top of page

Rethinking Indian Real Estate: A Sustainable Path Forward

In India, the construction sector is a significant contributor to economic growth, accounting for 9% (Source: 5paisa) of the country's GDP. However, the sector is also a significant consumer of natural resources, including river sand and timber, which are essential components of construction. This rapid urbanisation has put immense pressure on natural resources, including the depletion of groundwater and the destruction of river ecosystems. At the same time, the demand for timber has led to deforestation, which has severe ecological consequences, including habitat loss and climate change.


The need for sustainable real estate development is more pressing than ever before. India has the second-largest population in the world and is expected to add 300 million people to its urban areas by 2050. The use of aluminium formwork solutions in India can play a significant role in promoting sustainable real estate development.



The Indian government has recognised the importance of sustainability in the construction sector and has launched several initiatives to promote green construction practices. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued guidelines for sustainable building design, and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency has developed a rating system for green buildings. These initiatives have created a regulatory environment that encourages developers to adopt sustainable construction practices.


Knest rallies behind the mission of sustainable infrastructure development. Aluminium formwork aligns with these initiatives as it reduces the demand for timber, which is often sourced unsustainably, and preserves forests. Resulting in less waste generation and efficient use of river sand, which is a critical resource in India.


One way developers can promote sustainability in real estate development is through the use of aluminium formwork solutions. Aluminium formwork is a system of reusable panels and components that are used to create walls, floors, and other structural elements of a building. Compared to traditional construction methods, which often rely on timber formwork, aluminium formwork offers several benefits in terms of sustainability.


Firstly, aluminium formwork reduces the demand for timber, which is a significant cause of deforestation worldwide. In India, timber is often sourced unsustainably, leading to the destruction of forests and loss of biodiversity. The use of aluminium formwork reduces the demand for timber, thereby preserving forests and their ecosystems.


Secondly, aluminium formwork results in less waste generation during construction, which is essential in India, where waste management is a significant challenge. Aluminium formwork is reusable and durable, resulting in less waste generation during construction. This not only reduces landfill use but also saves resources by eliminating the need for new materials for each construction project.


Thirdly, aluminium formwork promotes the efficient use of river sand, which is a critical resource in India. The Indian construction industry is one of the largest consumers of river sand, and its extraction has resulted in environmental impacts, including depletion of groundwater and erosion of riverbanks. According to a study published in the International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, using aluminium formwork systems can reduce the consumption of river sand by up to 60%.



The use of aluminium formwork in India has already shown promising results. For example, a 50-storey residential building in Mumbai, named "The World Towers," used aluminium formwork, resulting in a reduction of 10,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and 20,000 trees saved. The use of aluminium formwork also reduced construction time by 30%, resulting in cost savings for the developer.


In conclusion, the use of aluminium formwork solutions in the Indian context is an essential tool for promoting sustainable real estate development. With the government's initiatives to promote green construction practices and the increasing demand for sustainable buildings, developers can leverage the benefits of aluminium formwork to reduce the environmental impact of construction while saving costs and improving the quality of the built environment.


Build a sustainable future by choosing Knest Aluminium Formwork.


Source: Money Control, Economic Times

bottom of page