India is on the cusp of a major construction surge, expected to double the country’s built-up area by 2050. As this rapid expansion unfolds, green building materials (GBMs) are emerging as a practical and sustainable alternative to traditional, carbon-intensive materials like cement and steel—offering a real chance to decarbonize the sector.
In an effort to drive wider adoption of these materials, Villgro Innovations Foundation and Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, with support from Saint-Gobain and knowledge partner Terrarium, have released a new report titled “Accelerating Innovations in Green Building Materials in India.” Drawing from a national market study that combines secondary data with insights from over 100 stakeholders, the report explores the current landscape and innovative trends in sustainable construction materials across the country.
The urgency is clear: the construction industry contributes roughly 25% of India’s total emissions. Without a shift away from conventional practices, the sector is projected to emit as much as 90 billion metric tonnes of CO₂ between 2020 and 2070—putting India’s climate goals, including its 2070 Net-Zero target, at serious risk.
Green alternatives such as fly ash bricks, fiber-reinforced panels, geopolymer concrete, and pavers made from waste materials are gaining traction. According to the report, these options are increasingly viewed as technically viable, environmentally superior, and thermally efficient. With market sentiment shifting, India’s GBM industry is poised for substantial growth—estimated to expand at a compound annual rate of 10–12%, potentially reaching USD 70–80 billion by 2030, as projected by McKinsey.
Beyond reducing emissions, green building materials offer wide-ranging benefits—from supporting low-cost housing and infrastructure to driving innovation and job creation. The report underscores that GBMs represent a “triple-win” for the country: advancing climate goals, enabling inclusive economic growth, and generating sustainable livelihoods.
Commenting on the report, Ananth Aravamudan, Chief Technical Officer at Villgro, said:
“Together with the Terwilliger Center, we’re proud to present this report, which highlights the momentum and market potential of GBMs in India. Traditional construction methods are often resource-heavy and unsustainable. In contrast, GBMs align with climate goals and are increasingly competitive in terms of performance and usability. If scaled effectively, they can significantly reduce emissions while fostering inclusive development. India now needs to shift from isolated pilots to coordinated, systemic change—rooted in streamlined certification, accessible finance, integrated skill development, and green procurement.”
Anoop Nambiar, Country Director at the Terwilliger Center, added:
“As India’s infrastructure and housing needs grow, resource efficiency becomes imperative. Our research takes a deep dive into the GBM ecosystem, identifying core challenges and practical steps to promote sustainable and resilient construction practices.”
Saint-Gobain, a key partner in the initiative, echoed this commitment. Venkat Subramanian, Managing Director – Gypsum, Insulation & Mortars, said:
“We’re excited to contribute to this effort to accelerate innovation in green construction. Saint-Gobain’s mission aligns closely with the goal of building sustainably and reaching Net-Zero by 2030. This report strengthens our engagement and offers valuable insights to steer the sector toward low-carbon development.”
A notable highlight of the report is its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. It presents several case studies of startups—such as Zerund, Strawcture, RecycleX, Tvasta, Paving+, SatiQ, CarbonStrong, Angrius, CarbonCraft, and Modroof—that are pioneering new approaches in areas like 3D-printed construction, bio-based insulation, geopolymer cement, and recycled tiles. These early-stage ventures are proving that green materials are not just viable—they’re scalable and ready for mainstream adoption.
Despite growing interest, GBM adoption still faces major hurdles: regulatory bottlenecks, limited awareness, insufficient certification standards, and the higher cost of green products. To address these challenges, the report outlines a comprehensive four-pillar framework to strengthen the GBM innovation ecosystem in India:
- Form a national coalition – Unify efforts across government, industry, and supply chains to harmonize procurement standards and strengthen logistics.
- Launch a Green Material Innovation Fund – Provide catalytic funding to support R&D, pilot projects, and supply chain development.
- Establish a Center of Excellence – Create a national hub for testing, training, and setting standards to support professionals and boost capacity.
- Develop a marketplace platform – Connect verified GBM producers with buyers, and encourage transparent, large-scale procurement.
As India builds the infrastructure of the future, the report makes a compelling case for embracing sustainable construction practices—positioning green building materials not only as a climate solution, but as a foundation for long-term, inclusive growth.
