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Green building designs and energy-saving appliances are emerging as crucial tools in this endeavour, transforming residential and commercial projects across the country through innovative design and cutting-edge technology.
India can drastically cut emissions by prioritising low-carbon alternatives, enhancing material efficiency, and incorporating circular economy principles, say experts.
As India just observed the National Energy Conservation Week, the focus has been firmly on sustainable practices and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint. Green building designs and energy-saving appliances are emerging as crucial tools in this endeavour, transforming residential and commercial projects across the country through innovative design and cutting-edge technology.
Green building designs prioritise energy efficiency throughout a building’s lifecycle, going beyond mere aesthetics. These designs integrate features like improved insulation to minimize heat transfer, strategic window and skylight placement to maximise natural lighting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems with smart controls. Optimising building orientation and utilising shading techniques further reduce reliance on artificial lighting and cooling, significantly lowering energy consumption, said experts.
Pramod Kumar Singh, senior director (research & programmes) at AEEE, highlights the impact of energy-efficient fans, “Switching to energy-efficient 5-star rated fans could be a fast and cost-effective way to save energy and reduce emissions— potentially delivering double the impact when compared with the current subsidies to promote rooftop solar. Ceiling fans, though often high-hanging, are truly low-hanging fruit when it comes to energy savings. They contribute nearly 17.5 GW to peak electricity demand, making them a major load on the grid.”
A government subsidy of Rs 1,000 per 5-star fan for 25 million fans would cost the exchequer Rs 2,500 crore, translating to just about Rs 1.14 per kWh lifecycle cost towards saving electricity—far cheaper than generating clean electricity. By comparison, the same Rs 2,500 crore subsidy under the rooftop solar program (PM Surya Ghar Yojana) could potentially support 825 MW of installations and likely produce 1.16 BU of ‘clean energy’ per year. In contrast, the same amount of subsidy in energy-efficient fans avoids 2.2 BU electricity generation per year, he added.
“Going forward, government schemes could consider combining the distribution of energy-efficient appliances such as 5-star fans along with rooftop solar for compounded energy savings and CO2 emission reductions,” Singh said.
The shift towards energy-saving appliances is equally significant. From LED lighting and star-rated air conditioners to energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines, consumers and businesses are recognizing the long-term benefits. These technologies empower occupants to actively manage energy consumption, fostering a culture of conservation. Smart home automation systems enhance energy savings by optimizing usage based on real-time needs and occupancy.
NTPC reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and said, “NTPC, India’s largest power utility, reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. With an integrated approach to achieving Net Zero Energy, Water, and Waste across its operations, NTPC continues to lead by example in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. To extend its sustainability efforts, NTPC has partnered with USAID through an MoU signed on September 5, 2024 to develop and implement a detailed roadmap for achieving Net Zero status.”
The growing demand for green buildings and energy-efficient appliances is also driving innovation and creating new opportunities for businesses. Companies are investing in research and development to create more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Sanjay Seth, vice-president and CEO of GRIHA Council, emphasises the need for a holistic approach, “As per the reports, the building and construction sector accounts for nearly 34% of global energy consumption and 37% of global energy-related emissions, making it one of the largest GHG emitters. Majorly, it is the production and manufacturing of construction materials that are primarily responsible for the highest carbon emissions. Conforming with Net Zero 2070 climate goals, there is an urgent need to transform the construction materials production and manufacturing processes.”
By prioritising low-carbon alternatives, enhancing material efficiency, and incorporating circular economy principles, we can drastically cut emissions. A holistic approach to addressing both operational and embodied carbon is the key to achieving sustainability and contributing to a net-zero built environment by 2070, Seth added.
