State of play for sustainable buildings in India

This report explores how India is reimagining its buildings—from sun-drenched village learning centers to ultra-modern urban campuses—by drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern engineering. Through stories of real spaces like Sharanam in Tamil Nadu and the Torrent Research Centre in Ahmedabad, it captures how architects, communities, and policymakers are shaping environments that breathe with their climate, conserve resources, and nurture human well-being. Far from abstract frameworks, the document delves into how recycled waste becomes elegant walls, how solar energy powers entire neighborhoods, and how passive cooling replaces air conditioners in the desert heat. Each project is rooted in its people, its place, and its purpose. The report addresses policy gaps and champions solutions—from thoughtful design to inclusive financing—that can make sustainable building the norm rather than the exception.