Imagine entering a workspace where architecture seamlessly integrates with nature, where open-air designs, lush greenery and natural ventilation replace the conventional glass-and-concrete office structure.

This vision is realised on Titan’s Integrity Campus in Bengaluru. Beyond its LEED certification, the campus exemplifies biophilic design, cost-effective construction and an energy-efficient layout. This prompts a crucial question—should green buildings still be considered the future when they have already become the present standard?

The early 2000s marked the emergence of green buildings as a novel concept. However, contemporary sustainable construction now emphasises advanced technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Further, to foster meaningful progress, the discourse must shift from merely obtaining certifications to implementing sustainable design, material innovations and architectural transformations that drive measurable impact.
 

Moving beyond green certifications: Some case studies

India has established itself as a global leader in sustainable construction, currently ranking third worldwide in LEED-certified buildings. However, the real question is whether these certifications truly guarantee sustainability or if they are merely symbolic achievements and part of greenwashing moves? While green certifications indicate a commitment to sustainability, true impact lies in how buildings function over time.

A prime example of meaningful sustainability is the Suzlon One Earth campus in Pune, which operates entirely on renewable energy, using its hybrid wind turbines, solar panels and photovoltaic cells.4 This campus is LEED Platinum and GRIHA 5-star certified, making it one of the greenest corporate campuses globally.5 Similarly, the CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre in Hyderabad serves as a benchmark for resource optimisation.6 These buildings demonstrate how sustainable construction must prioritise long-term efficiency, resilience and cost-effectiveness beyond just green certifications.

On the global front, the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro features a climate-responsive design and extensive use of renewable energy. Likewise, the Reforma Tower in Mexico City is a triangular building, shaped like an open book and has two large walls meeting in a ‘V’ to capture plenty of natural sunlight from the south. Its double-glazed glass front, combined with horizontal shades on each floor, helps save energy by keeping the inside cool and preventing overheating.

Another significant example is the Palazzo Tower in Las Vegas which has implemented advanced energy conservation systems, high-efficiency HVAC and water recycling technologies. By leveraging smart automation, the Palazzo maximises sustainability without compromising on luxury or performance. These structures represent a paradigm shift in sustainable architecture, where innovation and environmental harmony are effortlessly intertwined.
 

BIM driving green construction

In today’s rapidly evolving construction industry, precision, efficiency and sustainability are more important than ever. For instance, taking the example of a construction site where every stakeholder, from architects to engineers, works with real-time data to minimise waste, improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This is the power of BIM—a digital transformation that is revolutionising green construction by integrating smart planning with sustainable practices.

BIM enables the creation of intelligent 3D models that go beyond basic blueprints, offering dynamic insights into eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, water conservation and ways to reduce carbon footprint.9 Through its unified digital platform, BIM helps reduce construction waste, optimise resource usage and enhance sustainability—all crucial for building green infrastructure.

India, a rapidly growing construction market, is increasingly shifting from traditional 2D methods to BIM to ensure faster, cost-effective and environmentally responsible project execution.

BIM utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) to revolutionise building design and management by enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. AI-powered energy modelling helps in energy optimisation while minimising material waste, making construction efficient and eco-friendly. The mix of AIoT with digital twins creates a replica of the original building in a digital format that helps monitor the requirements of maintenance and repair and alerts before time.

Meanwhile, smart buildings equipped with real-time energy monitoring can adjust their systems automatically to reduce power consumption.10 Predictive maintenance in green buildings uses IoT to detect issues early, reducing energy waste, extending equipment life and lowering carbon footprint.

Together, these innovations are making construction smarter, greener and more cost-effective in the long run. As India and other emerging markets embrace green construction, BIM is becoming more than just a tool—it is the foundation for creating future-ready, environmentally conscious buildings that balance technology with sustainability.
 

Policy interventions and government incentives

India’s Green Building policy, which was introduced in 2006, has played a pivotal role in revamping the construction sector and has set an ambitious target of ensuring that all new buildings adhere to green standards by 2030. This policy was introduced with an aim to make sustainability the new norm in upcoming construction projects by defining guidelines for waste management, energy efficiency and conservation of water and use of renewable resources.

“In India, green building norms are integrated into state building bylaws to promote sustainable construction practices, with various incentives offered to encourage compliance. The Model Building Byelaws (MBBL) of 2016 serve as a foundational framework, guiding states to incorporate provisions for energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and resource conservation in their regulations.

“Many states offer a combination of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for certified green development like additional FAR, rebates in development charges, building permit fees, duty on property transfer etc. These initiatives reflect a concerted effort across various states to promote sustainable development through both regulatory frameworks and financial incentives,” says Karan Sethi, Vice President, Infrastructure at Invest India.

In addition to this policy, the Government of India also offers tax incentives to builders who construct LEED-certified buildings through provisions in the Income Tax Act. Builders can receive up to 100% depreciation of their expenses on solar panels, waste management system and rainwater harvesting structures.

Additionally, the Government of India offers low-interest loans via the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) for builders who construct green certified buildings. This makes green construction an exciting future avenue for growth when coupled with fast-tracking of approvals and accelerated inspections.
 

Redefining sustainable construction

India’s construction sector is undergoing a major transformation. While green certifications have contributed to heightened awareness, the next phase of sustainable development necessitates a more holistic approach, one that integrates advanced technologies and cost-effective sustainability strategies.

The objective must be to design buildings that harmonise with their environment, enhance occupant well-being and ensure long-term economic viability. The future of construction should go beyond greenwashing, focusing on creating resilient structures that not only stand the test of time but also help in restoring our environment.

This blog is written by Aasawari Dogra