The built environment, a symbol of progress, now stands as one of the largest contributors to global emissions. As Swiss French architect Le Corbusier once described it, the built environment is a 'living machinery' where materials, technologies, and human ingenuity converge to create spaces of shelter and comfort. However, this very system, designed to serve humanity, now demands urgent transformation to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the climate crisis.

The Living Machinery

Buildings are more than bricks and mortar—they are complex systems made up of materials, water, electrical networks, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) technologies, and human interaction. Their creation and operation require collaboration among architects, engineers, urban planners, policymakers, construction material producers, green tech innovators, landscapers, facility managers, and end-users. Each component contributes to the building's overall carbon footprint.

According to International Energy Agency's (IEA) latest reports, globally the built environment is responsible for nearly 40% of energy-related CO₂ emissions, with approximately 10% attributed to the production of building materials and 28% to energy consumed during building operations. In 2022 alone, direct CO₂ emissions from buildings were around 3 gigatonnes (Gt), while indirect emissions—linked to electricity heating and cooling production—rose to nearly 6.8 Gt. Additionally, another 2.5 Gt of CO₂ emissions were associated with building construction materials. These figures highlight the urgent need for systemic change.

India's Role in the Global Transition

Modern buildings are built in steel and concrete—the backbone of modern construction. With rapid urbanization and a projected 15% increase in building stock by 2030—equivalent to North America's total floor area—India faces immense sustainability challenges. Government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) and growing economic demands drive this expansion, making India one of the most critical players in the global decarbonization effort. Emerging economies like India are expected to account for nearly 80% of global floor area growth, further intensifying energy demand.

India, as the world's second-largest cement producer, the country boasts a relatively moderate emission intensity of 0.627 tCO₂/tonne, an achievement that surpasses the global average and contrasts sharply with the higher intensities of 0.781 in the United States and 0.739 in the United Kingdom. However, as demand rises, the cement sector will need to adopt innovative solutions to maintain this trajectory while reducing its overall carbon footprint. Similarly, the steel industry, contributing to 12% of India's emissions, highlights another layer of challenge. Steel production is expected to expand, predominantly through the carbon-intensive processes. Emissions from the steel sector are projected to rise until 2050, reinforce the urgency for technological and policy interventions to mitigate its environmental impact.

A Multifaceted Challenge

The built environment's heavy reliance on cement and steel—two industries currently with limited scalable alternatives—presents a significant challenge for decarbonization. The cement and steel industries must accelerate the adoption of sustainable alternatives, such as bio-based composites, recycled steel, and low-carbon cement, while transitioning to cleaner energy sources like hydrogen, solar, and wind. Additionally, exploring advanced carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies could play a critical role in mitigating emissions. Architects and planners need to embrace passive design strategies and circular design principles, focusing on resource efficiency and retrofitting existing structures to reduce environmental impact. Facility managers and end-users also have a key role to play by adopting energy-efficient operational practices and fostering a culture of sustainability in building management. Achieving decarbonization will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, driven by innovation and shared responsibility.

India has already made strides with market-driven climate solutions like the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme, which incentivizes energy efficiency in high-emission industries. The Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) promote clean energy adoption, contributing to reductions in industrial carbon footprints. The Indian Carbon Market (ICM), with its compliance framework and voluntary offset system, offers promising solutions, although the delayed launch of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in 2025–26 has slowed its full potential. India's ability to harness innovative financial instruments and enforce progressive policies will determine how effectively it can lead the global shift toward a net-zero built environment.

An Urgent Call to Action

The urgency is undeniable. The IEA warns that building sector emissions must decline by 9% annually to stay on track for net zero, with a 50% reduction required by 2030. With global temperatures surpassing the 1.5°C threshold in 2024, the demand for energy-intensive cooling is rising due to heatwaves and extreme climate events. Balancing thermal comfort—an essential factor for public health, productivity, and economic growth—against escalating operational costs will further complicate India's decarbonization efforts. As a climate-vulnerable nation, India faces mounting pressure to align its Viksit Bharat 2047 mission with global climate goals.

However, India's rapid urbanization presents a unique opportunity to lead the transition towards a sustainable built environment. At this critical juncture, the decisions made today will shape the future of our cities, determining whether they evolve into climate-responsive, resilient spaces or remain trapped in a costly cycle of inefficient structures requiring frequent retrofits. While the upfront costs of sustainable interventions may seem significant, failing to act now could result in far greater financial burdens from retrofitting and rebuilding in the face of climate risks. A forward-thinking approach is essential to avoid this structural and financial burden. Success in this transformation hinges on intensive collaboration among policymakers, architects, urban planners, construction stakeholders, and material producers. Achieving this vision requires strong leadership, bold policies, coordinated action and partnerships.

The Power of Partnerships

Collaboration is the cornerstone of implementing sustainable future. The theme of this year's the World Sustainable Development Summit, 'Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions', highlights the transformative power of collective action. In the face of climate challenges, strategic partnerships serve as a catalyst for innovation, bringing together diverse stakeholders—architects, engineers, construction workers, urban planners, policymakers, material producers, green tech innovators, landscapers, facility managers, and end-users—around shared objectives. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, we can unlock innovative solutions, scale sustainable practices, and drive meaningful change throughout the building and construction industry.

Initiatives such as GRIHA's rating systems and TERI's collaborative efforts play a vital role in setting sustainability benchmarks and pushing for policy integration. Through programmes like the Sustainable Infrastructure Programme and the Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence, India is advancing research in low-carbon materials and climate-responsive design. Public–private partnerships will be crucial in transforming research into real-world solutions, driving investment, and ensuring long-term climate resilience. As a key player in the Global South, India's decisions in the next decade will determine whether it leads the way in sustainable construction or faces the costly consequences of inaction. The path India chooses today will not only shape its journey towards Viksit Bharat but also define its economic future and commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

The built environment must not only stand as a testament to progress but also to sustainability, resilience, and a shared vision for a net-zero future.

The time to act is now. #