Sustainability has become a buzzword and crucial consideration for individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations worldwide. Whether it is meeting between Modi and Biden in Washington DC, or class sessions in schools — the talk on climate change and environmental concerns inevitably comes out to save the Earth from the vagaries of nature and calamities. From green energy to green homes, environment sustainability has caught the attention of people in droves. The stand of consumers has changed diametrically as they are increasingly becoming conscious of climate change and its impact on the environment and society, seeking products and services that align with sustainability. Businesses that prioritize sustainability can attract and retain customers, build brand loyalty, and gain a competitive edge in the market. From real estate to railway and from hospital to hospitality, climate change-&-sustainability has taken centre-stage of discussion across the industrial spectrum.

Real estate donning green skyline

India’s real estate sector is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability and environmental consciousness. With the growing concern for climate change and the need for energy efficiency, green and sustainable homes are emerging as the future of the country’s real estate industry. These homes not only contribute to environmental conservation but also offer numerous economic and health benefits to residents. A green and sustainable building is considered to be environmentally sustainable to maintain the quality of the environment. It uses environmentally friendly and recycled building materials, focussing on efficient use of energy, water and construction materials. According to studies, green buildings could save up around 30 percent of energy and 50 percent of water.

Green buildings going for higher occupancy rates

In order to combat climate change and frequent nature’s catastrophe, millennials and youngsters are religiously batting for eco-friendly and sustainable projects. According to a study conducted by Colliers and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), developers have put spotlight on green real estate and high-performance buildings in the face of new inclination of buyers towards sustainable homes. As per the report, green buildings have witnessed higher occupancy rates and rental premiums. According to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a US-based global building rating and certification system, the expansion of LEED certified buildings underlines a significant change in the attitudes of buyers in India. Delhi-NCR, especially Gurugram, is said to be the topmost LEED building growth place among other big cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad.

Modi Govt’s initiatives and cascading impact on real estate

In a bid to ensure sustainable development and preserve the ecosystem, the Modi government has taken several initiatives and steps to tackle climate change and rise in temperature. The BJP-led ruling establishment at Centre has over the past nine years launched various schemes to address the challenges of climate change: Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), Green Credit programme, Green Hydrogen Mission, GOBARdhan, MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar among others. During India’s National Statement at CoP26, organised in Glasgow in October-November 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a global call for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Aiming at youth around the world, who take climate initiatives aligned with the concept of LiFE, the Union Ministry of Environment last year launched the “In Our LiFEtime” campaign to encourage young population aged 18 to 23 year to become messengers of sustainable lifestyles. Such concerted efforts of the Modi government have created an ambience of sustainability in India which has had cascading impact on the real estate industry as well.  The government has encouraged, emphasized and incentivized sustainable home projects. Real estate experts say that the government initiatives promote sustainable housing practices and contribute to the rising demand for green homes.

What real estate players doing for sustainable homes

The government initiatives and growing awareness among people have driven the demands for green buildings. In line with the vision of the Modi government, developers have embraced the significance of green real estate, incorporating advanced technology to minimize environmental impact, innovative construction designs with zero emission, sustainable materials, and use of green energy. Builders, especially in Delhi-NCR, have started work with renewable energy sources such as wind energy and solar power. These efforts will lower carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels as well. They have also prioritised energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The Delhi-NCR real estate players have signified rainwater harvesting systems and waste water treatment plants to encourage water conservation. Green spaces, vertical gardens and rooftop gardens are featured in housing societies in Delhi-NCR. Real estate players have focussed on electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle lanes, community gardens, sustainable infrastructure and amenities. Such initiatives of builders have encouraged people to follow eco-friendly practices, and create community engagement towards the environment.

Green homes: Cost savings for homeowners

One of the primary reasons green and sustainable homes are gaining traction in India is the potential for long-term cost savings. While the initial investment may be higher, the operational costs of such homes are significantly lower. Energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy systems reduce electricity bills, water-efficient fixtures minimize water expenses, and better insulation lowers the need for heating and cooling, resulting in reduced utility costs for residents. Additionally, government incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies for green buildings further enhance the financial benefits for homeowners and developers, making sustainable homes a financially attractive option. Delhi-NCR homebuyers are of the firm view that the higher price of green homes could be redeemed with long-term cost savings on the maintenance of sustainable housing apartments.

Wrapping up of words

The future of India’s real estate sector lies in the adoption of green and sustainable homes. With their focus on environmental conservation, energy efficiency, cost savings, and improved quality of life, these homes offer a multitude of benefits to both residents, especially in Delhi-NCR, and the nation as a whole. The growing demand for eco-friendly living spaces coupled with government support through incentives and certifications are driving the transformation of the real estate landscape. By embracing green and sustainable practices, India can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future, setting an example for the rest of the world to follow. Gurgaon-based real estate honchos have played commendable roles to keep the momentum of sustainability going as the skyline in Gurugram is getting blurred in a green and sustainable ecosystem — harbinger of effort to save the earth.

-Ramakant Chaudhary

Ramakant Chaudhary works with PR Professionals as DGM-Content Development, and has worked in various editorial roles with Financial Express, Mint (Hindustan Times Group), The Times Of India, Jagran Post (Dainik Jagran Group), The Pioneer, and The Political and Business Daily. He writes on politics, government policy, economy, infrastructure, real estate, social issues, lifestyle, and health

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The Ministry has constructed 8,169 km of National Highways (NHs) from April 2020 to 15 January 2021 in the current financial year 2020-21, i.e. with a speed of about 28.16 km per day. During the same period in the last fiscal, 7,573 km roads were constructed, with a speed of 26.11 km per day.

The Ministry is hopeful that with such pace it should be able to cross construction target of 11,000 km by 31 March.

The Ministry also awarded NH projects of 7,597 km during this period (April 2020 to 15 January 2021). In 2019-20, projects of 3,474 km were awarded during the same period. Thus, the pace of award has also more than doubled this fiscal.

In total, projects of 8,948 km of roads were awarded in 2019-20 while 10,237 km of roads were constructed.

The achievement assumes significance given the fact that the first two months of the current fiscal were lost due to nationwide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry has taken several initiatives to increase the pace of construction. The pace of construction is expected to increase further in the remaining months of the current financial year, which are conducive for construction activities.

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