Pune Sets the Pace in Climate Leadership with Pioneering Net Zero Building Design

Pune Embraces the Future: Leading the Charge in Climate-Responsive Urban Development

Pune, Maharashtra's cultural capital, has positioned itself at the forefront of India's urbanization story, witnessing a rapid growth in population, economy, and real estate sectors. Driven by the dynamism of its IT sector, a strong manufacturing base, and a flourishing startup ecosystem, Pune has seen a surge in housing demand, particularly in the apartment sector. This demand has catapulted the city's real estate market to new heights, making Pune one of the most desirable places to live in India.

In the second quarter of 2023, Pune achieved a remarkable 65% growth in housing sales, the highest among India's top seven cities, demonstrating the market's resilience even amid economic uncertainties. This growth has been supported by affordable housing and the rise of co-living spaces, diversifying Pune's real estate landscape.

However, this rapid growth brings its own set of challenges. Issues such as prudent land use, infrastructure development, and environmental concerns need careful consideration to ensure sustainable growth. The construction sector's significant contribution to carbon emissions has made it imperative to address environmental concerns in the region urgently.

The Decarbonisation Business Charter: Pioneering Net-Zero Construction in Pune

In response to the need for decarbonisation in the construction sector, The Decarbonisation Business Charter (DBC) has stepped into Pune.

This collaborative initiative, involving the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE), Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited, EcoCollab, and World Resources Institute India (WRI India), aims to mainstream net-zero building and construction practices. With over 65 signatories from the sector across India committed to reducing emissions, DBC is poised to tackle shared challenges and promote decarbonisation strategies.

Pimpri Chinchwad IIA Joins Forces with DBC for Sustainable Urban Development

The Pimpri Chinchwad Centre of the Indian Institute of Architect’s Maharashtra Chapter (IIA) has partnered with DBC to raise awareness and build capacity in the local ecosystem for decarbonisation. This collaboration is set to provide insights into the necessity of decarbonisation, identifying actionable points and challenges in the sector. The event convened various stakeholders, including architects, developers, and government officials, to share knowledge and strategies for decarbonisation.

Reflections on Sustainability and Urban Design

Ar Paras Netragaonkar, Chairman of IIA Pimpri Chinchwad Centre, reminisced about India’s vernacular architecture's inherent sustainability and harmony with nature. He expressed concerns over contemporary architecture losing sensitivity towards nature-responsive design.

Pune’s Path to Net-Zero: Insights and Strategies

Poorva Keskar, Director of VKe Environmental, emphasized the role of cities as carbon emission hotspots and highlighted the construction sector's significant contribution to these emissions. She outlined strategies for achieving Net Zero by 2070, focusing on green building certifications, energy conservation codes, and the use of advanced materials.

Dr. Bhaskar Natarajan of AEEE underscored the importance of collaboration among developers, consultants, and architects to explore solutions for carbon reduction. He advocated for the use of alternative materials and passive design solutions, along with educating consumers about low-carbon options.

Pramod Kumar Singh of AEEE highlighted the economic and reputational benefits of embracing sustainability and net-zero practices for developers. He stressed the importance of compliance with current and future regulations, emphasizing sustainability as a crucial differentiator in a competitive market.

The event was graced by sector experts and dignitaries, including Makarand Nikam, Sanjay Kulkarni, Pratima Washan, Dr. Poorva Keskar, Kanagaraj Ganesan, and Roopa Nair, fostering a collaborative approach towards sustainable urban development in Pune.