World Environment Day

World Environment Day 2025: India’s Real Estate Sector Emerges as a Key Pillar in the Green Transition

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As the world marks World Environment Day 2025 under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” India’s real estate industry is stepping into the sustainability spotlight—not just as a contributor to environmental challenges, but as a powerful agent of change.

World Environment Day

With more than 430 million tonnes of plastic produced annually and real estate accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, the urgency for transformation is clear. In India, where urbanization is projected to add over 400 million people by 2050, the infrastructure built today will shape the country’s environmental trajectory for generations to come.

Real Estate’s Green Shift: From Liability to Leadership

Encouragingly, Indian developers are increasingly embracing green building principles. According to Knight Frank India, 35% of new launches in 2024 were green-certified—up sharply from just 12% in 2020. Certifications like IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) and EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) are becoming common as developers embed sustainability into their blueprints.

Among the leaders in this green movement is Signature Global, a prominent name in mid-income and premium housing. The company has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations.

“Green has been our priority since inception. In 2025, we’re intensifying our ‘Go Green’ vision by planting 25,000 trees across Gurugram and other project sites,” said Lalit Aggarwal, Co-founder and Vice-Chairman of Signature Global. “Sustainability is not an afterthought—it’s embedded in our design, planning, and execution.”

Signature Global’s roadmap includes smart energy and water management systems, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and aggressive waste reduction at construction sites. Their projects are aligned with India’s national climate commitments and international ESG frameworks, reinforcing the firm’s position as a green-first developer.

ESG-Driven Design Becomes the Norm

Real estate’s embrace of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is also proving economically sound. A recent McKinsey report found that ESG-focused companies enjoy greater investor confidence and long-term returns. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that the built environment holds the potential to deliver over 20% of the global emissions cuts needed to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Ashok Kapur, Chairman of Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, echoed this commitment:

“India’s housing sector contributes more than 30% of GHG emissions. At Krisumi, sustainability is at the core of our philosophy. Our developments feature eco-friendly architecture and designs that promote ecological balance and enhance residents’ quality of life.”

Policy Support Fuels Green Innovation

India’s government is also accelerating the shift. From incentives for green floor area ratios (FAR) to fast-track environmental clearances and access to green finance, states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana are leading by example. These policy measures are not only boosting adoption but also making sustainability a competitive differentiator in real estate.

Four Trends Shaping the Future of Sustainable Construction

The road ahead for Indian real estate will be guided by:

  1. Green financing instruments, including climate-linked bonds and sustainability-focused investment vehicles.

  2. AI-driven energy analytics for real-time building performance optimization.

  3. Integration of biodiversity corridors within large-scale residential and commercial zones.

  4. Circular construction models, using recycled materials and modular, low-waste designs.

Building for the Planet—and the People

As World Environment Day 2025 calls for urgent action against plastic pollution and climate change, India’s real estate sector is proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand. No longer just a source of emissions, the sector is transforming into a climate ally—shaping greener cities and more resilient communities.

From planting trees to rethinking buildings, Indian developers are laying the foundation for a low-carbon, high-impact future—one square foot at a time.

Author Profile

Ganpat Singh Chouhan
Ganpat Singh Chouhan
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.