While the early adoption of green architecture is encouraging, the road to climate-aligned growth demands scale, innovation, and accountability. Nearly 70% of the buildings India will need by 2030 are yet to be constructed. This statistic, combined with the sector’s appetite for water, energy, and land, underscores the urgency to rethink building norms.
As S.T. Ravishankar, Vice President, Environment & Sustainability at Rodic Consultants, noted: “We understand the nexus between resources, nature, and society. Sustainability thinking is impregnated into all our designs and operations. World Environment Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect the only habitat we have.”
Rodic has banned single-use plastics across its operations and advocates a “zero non-compliance” policy, in line with its SDG-aligned ethos and India’s net-zero ambitions by 2070. The company also designs infrastructure with environmental footprints under constant review—offering a model of sustainability integration across domains.
Other industry voices stress the need to act beyond intent. Aman Sharma, Founder & MD, Aarize Group, observed, “Sustainability is no longer optional. At Aarize, we create future-ready spaces that reduce environmental impact while enhancing livability. The industry must now move from vision to impactful action.”
Developers are increasingly influenced by ESG metrics and green finance. According to sector analysts, access to such funding is becoming contingent on environmental compliance and efficiency standards. AI-led energy systems, biophilic architecture, carbon-light materials, and modular construction are tools the sector is now beginning to adopt at scale.
Parvinder Singh, CEO, Trident Realty, pointed to the market’s evolving preferences: “Green homes are now a smart investment. In Tier-2 cities like Panchkula, buyers choose them for healthier living and long-term value. Sustainability is now a decisive factor in real estate demand.”
Complementing this trend, Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, noted, “We view green design not as a trend but an enduring commitment. Our projects integrate renewable energy systems, low-impact materials, and ecological planning to enhance both sustainability and occupant well-being.”
India’s progress toward sustainability also hinges on institutional frameworks and political will. Infrastructure-led development, while necessary, poses risks to biodiversity and agricultural land. For example, cities are expanding at the cost of tree cover, while construction waste has polluted vital urban water bodies like Bengaluru’s Bellandur Lake.
Yet, successful models exist. Cochin International Airport, powered entirely by solar energy, was recognized by the UN for its innovation. Transit-oriented development, now being piloted in several Indian cities, represents another future-ready strategy to reduce vehicular emissions and promote mixed-use, dense urban habitats.
Vyom Agarwal, President, Action Construction Equipment Ltd., underscored the role of green manufacturing: “Sustainability is no longer peripheral. At ACE, we’ve developed electric cranes and high-efficiency forklifts while embedding renewable energy across our facilities. It’s about building a greener tomorrow through technology.”
The message this World Environment Day is clear: Indian real estate must lead not just in building homes, but in building resilience. The blueprint for change exists—the challenge now is execution at scale, driven by accountability, incentives, and a shared commitment to environmental renewal.
