Green transitions in construction

Green buildings integrate passive design, renewable energy, smart HVAC, and sustainable materials to reduce carbon footprints. The global push for sustainability has led to a paradigm shift in the construction and building management sectors, with climate change and resource depletion emerging as urgent concerns. Sustainability is no longer optional but an essential aspect with transitions enhancing green elements in buildings. This article explores the pivotal role of sustainable solutions in shaping the future of green buildings with the right design choices at the planning and execution stages that can significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint, energy consumption, and environmental impact.

The transition encompasses HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigerants) systems, services, materials used in construction and operation, and correct design aspects. The right choices for design approach, technology adopted, and material selection can define the efficiency of the project in the early design stage. The solar passive approach looks at design-related efficiency; eco materials define the carbon emissions and patterns for building performance. Green transitions anticipated shortly include decarbonisation strategies, an AI-driven approach, a health basis, and overall quality of life enhancement. Despite its benefits, green involvements face challenges, including high initial costs, limited awareness, and technological integration issues. However, government incentives, technological advancements, and increasing demand for sustainable buildings accelerate this transition. Future trends with digital twining, AI-driven energy management, net-zero energy buildings, and circular economy principles in construction look promising for early-stage interventions and better monitoring characteristics. Every design choice impacts a building’s carbon footprint and long-term sustainability from material selection to energy efficiency. By integrating passive design principles, smart technologies, renewable energy, and circular economy practices, we can build a resilient and eco-friendly future.

Solar Passive Approach and thoughtful design can also lower long-term operational costs while enhancing occupant health and well-being. Passive Design Strategies remain the core foundation of sustainability. A well-planned architecture can minimise energy demand before relying on active mechanical systems. Climate-based building orientation & layout with optimised strategies for passive heating and cooling can support efficiency. Passive strategies and natural ventilation enhanced with cross-ventilation, stack effect, and shading elements reduce the need for mechanical intervention. Daylight and an efficient envelope with apt glazing will maximise natural light with skylights and light shelves, while low-emissivity glass minimises artificial lighting needs. Thermal massing with materials suitable for the climate and referring to the compliance of U values per climate zone can prove efficient for heat gains or losses.

Sustainable materials stand at an advantage with carbon emission and life cycle analysis. The right materials improve energy efficiency, durability, and recyclability, affecting the structure’s durability and performance. Materials that are locally sourced reduce embodied carbon from transportation and recycled and reclaimed materials benefit support resources. Examples include recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and crushed concrete to reduce landfill waste. Low-carbon concrete, green cement, slag additives, and alternative cement like geopolymer concrete, fly ash, or slag-based concrete can further help establish and reduce CO₂ emissions. Sustainable wood, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified timber and bamboo are renewable alternatives to traditional wood. High-performance insulation materials like aerogel, cellulose, and sheep’s wool enhance thermal efficiency. A good choice of the material palette can help achieve efficiency with heat gains or losses and establish the applicable technology for the space.

Sustainable technologies are the key aspect for any building to function efficiently.  Sustainability is a Choice for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design aspects. With transiting towards better efficiency, alternatives to conventional systems are explored along with options with reduced dependency on fossil fuels. Parallel systems like energy recovery ventilation (ERV), heat recovery ventilation (HRV), and integration of renewable energy systems connected through building automation systems support efficiency towards lighting, HVAC, water modules and security for optimised energy use with necessary alarms also triggering for thermal discomfort or reduced indoor environment quality.

Green Building Certifications & Standards recognise sustainability frameworks for project credibility and performance on five aspects of the site: sustainability, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resources and indoor environment quality. Certification programs like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – a global rating system for sustainable buildings; BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), WELL Building Standard focusing on occupant health and well-being; CII-IGBC (Indian Green Building Council), ASSOCHEM GEM (Green and Eco-Friendly Movement).

Policy, Codes, and workforce Development to strengthen building codes and energy efficiency standards (ASHRAE, DOE, EPA, EU Directives) are essential. There is a growing need for HVAC-R workforce training in new refrigerants, electrification, and digital technologies. ESCO (Energy Service Company) models that finance energy efficiency retrofits should be expanded.

HVAC Systems and related Green Transition are vital for indoor comfort but often lack awareness and require the right research. The transition towards sustainable HVAC systems involves adopting advanced technologies and practices to minimise energy consumption and emissions. The HVAC&R industry is transforming due to the global push for sustainability, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction. Over the next 5-10 years, key trends to watch include decarbonisation and a shift away from fossil-fuel-based heating toward electric heat pumps for space heating and water heating. Integrating technology like heat pumps can efficiently operate for multiple outputs for specific buildings.

Advanced refrigerants allow the transition to low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) options like R-32, R-290 (propane), and CO₂ to comply with F-gas regulations (EU, U.S., and global policies). Natural refrigerants (ammonia, CO₂, hydrocarbons) can be used to meet stricter climate mandates. Smart HVAC with AI Optimisation emerge promising with the integration of AI and IoT for predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and energy optimisation. Smart thermostats and automated demand response systems enhance efficiency, while AI-powered fault detection and diagnostics help with operation and maintenance.

Building Electrification and net-zero Initiatives are being explored with ultra-efficient HVACR solutions, adopting thermal energy storage (TES) and district heating and cooling systems, and integrating on-site renewable energy (solar, wind, and geothermal) with HVAC systems.

Design aspects for HVAC-R systems adopt compliance from ASHRAE standards considering thermal comfort and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) baselines. With the tendency of pandemics and disasters relating to air quality, Health-Focused Solutions gain greater emphasis with high-efficiency filtration (HEPA, MERV-13+), UV-C light disinfection, and bipolar ionisation. Integrating real-time IAQ monitoring with HVAC control systems and specific alarms, ventilation upgrades due to post-pandemic health concerns and mandatory installation of treated fresh air units can support the parameters and fulfil the requirements.

The HVACR industry needs to be defined by the shift toward low-carbon, high-efficiency, and Smart technologies. Government regulations, market incentives, and technological advancements will push manufacturers and contractors toward sustainable, intelligent, and electrified HVACR solutions.

Companies that invest early in next-gen refrigerants, heat pump technology, AI-driven systems, and workforce training will have a strong competitive advantage in the evolving market.

Buildings account for nearly 40 percent of global energy consumption and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. Growing demand for urban infrastructure requires a transformation towards energy-efficient, low-carbon, and resource-friendly solutions. The interventions to current systems and approaches remain essential to reduce environmental impact, enhance occupant health, and comply with increasingly stringent regulations. Green transition in buildings is no longer an option but a necessity. Sustainable HVAC systems, eco-friendly building services, and green materials collectively contribute to energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and occupant well-being. The built environment is crucial in achieving global sustainability goals by embracing innovation and best practices.

Expertise shared by-
Dr (Ar).  Mrs. Anshul P. Gujarathi
Founder Director (Ph.D. Green Buildings)
Eco-Solutions.