The building sector plays a significant role in global energy-related emissions,
accounting for a quarter of such emissions worldwide and consuming 30
percent of global energy.
In India, this sector contributes to one-fifth of the country’s emissions and
consumes a staggering 33 percent of its energy. The buildings and construction
sector currently falls short of meeting decarbonisation targets by 2050.
India is expected to witness a four-fold increase in its building stock by 2030.
With rising temperatures, including night time temperatures, and erratic rainfall patterns, the demand for cooling in buildings is projected to soar, leading to an
eightfold rise in building energy consumption by 2050.
A shift toward more sustainable construction and efficient building operations
can yield significant benefits. Such practices can reduce energy use by 42
percent, greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent, and material extraction by
over 50 percent. Energy-efficient buildings, characterised by a lower carbon
footprint during construction and reduced energy consumption during operation,
are indispensable for India to realise its net-zero goals by 2070.
Efforts to address these challenges are critical for India to navigate its growing
building sector while curbing emissions and achieving climate goals. The
transition to more efficient and sustainable building practices is not only an
environmental imperative but also an opportunity to enhance energy security,
and create healthier and more comfortable living and working spaces for its
citizens.
