Green Building Innovations: Local Solutions to Global Challenges

By C Shekar Reddy
National Vice Chairman, CII Indian Green Building Council

India’s urban transformation is among the most dynamic in the world. With expanding cities and increasing infrastructure demands, the country has challenges and enormous opportunities to shape its built environment in harmony with nature. In response, a quiet revolution is underway in the design and construction sector: the rise of green buildings that are resource efficient while being climate responsive, culturally grounded, and socially inclusive.

Designing in sync with nature:

Inspired by traditional Indian ethos, particularly the ancient concept of the Panchabhutas—the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space)—many architects, planners, and designers are rediscovering how buildings can coexist with natural forces instead of disrupting them.

Many modern green building projects are integrating technology with natural principles such as passive cooling, natural lighting, fresh-air ventilation, and site-sensitive orientation. The principles promote sustainability, foster a close connection to the environment, and offer a holistic approach to urban development.

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is leading a shift towards nature-centric architecture in India, promoting sustainable practices. India’s green and net-zero building movement, backed by IGBC frameworks, is blending modernity with tradition, showcasing respect for the environment and its communities—a key pillar in India’s sustainable future.

Driving energy and water efficiency:

India’s sustainable construction strategies prioritize energy and water efficiency, resulting in buildings consuming 20-30% less energy and 50% less water compared to conventional ones.

For example, water-stressed buildings in Pune and Hyderabad are using dual plumbing systems, sewage treatment plants, ultra-low flow and flush fixtures, and zero-discharge models to conserve and reuse every drop.

The resurgence of local materials:

A remarkable aspect of India’s green building initiative is the use of indigenous resources and methods. Native materials like bamboo, fly ash bricks, stone, lime plasters, and compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) are used for contemporary applications. These materials often use less energy to make and transport, have lower embodied carbon, and adapt well to India’s varied climates.

Sourcing locally reduces emissions, supports regional economies, and strengthens traditional construction knowledge that has long been sidelined in favor of industrial resources. Across the country, buildings are literally rediscovering their roots.

India is fostering a green movement with a growing number of manufacturers producing sustainable alternatives like low-VOC paints, recycled tiles, prefab panels, low-energy cement, fly ash bricks, and eco-boards.

The CII GreenPro Ecolabelling initiative, supported by IGBC, has certified over 10,720 green products from 500+ companies, promoting transparency, life-cycle assessments, and innovation, supporting India’s circular economy goals.

Digital sustainability: green data centers

With India emerging as a digital powerhouse, data centers have become essential infrastructure—but they are also energy intensive.

Green-certified data centers are enhancing sustainability by incorporating renewable energy, advanced cooling systems, and AI-driven energy management while also promoting rainwater harvesting, e-waste handling, and greywater reuse.

As India becomes a preferred destination for global hyperscale, these innovations demonstrate how digital growth can align with environmental responsibility.

Transit infrastructure going green:

India’s airports and metro systems are embracing sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting, smart energy meters, and sustainable materials in their design. Many transport hubs, such as Cochin, Goa, Delhi, and Bengaluru, are implementing renewable energy sources, organic waste treatment, regenerative braking systems, and green roofs.

With nearly 70% of the urban infrastructure needed by 2047 yet to be constructed, India’s cities must grow sustainably. The country is transforming its approach to smart cities to promote climate adaptation, ecological resilience, and citizen well-being.

For instance, cities like Dholera Special Investment Region and Mahindra Industrial Park Chennai Limited are incorporating decentralized energy systems, cycling infrastructure, green building mandates, and community-driven design–creating templates for low-carbon urban communities.

From local roots to global impact:

India’s experience offers valuable lessons for the global South and beyond: that climate-positive development does not require Western blueprints or expensive interventions. It can emerge from local soil, shaped by the hands and hearts of people who are building a better future—one brick, one city, one idea at a time.

India’s green building movement is a nationwide movement, rooted in local solutions, climate wisdom, and cultural values. Institutions like IGBC and GreenPro standardize sustainability, while architects, builders, and communities drive the movement.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   *** Views expressed are personal