As India accelerates its urbanisation journey, sustainability can no longer remain an optional feature in real estate development but must become a core business imperative, according to Vishal Vincent Tony, Managing Director of Aratt Developers and Founder of Ayatana Hospitalities.
Speaking on the occasion of World Environment Day, Tony said the real estate and construction sector has a critical role to play in shaping the country’s climate resilience, particularly at a time when India is expected to witness unprecedented infrastructure growth over the coming decades.
He noted that buildings and construction account for a significant share of global carbon emissions, making sustainable development one of the industry’s most pressing responsibilities. With estimates suggesting that nearly 70% of the infrastructure India will require by 2047 has yet to be built, the decisions taken by developers today will have long-term environmental consequences.
Highlighting the company’s sustainability initiatives, Tony said Aratt Developers has translated its environmental commitments into measurable action. As part of a pledge announced in June 2025 to plant five saplings for every unit sold, the company has planted more than 2,500 saplings across Bengaluru, Coorg and Ooty by World Environment Day 2026.
According to Tony, the real estate sector is witnessing a gradual shift in priorities, with homebuyers and developers placing greater emphasis on energy efficiency, low-carbon construction materials, water-sensitive planning and technology-driven resource management. Green-certified developments are increasingly being valued not only for their environmental benefits but also for creating healthier living spaces and improving long-term operational efficiency.
However, he stressed that sustainability should extend beyond certifications and become deeply embedded in everyday construction practices and long-term planning strategies.
“The future of real estate will depend on how effectively the industry balances growth with environmental responsibility,” Tony said, adding that environmentally conscious development is essential for creating healthier, more resilient and future-ready cities.
On World Environment Day, he said, the industry has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to building projects that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
