India’s real estate industry is witnessing a transformative shift, with sustainability no longer an option but a strategic imperative. According to a joint report by Colliers India and CREDAI titled “Sustainability in Real Estate: Towards a Greener Skyline”, the country is embracing green buildings across asset classes at an unprecedented pace.

“This is a pivotal moment for India’s real estate. With over 13 billion sq ft of certified green buildings, the sector is clearly moving towards a low-carbon future.”
— Shekhar G Patel, President, CREDAI

Key Highlights from the Report

• 66% of Grade A office stock in India is green-certified (503 million sq ft as of 2024).
• Green-certified buildings command up to 25% higher rents and 80–90% occupancy rates.
• Leasing in green-certified buildings surged by 20% annually, accounting for 74% of all leasing in 2024.
• Green stock is projected to cross 700 million sq ft in the next 2–3 years.
• Investment opportunity of over INR 425 billion identified for retrofitting old office buildings.

City-Wise Performance: Green Leasing & Penetration (2024)

Why the Rush to Go Green?

Sustainability is increasingly driving occupier preference, developer strategy, and investor sentiment:

• Higher rental yields: Mumbai leads with 24% rental premium in green-certified offices.
• Energy efficiency & cost savings: Lower operational costs and improved air quality.
• Compliance with ESG mandates: A growing expectation, especially from MNC occupiers and REIT investors.

“Green buildings have moved from being a differentiator to a baseline expectation.”
— Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India

Retrofitting: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity

Colliers estimates that:

• Over 355–385 mn sq ft of older office stock (>10 years) can be retrofitted for sustainability.
• This represents an investment potential of INR 425 billion.
• An additional 80–110 mn sq ft of relatively newer buildings also holds upgrade potential with minimal capex.

Sustainability Spreads Across Asset Classes

While the focus is currently on offices, green adoption is rapidly spreading to:

• Data Centers: Among the most energy-intensive, now pivoting to renewable energy.
• Retail & Hospitality: Embracing sustainable materials and energy systems.
• Healthcare: Integrating green architecture for healthier indoor environments.

Looking Ahead: Policy, Regulation & Momentum

For India to scale green real estate:

• Faster environmental clearances are needed.
• Tax incentives for renewable energy should be expanded.
• Stricter ESG compliance and awareness campaigns must be introduced.

Did You Know?
India’s green-certified building footprint has nearly doubled in just 5 years, reaching 13 billion sq ft in 2024.

Conclusion

India is at a critical juncture in its urban transformation journey. As developers, occupiers, and investors increasingly align with sustainable goals, green-certified buildings are no longer an exception—they are the future. The coming years will likely define how real estate drives not just economic value, but environmental responsibility.

Also Read: Green Building Certifications on the Rise: India Embraces Sustainable Construction

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