The real estate sector is one of the most well-recognised sectors worldwide. The sector is constantly growing and keeping up with the world trends. From the past few years, the rapid increase in urbanisation is leading to a noticeable demand of sustainability for the real estate developers. While the country is on its way to development, the effect on the environment is becoming higher. Degrading air quality, loss of green lands, water scarcity, under planned waste management, irregular climatic conditions are some among a whole list of issues.

Despite having low per capita carbon emissions, India is the third greatest carbon emitter in the world. India has announced a five-step plan, known as the Panchamrita, at the 26th Conference of Parties (CoP26), showing a firm commitment towards sustainability.

The five-step plan –

⦿ By 2030, India’s non-fossil energy capacity will reach 500 GW.
⦿ By 2030, India will use renewable energy to meet 50% of its energy needs.
⦿ From now until 2030, India will cut its entire estimated carbon emissions by one billion tonnes.
⦿ India will cut its economy’s carbon intensity by less than 45% by 2030.
⦿ India will thus reach the goal of Net Zero by 2070.

Many environmental emergencies have made the real estate developers commit to create sustainable development. The government has introduced several schemes to promote sustainability. One such initiative is the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). The IREDA schemes are for subsidising capital for installation of solar water heaters, encouragement of energy audits and management schemes, mandatory use of fly ash-based construction material, groundwater and rainwater harvesting and most importantly increased monitoring of air and water pollution. But the real question is, are the developers just following regulations or are they going above and beyond the rules to actually bring a change for the betterment of the planet.

There are many thoughtfully designed projects with lower carbon footprints. Developers are ensuring sustainable construction by using water-saving construction techniques, use of flyash in bricks, carbon monoxide monitoring at sites, etc. The construction of green buildings has numerous advantages –

⦿ Better air quality
⦿ Enhanced daylight
⦿ Optimal use of water and electricity
⦿ Better health and wellbeing of occupants
⦿ Enhanced productivity
⦿ Protection of ecosystem
⦿ Sustainable developments that require less maintenance.

Some of the major international organisations that define, classify, and certify green buildings in various nations include LEED (USA), BREEAM (UK), DGNB (Germany), and CASBEF (Japan). IGBC and GRIHA are the pioneers in India who set the standards for green buildings. These organisations rank projects at the following levels.

⦿ Certified – the building earned 40-49 points
⦿ Silver – the building earned 50-59 points
⦿ Gold – the building earned 60-79 points
⦿ Platinum – the building earned 80 or more points

Let’s take a look at some of the residential projects that were constructed sustainably across India, sustainable that follow green tech. These projects are certified by various international organisations.

Green projects in India

1. Shapoorji Paloonji Real estate – Park west

Park west is a master plan that covers a 53-acre land parcel in immediate vicinity of Chamrajpet neighborhood. It accommodates 12 high rise towers along with a signature club to sustain 3000 apartments on the vacated mill site.

The main entrance to the complex is a wide avenue drive adorned with trees that divides the residential area from the public space. The project heavily utilises water as a vital component. To build a sustainable system, rainwater collection and other environmentally friendly practises are used. Retaining the majority of the existing trees was a key component of the green approach.

2. Piramal Greens, Vaikunth Thane

Piramal The Greens, which has smartly designed 2 and 3 bhk homes, is conveniently situated next to the ISKCON temple complex. These homes were skillfully designed to combine urban living with a natural environment.

3. Mahindra Eden

Mahindra Eden is a hi-tech residential development built by Mahindra Lifespaces that is situated on a prominent intersection of Kanakapura Road in Bangalore. Mahindra Eden’s green homes provide the perfect residences for your needs.

Mahindra Eden, India’s first Net-Zero Energy house development project, places a strong emphasis on sustainability as well as enhancing the biodiversity that surrounds the homes. Mahindra Eden houses contribute to the ecology rather than damaging it. They created India’s first residential development to achieve net zero energy use, with all homes using renewable energy sources.

4. Godrej Parkridge – Pune

The area where the project is being constructed has about 80% open space that invites you to breathe freely. Here, over 1 hectare of vehicle-free greens surround homes. Here, a 1 Km nature trail, a fruit orchard, an herbal garden, and a revitalising swimming pool come together to create a naturally healthy lifestyle in the middle of a 40-hectare community.

5. Brigade’s IGBC-certified project: Brigade Opus

This IGBC Platinum Certified project features the largest living bio wall in India with 15,487 plants from 7 different species. It was created to provide a sustainable and effective work environment by improving the air quality, enhancing the aesthetics, and maintaining a cool interior.

The Brigade Group has adopted the green building concepts, which span the following areas to address sustainable solutions:

⦿ Efficient use of energy, water, and other resources
⦿ Reducing waste, pollution, and environmental degradation
⦿ Optimised material use
⦿ Encouraging in-fill and mixed-use development
⦿ Durable designs
⦿ Health protection and improving quality of life
⦿ Creating community

Given the harm already done to our planet, it is essential that anything we choose to build not only endures for a very long time but also contributes to environmental protection. The ecosystem is healthier and the ecological balance is improved by having more green buildings. We cannot continue to rely only on the government to supply nonrenewable resources. Our prospects of leading better lives increase with the speed at which we adopt green technology. Green buildings are the most effective approach to becoming green, especially in light of how the real estate industry affects the environment.