Green Construction Practices for Improved Air Quality

• March 25, 2025
• By: Priyanshi Shah
• INFLUENCERS

In this BMR blog, Ar. Vinod Singhi shares his expert opinion about Green Construction Practices and measures to prevent air pollution while sustainably building the structure. Graded Responses Action Plan (GRAP) grades 3, 4 and 5 were withdrawn and re-imposed several times over the last three months in Delhi NCR leaving a shadow of uncertainty on building activities for crucial months. With the relaxation of GRAP measures, the responsibility falls on stakeholders in the construction industry to restart activities while being mindful of both Delhi’s fragile air quality and the broader challenges posed by climate change.

Air Pollution: One of the significant environmental threats is Air pollution, polluting air and claiming an estimated two million lives annually in India. The construction industry is responsible for much of this crisis, contributing almost 40% of air pollution levels. The city of New Delhi has a population of 1.1 crore. GRAP measures are not infrequently invoked in the city during winter to address the problem of elevated air pollution. Lately, however, it has become clear that a reactive path to the issue will not provide acceptable answers. Solutions that are long-term in nature must be applied to the origin of the issue to address the air pollution emergency. In the building sector, the solutions must be imagined at the design phase and implemented strictly during construction.

Understanding Green Construction: Green construction refers to the incorporation of sustainable procedures meant to limit the environmental impact of building processes, including their air pollution contribution. Through a focus on the utilization of green materials, energy-efficient technology, and cleaner construction processes, green construction processes not only enhance air quality but also contribute to higher environmental and public health objectives.

Building with Sustainable Materials: Low-emission materials selection is one of the fundamentals of green building. Using products like low-VOC paints, adhesives, and insulation minimizes the emission of dangerous pollutants into the environment. They help to create healthier indoor and on-site environments as well as for the ultimate occupants of the building.

Measures to Control Dust: Construction processes release large amounts of dust, most of which can have harmful components such as silica and asbestos. Long-term exposure to these causes serious respiratory disorders. The first occupants of a construction site are the construction laborers hence it is a primary step toward maintaining their health along with general air quality improvement that effectively controls the emission of dust. Daily watering of construction materials, roads, and equipment with a spray is an inexpensive but widely practised means to control dust in operations such as excavation and haulage. The provision of physical barriers or screens for the site is also vital since they prevent the dispersal of dust, particularly during high-impact operations like demolition and heavy earthmoving, reducing exposure to the outside area.

Using Low-Emission Equipment and Machinery: Heavy equipment and power tools contribute heavily to air pollution at construction sites, given that they rely on fossil fuels to run. They also release nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter upon use. Converting to electric or hybrid machines, for instance, excavators, loaders, and generators, can curb the environmental footprint of construction while benefiting from lower operation costs in the long term although initial capital costs are high. Even more available now is solar-powered construction equipment, which capitalizes on India’s increasing renewable energy base and provides an interesting new option beyond conventional construction procedures. A cleaner fuel option would be the use of biodiesel or ultra-low sulfur diesel, whose emissions are significantly less toxic.

Promoting On-Site Air Quality Monitoring: Field-level monitoring of air quality is important to ensure the effectiveness of the prescribed interventions. Utilization of real-time sensors along with mobile dashboards will be able to facilitate monitoring of site conditions, to ensure that interventions may be planned whenever and wherever it is required. This can aid in preventing the most adverse effects of air pollution, which will ensure that the respiratory problems among citizens are decreased, environmental deterioration is avoided, and even the project stakeholders will be saved from legal sanctions.

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Frequently Asked Questions FAQ 

What is green construction? 

Green construction elevates resource management, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly techniques that pollute less with green strategies to maintain a healthy environment and enhance the mental and physical well-being of the users. 

What are some green construction strategies?

The green construction strategies aim to improve the indoor environment with the use of solar panels, water conservation, eco-friendly materials, passive cooling systems and waste reduction. 

What are green construction practices and how do they improve air quality?

Building with a conscious decision and blending inside with outside will benefit the structure, the vegetation helps to decrease air pollution and sustain a healthy environment. 

How do green roofs and urban greenery contribute to better air quality?

By reducing heat, removing harmful gases and creating an aura of beauty, green roofs and urban greenery enhance air quality. It acts as a natural air filter for a healthy environment. 

Which building materials help improve indoor air quality in green construction?

Depending upon context and site conditions, natural local materials are used worldwide such as bamboo, recycled steel, natural insulation (wool or cellulose), low-VOC paints/sealants, and PVC-free flooring.