World Environment Day 2025, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution,” highlights how India’s real estate sector is stepping up as a key force in driving sustainable change. With global plastic waste and emissions reaching alarming levels, the role of industries, especially real estate—which contributes up to 40% of carbon emissions—has become pivotal.
India, facing rapid urbanization with over 400 million people expected to move into urban areas by 2050, stands at a crossroads. How the nation builds today will shape its environmental impact for decades. Fortunately, developers are responding with intent. A Knight Frank report reveals over 35% of new real estate launches in 2024 were green-certified—up from just 12% in 2020.
Signature Global, a leading name in real estate, is taking bold steps. With its Go Green initiative, the company is planting 25,000 trees across Gurugram and its sites. Its developments are IGBC or EDGE certified, and its projects feature smart energy and water management, rainwater harvesting, and reduced construction waste. As Co-founder Mr. Lalit Aggarwal states, sustainability is central to their blueprint—not an afterthought.
Similarly, Krisumi Corporation, part of the Krishna Group, champions eco-conscious architecture and low-impact design. Chairman Mr. Ashok Kapur stresses the importance of integrating green principles into housing, which accounts for over 30% of India’s greenhouse emissions.
This evolution aligns with India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Key policy incentives—such as green building FAR bonuses, faster clearances, and easier green finance access—are accelerating this trend. States like Maharashtra, Haryana, and Gujarat are leading with supportive frameworks.
Looking ahead, the sector is being shaped by four core sustainability trends:
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Climate-linked financing tools
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AI-based energy management
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Integration of biodiversity corridors
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Circular material use and modular construction
As the planet calls for urgent environmental action, India’s real estate sector is showing that it can be more than a carbon contributor—it can be a force for green transformation.
