India is currently striving to achieve its ambitious environmental targets, including reaching net-zero by 2070. It's emphasized that various business sectors, particularly real estate, play a crucial role in this endeavour, as they are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
According to a report by McKinsey, the real estate sector is accountable for 39% of the country's total emissions, with 11% originating from building materials. This alarming statistic indicates the urgent need for attention from the industry and other stakeholders to actively support the nation's developmental and environmental objectives.
This also highlights the importance of adopting sustainable practices and technologies to ensure that projects are environmentally friendly. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in this regard, with companies in the sector increasingly incorporating green measures into their operations. However, more concerted efforts are necessary to achieve meaningful results in terms of emission reduction.
Implementing sustainable practices and technologies has become more feasible thanks to today's advanced technologies. There are various methods and technologies available to help builders decarbonise the sector and involve other stakeholders in combating climate change. One initial step could involve ensuring that construction staff are environmentally conscious by providing them with training to mitigate dust during construction processes, which pose environmental and health risks. Monitoring air quality at construction sites and adhering to the National Building Code 2016 can also significantly improve air quality and mitigate emissions.
Furthermore, India faces a significant challenge regarding waste generation, producing 35%-40% of the global construction and demolition waste but only recycling 1% of it. To address this issue, strict enforcement of the 'No Waste Policy' at construction sites is essential. Builders must also adopt the principles of the 3R approach?Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle?to facilitate mitigation efforts and protect the environment.
