Reviving the Past, Sustaining the Future: Le Press Galleria’s Sustainable Design and Urban Renewal

Le Press Galleria - A truly green venture

A Legacy Reimagined

In Lucknow, a city renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, the historic Newal Kishore Press has been transformed into Le Press Galleria—a pioneering model of sustainable urban redevelopment. This visionary adaptive reuse project seamlessly integrates cultural preservation with advanced sustainability measures, proving that heritage and modern environmental responsibility can coexist.

Strategic Location & Sustainable Mobility

Located in the heart of Lucknow’s Central Business District (CBD), Le Press Galleria benefits from excellent connectivity, including its proximity to Hazratganj Metro Station and extensive public transportation networks. The project actively champions low-carbon mobility and has planned Phase 2 sustainability initiatives, which will introduce a complimentary e-rickshaw shuttle service connecting visitors to the metro, further promoting pedestrian-friendly access, shared mobility, and reduced vehicular emissions.

Adaptive Reuse: A Sustainability Blueprint

By revitalizing 110,000 sqft of site area and creatively repurposing 30,000 sqft of built-up spaces, Le Press Galleria has avoided demolition energy costs of approximately 5 million MJ. Additionally, by preventing new construction of 50,000 sqft, another 7.5 million MJ of energy was saved, equating to 1,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided.

A Zero Construction Debris Project

What sets Le Press Galleria apart as a truly unique sustainability model is its zero-construction-debris redevelopment. Unlike conventional redevelopment projects that generate significant demolition waste, this project has successfully recycled and repurposed all demolition waste within the site. Materials salvaged from existing structures—including bricks, wood, and metal—were reused in restoration, landscaping, and site development, significantly reducing landfill contribution and embodied carbon. The walls were reconstructed from the bricks reclaimed from the demolition.

Architect Gaurav Vatsa emphasizes: “The most sustainable building is the one already built. Our approach is not just about preservation—it is about redefining sustainability in an urban context through biophilic design, passive cooling strategies, and renewable energy systems.”

Passive Cooling & Biophilic Design

Le Press Galleria fosters a unique microclimate that is 5°C cooler than its surroundings, achieved through:

• 60,000 sqft of green cover, which absorbs heat and improves air quality.

• Transpiration from trees and plants, creating natural evaporative cooling.

• Shaded pathways and trellises, reducing direct solar heat gain.

• Thick insulated walls and reflective roofing, enhancing thermal efficiency.

• High ceilings and verandahs, allowing optimal airflow and passive cooling.

• Thermal massing techniques, ensuring heat is absorbed and released gradually, stabilizing indoor temperatures.

• Courtyard planning, promoting cross-ventilation and natural daylight penetration, reducing artificial cooling and lighting loads.

Phase 2: Smart Sustainability & Renewable Energy

To further enhance its sustainability framework, Phase 2 of Le Press Galleria’s development will incorporate: ✔ Rooftop Solar Installation: A planned solar PV system will provide clean energy, significantly reducing reliance on conventional power sources. ✔ IoT-Based Automation: Smart sensors will be integrated to optimize energy and water consumption, ensuring real-time monitoring and automated climate control. ✔ Intelligent Waste Management: Digital tracking of waste streams to ensure maximum recycling efficiency. ✔ Expansion of Green Transport: E-rickshaws and dedicated EV charging stations to further decarbonize mobility within the site.

Positive Impact of Sustainability Strategies at Le Press Galleria

Impact Category	Sustainable Contribution
CO₂ Offset	5,150 tonnes of CO₂ saved
Equivalent Trees Planted	Equivalent to planting 200,000 mature trees
Total Petrol Saved	Approximately 1.2 million liters
Air Purification	Equivalent to the clean air provided by 50,000 trees annually
Waste Diverted from Landfills	90% of demolition and operational waste recycled
Water Recycled & Reused	75% of wastewater treated and reused
Reduction in Cooling Load	Passive cooling measures reduce cooling energy demand by 25%
Groundwater Recharge	10.4 million liters annually
Solar Energy Contribution	Planned 30% of total energy needs
EV and Public Transport Impact	Reduced vehicular emissions through metro connectivity & e-rickshaws

Benchmarking Circular Economy & Water Stewardship

✔ Annual Groundwater Recharge: ~10.4 million liters via rainwater harvesting.✔ Reduced Wastewater Discharge: 75% of wastewater is treated and reused.✔ Solid Waste Diversion: Up to 50% of waste is recycled or composted. ✔ EV Infrastructure: Dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging stations shall be installed to support sustainable transportation.

Engineer Pragalbha Khare states: “Sustainability is about challenging conventional practices and replacing them with common sense. Le Press Galleria sets a new standard in urban redevelopment—where architecture, history, and climate-conscious design coexists”