Through her work, Radhna Saxena is contributing to redefine what sustainable development means in India바카라”placing human health, cultural relevance, and ecological impact at the core of building design.
As India experiences rapid urbanization and increasing infrastructure demands, green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), WELL, and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certifications are playing a key role in shaping sustainable urban spaces. These frameworks are helping the country address environmental concerns and setting new standards for energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being in the built environment.
A green building certification is a formal recognition granted to buildings that meet established standards for sustainability. India is emerging as a global leader in green building adoption, with over 2.4 billion square feet of LEED-certified space, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED evaluates buildings based on energy and water efficiency, material use, waste management, and overall environmental impact. Developers are increasingly relying on this internationally recognized system to design buildings that are environmentally responsible and cost-effective over their lifecycle.
In parallel, the WELL Building Standard is gaining traction, particularly in urban centers where air pollution and indoor environmental quality are major concerns. WELL places a strong emphasis on factors such as indoor air and water quality, lighting, acoustics, and access to natural elements바카라”ensuring that buildings not only meet energy efficiency standards but also enhance the physical and mental well-being of occupants. With India바카라™s booming real estate market and the government바카라™s push toward green and sustainable building practices, organizations are realizing that WELL certification enhances employee productivity, well-being and also strengthens their brand image and appeal to global investors.
Sustainability specialist Radhna Saxena is a recognized expert in the field, with over 10 years of experience. She is a member of the WELL Materials Advisory Board, a group of experts from all around the world who are focused on advancing the use of healthy, sustainable materials in building design and construction. By focusing on areas like toxicity, indoor air quality, and environmental impact, the committee works to ensure that the materials used in WELL-certified buildings enhance the physical and mental well-being of those who occupy them. Radhna highlights the increasing prominence of WELL certification in India. "In a rapidly urbanizing nation like India, you can바카라™t have a conversation about sustainability without also talking about occupant well-being," she points out. 바카라śThe WELL standard is rooted in research and science, with a holistic approach that covers aspects like air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, and mental well-being. By integrating these factors into building design, WELL ensures that human health is prioritized alongside environmental performance. We can optimize the facade or install solar panels, but if indoor air is unhealthy or workplaces aren바카라™t comfortable, the building fails its fundamental purpose: to support the people inside."
Saxena also supports biophilic design, an approach that integrates natural elements into interior spaces, to bring the calming, restorative power of the natural world into the spaces where we live and work. 바카라śBiophilia is about much more than just adding plants to a space,바카라ť she says, 바카라ś It also focuses on incorporating natural light, patterns and forms that mimic those found in nature, which can reduce stress and enhance cognitive function. The use of textures that evoke natural materials, like wood, stone, or bamboo, and the inclusion of dynamic elements such as flowing water or wind, further strengthen this connection.바카라ť She believes this concept aligns perfectly with India바카라™s traditions of incorporating nature into daily life. 바카라śOur ancestral wisdom of courtyard homes and open verandahs reflects a deep connection to nature. By combining this ancient knowledge with modern technology, we can make biophilic design scalable to high-rise offices and sprawling campuses, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.바카라ť
While LEED and WELL have gained recognition, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has developed certifications tailored specifically for India바카라™s diverse climate zones and socio-economic conditions. IGBC바카라™s Green Building Rating System considers factors such as India's climate, culture, its environmental issues, and regional construction techniques.
Since its inception, IGBC has certified over 6,000 projects across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. The framework enables developers to make informed decisions on materials, energy usage, and water conservation while supporting the national agenda for carbon footprint reduction. The IGBC certification is also emerging as an key differentiator in the real estate market, with environmentally conscious consumers seeking sustainable housing and commercial spaces.
According to Saxena, 바카라śIGBC certification is designed to be accessible and affordable for Indian developers, considering the local financial landscape and regulatory requirements. The certification process takes into account factors specific to India and this localized approach makes it more adaptable and practical for India바카라™s unique context."
The future of green building in India is expected to continue growth, driven by government support, tax breaks, and financial support for energy-efficient infrastructure. Policies mandating energy efficiency in both residential and commercial buildings are further catalyzing the adoption of green certifications like IGBC, LEED, and WELL. Developers are also increasingly recognizing the benefits of these certifications, as they reduce operating costs and contribute to a building바카라™s marketability and tenant satisfaction.
바카라śThe growing demand for green buildings is driven by an increasingly aware and conscientious population,바카라ť Saxena observes. 바카라śWith India바카라™s expanding middle class and a younger generation that values sustainability, there is a clear preference for energy-efficient homes and workplaces. This growing demand is not just about saving resources but about investing in healthier, more productive spaces. Developers understand that green buildings are an asset바카라”offering reduced operational costs and enhancing the well-being of occupants. As more businesses seek spaces that align with their corporate sustainability goals, green certifications provide them with a competitive edge.바카라ť
As India바카라™s cities continue to expand, the integration of green building certifications into urban development is becoming essential. LEED, WELL, and IGBC are tools for reducing environmental impact and are key to ensuring that buildings foster healthier, more sustainable living and working environments. By adopting these certifications, India is addressing key environmental concerns and positioning itself as a participant in global sustainability efforts.
바카라śThe adoption of green building standards is an investment in India바카라™s future,바카라ť concludes Saxena. 바카라śIt바카라™s an investment in not just buildings, but in the communities and lives they support. Sustainability is no longer a choice; it바카라™s a necessity. By embracing these certifications, we are building cities that work for both people and the planet바카라”ensuring that growth is both responsible and resilient.바카라ť
About Radhna Saxena
Radhna Saxena is a sustainability specialist with over a decade of experience promoting green building practices in India and beyond. A recognized expert in her field, Saxena currently serves as a member of the WELL Materials Advisory Board바카라”a global panel of experts focused on promoting the use of safe, sustainable materials in the built environment.
Her work focuses on the intersection of environmental sustainability and human health. As India rapidly urbanizes, Saxena has gained recognition as a supporter for frameworks like the WELL Building Standard, which prioritize occupant well-being through air and water quality, lighting, fitness, and mental wellness. 바카라śIn a country like India, sustainability must also mean healthier lives,바카라ť she notes.
Saxena is also a promoter of biophilic design, a concept that weaves natural elements into indoor spaces to reduce stress and boost cognitive performance. She believes India바카라™s architectural heritage바카라”such as courtyard homes and open verandahs바카라”provides the perfect foundation for this approach, blending tradition with innovation in modern projects.
Beyond WELL, Saxena advocates localized green standards like the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification, which she believes offers affordable and practical solutions tailored to India바카라™s unique climate and construction landscape.
Through her work, Radhna Saxena is contributing to redefine what sustainable development means in India바카라”placing human health, cultural relevance, and ecological impact at the core of building design. Her vision is clear: to build greener, healthier, and more resilient spaces that serve both people and the planet.