The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is set to collaborate with the West Bengal government to promote sustainable green buildings under the Bangla Awas Yojana housing scheme. This move was endorsed by the state finance minister during the recent Green Building Summit 2025, reflecting a growing commitment to climate-resilient and energy-efficient urban infrastructure.
At the summit, organised jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and IGBC, West Bengal’s finance minister highlighted the potential of a public-private partnership model to accelerate green building adoption. The government already incentivises developers by offering an additional 10% floor area ratio (FAR) for green buildings within Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and New Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) areas, aiming to encourage more eco-friendly construction practices. West Bengal currently boasts nearly 900 IGBC-certified green building projects, signalling robust progress in sustainable urban development. IGBC’s deputy executive director confirmed plans to intensify cooperation with the state government to expand green homes under the Bangla Awas Yojana, a flagship affordable housing initiative. This collaboration seeks to embed energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in the state’s large-scale housing expansion.
The economic rationale for green buildings was underlined by IGBC Kolkata chairman, who emphasised that every rupee invested in green construction yields operational savings of three to seven times over time. This cost efficiency stems from reduced energy consumption, water savings, and improved building performance, which also translate to lower greenhouse gas emissions. A critical barrier remains the lengthy approval processes for green building projects, which industry experts urge the government to fast-track. Accelerated clearances would help scale sustainable development swiftly and enable more builders to adopt green standards without bureaucratic delays. West Bengal’s growing urban population and expanding real estate demand underscore the need for sustainable solutions that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. This IGBC-government partnership aligns with India’s broader climate goals and urban policies aimed at zero carbon emissions, clean air, and resilient infrastructure.
By incentivising green construction through additional FAR and fostering public-private collaboration, West Bengal is setting a precedent for other states to follow. The initiative is expected to boost the green building market, create jobs in sustainable construction, and improve the quality of urban living, particularly in affordable housing segments. While challenges such as awareness, technology adoption, and regulatory reforms persist, this step marks a significant move towards embedding sustainability in West Bengal’s urban fabric. As green buildings become mainstream, the state can leverage this momentum to attract investment and position itself as a leader in climate-smart urban development.
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