With over 430 million tonnes of plastic produced each year globally, and a significant portion ending up in landfills and oceans, industries across the board are being challenged to rethink their impact. Among them, real estate holds a unique position, contributing close to 40% of global carbon emissions, but also possessing the power to reverse that trend through sustainable development.
India, one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the world, has an even greater responsibility. As the country prepares to urbanize over 400 million people by 2050, the infrastructure being built today will define the carbon footprint of tomorrow. This puts Indian developers at the heart of the climate conversation.
Chaitanya Kalia, Partner and National Leader, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY India states, “Plastic pollution is no longer just about litter — it’s a symptom of deeper systemic issues in how we produce, consume, and dispose. With over million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, of which less than 9% is recycled, the need for circular economy models has never been greater. Combating this crisis demands not only policy reforms and innovation in materials, but also industry-led accountability and community-level action. Only a whole-of-society approach can shift us from a throwaway culture to a regenerative one.
Encouragingly, many have already begun integrating green building practices, embracing certifications, while also committing to nature-positive urbanism.”
According to Knight Frank India, more than 35% of new real estate launches in 2024 were green-certified, a sharp rise from just 12% in 2020.
Among the notable voices driving this transformation is Signature Global, one of India’s leading real estate brands. Known for its focus on mid-income and premium housing, the company has placed sustainability at the core of its operations.
Lalit Aggarwal, Co-founder & Vice-Chairman of Signature Global, said “Green has been our priority and focus since inception. In 2025, we are intensifying our Go Green vision by planting 25,000 trees across Gurugram and across our project sites. Most of our developments are either IGBC or EDGE certified. Sustainability is not an afterthought—it’s embedded in our design, planning and execution. As developers, we have a responsibility to build not just for the present, but for the planet.”
Globally, the real estate sector is undergoing a shift. A recent McKinsey study confirmed that companies actively adopting ESG practices not only contribute to climate resilience but also enjoy higher long-term returns and investor confidence. The built environment, according to the International Energy Agency, holds the potential to deliver more than 20% of the emissions reductions needed to keep global warming below 1.5°C. As a result, countries are now framing urban development not just as an economic priority, but as a climate mission.
India’s broader vision for the future includes transitioning towards net-zero emissions by 2070, with the real estate and infrastructure sectors playing a defining role. Policy support, such as FAR incentives for green buildings, fast-track environmental clearances, and increasing access to green finance, are helping accelerate this shift. States like Maharashtra, Haryana, and Gujarat are leading the charge with progressive frameworks that reward sustainable construction.
Looking ahead, the green transformation of India’s real estate sector will be shaped by four major trends: wider adoption of climate-linked real estate financing instruments, the use of AI and data analytics in building energy management, incorporation of biodiversity corridors within large-scale projects, and the circular use of materials through modular construction and recycling.
