Following breakthroughs in wind energy, solar energy, and state-of-the-art green building, designs, sustainable architecture has become the hallmark of real estate markets. And Raiaskaran is one name that has acquired a reputation in sustainable construction.

The Core & Shell Certification accorded to the group is testimony to Raiaskaran’s unwavering commitment to a greener future.

For the uninitiated, the Core & Shell is a rating system for real-estate projects where the developer controls the design along with the construction of the entire electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection system.

It’s often asked why Raiaskaran is acclaimed so highly as one of the most contemporary providers of uber-luxury apartments in Mumbai.

A large number of real estate brands are gradually transforming the Mumbai skyline with luxury residences. Raiaskaran has paved its path in achieving excellence by delivering plush and upscale homes, all the while ensuring that their carbon footprint remains negligible.

Upholding the vision of Mr Shobhit J Rajan, the group’s promoter, Raiaskaran’s projects consistently adhere to norms of environmental compatibility.

What are green buildings?

There’s no denying that while real estate projects provide ample social benefits, they release pollutants thereby impacting natural resources. A report published in IMS Resources claims that commercial real estate properties account for nearly 30% of all greenhouse emissions in the world and are projected to go up to 50% if appropriate action is not initiated.

Thus, regulatory frameworks have been introduced to integrate sustainability into the realty industry. Real estate companies have had to operate keeping in mind the emerging Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) benchmarks. Green buildings, also called high-performance or sustainable buildings, are naturally seeping into public consciousness.

Typically, green buildings use processes that eliminate negative impacts on the environment and remain resource-efficient through a building’s life cycle.

As opposed to conventional buildings, green buildings provide healthy living spaces since they minimise water wastage, make efficient use of energy, and generate less waste. As opposed to conventional buildings, they provide healthier living spaces. This translates into savings in electric and water bills, pure air quality, and enhanced ventilation.

Even paints with low volatile compounds, which do not have a strong smell, qualify under the green buildings concept and so does bamboo, considered non-toxic.

According to data provided by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), having green homes lead to tangible benefits of 20-30% in energy savings and 30-50% in water savings. In fact, it’s IGBC, a rating programme developed in India, which evaluates and certifies green buildings.

What are IGBC certifications and why are they important?

Part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), IGBC was constituted in 2001 to make India one of the global leaders in sustainability by 2025. The council offers a wide range of services, including developing new green building rating programmes, certification services, and green building training programmes.

IGBC, in collaboration with the central government, state government, and the World Green Building Council, promotes the concept of green buildings in India. IGBC Green Homes are aimed at developing strategies in increasing material utilization and creating waste management and energy-efficiency awareness.

The rating system, in line with national standards, follows a performance-based approach. So far there are around 20 rating systems adopted by IGBC for green buildings concept.

Raiaskaran’s Parthenon project in Andheri (W) is designed to earn the maximum possible credits and achieve IGBC certification.

How Raiaskaran is developing Green Buildings?

Andheri West, in Mumbai, is a premium real estate location with post areas such as Lokhandwala and Versova. The area has always glimpsed huge demand for residential homes, especially from the elite class. Due to its lifestyle and business hub of the entertainment industry, Andheri is the most preferred area for professionals from the television, Film industry, animation, and corporates. Hence the demand and supply in Parthenon Andheri West are greater for larger homes.

The Parthenon project that offers an exclusive range of 4 BHK luxury flats is a shining example of Raiaskaran’s green endeavor. Designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – a green building rating system – Parthenon implements sustainable design strategies to achieve maximum natural ventilation.

The ventilation is designed for natural lighting to minimise energy consumption while the structures ensure maximum solar exposure. Additionally, rainwater harvesting is also facilitated.

The seal of excellence isn’t just limited to Raiaskaran’s luxury projects in Mumbai. Raiaskaran Tech Park in Andheri has earned rave reviews as one of Maharashtra’s leading private IT parks. An ISO-certified company, Raiaskaran Tech Park uses its own water treatment plant. It chemically scrubs wastewater that can also be used for irrigation.

Reviewers have likened Raiaskaran Tech Park to an oasis, replete with sprawling lawns and trees, providing visitors spatial relief from the urban frenzy around. The campus-style design and aero-bridges further emphasise the setting’s harmony with nature.

A tribute reads: “Mr Shobhit Rajan has the vision and a team of professionals that play vital roles in the future of what tomorrow looks to be. Raiaskaran Tech Park is one such infrastructure that stands at the nexus of innovation and opportunities. Acting like an oasis in the middle of the city’s chaos, RTP offers an ideal setting in which emerging industries can thrive.”

Raiaskaran’s vision

For the company, these innovations are a celebration of the coming together of art and design. The group is known to engage the best talents and industry leaders to design exceptional projects with a timeless appeal.

Be it high-end residences, a cutting-edge commercial building, and hospitality ventures, the group’s varied projects comply with the highest international standards.

Tree plantation drives to reduce carbon footprint have become a regular feature at Raiaskaran. Wastewater treatment, use of recycled water for horticulture, shredding and recycling paper and eco-friendly lighting designs reflect the group’s core ideology.

The way forward…

The Green Business Certificate INC (GBCI), which supports the implementation of the LEED green building programmes, claims that India boasts over 14,000 LEED-certified buildings, including offices, hospitals, schools, and residential complexes. It says last year, Maharashtra, with 373 green buildings, headed the US Green Building Council’s LEED certifications, followed by Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Haryana

Yet more work remains to be done in this sphere.

The proliferation of green hospitals shouldn’t be wishful thinking but a necessity for a responsible and conscious healthcare system. It’s rightly said that future hospital architecture should aspire for designs that facilitate a natural healing process, possibly through exposure to sunlight.

Real estate analysts hold the view that the government could provide extra FSI to realtors under the gold or platinum rating system of green-houses under IGBC to encourage more sustainability-driven constructions. Perhaps, consumer demand for green buildings could be increased by offering cheap interest rates against housing loans. Sustainable buildings are no longer just about complying with regulations. As the Raiaskaran group has shown, realtors can play an active role in addressing the climate change challenge while also shaping a healthier future for occupants.