As India’s construction boom reshapes skylines and communities, the built environment stands at a critical inflection point. With the sector responsible for nearly a third of the nation’s emissions—and 60% of the building stock needed by 2050 yet to be built—the choices we make today will define India’s climate legacy for generations.
The stakes are high: without bold, systemic action, the opportunity to lead in low-carbon construction and material innovation risks being locked away for decades. Yet, with the right enablers, India can set a global benchmark for sustainable growth.
This compendium, Build Ahead: Strategic Enablers for a Sustainable Built Environment, brings together seven insight reports that zero in on the most urgent and actionable levers for decarbonising India’s construction sector. Each report explores a critical dimension of the transition—from climate finance and material innovation to consumer demand and policy frameworks—showcasing how industry leaders, policymakers, and financiers are moving from ambition to action.
Inside, we examine:
- Why embodied carbon must be central to green building ratings and standards
- The pivotal role of climate finance in unlocking low-carbon construction at scale
- How innovative materials like Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) can accelerate emissions reduction
- The power of carbon labelling to drive transparency and market transformation
- The realities of green premiums, and how willingness to pay is evolving among Indian consumers and corporates
- The potential of green public procurement to catalyse demand for sustainable materials
This collection is designed to equip decision-makers—developers, material producers, investors, and policymakers—with the strategic direction and practical insights needed to overcome inertia and accelerate progress.
By sharing real-world data, market analysis, and lessons from pilot projects, we aim to empower all actors in the built environment to make faster, smarter decisions—ensuring that how we build today defines a more sustainable, competitive, and resilient India tomorrow.
Suman Jagdev
Partner, Xynteo; Programme Director, Build Ahead India
Shrikant Budholia
Manager
Smriti Viswesvaran
Consultant
