Integrating Sustainability in Interior Retrofitting for Private Day School in Perspective with Project Management: A framework for Pune

Abstract

This research investigates project management guidelines for implementing sustainable interior finishes in private day school buildings in Pune. In light of growing environmental concerns and the need for energy-efficient educational infrastructures, the study integrates project management strategies with sustainable design practices. It evaluates eco-friendly materials, waste reduction methods, and cost-effective lifecycle study to balance performance, durability, and environmental impact. The framework developed emphasizes adherence to Sustainability and local regulatory standards, ensuring that project outcomes not only meet aesthetic and functional requirements but also promote long-term environmental benefits. The proposed guidelines serve as a decision-making tool for architects, project managers, and school administrators, facilitating the planning and execution of interior finishing projects that are both sustainable and economically viable.

Introduction

The project aims to develop a structured framework for integrating sustainability into interior retrofitting of private day schools in Pune. It focuses on analyzing existing interior conditions and proposing a project management-based model to incorporate sustainable interior finishes in institutional school buildings.

Pune, known as an educational hub with over 2,000 private schools, faces challenges like poor indoor environmental quality in schools, including bad acoustics, lighting, thermal discomfort, and outdated materials. Increasing urbanization has led to a rising demand for sustainable infrastructure, supported by government initiatives like those from the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency.

The research uses a mixed-method approach involving qualitative interviews and case studies, as well as quantitative surveys and material audits. Findings highlight key barriers such as budget constraints, lack of technical knowledge, and concerns over disrupting school activities. Design gaps include inadequate zoning, inflexible lighting, poor air quality planning, and absence of maintenance strategies focused on sustainability.

A project management framework is proposed to guide retrofitting efforts, emphasizing the use of sustainable interior finishes such as cork flooring, solar-tube skylights, bamboo furniture, and VOC-free paints. A pilot design showed promising results, including energy savings, improved student attention, and increased parental interest.

Recommendations urge schools to adopt long-term sustainability budgeting, encourage government incentives, and promote training for stakeholders to increase awareness and implementation of green interior solutions.

Conclusion

Sustainable interior retrofitting in private day schools is not just crucial for the environment, but it also helps save money in the long run. This study combines project management methods with the use of eco-friendly materials andfinishes and smart execution plans to create a clear path for effective and green retrofitting. The results can help school leaders and project managers make choices that are both sustainable and cost-effective.

References

[1] Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), \"Green Schools Guidelines,\" 2022. [2] PMI – PMBOK Guide: Project Management Institute [3] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), \"Sustainable Interior Materials,\" 2021. [4] Kumar, A., & Sharma, R. (2020). \"Lifecycle Cost Analysis of Green Building Materials,\" Journal of Sustainable Architecture.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Taniya Ravi Agrawal, Romeiro Silveira. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.