From Blueprint to Greenprint: Devising Renewable Energy in Residential Architecture

Over the years, 'innovative design' has become a defining tenet for sustainable development in varied architectural typologies. With the irreversible threat of climate change, we are now predictably seeing massive growth in innovative design being implemented through sustainable and renewable energy resources. To maximise energy efficiency, contemporary residential buildings must be thoughtfully designed to provide optimal sustainability. As more and more people are shifting away from standard building structures and instead opting for a sustainable yet practical design approach, it is crucial to integrate dual-purpose materials like vertical green facades, recycled polymers, and smart glass. Simultaneously, high-rise residential buildings can benefit from advanced glazing technologies, passive design strategies, and smart materials to enhance energy efficiency, ensure optimal daylight control and naturally improve thermal control.

Given India's unique climatic and geographical conditions, implementing renewable energy techniques is highly feasible. While encouraging creative ideas, we should promote multifunctional design elements that harness natural resources such as sunlight, wind, and humidity to make buildings self-sufficient and energy-efficient. Seasonal wind patterns, for instance, offer the potential to tap into wind energy and hydropower. In recent years, one notable advancement in sustainable technology has been the widespread adoption of photovoltaic solar panels, which quietly convert sunlight into clean, renewable electricity. However, we must explore inventive ways to integrate them into building facades, considering the amount of sunlight vertical surfaces receive. While solar energy is one of the promising renewable energy sources in Indian parameters, spatial requirements for large-scale solar installations are limited. To address this, facades should be designed to support vertical gardens, creating modules that facilitate easy maintenance, water supply, and growth materials.

The foundation of any sustainable measure lies in the materials we use. For instance, bio composting and using natural materials in construction practices have become the cornerstone of cost-effective and environmentally friendly buildings. Additionally, thermal insulation on roofs of residences effectively curtails heat gain, enhancing overall energy efficiency in homes. It is also imperative to incorporate rainwater harvesting systems to conserve water for non-potable uses like irrigation, toilet flushing, and laundry. Moreover, integrating greywater management, not only on construction sites but also in day-to-day activities, further promotes sustainability.

In the face of rapid urbanisation, the success of sustainable residential development hinges significantly on effective urban growth management. This is particularly critical in low-income and lower-middle-income countries, where urbanisation is projected to be the fastest. With the help of technology, we must systematically devise practical and effective means to eliminate waste, curtail energy and resource consumption, retrofit and repurpose structures and landscapes, and apply nature-based solutions to restore habitats. Concurrently, championing participatory planning and community engagement becomes indispensable in addressing the pressing climate and biodiversity emergencies.

While responsible design principles remain the foundation of a sustainable building, embracing innovative strategies and harnessing the most effective tools during construction is just as essential in achieving the long-term functionality of residential development in the future. Achieving sustainable goals is not only about the work we do and the environments we help design; it extends to how we work. As a collective effort, the future of highly efficient residential growth in India must be fuelled by the 2030 sustainable agenda. We must embrace innovative technologies in constructing new-build projects that will further become one of the mainstays of our work.