Byline: Kavi Bhandari

As cities continue to expand at an unprecedented pace, the need for sustainable urban development has become more pressing than ever. With rapid advancements in construction, infrastructure, and digital technologies, striking a balance between growth and environmental responsibility is crucial.

Recent initiatives worldwide underscore the growing commitment to sustainable urban development. For instance, Stockholm is embarking on the construction of Stockholm Wood City, set to become the world’s largest wooden urban development, spanning 25 blocks and 250,000 square meters. This project aims to reduce CO₂ emissions and promote environmental well-being.

Similarly, Shanghai has transformed its urban landscape by integrating extensive green spaces, including green corridors and vertical forests, to combat ecological challenges and enhance public health. These examples highlight the innovative strategies cities are adopting to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability.

Talking about decarbonisation in the construction space, Alok Shrivastava, Vice President and Corporate Head – HSE, Shapoorji Pallonji And Company said that the development or construction can be detrimental to sustainability due to certain forms of destruction. However, we use better-designed materials for all types of construction, ensuring decarbonisation is effectively managed without inflating project costs.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Role In Urban Planning
AI is revolutionising urban planning by optimising infrastructure, traffic management, and resource allocation. It enables data-driven decisions, improves sustainability, and enhances ESG metrics. By predicting challenges and streamlining processes, AI helps build smarter, more efficient cities.

Swapnil Joshi, Director and Industry Principal – Sustainability and Design, Infosys stated that the best approach is to use digital technologies to improve human lives in rapidly growing cities. AI is a tricky term, but it plays a crucial role in ESG metrics. The algorithms generated by AI are critical and highly beneficial.

Talking about supply chain challenges, Rohit Mohan, Chief Design and Sustainability Officer, Godrej Properties explained that beyond certifications, so much of AI is used. A biodiversity assessment is always conducted for any site we plan to take over. Supply chain management has been our focus, and the short-term targets we have set are performing well. Supply chain challenges are addressed in a structured and professional manner.

Policy And Implementation Challenges
A significant gap often exists between policy formulation and its on-ground implementation, posing a challenge to sustainable urban development. Effective capacity building and collaboration among stakeholders are crucial to ensuring that policies translate into actionable results. Aligning financial mechanisms and regulatory frameworks can further bridge this gap and drive meaningful progress.

Neha Khanna, Associate Director, Climate Policy Initiative, pointed out that when it comes to innovative finance, we use the term carefully because, looking back over the past 30 years, there has been massive holistic development. She also said that while a significant gap exists between policy and implementation, capacity building is key, as everyone needs to be on the same page in this context.

While moderating the seventh edition of BW Sustainable World Conclave, Chandni Khosla, Board Advisor, Sustainability and Sustainable Finance, said that India’s urban landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, shaped by regulatory moves and climate imperatives. There have been advancements in both construction and infrastructure development, and cities are expanding at an unprecedented pace.