India’s rapid urbanisation is increasing the demand for construction materials while raising concerns about the sector’s carbon footprint. Although low-carbon alternatives are available, their adoption across India’s construction industry remains slow due to market hesitation, policy gaps and limited technical awareness.
A recent industry discussion convened by Climate Group highlighted several barriers affecting the transition. Developers remain concerned about the reliable supply of alternative materials, structural approvals, project timelines and the lack of established case studies. Inconsistent building standards also make wider adoption difficult.
The demand side presents another challenge, as nearly 80% of India’s cement is sold in bags, primarily serving small-scale housing projects. Contractors and individual buyers often rely on traditional practices rather than performance data when selecting materials.
Blended cement and Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) offer promising solutions. LC3 has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 30–40% compared with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).
Industry experts have emphasised the need for updated construction standards, stronger procurement policies, awareness campaigns and better collaboration between manufacturers, developers, architects and contractors.
Green building certifications and government-led procurement initiatives can further encourage adoption.
The transition to low-carbon construction will require coordinated efforts across the entire value chain. Building market confidence, improving technical knowledge and making sustainable materials more accessible will be essential to creating a greener construction industry in India.
