BHADRA Group: Sustainable Construction Reaps Large Financial Rewards

By constructing buildings that are fiscally sound, ecologically friendly, and visually beautiful, developers and contractors can improve the environment and also reap large financial rewards.

Sarveshaa SB - Chairman & MD, BHADRA Group

The construction sector, a major force behind the growing urbanisation and infra development in India, is facing a turning point. This increase in construction has serious environmental repercussions even if it is a sign of advancement. Environmental effects of the industry are highlighted in reports by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). India uses around 40% of its total energy consumption from buildings, which highlights wasteful energy use during building. CBRE India reports that construction and demolition (C&D) trash, which accounts for almost 30% of urban solid waste, is a growing concern. These methods damage the environment and come with unstated expenses for developers, like wastage of materials, inefficient energy usage, and increased running expenses – all of which will have a serious negative effect on economics, resources, and health.

Research shows that all parties involved in a project stand to profit financially from sustainable construction materials and methods like prefabrication, modular construction, and eco-conscious building design. Imagine a building site where pre-cut components show up ready for assembly, supplies are carefully organised, and waste is low. Lower material prices, reducing garbage load, and doing away with needless material purchases result in significant cost savings.

Use of energy-efficient building materials, appliances, and architectural design concepts to construct buildings will cost residents less effort and money to operate and maintain. IGBC claims that up to 30–50% of energy may be saved by green buildings. For homeowners and tenants, buildings that maximise natural light, utilise energy-efficient equipment, and reduce heat input and loss, may pay off handsomely over time.

Government-led programmes like the GRIHA grading system and financial incentives for green buildings, encourage construction of sustainable buildings. High sustainability rating projects could qualify for tax breaks, expedited approvals, and preferred funding access. Through their financial appeal and expedited approval procedure, these incentives save developers a great deal of time and money.

A building with a competitive edge in a crowded market and a better market value is one that draws tenants with its eco-friendly and practical characteristics. Today, homebuyers are choosing green buildings more and more. According to CBRE reports, developers who prioritize sustainability have an advantage over others since such buildings fetch greater rental and resale values.

Changing to sustainable building means changing attitudes and methods. Developers and contractors can make this shift by investing in technology. Virtual design and construction (VDC), made possible by Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, reduces wastage of materials and maximises resource allocation in the planning phase. Before starting construction, developers / contractors can inspect any material consumption problem and streamline construction procedures using a virtual model of the complete structure. Waste is thereby decreased, productivity is increased, and costs are saved.

Using locally produced materials, prefabricated components like wall panel, and materials like recycled steel and concrete, will shorten on-site building time and have less of an environmental effect while supporting regional companies and establishing a sustainable supply chain.

Working with environmentally conscious architects and green building consultants will help create projects that are both economically and ecologically sound. Along with this, an efficient and ethical building process is guaranteed by an experienced workforce that recognises the value of waste reduction, is adept at handling sustainable materials, and can use energy-saving building methods.

However, there are some challenges in creating sustainable buildings. Importantly, builders will require more upfront investing in eco-friendly materials and advanced technology. Fortunately, long-term savings from waste reduction, energy efficiency, and government incentives frequently exceed these early outlays. A thorough analysis of the life-cycle costs of a building will highlight the long-term financial advantages.

Stakeholders in the real estate sector, who are ignorant of or inexperienced in sustainable building techniques, can be educated on this aspect, and the workforce upskilled so that they can follow the sustainable practices promoted by industry groups, government agencies, and educational institutions. Though eco-friendly building materials may not be so easily available, manufacturers can be induced to broaden their product lines to meet the increasing demand. Developing and producing such materials locally can meet this demand more quickly.