On the CUSP of a REVOLUTION

As the third-largest green buildings market globally, India is aiming further to achieve newer heights in sustainable building practices. While there are many challenges in green building construction, better coordination and policy implementation can overcome these challenges and surge ahead towards a greener and sustainable future. Construction Times finds out…

India’s green buildings market is poised for a sustainable growth with the growing adoption of advanced technologies, sustainable materials and practices and stakeholder awareness. A recent report indicates that India retained its third spot on US Green Building Council's (USGBC) annual list of top 10 countries and regions for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in 2024. The annual ranking by USGBC highlights the significant progress made by countries and regions outside the United States in adopting healthy, sustainable and resilient building design, construction and operations. As per the report, In India, as many as 370 projects, across both buildings and spaces, were certified for LEED, covering 8.50 million gross square meters (GSM) (91.5 million square feet).

Green trends

Green construction offers economic benefits, reducing energy costs by 20-30% and water consumption by 30-50%. Developers are adopting innovative practices such as wastewater repurposing, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient infrastructure with motion sensors and EV charging, as well as waste management solutions and smart lighting to minimize ecological impact.

The green buildings market in India is projected to reach $39 billion by 2025, with the residential segment contributing $28 billion and the commercial segment around $11 billion.

One of the top trends in green building for 2024 has been the construction of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs). Advances in solar panel technology, energy storage solutions, and smart grid integration are making NZEBs more achievable and cost-effective. In parallel, smart technologies are being adopted to optimize energy and water efficiency, from advanced HVAC systems and energy-efficient lighting to intelligent water management systems that minimize water wastage. Net Zero Water and Waste are also an integral part of green buildings.

Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into the built environment, is becoming a mainstream approach in green building. This design philosophy enhances the connection between people and nature, promoting well-being and productivity by integrating green walls, natural light, indoor gardens, and water features in the built environment.

Sustainable development

India’s urban population is expected to reach 600 million by 2030, prompting the industry to adopt sustainable building practices for shaping the country’s future cities. Builders and other stakeholders are increasingly adopting green practices, materials and technologies in their projects with the net zero goal gaining importance. Mahindra Lifespaces is in the forefront of green buildings segment adopting sustainable building practices in its projects. “Mahindra Lifespaces is committed to delivering Net Zero buildings by 2030, with projects like Mahindra Eden, Mahindra Zen, and Mahindra Vista leading the way,” says Dr Sunita Purushottam, Head of Sustainability, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. Mahindra Eden, India’s first Net Zero Energy residential project, integrates energy-efficient designs and renewable energy solutions to minimize energy consumption. Mahindra Zen, Bengaluru’s first Net Zero Waste + Energy residential project, combines sustainable living with amenities like solar-powered working pods and open spaces. Mahindra Vista, launched in Mumbai, has already garnered over Rs 800 crore in sales and offers luxury living with Net Zero Waste + Energy solutions. 

Namrata Nulwalla, ESG and Advisory Lead at Rustomjee Group, elaborates, “At Rustomjee Group, sustainability is not an afterthought but a core design principle. We have witnessed a growing preference among customers for designs that prioritize natural ventilation, daylight utilization, and reduced energy consumption. Our projects increasingly incorporate features that align with sustainable living practices such as biophilic designs, rainwater harvesting systems, water and energy-efficient equipment, use of sustainable materials, landscaping that promotes biodiversity and waste management solutions. This holistic approach not only supports our environmental goals but also fosters healthier and more fulfilling lifestyles for residents. Our approach not only encompasses sustainable environmental practices but also diversity and inclusivity of all our residents.”

Overcoming challenges 

According to Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian, there has been a significant uptick in demand for sustainable buildings in the recent past, driven by a growing focus on environmental responsibility, carbon neutrality commitments, escalating energy costs, and government incentives for sustainable development. “However, high upfront costs, shortage of qualified talent, and limited availability of sustainable materials are some of the factors that hinder wider adoption. To overcome these barriers, targeted government support through subsidies, tax breaks, and favourable financing options is crucial," he adds.

Builders and developers are facing a log of challenges today while adopting sustainable practices and resources for constructing green buildings. These include upfront cost, design complexity, skilled labour, regulatory requirements, and financing, among others. 

“The government can encourage the adoption of green practices by offering tax rebates, reduced property tax rates, or discounts on development charges for projects that meet green certification standards such as IGBC or GRIHA. Streamlining and expediting approval processes for certified green projects can also motivate developers to prioritize sustainable construction,” points out Nulwalla.

Greener outlook

According to Dr Purushottam, India’s green building market is projected to reach Rs 3.2 lakh crore by 2025, with the country ranking second globally for LEED-certified buildings and over 
8 billion square feet of certified green space.

“Achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings will gain traction in the coming years and will by no means be an easy feat as the focus will shift to using sustainable building materials (green certified building materials) along with energy, water and waste,” concludes Nulwalla.