June 10, 2025: India’s real estate sector is undergoing a sustainable transformation, with leading developers integrating green building practices to support the country’s net-zero carbon goals. This shift is redefining how materials are selected and how projects are executed.
Namrata Nulwalla, Head of ESG & Sustainability at Rustomjee Group, stresses the use of materials with third-party green certifications like IGBC GreenPro, FSC-certified wood, and GREENGUARD-approved low-emission products. These choices reduce VOC emissions and enhance indoor air quality. Rustomjee is also conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in projects like Belle-Vie to evaluate embodied carbon.
Arkade Developers Director Sandeep Jain advocates the use of recycled steel, sustainable timber, and low-VOC paints. The company also monitors suppliers and prioritises waste management to maintain environmental standards.
PK Mishra of Sattva Group notes the early adoption of green materials like carbon-sequestering concrete and bio-based insulation. K Raheja Corp’s Raman Sapru supports using local materials to cut transport emissions and incorporates low-carbon concrete blends like GGBS and fly ash.
Century Real Estate’s Sainath Bhonsle champions sourcing within 100 miles and diverting over 75% of construction waste from landfills, aligning with LEED guidelines. Godrej Enterprises, meanwhile, recycles concrete debris into prefabricated blocks, advancing circular economy goals.
Ganga Realty’s Neeraj Mishra promotes a lifecycle approach to pollution control, with post-construction efforts focusing on solar power, rainwater harvesting, and green cover. CCI Projects’ Rohan Khatau highlights designs that maximise daylight and insulation.
Passive design, too, is gaining ground. DRA’s R Santhoshkumar recommends materials like bamboo and hempcrete. Though green buildings cost 5–6% more, Eros Group’s Avneesh Sood cites nearly 17% in operational savings. Vascon Engineers is also exploring clean fuel alternatives for construction equipment.
Together, these initiatives signal a future where India’s buildings are not just sustainable—but smarter, healthier, and more inclusive.
Source: Urban Acres
