In the wake of extensive urbanization and infrastructural growth, the construction industry in India has witnessed heightened activity and the intensity is gaining momentum day by day. While the surge in construction activities is propelling the country towards its next growth milestone, it is hard to deny the impact on the environment. Luckily, India’s construction sector is adopting eco-friendly measures and paving the way for sustainable development.
In the construction sector, sustainability practice constitutes the integration of methods that are environmentally responsible and efficient use of resources while undertaking a project. The incorporation is happening through the use of eco-friendly and smart materials, and the creation of energy-efficient designs. A lot of construction companies are also adopting climate-resilient construction techniques, thus creating the foundation to reduce carbon footprint and promote an environment-friendly built environment.
According to recently published insights, the building sector uses 32% of natural resources and accounts for 40% of world energy consumption – it emits 30-33% of greenhouse gases. It is therefore important to follow sustainable practices to reduce pollution and become environmentally friendly.
To embrace sustainable construction, many stakeholders are proactively banking on natural resources such as water. Another hard truth is that the demand-supply scenario of water is under heavy stress owing to climate change, global warming, and depleting groundwater levels. To address this, the industry is resorting to smart methods like water reuse and recycling. Besides, technology is becoming the game changer and enabling the industry with sustainable construction. The use of advanced tech such as 3D printing, Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, modular construction, AI, Digital Twins, blockchain technology, virtual and augmented reality and 4D simulations are playing a pivotal role in sustainable construction. This is not only paving the way for long-term sustainability but enabling efficient planning through reduced material waste, enhanced energy efficiency and overall performance.
In context to the growing real estate sector, developers are now implementing energy-efficient construction such as green building materials, and renewable energy solutions to minimize the carbon footprint. To encourage sustainable practices in real estate, the Indian government has introduced favourable policies and incentives. The implementation of the Green Building Rating System, such as the Indian Green Building Council’s LEED certification, has become a benchmark for sustainable construction. Additionally, tax benefits and subsidies are provided to developers who incorporate sustainable features into their projects. These measures have incentivized the industry to adopt green practices, leading to a surge in sustainable real estate developments across the country.
In summary, addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the construction industry requires a collective and collaborative approach. Transparency is key to speeding up the shift towards sustainable practices. Building partnerships and mobilizing resources will not only establish a roadmap for scaling sustainability but also enable the measurement of its benefits. This approach empowers the construction sector and end consumers with choices, ensuring a proactive response to climate change and securing a sustainable future.
The author of this article is Mr Mohan Alagarasamy, Vice President- Projects, ArisUnitern RE Solutions.
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