Building Better: Resource Efficiency and Lean Construction for India’s Low Carbon Buildings

The building sector accounts for 25% of India’s national GHG emissions with operational energy use contributing 52% and lifecycle embodied carbon in building materials contributing 48%. Key construction materials, cement, steel, bricks, aluminium, and glass, represent 48% of total building lifecycle emissions. Meanwhile, 73% of India's projected 2050 building stock and 86% of the 2070 stock is yet to be built. India's construction growth will create significant demand for materials, infrastructure and floor space, with long-term implications for energy demand, carbon emissions and India’s clean energy transition.

Adopting resource efficiency and lean construction during early design stages prevents long-term carbon lock-in and reduces embodied carbon across the lifecycle. Integrating these approaches into building design and project delivery can complement operational energy efficiency and clean energy measures, supporting a whole-life approach to building decarbonisation and India’s broader energy transition.