How to decarbonize urban India with climate-conscious strategies

Urban centres in India are at the forefront of the climate crisis. Cities contribute nearly 70% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with 37% coming from the built environment. Rapid urban expansion has strained ecosystems, increased energy consumption, and intensified the urban heat island effect. However, India still has multiple opportunities to ensure that its cities are resilient. With 70% of its urban infrastructure required by 2047 yet to be built, there is an immense scope for climate-conscious strategies to be integrated in urban development.

India’s urban population is projected to grow from 377 million in 2011 to 590 million by 2030, driving an unprecedented demand for housing and infrastructure. The resulting construction boom has a multiplier effect in raising embodied as well and operational carbon.

The life cycle of building materials includes extraction, processing, transportation, installation and demolition. The emissions generated during these stages is referred to as embodied carbon. It is concerning, as large-scale construction projects require vast amounts of resource-intensive materials.

Operational carbon refers to the energy consumption in buildings. This includes heating, cooling, lighting, and running appliances and utilities. In cities, buildings are responsible for a large part of emissions stemming from energy consumption.

As urbanization accelerates, addressing both embodied and operational carbon can become instrumental in ensuring liveable, climate-resilient and energy-efficient cities.

Urban design and planning are major factors in reducing emissions and increasing resilience to climate extremes. Adding green infrastructure, improving urban layouts, and optimizing land use, can help in reducing rising temperatures and energy demands.

For instance, green corridors – urban spaces with trees, parks and vertical gardens – can reduce local temperatures, improve air quality and biodiversity. Similarly, promoting accessible streets that encourage cycling and provide safety for pedestrians can lower reliance on private vehicles, and by extension reduce emissions.

Green building design principles, use of building orientation and passive architecture techniques, efficient use of sharing devices, special glass for windows and facades, use of high reflective roofing materials or covering the roof with terrace gardens are other effective ways to reduce urban temperatures and lower cooling energy demand, contributing to significant energy savings.

Construction materials are a significant source of embodied carbon emissions. Transitioning to sustainable materials that are preferably locally sources and passive design strategies can drastically reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.

Using concrete that is recycled from construction waste reduces the need for virgin raw materials while lowering emissions from concrete production. Additionally, alternative materials made from recycled concrete such as blocks, pavers, precast units, other non-structural hardscape features and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks offer lightweight, energy-efficient options with lower embodied carbon emissions.

Passive design strategies, which optimize natural ventilation, daylighting, and insulation, can significantly cut energy demand. For example, the CEPT University campus in Ahmedabad employs passive cooling techniques, such as shading, cross-ventilation, and thermal massing, to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without excessive reliance on air conditioning.

Buildings sustain cities, therefore it is critical to reduce their emissions. Here, green buildings play a crucial role in increasing energy efficiency, water use optimization and minimising waste generation.

A green building incorporates preference for locally sourced materials with higher recycled contents and low embodied carbon, energy-efficient cooling systems, optimized insulation, renewable energy solutions such as rooftop solar systems, rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling and scientific waste management. In existing buildings energy-efficient retrofits – including smart lighting and automated climate and indoor air quality control systems – can significantly lower energy consumption and increase the wellbeing index.

Consumers have a significant role to play in reducing operational carbon emissions. Raising awareness on energy and water consumption can drive behavioural changes that lower household carbon and water footprints. Public education campaigns, real-time energy monitoring apps, and incentives for energy-efficient appliances can encourage responsible consumption. By developing energy-efficient refrigerators, air conditioners, and lighting solutions, home appliance companies can also offer their consumers more sustainable choices. India’s mandatory star-rating system for appliances is a great example of how the promise of reduced electricity consumption can encourage the adoption of energy-efficient products.

Besides the star-rating system, India has also taken several policy steps to drive urban decarbonization. The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) sets energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings, while initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission promote sustainable infrastructure and digital innovation.

However, to accelerate progress widespread implementation is required. Indian policymakers should enforce mandatory energy efficiency codes for all new buildings – not just commercial ones. Policies should also prioritise nature-based solutions in urban planning, integrating climate adaptation measures into zoning laws and infrastructure investments. Expanding financial incentives for developers and homeowners adopting sustainable construction techniques can further encourage large-scale adoption.

India can also learn from global best practices. Singapore’s Green Mark Certification Scheme, for instance, provides cash incentives and financing options for green buildings, which encourage developers to prioritise sustainability.

Further, scaling sustainable building solutions requires strong collaboration between governments, industry, and financial institutions. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate investments in green infrastructure, buildings, energy-efficient appliances, and low-carbon construction technologies.

Governments can establish green infrastructure funds in partnership with banks and private equity investors, providing low-interest loans for sustainable construction projects. The private sector, in turn, must drive innovation in low carbon and sustainable building materials and construction techniques, IoT-enabled energy and water monitoring, and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to lower carbon footprints at scale.

Aligning incentives, strengthening regulations, and fostering industry collaboration are all vital in creating sustainable and resilient urban centres. The transition to a low-carbon built environment is an opportunity to create greener, healthier, and more efficient cities that allow citizens to thrive and secure the safety and health of future generations.