posting this on behalf of Kaveri Ashok, CSTEP, Bengaluru, India:
In the face of the global imperative to limit the rise in temperatures to 1.5 °C (above pre-industrial level), as outlined in the Paris Agreement, nations have been striving to transition towards a net-zero economy. This challenge is particularly pronounced for India, where the dual goals of fulfilling developmental aspirations and curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pose a complex challenge. The buildings sector in India plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driving nearly 30% of total emissions. From operational energy needs to embodied energy in construction materials, the sector is intertwined with critical development goals like housing, healthcare, and clean energy access.
The Climate Mitigation Group at CSTEP has developed the Sustainable Alternative Futures for India (SAFARI) model to explore long-term pathways for sustainable and climate-aware development. Our report, Pathways to Steer India’s Buildings Sector towards a Net-Zero Future, synthesises the findings from the model and offers three scenarios—buildings-led, industry-led, and combined interventions—along with actionable policy recommendations.
The report is available for download here:
