The Jhansi Library, commissioned by the Jhansi Development Authority (JDA) under the Jhansi Smart City initiative and built by Bootes Impex, a net-zero construction-tech company. It is the first library in Asia to achieve EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This milestone marks the library as India’s first and only net-zero library, aligning  with India’s Net-Zero Vision 2070.Sustainable designDeepak Rai, Managing Director, Bootes Impex, explains, “The project's vision was to replace the outdated Jhansi District Library with a modern, energy-efficient facility that enhances access to education for economically disadvantaged students while fostering a sustainable, climate-positive community space.” The library generates all its energy onsite through solar photovoltaic panels and a vertical axis wind turbine, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. This energy-efficient design ensures that the HVAC system consumes just 30 mwh of electricity annually, a significant reduction compared to the 150 mwh typically used by traditional systems. Additionally, carbon emissions are reduced by up to 85 per cent through the use of advanced heat pump technology powered by solar energy, ensuring optimal heating and cooling with minimal energy consumption. The library also incorporates water-conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting and onsite greywater treatment.Responsive architectureThe library’s construction places a strong emphasis on material efficiency. Concrete slabs and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, known for their superior thermal transmittance, are used for both the exterior and interior walls, enhancing energy-efficiency. Durable ceramic tiles are used for flooring and single glazing for windows minimise resource consumption while maintaining optimal thermal comfort.Innovative technologiesThe Jhansi Library integrates several cutting-edge technologies, including mono-facial solar panels, which absorb solar energy from one side and convert it into electricity, boasting a remarkable 20.11 per cent efficiency rate. These panels work alongside vertical axis wind turbines, which generate electricity even at low wind speeds, ensuring a consistent energy supply. Additionally, the library features AirOwater technology, an air-to-water purifier that collects moisture from the air to produce fresh, pure drinking water, free from contaminants.Further, the library employs radiant cooling technology with 100 per cent fresh air, using radiant floor slabs that provide heating and cooling with minimal energy input. The system operates with chilled water from heat pumps during peak conditions, ensuring both comfort and efficiency while reducing overall energy demand.Overcoming challengesDesigning a net-zero facility in India’s diverse climate presented significant challenges. “The country’s extreme heat and high humidity required tailored solutions to ensure energy-efficiency and comfort,” shares Rai. “Moreover, there was resistance to adopting sustainable practices, as many customers prioritise short-term profits over the long-term benefits of sustainability. Policy and regulatory barriers also created obstacles, with insufficient incentives for net-zero construction. The lack of standardised metrics to compare the lifecycle costs and benefits of such projects complicated the process.”A model of sustainabilityAutif Sayyed, Project Lead - Green Buildings in South Asia, IFC, highlights the library’s comprehensive sustainability measures, which earned it EDGE certification. These include achieving 100 per cent energy savings, a 29 per cent reduction in water consumption, and a 34 per cent decrease in embodied carbon in materials. Energy-saving strategies include reduced window-to-wall ratios, exterior shading devices, an insulated roof, a green roof, high-performance glass and efficient ceiling fans. The library also utilises variable speed drives for space conditioning and both interior and exterior lighting controls, all while generating renewable energy onsite and using low-impact refrigerants.The building’s design incorporates passive design elements, such as optimised window sizing, roof insulation and the use of AAC blocks with superior thermal properties. The addition of 40 kw solar panels ensures the library’s energy independence.The future of EDGE certification in IndiaA report by NARCEDO highlights the green buildings market in India, is set to contribute $ 39 billion by 2025. “EDGE certification is rapidly gaining momentum, with certified buildings expanding from 10 million sq ft in 2020 to nearly 110 million sq ft by 2024,” highlights Sayyed. “This trend is expected to continue as more buildings adopt EDGE Advanced standards, which require at least 40 per cent energy savings compared to baseline designs. IFC is also expanding its focus to include retrofitting existing buildings. With $ 2 billion invested in green buildings in India, the IFC is exploring financing opportunities to support climate-resilient structures.