A new report, Building Market Brief - India, provides an in-depth analysis of India’s rapidly transforming buildings and construction sector. The report, developed under the Digital Building Passports project, is a collaborative effort by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the CUES Foundation (Netherlands), and OFFSETFARM, with support from Mahindra Lifespace Developers and funding from the German Ministry of Development Cooperation (BMZ).

As part of the UN Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) Data Hub, the report highlights the key drivers shaping India’s construction industry, including population growth, rapid urbanization, and shifting consumer preferences. It also sheds light on major sectoral challenges such as housing shortages, high material consumption, and environmental impacts.

According to the report, India’s building sector is responsible for 38% of the country’s annual primary energy use, 31% of electricity consumption, and 32% of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These figures underscore the pressing need for sustainable construction solutions to mitigate climate change and resource depletion.

Beyond identifying challenges, the report explores policy initiatives and technological advancements that are paving the way for a greener future. A key highlight is the Digital Building Passport app (CAPSA), an innovative tool that enables automated embodied carbon calculations and assesses the carbon mitigation potential of best-practice materials. This digital tool could play a crucial role in steering the industry towards more sustainable and resource-efficient building practices.

With India’s real estate market projected to witness significant growth in the coming years, the Building Market Brief - India serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates. By providing critical data and actionable strategies, the report aims to support India’s transition towards a low-carbon and resource-efficient built environment.

For further details, access the full report here.