Real Estate: The Indian real estate market is making a revolutionary change towards sustainability. They are powered by improved technology, favourable policies, and an increasing need for green living areas. The sector is adopting methods in compliance with international goals of sustainability and meets the vision of users and investors desiring symbiotic living spaces that offer modularity alongside environmental stewardship.
1. Fly Ash-Based Eco-Houses: Sustainable, Low‑Carbon, and Adaptable Living
Fly ash–based eco‑houses repurpose industrial byproducts into durable and low‑carbon dwellings. NTPC’s (National Thermal Power Corporation) “Sukh” eco‑house is built with roughly 80% fly ash and ash residue from its thermal power plants, using interlocking blocks that eliminate the need for sand, cement, steel, mortar, and plaster. Fly ash bricks are naturally lightweight, thermally insulated, and moisture-resistant—they help regulate indoor temperature, reducing the need for active heating or cooling and thereby lowering energy use.
2. Green Building Certifications: IGBC and GRIHA Ratings
India has seen a remarkable rise in green building certifications, with more than 600 buildings in Rajasthan alone getting Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) ratings additionally, the Academic Complex at IIT Madras has a 4-star GRIHA rating. These structures show energy savings of 40-50% and water savings of 30-35% over conventional buildings. Green building practices are spreading beyond urban locales, propelled by government policies and public awareness. IGBC has green certificate for more than 8,600 projects with a total footprint of around 9.75 billion square feet. These green projects have cumulatively conserved up to 15,000 MWh of power and 45,000 kilolitres of water per million square feet of area each year and lowered carbon emissions by 12,000 tons per million square feet of area each year.
3. Energy-Efficient Designs: Solar-Powered and Smart Systems
Energy-efficient designs using solar power and smart systems integrate renewable energy with intelligent technologies to optimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. The Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi reflects India's commitment to eco-friendly architecture as its first on-site net-zero energy building. Additionally, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) also has a campus in Bangalore that showcases sustainable building practices. It balances energy consumption and generation, employing passive solar techniques and advanced HVAC systems to reduce energy use by 40%. Notably, its 930 kWp rooftop solar system generates about 1.4 million
kWh annually, supporting the building's energy needs and net-zero status, while a chilled beam system efficiently regulates indoor temperatures.
4. Modular and Prefabricated Construction: Speed and Sustainability
Adoption of prefabricated and modular construction techniques is increasing, especially in areas such as Bengaluru and Mysuru. They include producing parts off-site and assembling them at the building site, minimizing wastage and accelerating construction. It promotes rapid and environmentally friendly housing solutions. These techniques also result in resource efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of conventional construction methods.
5. Smart Technology Integration: IoT-Enabled Energy Management
Integration of smart technologies in the built environment is improving energy efficiency. IoT-based systems for lighting, HVAC, and water management enable control and monitoring in an automated manner, resulting in a significant decrease in energy consumption and enhanced occupant comfort. For example, AI-based HVAC systems have been found to save 15.8% energy and lower carbon emissions by 37 metric tons a year in buildings. These systems optimize HVAC responses to weather and occupancy changes, contributing to overall energy savings.
India’s real estate sector is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability, driven by technological innovation, eco-conscious policies, and growing demand for greener living. From fly ash-based sustainable housing and certified green buildings to energy-efficient designs, modular construction, and IoT-enabled smart systems, the industry is embracing eco-friendly practices that reduce environmental impact while enhancing liveability. These advancements not only align with global sustainability goals but also reflect a maturing market where economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
