Deepak Rai, Founder and Managing Director, Boots
As India is at a critical moment (comparing rapid infrastructure expansion to ambitious climate commitments, the need for a fundamental shift in how we build is never so urgent. Although many people regard Net-Zero as a sustainability goal, few people reimagine it from scratch. Entering India’s first net-zero engineering company, Bootes, has ushered in a new era of smart, self-sustaining infrastructure that can reduce energy use by up to 60%, reduce operating costs and eliminate the need for expensive support systems.
Startup method: Design intelligence
Unlike traditional zero strategies, these strategies rely on strategies that offset 100% of energy consumption with remote renewable generation, and startup flips the paradigm. The company starts with aggressively minimizing energy demands – cutting it off by using AI-powered architectural design, efficient HVAC systems, optimized lighting and innovative materials 40-60%. Only after consumption is minimized can the guide integrate on-site renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal or biogas to close the gap.
This holistic approach goes beyond energy to solve carbon, water and waste footprints. The boot-designed infrastructure cuts water demand by up to 80% and eliminates waste emissions, ensuring sustainable operations with minimal environmental impact.
By adopting a decentralized, efficient model, guidance not only reduces transmission losses, rotational charges and grid dependencies, but also eliminates the need for additional land, transformers, sewage treatment plants and resource-rich utilities expansion. result? The infrastructure is not only greener, but it is fundamentally slimmer, cost-effective, and can be deployed faster.
“Zero Zero is not about green labels; it has to do with engineering logic. We design buildings that consume less, generate clean energy on site, and remove layers of complexity and cost. This is Zero Zero, the way to boot,” said Deepak Rai, founder and managing director of Bootes.
A proven model: from Jhansi to Rewari
Bootes’ groundbreaking approach is not only theoretical, but has transformed the built environment in India. The company’s landmark Jhansi Library, completed in just 90 days, was recently recognized by IFC – World Bank as Asia’s first net-zero building and has 100% on-site energy generation. Despite extreme temperature fluctuations in the region, the project proves that speed, sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.
From India’s first part Geeta Museum in Kurukshetra to the ultra-efficient refrigeration center in Rewari, Bootes is setting new benchmarks for sustainable, cost-effective infrastructure. Their design requires minimal external support, greatly reducing operating expenses and upfront capital expenditures (CAPEX). For public infrastructure, this can translate into significant savings by avoiding expensive grid expansions, drainage systems, and bureaucratic delays.
Rethink the real cost of infrastructure
Traditional infrastructure planning often ignores total cost of ownership (TCO). Although conventional buildings may be cost-effective upfront, their life-long energy, water and waste spending may far outweigh the initial investment.
On average, Indian buildings occur:
- Rs 1,000–1,200/square meter per year
- 1,825/square meter on water
- Waste management up to 1,935/square meter
Multiply these costs by government assets and the financial burden becomes amazing. BOOTES’ net-zero infrastructure eliminates these ongoing expenses, proving that sustainable design is not only an environment but also a long-term resilience economic strategy.
Transform the future: Change existing infrastructure
Net-zero conversion in India is not limited to new buildings. By 2050, more than $11 trillion will be needed worldwide to renovate existing infrastructure, and there is a critical need to scale the transformation rate from 1% below 1% to 2.5% per year, while Bootes leads the cost of regeneration.
With integrated advanced cooling systems, smart energy control and renewable assisted HVAC solutions, Bootes is unlocking the potential value of underperforming public assets. These are not only gradual upgrades, but also make net zero readiness a reality for the entire city.
Model tailored for India, inspired by global success
Cities such as Singapore, Vancouver and the Netherlands have proven that sustainable infrastructure is economically effective. The boot adopts these global best practices and adapts it to India’s unique economic and climatic conditions.
“When the infrastructure is net to zero by design, you not only cut operational costs, but you remove the need for expensive support systems at each stage. Our solutions are proven and locally engineered around the world,” said Deepak Rai, founder and managing director of Bootes.
The road ahead: Net net zero net scaling for India’s future
As India accelerates toward its climate and economic goals, the boot proves that sustainable infrastructure is not only an environmental necessity, but also a practical, and money-saving imperative. By making net zero smarter, leaner and more suitable for real-world conditions, Bootes is redefining the future of the country.
Disclaimer: Content produced by ET Edge
