Archive · 28 Sep 2025
India's Infrastructure Boom: A Critical Climate Crossroads
India is building a lot of new roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, which is great for the country's growth.
However, making these things releases a lot of carbon, which is bad for the planet.
About a third of carbon emissions come from making the materials used to build things.
India could make choices now about the type of materials used for construction that won't harm the environment.
Fortunately, some companies are already using cleaner ways to make things like cement and steel, which could save money too.
To do this, India needs to make sure they are using the correct materials for these projects.
The future will be determined in construction sites and factories.
India's infrastructure build-up is unprecedented, with ₹100 trillion earmarked by 2024-25.
Embodied carbon from construction materials contributes significantly to global emissions.
India's construction sector must adopt low-carbon materials to avoid long-term emissions.
Commercial incentives and regulations are promoting the adoption of low-carbon practices.
Focus on specification changes rather than complex compliance for small contractors.
- Who
- India
- What
- Faces a critical juncture in its infrastructure development concerning carbon emissions.
- When
- Ongoing and accelerating, with a focus on projects by 2024-25.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To balance economic development with the imperative of reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate goals.
- Infrastructure Spending
- ₹100 trillion by 2024-25
- Project Count
- 9,000
- Embodied Carbon Share
- Nearly a third of built environment emissions globally
- Built-up Floor Area Increase (by 2050)
- 15.8 to 57.6 billion square meters
- Carbon Levy Imposition (EU)
- From 2026