What began as an architecture degree at IIT Roorkee has evolved into a career focused on one of the biggest challenges facing the built environment: how to make buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable.Prof. Avlokita Agrawal, Professor in the Department of Architecture and Planning at IIT Roorkee, has been selected for the National Awards to Teachers 2026 for her contributions to teaching, research and innovation in Sustainable Architecture and Built Environment. She is the only awardee from IIT Roorkee among the 21 National Awards to Teachers announced for higher education institutions and polytechnics.President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Teachers’ Day, September 5, 2026.
From IIT Roorkee student to sustainability professor
Agrawal completed her Bachelor of Architecture from IIT Roorkee in 2003 and went on to earn her PhD from the same institute in 2010. Her doctoral research examined energy efficiency in buildings through passive techniques and simulation tools.That early focus has shaped her academic career. Her research today covers energy-efficient buildings, passive design, thermal comfort, sustainability audits, traditional architecture, life-cycle analysis and sustainable tourism.A key area of her work is understanding how buildings can use passive architectural features to reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfortable indoor conditions.
Connecting sustainability with traditional knowledge
Agrawal’s work also explores the relationship between modern sustainability and India’s architectural traditions.She teaches courses including Sustainable Architecture, Sustainable Built Environment, History of Indian Architecture, Vaastushastra and Indian Knowledge Systems. Her research has examined thermal comfort, building materials, energy-efficient building envelopes and sustainable development around water bodies and dams.Her project portfolio also includes work on sustainable tourism around large dams, life-cycle performance assessment, heritage restoration and sustainable infrastructure.
Research that extends beyond the classroom
Agrawal has contributed to research and knowledge dissemination across architecture and the built environment. Her listed projects include the restoration of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, condition assessment of Bharatpur Haveli in New Delhi and studies of energy-efficient residential buildings.She is also the sole contributor to the 2016 monograph Shekhawati: Colourful Urbanism in Semi Desert of India.Her publications have explored subjects including urban climate, sustainable transport on campuses, solar technologies, thermal behaviour of building materials, biomimicry and sustainable waste management.
Why her work matters
The National Awards to Teachers recognise faculty members for teaching effectiveness, research and innovation, outreach, faculty development and other academic contributions.Agrawal’s selection highlights the growing importance of sustainable architecture in India’s education and research ecosystem.Her journey — from studying architecture at IIT Roorkee to teaching the next generation of architects at the same institution — reflects how a specialised academic interest in energy-efficient buildings can develop into a broader mission to create more sustainable campuses, buildings and communities.