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"Advantages of Regular Exercise for Physical and Mental Health"

Aggressive and multipronged actions are needed to decarbonise the building sector and move towards a net-zero energy and net-zero carbon future, writes MILI MAJUMDAR. Globally, th...

Aggressive and multipronged actions are needed to decarbonise the building sector and move towards a net-zero energy and net-zero carbon future, writes MILI MAJUMDAR. Globally, the building and construction industries contribute about 38 per cent of all energy-related carbon emissions. According to a United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) report released in 2020, emissions from building operations hit their highest-ever level in 2019, moving the sector farther away from fulfilling its enormous potential to slow climate change and contribute to the Paris Climate Agreement goals. Aggressive and multipronged actions are needed to decarbonise the building sector and move towards a net-zero energy and net-zero carbon future. Major constraints A net-zero future must be driven by a deep decarbonisation of the electricity sector, cleaner adaptation of onsite energy sources and implementation of more energy-efficiency measures. Currently, India’s electricity generation is dominated by high-emission coal-fired plants, which power the bulk of the country’s buildings. Although renewable energy system prices have drastically reduced over the years, there are still barriers to extensive use of renewables on site. One major constraint is available space. Developers would prefer to use roof space for housing service equipment or as occupant outdoor space rather than accommodating solar energy systems, for example. The Government will need to incentivise renewables adoption through smooth grid interface, net metering policies and tariff structures to make quicker progress. Solutions Energy-efficiency measures can reduce energy demand drastically in both commercial and residential buildings. India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has done extensive work to introduce efficient appliances and lighting products through its star labelling programmes. Although the scope for energy-efficiency is maximised if implemented at the design stage, there is potential for energy-efficiency retrofits in existing buildings. A holistic retrofit of lighting and HVAC equipment with more efficient options can save energy consumption up to 20-30 per cent in existing buildings. ‘Deep’ retrofits, such as added insulation or use of high-performance glass instead of low-cost glazing, can work toward this same goal. Onground examples The retrofit of New York's Empire State Building made it one of the world’s most energy-efficient buildings. Through a combination of eight energy-efficiency projects – including a retrofit of all 6,514 windows, the reuse of 96 per cent of the original frames and glassware and the installation of 67 elevators that generate electricity instead of heat when braking – the building has already surpassed its original energy consumption reduction target of 38 per cent with an annual energy savings of $4.4 million. In April 2019, the New York City Council passed legislation, known as Local Law 97, to mandate all existing buildings 25,000 sq. ft. or larger to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and by 80 per cent by 2050. The Delhi Development Authority is also laying out its green development policy to move towards low carbon development. Building a sustainable system Electricity grid dynamics will also play a vital role in moving towards net-zero goals. Demand flexibility, or the ability to shift energy consumption in time to support grid needs, will become increasingly important as renewables become more common and create wider daily spreads in energy prices. Buildings will face increasing regulatory and economic pressure to respond in real time to changing utility price and delivery structures and grid harmony will be key to a sustainable system. Benefits for all Globally, developed countries that require more heating sources are adapting to the electrification of their resources over typical natural gas options, inspace heating, stovetops, and more. Efforts are being made to incorporate decarbonised energy sources into their grids. The transition to renewables has additional benefits for the end-user. For example, direct fuel combustion for heating and cooking (such as natural gas) produces harmful indoor pollutants that are detrimental to human health. As we continue to recover from the pandemic, we are able to look back at the demonstrated value of prioritising our environment and human health. Both are served by transitioning to a sustainable energy model in our buildings, transportation and cities. To gain the future we hope for, net zero must be our goal. About the author: Mili Majumdar,  is Managing Director of Green Business Certification Institute, India and Senior Vice President, USGBC. An architecture graduate and a building technologies specialist, she has more than two decades of experience in the field of energy and environment with a focus on sustainable development of habitats. She has worked tremendously in the sectors of green buildings, climate resilient housing, city planning and urban transportation.

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Infrastructure Urban

AESL Wins Rs 8.65 Billion O&M Contract From Vedanta

Vedanta has awarded a Rs 8.65 billion integrated service contract to Asian Energy Services Limited (AESL) for field development and operations and maintenance (O&M), according to an announcement made by AESL on Sunday.The contract, which includes GST, will be implemented over a 57-month period. In its regulatory filing, AESL noted that the agreement strengthens its strategic focus on integrated O&M services—an area that remains a key driver of its growth.“We are honoured to receive the Integrated Service Contract for field development and O&M from Vedanta, one of our valued and..

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Infrastructure Urban

TDP MPs Propose Defence Hubs Across Andhra Pradesh

TDP Members of Parliament met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Friday to submit a proposal from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the establishment of multiple defence manufacturing units across the state.The delegation—comprising Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu, Magunta Srinivas Reddy, and Daggumalla Prasada Rao—presented an ambitious vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a strategic defence and aerospace production hub under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.The letter included two communications dated 19 May from the Chief Minister outlining a comprehensive..

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Infrastructure Urban

Poonawalla Fincorp Eyes Over 40% AUM Growth in FY26

Poonawalla Fincorp, a leading financial services firm, is aiming to surpass 40 per cent growth in its asset under management (AUM) for FY26, driven by expansion into new product lines, including gold loans.“We have issued AUM growth guidance of 35–40 per cent for this year. Given the strong traction of new product lines, we expect to exceed this target,” said Arvind Kapil, Managing Director and CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp.The company reported a 53 per cent year-on-year growth in AUM, reaching Rs 412.7 billion at the end of Q1 FY26. With 13 business verticals under its umbrella, Poonawalla ..

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