India’s Buildings Sector Set to Exceed National Carbon Budget: Report

A recent report reveals that emissions from India’s buildings sector are projected to surpass the nation’s carbon budget, posing challenges to achieving net-zero emissions goals. 

According to the report released on Monday, emissions from India’s buildings sector between 2020 and 2070 are expected to reach 90.85 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, exceeding the carbon budget allocated for the entire country. This revelation comes amidst global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions and limit the rise in global average temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

India faces the unique challenge of balancing developmental aspirations with the imperative to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR6) has estimated the global carbon budget for limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, with India’s fair share estimated at around 89 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Currently, India’s buildings sector accounts for 25 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, a figure expected to rise significantly as the majority of buildings planned for the next three decades are yet to be constructed.

A study conducted by CSTEP developed net-zero pathways for India’s buildings sector, highlighting the challenges and potential interventions required to steer towards a net-zero future. The report outlines various scenarios, including a business-as-usual scenario, developmental goals scenario, buildings-led scenario, and integrated scenario, each offering insights into emission reduction strategies and challenges.

Interventions in the industry sector hold significant potential for reducing emissions, with up to 59 percent reduction achievable through targeted measures. However, even with aggressive decarbonization efforts, achieving net-zero emissions remains a challenge without the adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, particularly in industries such as cement, steel, and bricks.

While some experts advocate for the adoption of CCS technologies, others emphasize nature-based solutions and innovation in building materials as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives. As India grapples with the dual challenge of development and climate action, concerted efforts are needed to scale up data availability, green skilling, and technology-based innovations to effectively address emissions from the buildings sector.

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