Residential Green Buildings and its Impact

Since the last few years, everyone seems to be talking about green buildings. Initially, it felt like an abstract concept, a nice-to-have rather than a necessity. But no one really knew what exactly is a green building and what is the impact going to be – on the developer, on the homebuyer and on the community in general. It should be real and more importantly measurable. It needs to make a tangible difference, especially in the lives of homebuyers.

Let me tell you about a residential project in Pune a few years ago. It was a warm summer, but inside the building, thanks to smart orientation, natural ventilation, and insulated walls, the air felt cooler, cleaner, and strangely peaceful.

As real estate professionals, we often focus on design and construction through the lens of durability, cost-efficiency, and aesthetics. But it’s important to start seeing the world through the eyes of our homebuyers – families, working couples, and senior citizens who are now asking deeper questions about health, sustainability, and long-term value.

The shift towards green has been a silent revolution!

There is a noticeable shift in how Indian homebuyers are evaluating their future homes. Earlier, it was about proximity to the office or school/hospital, number of bedrooms, or the brand. Of course, those still continue to be points of consideration, but today, more buyers, especially millennials and Gen Z are asking questions like “Does this building have a rainwater harvesting system?”, “Are there solar panels?”, “What’s the indoor air quality like?”

It just goes to show the change in priorities and there is data to back this. According to the IGBC (Indian Green Building Council), India had over 10 billion sq. ft. of green building footprint by 2023, and residential projects made up a significant chunk. A recent report also revealed that green-certified homes command a 6–10% premium in pricing and yet are seeing faster absorption rates in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and parts of NCR.

Feel good, Do good

If we talk about impact, studies show a 25-30% reduction in electricity bills annually due to solar water heating, energy-efficient lighting, and cross-ventilation.

Air and water filtration systems, low-VOC paints, and green landscaping contribute to significantly better indoor air quality, something that became especially important post-COVID, where "safe indoors" became a priority.

A green certification is increasingly being seen as a badge of credibility. Resale values are holding strong even in fluctuating markets.

Not always easy

Going green is not without its challenges. The upfront costs, though marginally higher can be a concern. Contractors push back, timelines shift, and you need a more educated buyer to fully appreciate the value. But the payoff, both tangible and intangible, is worth it.

A green building is no more a checkbox to tick for compliance or branding; it's about responsible urbanization. It’s time to live better, smarter, and more consciously.

What’s your view?