Green real estate is something that is often spoken about but never explained properly. Many think it only means adding plants or solar panels to a building. In reality, green real estate is much more practical than that.
In simple terms, green real estate refers to buildings that are planned, built, operated and maintained in a way that reduces environmental damage, uses less energy and water and creates healthier spaces for people, while still making financial sense. When done correctly, green real estate is not a marketing idea.
What Does Green Real Estate Actually Mean?
Green real estate looks at the full life cycle of a building. This includes design, construction, daily operation, and long term maintenance. The aim is to reduce energy and water use while keeping the building comfortable and cost-efficient.
A green building typically focuses on:
● Lower electricity consumption
● Better water management
● Healthier indoor air
● Reduced operating costs
The idea is simple: a building that works better costs less to run.
Energy Efficient Buildings
Energy is one of the biggest expenses in India, especially because of air conditioning and lighting. Green buildings cut this down with smart design and efficient systems. Some common energy saving features include:
● Building orientation that reduces direct heat gain
● LED lighting with motion sensors
● VRV or VRF air conditioning systems that adjust power use
● Double glazed windows that reduce heat and noise
A simple example is electricity bills. In a well designed building, the yearly cost can be around Rs.90 per sq ft. In a normal building, it is usually much higher, close to Rs.140 per sq ft.
Use of Renewable Energy
India gets plenty of sunlight for most of the year, which makes solar power a very practical choice. Many green buildings use rooftop solar panels to run common areas like lifts, lights, and water pumps. In homes, solar water heaters are also becoming common. Many states allow net metering, which means extra solar power can be sent back to the grid. This also decreases electricity bills.
Water Efficient Real Estate
Water is already a big concern in many Indian cities. Green buildings tackle this problem with careful planning and reusing water wherever possible.
Some common ways to do this include:
● Rainwater harvesting connected to recharge wells
● Dual plumbing systems using treated water for flushing
● Low flow taps and sensor based fixtures
● Sewage treatment plants with treated water
Sustainable Materials and Indoor Comfort
The materials used in construction also play a key role. Green real estate encourages materials that reduce pollution and improve indoor air quality. This includes:
● Fly ash bricks instead of clay bricks
● Low VOC paints and adhesives
● Recycled steel and aluminium
● Locally sourced materials
Green Mobility Integration
Buildings also affect how we travel every day. Green real estate supports cleaner mobility options instead of only focusing on parking spots
Some practical ways to do this include:
● Electric vehicle charging points to encourage the use of EVs.
● Bicycle parking and basic facilities for employees.
● Close access to metro stations or bus stops so people can rely more on public transport.
● Smart parking layouts that make carpooling convenient.
Healthier Indoor Environment
People spend most of their day indoors, at home or at work. Green buildings focus on comfort and well being through better air, light, and sound control.
This includes higher fresh air intake, more daylight inside workspaces and basic acoustic treatment to reduce noise. Many companies have noticed that after moving into green certified office spaces, employees are happier and work better.
Certifications and Financial Impact
Green building certifications help verify performance. In India, IGBC and GRIHA are commonly used, while LEED is recognised internationally.
From a business point of view, green real estate offers clear advantages:
● Lower operating costs year after year
● Higher asset value and resale potential
● Faster leasing and better tenant quality
● Access to green finance and lower-cost capital
Let’s understand this with an example. Some green office buildings earn around 8 percent higher rent while still being cheaper to occupy due to lower utility bills.
Green Features That Give Real ROI in India
Green features are great for the environment, but some also make more sense financially. In India, certain features not only help the planet but also save money in the long run.
Some of the most effective ones include:
● Rooftop solar for common areas: helps cut electricity bills for lighting, lifts, and pumps.
● LED lighting with sensors: saves energy by turning off lights in empty spaces.
● Efficient cooling systems: modern air conditioning that adjusts to usage, reducing electricity consumption.
● Rainwater harvesting: collects rainwater for flushing and gardens
● Features like expensive green roofs or imported materials often increase costs without delivering strong financial benefits.
Final Thought
The idea of green real estate is simple: focus on the basics. In India, buildings that manage energy and water efficiently and create comfortable spaces help the environment and pay off financially over time.