GlobalABC Calls for Broader Coalition to Achieve 2030 Industrial Transition Goals
GlobalABC has invited more countries to join its coalition to achieve industrial transition goals by 2030, citing the need for tangible economic value and social progress. The call comes as the world struggles to meet its climate targets, with buildings and construction accounting for 37% of global carbon emissions. By 2030, renewables are expected to meet only 46% of buildings' final energy demand, a significant gap from the current 17%.
- •The Indian construction sector has been experiencing rapid growth, with an annual expansion rate of 11% between 2024 and 2025, reaching a valuation of around $210 billion.
- •This growth is driven by strong public and private investment, with the sector accounting for a significant portion of the country's economy.
- •However, this expansion also raises concerns about the sector's climate trajectory, with buildings and construction accounting for around 37% of global carbon emissions.
The Indian construction sector has been experiencing rapid growth, with an annual expansion rate of 11% between 2024 and 2025, reaching a valuation of around $210 billion. This growth is driven by strong public and private investment, with the sector accounting for a significant portion of the country's economy. However, this expansion also raises concerns about the sector's climate trajectory, with buildings and construction accounting for around 37% of global carbon emissions. The National Building Code of India and the Energy Conservation Building Code are some of the key frameworks that aim to address these concerns.
Key Challenges in the Construction Sector
The construction sector in India faces several challenges, including labour shortages, which have led to inflation rates of 5%–6%. The sector's climate trajectory is also a major concern, with operational emissions from buildings rising 6.5% between 2015 and 2024, against a benchmark that required them to fall 31.6% over the same period to align with a 2050 net-zero pathway. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) have highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address these challenges. Some of the key statistics that highlight the challenges in the construction sector include:
- ▸The Indian Green Building Council has registered over 18,620 projects covering about 1.4 billion square metres.
- ▸GRIHA has registered 3,869 projects across 86.5 million square metres.
- ▸Global investment in building energy efficiency reached $275 billion in 2024, a 38% increase over 2015 levels.
Significance of Sustainable Construction
The need for sustainable construction practices in India cannot be overstated. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. The Indian government has also launched initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Smart Cities Mission to promote sustainable construction practices. However, more needs to be done to address the sector's climate trajectory.
Did You Know? The built environment is responsible for nearly 50% of global material extraction, making it the largest sector in terms of material use.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also highlighted the need for disaster-resilient construction practices in India.
Way Forward
To address the challenges in the construction sector, India needs to adopt a comprehensive approach that incorporates sustainable construction practices, energy-efficient design, and disaster-resilient building codes. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs must work together to develop and implement policies that promote sustainable construction practices. The private sector must also play a crucial role in adopting sustainable construction practices and investing in energy-efficient technologies. Some of the key frameworks that can guide this approach include the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian construction sector is at a critical juncture, with rapid growth and increasing concerns about its climate trajectory. To address these challenges, India needs to adopt a comprehensive approach that incorporates sustainable construction practices, energy-efficient design, and disaster-resilient building codes. The government, private sector, and civil society must work together to develop and implement policies that promote sustainable construction practices and reduce the sector's carbon footprint.
Concepts Mentioned
National Disaster Management Authority
The National Disaster Management Authority is a government agency responsible for disaster management. It plays a crucial role in mitigating disasters. India's NDMA was established in 2005.
Smart Cities Mission
The Smart Cities Mission is an urban development initiative. It aims to improve quality of life and infrastructure. Launched in 2015, it has transformed cities like Bhubaneswar.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) is a government initiative launched in 2015 to provide affordable housing to urban poor and middle-class families. It aims to address the shortage of housing in urban areas and promote inclusive and sustainable urban development. Over 1.12 crore houses have been sanctioned under this scheme as of 2022.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a scientific body assessing climate change. It provides critical information to policymakers. The IPCC released five assessment reports.
Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC)
The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) is a global initiative that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the buildings and construction sector. It brings together governments, international organizations, and private sector companies to share knowledge and best practices in sustainable building design and construction. For example, GlobalABC has supported the development of green building codes in several countries.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development, and coordinates the United Nations' environmental activities. It plays a crucial role in addressing pressing environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. UNEP has been instrumental in the development of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Energy Conservation Building Code
The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is a set of guidelines that regulate the energy efficiency of buildings in India. It aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of energy-efficient systems and materials. For instance, the ECBC mandates a minimum insulation level of R-19 for walls in commercial buildings.
National Building Code of India
The National Building Code of India is a comprehensive set of guidelines for building construction. It ensures safety and regulates building practices, with the 2016 version spanning over 1,200 pages, covering various aspects of building design and construction.
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