As heat waves worsen water stress in major Indian cities, homebuyers are increasingly seeking homes built with sustainability in mind. Large developers recognize the need to proactively build climate resilience and water security into new projects. Established brands like Lodha, Prestige and Mahindra Lifespaces have implemented various water conservation measures like rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and passive design. These initiatives are differentiating projects and driving sales. Developers are also educating residents on water-saving habits and providing resources for sustainable living. By integrating climate resilience from the start, developers are helping prepare India's cities and real estate for water-related impacts of climate change.
As heat waves exacerbate water stress in major cities, homebuyers are increasingly seeking sustainable homes. Rising summer temperatures and limited water resources present health, productivity and climate challenges for India. Large developers are recognizing the need to proactively build climate resilience and water security into their projects.
Large property developers across India have stepped up efforts to incorporate water conservation measures into projects, aiming to mitigate environmental impact and this is prompting other small and mid-sized developers to implement these measures. According to brokers operating in various property markets, these measures are turning out to be a key differentiator for conclusion of sales transactions.
Established brands like Lodha, Prestige, Mahindra Lifespace, Godrej Properties, Brigade and Sobha have implemented various water conservation measures. According to brokers, these initiatives are differentiating projects and driving sales. Passive design, green spaces, rainwater harvesting, and treating greywater for reuse are becoming standard practices.
Aun Abdullah, ESG Head, Lodha, says heatwaves remind us of climate risks and the need for sustainable urban planning. Lodha has conducted a climate risk assessment for its operating areas, projecting impacts like heat stress and floods until 2100, and is implementing strategies to enhance resilience in its current and future projects.
According to him, integrating passive designs and green spaces into urban planning can mitigate urban heat and enhance energy and water self-sufficiency. This proactive approach promotes city resilience and sustainability amid climate change, safeguarding citizen well-being and equity.
Prestige's Praveer Shrivastava notes their developments harvest rainwater for groundwater replenishment through carefully planned pits.
Mahindra Lifespace has decentralized treatment plants in eco-townships for holistic water management. Sunita Purushottam, Head of Sustainability at Mahindra Lifespace Developers, said that apart from regulatory mandates, customers are actively seeking projects with water savings exceeding regulatory standards. Developers are institutionalizing sustainable approaches across the building lifecycle.
As rainwater harvesting, smart water management systems, water-efficient fixtures and decentralized water treatment plants become common in large projects, developers also promote awareness through educational initiatives and community outreach programs.
By encouraging residents to adopt water-saving habits and providing resources for sustainable living, developers contribute to broadening efforts to address water scarcity and promote a culture of conservation among them.
As water conservation practices become standard in large real estate developments, developers are also working to promote sustainability throughout their project?s lifecycle. By integrating climate resilience from the start, developers are helping India's cities and its real estate sector prepare for the water-related impacts of a changing climate.
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