Building a Greener Future: Sustainable Strategies in Modern Architecture

Building a Greener Future: Sustainable Strategies in Modern Architecture

Innovative Design Solutions for Energy Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility

The Rahul Bajaj Technology & Innovation Centre at IIT Bombay was designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, ensuring minimal environmental impact while creating a high-performance research facility. The project is in the process of achieving a GRIHA 3-star rating, reflecting its commitment to energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable construction practices.

Key sustainable strategies include passive ventilation systems, night-purging, and stack-effect cooling, reducing dependence on mechanical air conditioning. The building’s design features voids and atriums that enhance natural ventilation, optimizing indoor air quality while lowering energy consumption. Sustainable materials, such as fly ash-based cement, were used to reduce the project’s carbon footprint. Additionally, low-flow water fixtures and energy-efficient glass help in conserving resources, while low-VOC paints ensure a healthier indoor environment.

A major focus was placed on site ecology and waste management. Soil from excavation was reused within the campus, and stormwater channels were implemented to control runoff and prevent erosion. Furthermore, the project followed a 1:3 compensatory plantation strategy, planting three trees for everyone affected by construction, reinforcing the centre’s eco-friendly design ethos. These initiatives ensure that the facility remains an environmentally responsible and future-ready innovation hub.

- Suyash Kulkarni