Demystifying Myths Around Sustainability in Affordable Housing in the Indian Context

Around 70% of India’s infrastructure is yet to be built, and as the residential sector is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions, therefore, to achieve the national goal of net zero by 2070, housing will play a crucial role across the country. Urban centres are growing exponentially and are further aided by rural migration to these centres, which increases various challenges. Providing a sustainable, comfortable, and economical house to these migrants is a far-fetched dream for various municipalities. These affordable houses, if built in mass development using the current urban practices, will further widen the gap for achieving net zero by locking in the carbon for the next 60 years. Hence, it is imperative to make sure that the current development is sustainable. This chapter explores various initiatives in India to make these affordable houses sustainable. It evaluates various low-cost design solutions, incentive financial mechanisms, policies, and ratings for pushing affordable urban, semi-urban&rural houses towards sustainability. The chapter aims to provide various case studies from various climates and topographies in India. It further explores how each stakeholder, such as architects, developers, banks, policymakers, users, and many others, plays a vital role in creating a conducive environment for the wider adoption of sustainable infrastructure. This research emphasises the need for a multi-dimensional approach to integrity and sustainably for the weaker section of our society and reinforces the foundation for an equal and socially inclusive economy.