New report highlights need to decarbonise construction sector and mainstream green materials

As India races toward doubling its built up area by 2050, the construction sector faces a decisive moment. A new report by Villgro Innovations Foundation and Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter maps a USD 70-80 billion opportunity in green building materials (GBMs) by 2030. Supported by Saint Gobain and knowledge partner Terrarium, the report titled ‘Accelerating Innovations in Green Building Materials in India’ underscores the urgent need to decarbonise India’s construction practices.

Construction currently contributes 25 per cent of India’s total emissions. If conventional practices persist, the sector is projected to emit 90 billion metric tonnes of CO₂ between 2020 and 2070. GBMs such as fly ash bricks, geopolymer concrete, and waste-based pavers offer climate-friendly alternatives with low embodied carbon and better thermal performance.

“Green building materials are no longer experimental,” said Villgro’s Chief Technical Officer, Ananth Aravamudan. “They are viable, scalable, and increasingly cost-competitive. This report is a call for systems-level reforms in certification, financing, skilling, and procurement.”

It also highlights a surge of innovation from Indian startups like Zerund, Strawcture, RecycleX, and CarbonCraft, who are pioneering solutions in 3D printing, waste-based materials, and bio-based insulation. Mainstream adoption remains hampered by regulatory, awareness, and cost barriers.
To address these, the report proposes a four pillar action framework: a unified coalition for procurement norms, a green material innovation fund, a national centre for testing and training, and a marketplace for verified materials.

“Climate action and economic growth can go hand-in-hand,” said Anoop Nambiar, Country Director, Terwilliger Center India. “With the right push, GBMs can create resilient infrastructure, green jobs, and sustainable urban futures.”