When the Green Building Movement was just kicking off in India at the beginning of the millennia, Ar. Anagha Paranjape-Purohit (an environmental planner, GRIHA Trainer and IGBC Evaluator) and Dr. Poorva Keskar (LEED AP, TERI GRIHA Evaluator and Trainer and ECBC Master Trainer) recognised the need for a consistent and systematic guidance to ensure projects aligned with the emerging rating systems.
In 2009, they joined hands with VK:a architecture to co-found VK:e environmental, a consulting practice dedicated to helping create affordable, healthy, efficient and environmentally responsible buildings and infrastructure.Â
Over the past 15 years, VK:e has been instrumental in raising awareness about sustainable practices within the sector, with a portfolio encompassing over 650 projects, including the 1st IGBC Green Homes Platinum Project in Maharashtra, ‘Oval Nest’, Pune.
Dr. Poorva Keskar, Co-Founder and Partner at VK:e, offers an in-depth look at the challenges, innovations, and triumphs that have marked their journey in the ever-evolving field of built environment consultancy.
- Your leadership at VK:e environmental has set high standards for sustainable architecture. Can you share a particularly challenging project you’ve worked on and how you successfully ensured its environmental compliance and sustainability?
At VK:e, we hold every project dear and strive to add unique value to each one. Our involvement in the Kannur International Airport project, in Kerala, exemplifies our commitment to sustainability. This project was particularly challenging due to its complex design and deep floor plates. To enhance the building’s performance, we focused on optimizing daylight access while ensuring thermal comfort.
Airports are notoriously energy-intensive, and Kannur International was no exception. We collaborated closely with the architectural and MEP teams to incorporate energy efficiency measures throughout the design. Additionally, we addressed biodiversity concerns, given the significant impact of the terminal’s footprint on the local tree cover.
Water management was another critical aspect of the project, particularly for the public restroom facilities where substantial water use was anticipated. To mitigate these concerns, we implemented effective water management strategies.
We also explored renewable energy options with the project team, successfully installing solar panels on the roof to support the airport’s energy needs sustainably. Our comprehensive approach not only aimed to meet functional requirements but also to enhance the project’s overall environmental performance.
- With over 25 years of experience, what significant changes have you observed in the field of environmental architecture, and how has VK:e adapted to these changes?
In the nineties, climate-responsive design was an integral part of architectural thinking, with master architects like B.V. Doshi, Charles Correa, and Laurie Baker showcasing its principles in their projects. They focused on designing buildings that harmonized with their climatic context, utilizing natural ventilation, day-lighting, and passive solar heating to enhance comfort and reduce energy use. Initially, building owners and occupants, prioritizing sustainability, drove these projects.
However, as developers began leading the construction of residential and commercial spaces, the focus shifted towards maximizing space for higher returns. Technological advancements supported this trend, allowing for reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical air conditioning at the expense of natural light and thermal comfort. The urban landscape increasingly sacrificed green spaces and biodiversity, underlining the need for a shift towards sustainable design and the introduction of green building rating systems to encourage eco-friendly practices.
When we founded VK:e in 2009, the concept of green buildings was still emerging in India. We focused on raising awareness and providing training to architects and developers about sustainable design. VK:e has conducted over 100 training sessions, helping industry professionals understand the long-term benefits of environmentally responsible practices.
Developers interested in sustainability often required guidance to effectively integrate green building principles, which necessitated a shift in mindset and practice. Our consulting services have supported developers and architects through the complexities of green building certification and implementation, providing expert advice and simulations for solar passive architecture and energy efficiency.
Our efforts have enabled numerous projects to achieve green building certifications, enhancing their environmental performance and market appeal. VK:e continues to lead the sustainable design movement, advocating for buildings that are not only profitable but also environmentally responsible and conducive to occupant well-being.
- What emerging trends in Environmental Design and Management do you find most promising, and how do you foresee their impact on the future of sustainable architecture?
The construction sector has long faced challenges related to embodied energy—the total energy used in the production, transportation, and assembly of building materials. Traditionally, the lack of robust data hindered architects and developers from fully understanding the environmental impacts of their material choices. However, the introduction of eco-labelling has revolutionized this process by providing a standardized method to identify materials that meet specific environmental standards, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable sourcing.
At VK:e, we’ve embraced eco-labelling to guide industry professionals towards more sustainable material choices, aligning with broader sustainability goals. This advancement not only facilitates more informed decision-making but also promotes the adoption of eco-friendly materials in construction projects.
Additionally, we brought in the use of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in construction. LCA assesses the environmental impacts of all stages of a product’s life—from raw material extraction through to disposal. This comprehensive approach enables us to help developers and architects grasp the full environmental footprint of their projects and pinpoint strategies to mitigate negative impacts, advancing sustainable construction practices.
In response to the national agenda of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, VK:e
has expanded its services to include carbon footprint analysis and decarbonization strategies. These services assist clients in measuring their greenhouse gas emissions, setting reduction targets, and implementing effective strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. This involves enhancing energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy, and selecting sustainable materials.
Organizational sustainability is another emerging trend. We are assisting companies in adopting sustainable business practices, enhancing CSR initiatives, and achieving environmental certifications along with their ESG goals. This broad approach ensures that principles of environmental stewardship are deeply integrated into corporate operations and decision-making processes.
These trends—eco-labelling, LCA, and carbon footprint management—are pivotal in driving the construction sector towards sustainable development. VK:e’s leadership in these areas highlights the critical role of data-driven decision-making and thorough environmental assessments in meeting both national and global climate targets. Through its consulting services, VK:e remains committed to leading the way in sustainable construction and helping organizations navigate the path to a low-carbon future.
- Founding the NGO Sustainability Initiatives reflects your commitment to urban sustainable development. What are some of the most impactful projects or initiatives undertaken by the NGO, and how have they contributed to urban sustainability?
Since its inception in 2013, Sustainability Initiatives (SI) has been a pivotal force in advancing urban sustainability. Our mission revolves around awareness, research, and advocacy, focusing on mobilizing experts and professionals to volunteer their skills to foster sustainable practices, aiding both governments and citizens.
One significant aspect of SI’s work involves tackling technically demanding projects, such as conducting energy audits for government buildings. These audits are vital for pinpointing inefficiencies and recommending ways to cut energy use, thus saving public funds and reducing emissions. By starting with government buildings, SI sets a broad-reaching example, encouraging energy efficiency across various sectors.
Another key initiative is our policy development for green roofs. This practice, which installs vegetation on rooftops, brings several environmental benefits, such as better air quality, reduced heat in urban areas, improved stormwater management, and increased biodiversity. SI’s comprehensive policy framework for green roofs aims to weave this sustainable practice into the fabric of urban planning and development.
The Earth Center concept is another innovative project by SI, designed to confront the waste management issue by establishing decentralized waste treatment and management centers. These centers aim to manage waste locally, alleviating the strain on central systems and fostering community involvement in sustainable waste practices, illustrating SI’s commitment to practical, localized solutions to environmental challenges.
Education and capacity building are also pillars of SI’s mission, delivered through training programs that cover energy efficiency, green building, waste management, and carbon footprint analysis. These programs are designed to empower individuals and organizations to implement sustainable practices, cultivating a widespread culture of sustainability that influences whole communities.
On the policy and advocacy front, SI has been instrumental in developing the White Paper on the Net Zero Pathway for the Real Estate Sector in the Pune Metropolitan Region. This strategic document is crucial for reducing carbon emissions in a sector that significantly impacts global greenhouse gas emissions, guiding the region toward a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.
Additionally, SI’s commitment to spreading knowledge is supported by our publications like “Green Footprints,” “Confluence,” and “SI Imprint.” These works address various sustainability issues, providing valuable insights and solutions for urban challenges, and are essential resources for policymakers, practitioners, and the public, stimulating informed discussions and actions on sustainability.
Through a multifaceted approach combining complex projects, educational programs, and impactful advocacy, Sustainability Initiatives has established itself as a leader in promoting sustainable development. Our efforts are not only aimed at achieving immediate sustainable outcomes but also at inspiring and enabling communities to embrace sustainable practices for a healthier, more resilient future.