High-performance Buildings (HPBs)

Syllabus: GS3/Sustainable Development

Context

High-performance buildings (HPBs) are at the forefront of sustainable construction.

Globally, buildings account for nearly 40% of total final energy consumption over their lifespan, primarily for operational needs.
According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in India, buildings account for more than 30% of the national energy use and 20% of its carbon emissions.
This significant energy use leads to approximately 28% of energy-related carbon emissions.

These buildings are engineered to achieve high standards in various areas, such as energy use, water conservation, air quality, and resource efficiency, while also considering long-term operational and economic sustainability.
Energy Efficiency: HPBs are designed to reduce energy consumption significantly compared to conventional buildings.
Sustainability: They incorporate sustainable materials, use water-saving technologies, and minimize environmental impact.
Resilience and Adaptability: HPBs are designed to be adaptable to changing environmental conditions and resilient to climate challenges.
- This can involve flood-resistant designs, energy backup systems, and durable materials that withstand extreme weather.

Buildings are significant contributors to global emissions, especially in fast-growing cities, so improving their energy and carbon efficiency is vital.
Failing to act could result in higher energy consumption, greater dependence on fossil fuels, and missed climate targets.
With India’s urban population expected to reach 600 million by 2030, this challenge is becoming even more urgent.

Cost Savings: Lower operational costs due to reduced energy and water consumption, as well as less maintenance.
Urbanization Solution: HPBs offer proactive solutions for India’s rapid urbanization, driving the country toward a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
Improved Health and Productivity: Occupants of HPBs typically experience better indoor air quality and comfort, leading to higher productivity and fewer health-related issues.
Environmental Impact: HPBs reduce carbon emissions, lower waste generation, and use fewer resources, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Increased Market Value: These buildings often have higher resale value, increased tenant satisfaction, and are seen as desirable due to their environmental and health benefits.

High Cost: High-performance buildings often require a higher initial investment due to the cost of advanced materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable design features.
Complexity of Integrating Systems: Designing and integrating various high-performance systems can be complex.
Specialized Maintenance: HPBs often require specialized maintenance and operation practices due to the complexity of advanced systems.
Regulatory and code barriers can slow down the adoption of high-performance building practices or lead to unforeseen complications during construction.
Lack of Awareness: Ensuring that occupants understand and embrace sustainable building features requires ongoing education and engagement, which can be challenging to implement effectively.

As cities grow, the demand for new construction also increases, and without action the sector’s carbon footprint will increase drastically.
Adopting energy-efficient and low-carbon building practices is thus key to meet climate goals and to promote sustainable urban growth.
HPBs — built to consume less energy, conserve resources, and withstand unpredictable weather — are an important part of achieving and keeping sustainable living.

Source: TH

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