The construction industry plays a pivotal role in urban development, but its environmental impact cannot be overlooked. As per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, the sector contributes to 37% of global carbon emissions, with 26% coming from building materials like concrete, steel, aluminum, glass, and bricks.

 

While India has not independently verified these figures, the need for decarbonising construction is undeniable. Urban expansion is accelerating, and without corrective measures, emissions from construction and building operations will continue to rise, undermining climate commitments.

 

Government Initiatives for Carbon Reduction

 

Recognizing the urgent need for sustainability, the Government of India has implemented several policy-driven interventions:

1. National Building Code 2016 - Introduced a dedicated sustainability chapter under Part 11, setting guidelines to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings.

2. Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) & Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) - Developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, these codes aim to enhance energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings.

The Eco Niwas Samhita 2021 focuses on renewable energy systems, electro-mechanical efficiencies, and building envelope optimization.

3. Sustainable Habitat Guidelines by CPWD - Covers architectural design, material selection, and recycling of construction & demolition waste to promote low-carbon urban infrastructure.

4. Promotion of Green Building Materials - The Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) is actively advocating for low-carbon materials like:

• Fly ash bricks

• Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks

• Bamboo-based applications

• Pre-fabricated roofing and walling systems

Through seminars, certifications, and technology demonstrations, these materials are being positioned as viable alternatives to traditional high-emission materials.

 

Bridging the Gap: Moving from Policy to Practice

 

While these policies lay a strong foundation for sustainable construction, implementation challenges remain:

 

Adoption of energy-efficient designs remains slow, especially in private sector developments.

1. Regulatory enforcement needs strengthening, ensuring compliance with ECBC and ENS standards.

2. Incentivizing green construction through subsidies, tax benefits, and priority approvals is necessary to drive industry-wide adoption.

3. Scaling up circular economy practices, particularly in recycling construction waste, must be prioritized.

A Sustainable Path Forward

 

India’s urban future depends on reducing embodied carbon in construction, integrating renewable energy, and adopting climate-resilient infrastructure. Strengthening policy enforcement, fostering public-private collaboration, and ensuring financial incentives for sustainable construction will be critical to achieving net-zero urban development goals.

 

Without urgent and large-scale intervention, India’s urban growth will come at an unsustainable environmental cost. It is time to build responsibly for the future.