Indian architects are increasingly turning to green building and eco-friendly design as the country pushes toward its long-term climate commitments. Yet, while awareness is growing, the transition faces economic, regulatory, and cultural challenges that will shape how quickly sustainable practices spread across the country.
A Sector Under Pressure
India’s building sector accounts for nearly 40 percent of the country’s energy consumption and over 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). As India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, the construction industry is under mounting pressure to integrate energy efficiency, renewable energy, and low-carbon materials.
“Green buildings are no longer optional; they are central to India’s energy and climate strategy,” said Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director-General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). “Architects can play a decisive role in reshaping urban India.”
Global Context: How India Compares
India ranks among the top five countries for green building space, with over 10 billion square feet certified under the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). However, in terms of per-capita sustainable building adoption, the country lags behind developed markets.
In the United States, energy codes such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) are mandatory across most states. The European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires all new buildings to be nearly zero-energy by 2030. China, meanwhile, has integrated green standards into its massive urban expansion.
“India’s progress is impressive given its scale and diversity, but the next challenge is mainstreaming sustainability beyond showcase projects,” said Rohit Deshpande, a senior researcher at the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Costs and Market Realities
Sustainable construction often involves higher upfront investment. IGBC estimates that green buildings cost 5–10 percent more than conventional structures. However, studies show they deliver up to 30 percent savings in energy and water bills over their lifetime.
“Clients are more open to green features when we show them lifecycle costs,” said Anita Verma, an architect in Pune. “The challenge is convincing budget-conscious developers who focus on short-term returns.”
The market is slowly responding. Developers such as Godrej Properties and Tata Housing have integrated sustainability into their brand positioning, targeting urban middle-class buyers concerned with long-term affordability.
The Role of Policy and Regulation
The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), introduced in 2007 and updated in 2017, sets minimum energy performance standards for commercial buildings. Enforcement, however, remains uneven across states.
Incentives have proven more effective. Several state governments, including Maharashtra and Telangana, offer reduced property tax and additional floor space index (FSI) for certified green buildings. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has also tied sustainability to its flagship Smart Cities Mission.
“The key is consistent enforcement and attractive incentives,” said Sanjay Seth, a former member of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. “Without these, green standards risk becoming voluntary add-ons rather than mandatory practice.”
Learning from Tradition
Indian architects are rediscovering lessons from vernacular design. Courtyards, shaded verandahs, and perforated screens (jalis) provided natural cooling for centuries. A 2023 World Economic Forum study found that applying these methods with modern insulation and glazing could cut residential energy demand by 25–30 percent.
“In Rajasthan, thick sandstone walls keep interiors cool, while in Kerala, sloped roofs and courtyards allow natural ventilation,” explained Professor Meera Balakrishnan of IIT Roorkee. “We must adapt these timeless strategies to modern needs.”
Landmark Examples of Eco-Friendly Buildings
Several Indian projects showcase what sustainable architecture can achieve:
- Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi — India’s first net-zero energy government building, powered entirely by solar energy.
- Atal Akshaya Urja Bhavan, Gurugram — A renewable energy hub featuring rainwater harvesting, natural lighting, and smart energy systems.
- Infosys Campus, Mysuru — Incorporates efficient cooling, solar generation, and waste recycling to serve thousands of employees.
These flagship projects have inspired a growing number of private housing developments, office complexes, and educational institutions to pursue green certifications.
Education and Skills Development
Architecture schools and professional training programs are adapting. Institutions like the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) Delhi and CEPT University, Ahmedabad now offer courses in sustainable architecture, energy modelling, and climate-responsive design.
“Tomorrow’s architects must be fluent in both aesthetics and performance metrics,” said Professor Ritu Kumar, dean of CEPT. “Software tools that model daylight, thermal comfort, and carbon footprint are becoming as essential as drawing boards once were.”
Professional bodies, including IGBC and GRIHA, conduct workshops and certification programs to build technical expertise.
Rural and Urban Divide
The adoption of eco-friendly design is more visible in urban centres like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. In rural areas, resource constraints and lower budgets make large-scale adoption difficult. Yet, vernacular traditions often mean rural houses are inherently more sustainable.
“In villages, people still build with mud, bamboo, and thatch — materials with low embodied carbon,” noted Dr. Vandana Sharma, a sustainable design researcher. “The challenge is preventing these methods from being abandoned in favour of high-carbon concrete and steel.”
Economic Opportunities and Job Creation
The green building sector is also an engine for employment. According to CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, sustainable construction could create up to 3 million new jobs in India by 2030, spanning design, materials, energy systems, and maintenance.
“Every solar installer, HVAC technician, or green material supplier is part of this ecosystem,” said Anil Jain, an energy consultant in Bengaluru. “Architects need to see themselves as catalysts for wider green economic growth.”
Looking Ahead: Future of Green Architecture in India
Experts believe that the next decade will see rapid growth in:
- Retrofitting existing stock — Upgrading old buildings with insulation, efficient lighting, and renewable energy.
- Smart technologies — Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for energy management.
- Low-carbon materials — Innovations in recycled concrete, bamboo composites, and bio-based products.
- Urban policy — Greater integration of green design into Smart Cities and affordable housing schemes.
“By 2030, sustainable buildings will be the default expectation in urban India,” predicted TERI’s Rohit Deshpande. “The pace will depend on aligning technology, policy, and public demand.”
Conclusion
The transition of Indian architects into green building and eco-friendly design is underway but uneven. Costs, enforcement gaps, and client awareness remain hurdles. Yet, traditional wisdom, modern technology, and supportive policies are creating momentum.
As climate concerns intensify, sustainable architecture is no longer a niche — it is fast becoming central to India’s urban future.
