However, India has achieved a significant milestone by entering the ‘Transparent’ tier in JLL’s Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI) 2024 for the first time.
This advancement is attributed to:
- Enhanced climate risk disclosure guidelines.
- Streamlined building regulations.
- Digitization of land records.
- A 40% increase in WELL-certified office spaces since 2021, totaling 70 million sq. ft. in 2023.
In this article real estate developers share the measures companies are taking to build sustainably by redesigning around energy performance, water reuse, and material efficiency – without compromising on quality or design.
India’s Real Estate Powering Climate Resilience and Net-Zero Goals
India’s susceptibility to climate-related disruptions—from extreme heat to urban flooding—has placed resilience at the heart of urban planning and real estate development.
Anshuman Magazine – Chairman & CEO (India, SEA, MEA), CBRE
As environmental issues become more pressing, businesses worldwide are prioritizing sustainable practices and adopting a more future-ready stance. Against this backdrop, the real estate sector has defined a clear and actionable roadmap that not only aligns with the country’s net-zero goals but also redefining the sector’s core operations. Leading developers are integrating ESG considerations into their design, construction, and operational frameworks. Occupiers, too, are prioritizing spaces that minimize resource consumption, reduce carbon footprints, and meet green building certifications.
Rise of Green Buildings
India is witnessing a significant uptick in the adoption of green-certified buildings. According to CBRE’s latest report on Decarbonising Asia Pacific’s Office Buildings, India has made a substantial contribution to the region’s growing stock of green assets. Certifications such as LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA are becoming increasingly common in leading cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and the Delhi-NCR region.Green buildings consistently outperform traditional counterparts, commanding rental premiums, higher occupancy rates, and long-term value creation. Today’s occupiers are not only willing to pay more for sustainable spaces but are also actively choosing partners who share their ESG values. Tenants are now demanding offices certified to global standards, such as LEED and IGBC, leading developers to retrofit and redesign existing assets to meet sustainability benchmarks. Besides, the spotlight on Tier-II markets reflects a broader narrative of inclusivity in real estate investments.
"Real estate developers, by embedding sustainability at the core of our built environment, are not only addressing today’s climate challenges but also shaping a future that is more resilient, inclusive, and globally responsible."
A Collective Mission for a Greener Future
India’s green real estate transformation stands at a critical inflection point. With strong policy support, evolving investor preferences, and growing occupier awareness, the sector is poised to make enduring contributions to both climate action and national economic growth.Green buildings today are more than an environmental statement—they’re a necessity. Developers are now integrating passive design strategies, efficient HVAC systems, water management solutions, solar energy, and AI-powered building automation as standard practice.
With the rise of green-certified projects and government-led incentives, investors are gravitating toward opportunities that align with sustainability goals. This interconnected approach ensures that metros and emerging cities together propel India’s real estate story forward.
"With a focus on net-zero targets and IGBC certification across commercial and residential spaces, BCD Group is proving that eco-efficiency and long-term value creation go hand-in-hand."Angad Bedi
CMD, BCD Group
Many real estate companies like us are transforming underutilised land into valuable, community-oriented spaces. We have consistently demonstrated that it is possible and profitable to build sustainably without compromising on quality or returns. We are incorporating energy-efficient systems, solar lighting, advanced waste management systems, zero-discharge sewage treatment plants, recycled construction materials, and eco-conscious designs across projects to mitigate resource use without compromising comfort or function. This sits well with the growing desire of tenants, as 80-85% of corporate occupiers nowadays prefer green-certified buildings, which boosts property value and desirability.
By making green living accessible and inclusive, developers and architects breathe new life into overlooked locations, turning them into vibrant and eco-friendly neighbourhoods where people from all walks of life can connect, grow, and experience a modern lifestyle. By reducing pressure on natural resources, this approach creates value for residents, investors, and the environment.
Economic returns also make green properties attractive. Green-marked buildings fetch 5-10% rental premiums, and save renters 30-40% on energy bills. While initial costs for green features are more expensive because of advanced technologies and sustainable materials, lifecycle studies demonstrate payback in 3-5 years based on savings and increased rents.
"Sumadhura Group’s development models are redesigned around energy performance, water reuse, and material efficiency to lower resource demand across both new and existing stock."Jeevana Kalakuntla
CSR Head
Sumadhura Group
Today, across residential, commercial, and warehousing developments, sustainability is being embedded from the design stage onward, along with integrating systems that minimize resource consumption, manage discharge responsibly, and conserve water throughout the project lifecycle. Each site is being planned with features such as on-site water treatment, open-ground layouts, and natural ventilation. In warehouses, rooftop solar panels, smart meters, and low-intensity materials are being built into base specifications. Ventilation, layout, and energy use are designed around operational savings.
During construction, emissions and noise levels from generators are monitored to remain within permissible limits. Groundwater extraction is avoided; instead, water is being sourced only through certified suppliers. Treated water is reused for landscaping, flushing, and cooling systems. Rainwater is harvested and directed to recharge wells, aligned with the site’s natural contours. Waste is segregated at source, with composting for organics and secure, compliant handling of e-waste and sludge.
In housing, newer developments include insulation, efficient lighting, improved airflow, and systems to recycle water. These upgrades help reduce energy use and ease pressure on public utilities. Over time, they also bring down household operating costs.
In the commercial segment, nearly two-thirds of Grade A office space now meets green certification standards. Leasing activity is shifting toward projects that use fewer resources, generate less waste, and produce lower emissions. These buildings also offer more stable cost and performance outcomes.
"At Vaishnavi Group, a design-first approach to minimize environmental impact includes green roofs, passive cooling techniques, low-VOC materials, abundant green cover, and transit-oriented developments that promote walkability and public transport connectivity."Kishan Govindaraju
Executive Director
Vaishnavi Group
Developers like us are increasingly finding ways to embed sustainability into the core of a project’s design, construction and operations in order to reduce environmental as well as the economic impact while accelerating shelf life and long-term value creation.
From using sustainable construction alternatives to energy-efficient utility systems, and the right positioning of a project (say, close to transit hubs), developers aim to enhance the sustainability quotient of their projects across commercial, residential, retail, and warehousing segments.
To meet the demand for green office, retail, warehousing, and housing units, necessitates an ecosystem collaboration amongst stakeholders, including the industry, government, civil society, and technology providers, in the form of building commitments, policy and subsidy support. A top-down approach is required, wherein the government standardises ESG norms, widens the scope of support to industry, which can then be further trickled down by the industry.
Over the next decade, sustainability initiatives should become an industry wide norm with lesser complexities, making its adoption easier by the ecosystem and contributing to India’s net zero commitment.
"Aspect Realty is driving a new standard in urban infrastructure, where digital innovation, green practices, and workforce upskilling go hand in hand."Aksha Kamboj
Executive Chairperson
Aspect Realty
We develop our sites to maximize and minimize land excavation and energy use. Our projects include features such as solar powered site offices, energy efficient lighting, low VOC, and water efficient methods of working onsite such as curing compounds and rainwater harvesting methods. In fact, we can evaluate and verify genuine reductions in carbon emissions and water consumption on the job site, as well as energy consumed.
However, delivering green infrastructure projects while balancing sustainability targets with project costs and deadlines can be challenging. Sustainable materials and technologies help save money over the long term, but, often, their initial costs and limited local sourcing can blow budgets. Tight project timelines can also restrict flexibility. However, by committing to thorough planning at early stages, quality engineering, as well as a trusted supply network, we can balance green outcomes with cost and time.
We have a structured C&D waste management plan in place; C&D materials are either sorted, reused or diverted to licensed recyclers. The use of alternative materials such as fly ash, GGBS and recycled aggregates are being incorporated into our concrete mixes and road bases. As general awareness becomes more common and supply chains have scaled up, the acceptance of alternative materials has steadily increased in our projects.
"At Tharwani Realty, sustainability is embedded into our construction practices through the adoption of eco-efficient materials, intelligent resource planning, and green design strategies.Abhishek Tharwani"
Director
Tharwani Realty
We have implemented smart water metering, dual plumbing systems, and rainwater harvesting to optimize water usage across sites. Solar integration in common areas and motion sensor-based lighting have significantly reduced energy consumption. Additionally, we are moving towards low-carbon cement alternatives and environment-friendly construction chemicals, which help cut overall carbon emissions.
No doubt, there is a challenge in balancing sustainability goals with market-driven project timelines and budget constraints. Green building components often carry higher initial costs, and vendor readiness for compliant materials remains inconsistent. Furthermore, regulatory approvals related to new sustainable methods can prolong project timelines. However, with growing awareness and buyer preference for eco-conscious developments, we view sustainability as a value differentiator rather than a cost center.
We follow a structured waste management policy that emphasizes segregation, reuse, and recycling. Non-contaminated debris is crushed on-site and reused in backfilling, reducing landfill burden. Fly ash is being used in concrete mixes to enhance durability and lower cement consumption. Reclaimed aggregates are evaluated project-wise, depending on structural requirements and compliance with Indian Safety standards. Their usage is steadily growing, driven by material cost efficiency and positive environmental impact.
