RETROFIT OR REBUILD? UNLOCKING SUSTAINABILITY IN EXISTING COMMERCIAL SPACES

As India races toward its 2070 net-zero target, retrofitting existing commercial spaces emerges as a sustainable, cost-effective path to carbon reduction and energy efficiency.

- By P. Gopalakrishnan, MD - Southeast Asia & Middle East, GBCI

India's building sector is a significant contributor to the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 25% of the total. As the country commits to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, addressing the environmental impact of the built environment becomes imperative.

Given that approximately 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already standing today, it is imperative to focus on retrofitting existing structures to meet sustainability goals and promote a greener built environment.

India's urban commercial landscape

India's urban centers have been experiencing rapid growth in commercial real estate. However, a significant portion of this infrastructure comprises aging buildings constructed before the era of modern sustainability codes or certifications. These structures often lack energy-efficient systems, leading to higher operational costs and adverse environmental impacts.

To address this challenge, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is actively revising energy codes, striving to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in both commercial and residential buildings.

Aligning the real estate sector with national sustainability objectives hinges on the effective implementation of these updated codes.

Retrofit vs. Rebuild: Evaluating the options

When contemplating the modernization of existing commercial spaces, stakeholders confront a crucial decision: whether to retrofit or rebuild. Retrofitting involves upgrading existing structures to enhance energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and overall performance, resulting in a lower carbon footprint, shorter project timelines, and cost-effective operational enhancements.