By Ashna Shree & Sidhant Shekhar Jha
Sustainability has moved to the forefront of Mumbai’s redevelopment narrative, becoming a key criterion for housing societies evaluating developer proposals. Amid rising climate concerns and urban pressures, residents are prioritising long-term environmental and economic value.
Recent data highlights this trend—as of 2024, Mumbai accounts for 276 of India’s 2,291 LEED-certified green buildings, around 12% of the national total, second only to Bengaluru. These certifications span diverse sectors, reflecting a growing demand for eco-conscious redevelopment that goes beyond compliance and redefines future-ready living.
Jinayi Dhanki, Managing Partner, Headway Development Management LLP, observed a noticeable shift in how societies engage with developers during the planning stages.
“You’ll be surprised how many societies now proactively ask us in our initial pitches about our commitment to green measures like solar power, water conservation, and waste management,” Dhanki said. “Earlier, features like rainwater harvesting or sewage treatment plants were often just tick-box items. But today, there’s a visible shift—societies expect genuine, long-term solutions.”
He added that the environmental shift, though gradual, is now taking concrete shape. “There’s more discipline being enforced through regulations, and we’re seeing thoughtful adoption of solar energy, LED lighting, local building materials, and water reuse systems. These efforts not only reduce the environmental burden but also make long-term sense for the residents.”
The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), in collaboration with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), launched a pilot project in early 2025 to retrofit residential buildings with green solutions. This initiative aims to reduce emissions from residential buildings, which account for 40.5% of the area’s total emissions, by implementing energy and water conservation measures.
As sustainable redevelopment gains ground, demand for such thoughtfully planned projects is also on the rise—particularly in key urban pockets. Architect Saloni Deodhar from Deodhar Associates Grit Architectural Consultancy Pvt Ltd noted a steady increase in interest from homebuyers in central Mumbai and its suburban extensions.
“There’s a great demand in the central suburbs,” she said. “These locations have become strategic hubs—well connected to the airport, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. Their accessibility and improving infrastructure are drawing more interest every month.”
These developments indicate a significant shift in Mumbai’s redevelopment landscape, where sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in project planning and execution. As societies demand more environmentally responsible solutions and developers respond with innovative, green initiatives, Mumbai is poised to lead in sustainable urban transformation.
