Water is the lifeblood of our cities, ecosystems, and daily lives, yet it remains one of the most overexploited natural resources. As we celebrate World Water Day 2025, we must recognize architecture’s role in conserving, managing, and regenerating water resources. Increasing urbanization and climate change amplify the serious threats to water security; therefore, adapting water-sensitive design strategies is vital to sustainable development.

The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) has been at the forefront of promoting water-positive architecture in India. It also entails realizing the capture and use of rainwater, greywater recycling, and landscape innovation projects that demonstrate a commitment to being good water stewards.

This blog highlights 7 exemplary water-positive architectural projects certified by GRIHA, illustrating how architects can contribute to a more water-positive future through design.

World Water Day – March 22
The theme for the Year 2025 – Glacier Preservation

1. AIIMS

Location: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Site Area: 1,56,506.38 sq.m
Built-up Area: 81,353 sq.m

• A reduction of 56.11% from the GRIHA base case has been demonstrated in the building
  water demand by installing efficient low-flow fixtures.
• A reduction of 75.45% from the GRIHA base case has been demonstrated in the
  landscape water demand by installing micro drip irrigation systems.
• Gunny bags were used for curing columns while the ponding technique was used for
  curing of slabs.

2. DLF CyberPark

Location: Gurugram, Haryana
Site Area: 41,601.68 sq.m
Built-up Area: 1,69,562.28 sq.m

• The installation of efficient low-flow fixtures reduced building water demand by 82.65% from the GRIHA base case.
• Moreover, the team used gunny bags for curing columns and applied the ponding technique for curing slabs.

3. ITC Kohenur

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Site Area: 20,257 sq.m
Built-up Area: 49,594.99 sq.m

• The installation of efficient low-flow fixtures reduced building water demand by 53.91% from the GRIHA base case.
• Additionally, the installation of efficient irrigation systems reduced landscape water demand by 63.87% from the GRIHA base case.
• Curing columns use Hessian clothes while the ponding technique was used for
  curing of slabs.

4. AIPL Joy Street

Location: Gurugram, Haryana
Site Area: 16,010.15 sq.m
Built-up Area: 30,931 sq.m

• The installation of efficient low-flow fixtures reduced building water demand by 52.84% from the GRIHA base case.
• Moreover, the installation of efficient irrigation systems reduced landscape water demand by 53.43% from the GRIHA base case.
• Curing columns use gunny bags while the ponding technique was used for curing slabs.

5. IIT Madras, New Academic Complex and Canteen Building

Location: Gurugram, Haryana
Site Area: 19,240 sq.m
Built-up Area: 21,842 sq.m

• A reduction of 45.73% from the GRIHA base case has been demonstrated in building water demand by installing water-efficient fixtures.
• Moreover, the landscape water demand reduces by 39.45% from the GRIHA base case.
• Additionally, gunny bags were used for curing columns.

6. Construction of New Income Tax Building

Location: Lucknow
Site Area: 8,037 sq.m
Built-up Area: 13,576 sq.m

• The installation of efficient low-flow fixtures reduces building water demand by 68.16% from the GRIHA base case.
• The installation of efficient irrigation systems reduces landscape water demand by 67% from the GRIHA base case.
• Hessian cloth was used for curing columns while the ponding technique was used for curing slabs.

7. Bhamashah State Data Centre

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Site Area: 13,187.43 sq.m
Built-up Area: 23,920.94 sq.m

• A reduction of 50.48% from the GRIHA base case has been demonstrated in the building water demand by installing water-efficient fixtures.
• Moreover, a reduction of 60.75% from the GRIHA base case has been demonstrated in the landscape water demand.
• Curing columns use hessian cloth while the slabs use ponding techniques.

Conclusion

Thus, with water scarcity becoming an increasingly common future concern, the significance of water-positive architecture continues to grow. The projects presented here illustrate how innovative ideas, guided by an environmental ethic, and innovative design can produce buildings and spaces that conserve, and recycle while regenerating water. In addition to their environmental value, these projects also provide models for urban planners, architects, and policy-makers to advocate for water-sensitive urban development, demonstrating that sustainability is not an option, but rather a necessity.

On this World Water Day 2025, let’s take the next step in promoting water-sensitive urban development through architectural solutions to exist in harmony with nature. Furthermore, the future of water is in our hands, and with thoughtful initiatives, we can design a world where every drop counts.

Content Writing and Research: Ar. Anusha Sridhar