories, using established standards to ensure the builder is meeting core sustainability goals. Their key areas of interest are energy efficiency, water conservation and materials sourcing.

HPBs take these ideas forward, striving for maximum performance in every aspect of their form and function. From energy and water use to resident health and comfort, HPBs are designed with specific, measurable goals in mind to achieve results that exceed local government requirements. They use advanced technologies and intelligent design strategies to continuously track performance metrics, preferably in real time. Specifically, HPBs utilize site-specific design approaches such as natural lighting, ventilation and on-site water management, using sustainable materials, insulation and low-U-value windows to maximize thermal efficiency and reduce energy demand.

Advanced technologies include energy-efficient HVAC systems, gray water recycling, rainwater harvesting, intelligent lighting controls and advanced metering. A “building management system” (BMS) enables operators to monitor HPB performance, including providing real-time analytics to optimize resource utilization.

Some HPBs already exist in India. A notable example is Unnati in Greater Noida, whose facade was designed according to the path of the Sun in the local sky to improve thermal comfort and reduce glare. This is complemented by high-performance glass with a low solar heat gain coefficient, which improves energy efficiency and the quality of the indoor environment.

Similarly, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi uses an advanced HVAC system that includes a unit in which chilled water flows through beams in the ceiling, taking advantage of natural convection and reducing energy consumption.

These building designs have paved the way for net-zero energy buildings (structures that generate as much energy and water as they consume) and grid-interactive buildings that actively participate in managing energy demand. Both push the boundaries of sustainability.

Benefits of HPB

HPBs offer environmental benefits and solve long-term operational challenges that building owners and users often face. Rather than focusing solely on energy conservation, HPBs create a holistic environment where technology, design and sustainability intersect to improve building performance.

For example, their use of intelligent systems to dynamically manage resource use ensures that building systems last longer and do not require frequent updates. The Infosys campus in Bengaluru has an installation that monitors the performance of the entire building using a BMS system and makes necessary changes in a timely manner to maintain peak performance. These buildings often achieve higher returns on investment due to higher property values ​​and lower maintenance costs. Similar examples include Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan in New Delhi and the Infosys campus in Hyderabad.

HPBs that leverage automation and artificial intelligence in addition to existing features can even create intelligent ecosystems. For example, computers in buildings can adjust lighting, temperature and ventilation based on occupancy patterns or weather conditions to create a more personalized, energy-efficient environment.

From a market point of view, HPBs are becoming a symbol of future development. Beyond the immediate benefits, they signal a shift toward buildings that prioritize occupant well-being through excellent air filtration systems, maximum natural light and optimal thermal comfort.

How can HPBs help cities in India?

Life in India is characterized by resource scarcity, volatile energy markets and rising temperatures. HPBs provide resilience through adaptive, self-sustaining structures. They promote social well-being by ensuring a healthier indoor environment, including air quality.

For example, TCS Banyan Park in Mumbai has extensive green spaces and water features, and its daylighting strategy includes well-placed windows and skylights to reduce artificial lighting. Such projects use fewer resources while improving the quality of the workplace.

For India, where rapid urbanization can and does put a strain on public infrastructure, HPBs offer a proactive solution that positions the built environment as a driver of the country’s transition to a low-carbon, more sustainable economy. Overall, in a rapidly changing real estate landscape where adaptability is key, HPBs stand out as forward-thinking investments that can meet changing environmental and economic pressures while delivering value.

Sandhya Patil is a sustainability expert at the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) and provides technical assistance to ASSURE. The author has no financial interest in any company or organization that might benefit from this article.