real estate

The way we build has always reflected the priorities of society. Stone symbolized durability, steel enabled industrial expansion, and reinforced concrete transformed modern skylines. Today, however, construction is entering a new era where environmental responsibility is becoming just as important as structural performance. Sustainable construction materials are no longer niche innovations—they are fundamental to the future of green buildings and resilient cities.

The urgency is evident. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the buildings and construction sector contributes approximately 37% of global carbon dioxide emissions, accounts for nearly 50% of global material extraction, and represents 11–13% of the world’s GDP. Even more significantly, nearly **half of the buildings that will exist by 2050 have yet to be build, making today’s material choices decisive for achieving global climate goals.

Traditionally, sustainability in construction focused on operational efficiency through better insulation, renewable energy integration, and efficient HVAC systems. While these remain important, attention is increasingly shifting toward embodied carbon—the greenhouse gas emissions generated during the extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. Studies estimate that emissions from cement, steel, and aluminium used in buildings alone accounted for around 2.1 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2024, representing nearly 9% of global emissions.

This shift is driving rapid innovation across the construction value chain. Low-carbon concrete made with supplementary cementitious materials, recycled steel manufactured through electric arc furnaces, cross-laminated timber (CLT), bamboo composites, recycled aluminium, geopolymer concrete, and bio-based insulation materials are emerging as practical alternatives to conventional materials. These solutions significantly reduce embodied emissions while maintaining structural integrity, durability, and safety standards.

Circular economy principles are further transforming the industry. Instead of viewing construction waste as landfill material, developers are increasingly embracing recycled aggregates, reclaimed timber, recycled glass, and modular components designed for future disassembly and reuse. This approach not only conserves natural resources but also reduces waste generation and supports more resource-efficient urban development.

Technology is accelerating this transition. Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, lifecycle assessment software, and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) now enable architects and engineers to measure the environmental impact of materials before construction begins. This data-driven approach allows project teams to compare alternatives, optimise designs, and reduce emissions from the earliest stages of planning rather than attempting improvements after completion.

Governments, investors, and financial institutions are also reshaping market dynamics. Green building certifications, embodied carbon regulations, sustainable procurement policies, and ESG-focused financing are encouraging developers to adopt environmentally responsible materials. UNEP reports that global green building certifications have **nearly tripled over the past decade**, although investment in building energy efficiency must still more than double to approximately **US$5.9 trillion annually by 2030** to remain aligned with net-zero targets.

The business case for sustainable materials has become equally compelling. Buildings constructed with low-carbon materials often achieve higher asset values, improved investor confidence, reduced lifecycle costs, stronger regulatory compliance, and greater resilience against future carbon pricing mechanisms. Occupants also benefit from healthier indoor environments, improved thermal comfort, and better long-term operational performance.

The future of green buildings will not be defined by a single breakthrough material but by an integrated ecosystem of sustainable design, responsible sourcing, circular construction, and digital decision-making. Every material selected today influences a building’s environmental footprint for decades to come.

As cities continue to expand and climate commitments become increasingly ambitious, sustainable construction materials are no longer optional innovations—they are the foundation of next-generation infrastructure. Building responsibly today ensures that tomorrow’s skylines stand not only as symbols of engineering excellence but also as lasting commitments to environmental stewardship and a more sustainable future.

Entrepreneur Raj Kundra has acquired a penthouse at Opus One, a luxury residential project by GB Realty in New Chandigarh. The acquisition highlights the growing demand for luxury homes within the region’s planned urban developments. Opus One is the only government-approved, iconic residential development in New Chandigarh and offers a limited collection of high-end residences.

The acquisition comes as New Chandigarh continues to draw affluent homebuyers looking beyond conventional city centres. Planned as a low-density extension of Chandigarh, the area has witnessed steady residential development over the past few years, supported by organised infrastructure, larger green cover and improved connectivity to Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula.

Opus One is among the prominent residential projects in the township. It has received IGBC pre-Platinum certification for green building standards and comprises spacious residences, landscaped open areas and a range of resident facilities. Its location overlooking the Shivalik range has been one of the defining characteristics of the project since its launch.

“Luxury homebuyers today are placing greater value on privacy, location and the overall quality of the neighbourhood than on the size of a residence alone. That shift has been reflected in the demand we have seen at Opus One. New Chandigarh is evolving into a mature residential market, and interest from entrepreneurs, professionals and business families reinforces our belief that well-planned developments in emerging locations will continue to attract discerning buyers,” said Gurinder Bhatti, Chairman and Managing Director, GB Realty.

The company said the project has attracted buyers from across North India, with demand coming from both end users and individuals seeking second homes in a relatively less congested urban environment. The combination of planned development, lower density and proximity to Chandigarh has helped New Chandigarh establish itself as a distinct residential market rather than an extension of the city.

For GB Realty, the transaction adds to a series of luxury home sales at Opus One as the project continues to see demand from buyers looking for larger residences with greater privacy. The market for luxury housing in the region is becoming increasingly preference-driven, with buyers evaluating projects on factors such as location, planning standards, environmental credentials and long-term liveability rather than specifications alone. With Raj Kundra joining the list of homeowners at Opus One, the project continues to strengthen its position within New Chandigarh’s emerging luxury residential segment.

For many years now, Panchkula has been in a quietly unique space within the Chandigarh Tricity. While Chandigarh has long been known for its Le Corbusier-designed grid and Mohali has steadily carved out its position as the region’s business and IT hub, Panchkula has evolved a unique identity that neither city can mimic – a rare blend of modern civic infrastructure and natural environment. Today, as homebuyers across India increasingly seek quality of life over proximity to employment hubs, Panchkula’s vast green cover, low-density development and well-planned urban layout are becoming defining strengths. This evolution is in line with the bigger evolution in India’s residential real estate space. Modern buyers are more conscious of well-being and sustainability. They are embracing communities that not only promise a healthier lifestyle but also provide dependable infrastructure and lasting value, offering more than mere houses. Against this backdrop, Panchkula is fast becoming one of North India’s most sought-after residential destinations.

Planned Growth Aligned with New Buyer Priorities

Panchkula was conceived as a planned satellite extension of Chandigarh, and follows the same sector-based planning philosophy, with wide roads, neighbourhood parks, local markets and well-located civic amenities. Unlike many rapidly urbanising cities where infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with development, Panchkula has largely preserved its original planning ethos. The result is an organised, low-density urban environment that continues to stand apart within the Tricity region.

Across India, buyer preferences are changing. The residential market has moved into a value-driven stage, with buyers increasingly choosing larger homes and premium living environments, according to ANAROCK’s Homebuyer Sentiment Survey H1 2025. The emphasis has moved from affordability to neighbourhood quality, community infrastructure and overall liveability.

This changing mindset strongly favours Panchkula. The city’s tree-lined avenues, large parks, lower built density, and proximity to the Shivalik Hills provide a living environment that is increasingly rare in larger urban centres. Green spaces are no longer viewed as aesthetic additions; they are recognised as essential urban infrastructure that supports physical wellbeing, mental health and stronger community interaction.

Homebuyers are increasingly opting for integrated townships, community-centric developments, and projects that combine open spaces, wellness amenities, and sustainable planning. Panchkula naturally fits into this trend – not because these features are new, but because they have always been integral to the city’s planning framework.

Green Living and Infrastructure Drive Long-term Demand

The city’s rising appeal can be gauged through its market performance. According to ANAROCK, residential property prices in Panchkula have appreciated by 20-24 per cent during 2019-2024, driven by sustained infrastructure investment and rising end-user demand. Unlike markets driven primarily by speculative activity, Panchkula continues to draw families, professionals and retirees seeking homes that provide connectivity with a superior quality of life.

Developer confidence has also followed suit. Leading realty companies have announced large-scale residential and township developments in and around Panchkula. Their presence has brought better standards of urban design: homes with room to breathe, designs that offer a sense of privacy, and residential experiences that feel closer to a retreat than a conventional apartment complex. The result is a new generation of township developments that are raising the bar for planned living in the region.

The policy environment is working in Panchkula’s favour. In its Master Plan 2031, HSVP has earmarked 47 new sectors – 34 residential and 13 commercial – to absorb rising housing demand, build civic infrastructure and reduce dependence on Chandigarh. A land-pooling model will keep expansion organised and speed up delivery.

Connectivity has improved tremendously. NH-7 and Ambala-Chandigarh Expressway provide seamless access to Chandigarh International Airport, Mohali’s IT corridor and major commercial centres across Tricity. The pending metro extension will further deepen this, making the city more accessible for residents and investors alike.

Wellness-oriented living has now become a mainstream priority for homebuyers, and Panchkula is well-positioned to deliver. Colliers India’s 2026 real estate outlook highlights sustainability, smart living and wellness as central to purchase decisions, with buyers actively seeking open spaces, walkable neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive planning. Panchkula already offers all of this, without needing to engineer it from scratch.

On pricing, the city offers larger homes and integrated developments at price points that remain more accessible than comparable Chandigarh neighbourhoods. For end-users and high-net-worth buyers seeking space, green surroundings and organised infrastructure, Panchkula presents a strong and straightforward case.

The Way Forward

The growing residential stature of Panchkula is a confluence of changing buyer expectations and the city’s established planning ethos. The green spaces are not cosmetic additions but are intrinsic to its urban design. The organised sectors, civic infrastructure, and lower-density development are not marketing promises but enduring traits that have defined the city for decades.

Panchkula is a city where thoughtful planning and environmental stewardship have created a residential ecosystem that feels both contemporary and enduring, as Indian homebuyers increasingly define value through wellness, sustainability and everyday quality of life. In an increasingly crowded urban landscape, it offers something that has become remarkably scarce: the chance to live amidst nature without compromising on urban convenience.

Authored By: Parvinder Singh, CEO, Trident Realty

Prayagraj, one of the important cultural and spiritual destinations in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is embarking on a new phase of urban development. Traditionally, the city’s identity has revolved around religion, education and heritage. However, the city is currently undergoing changes owing to improved infrastructure, connectivity and development through government-led programs. Modern roadways, transport systems, and urban development programs are slowly changing the growth pattern of the city. This is transforming the city into an economically important destination as opposed to a purely religious tourist destination.

Prayagraj’s changing urban landscape is opening fresh opportunities across residential housing, plotted communities, mixed-use developments and hospitality assets, positioning the city as an emerging real estate destination in eastern Uttar Pradesh. According to Square Yards, land prices across high-growth Tier-2 and Tier-3 corridors, particularly around airport zones, logistics hubs and expressways, are set for exponential appreciation. Prices may increase between 25% and 100% over the next two to four years.

The momentum behind Prayagraj’s emergence is being shaped largely by a series of infrastructure interventions that are enhancing the city’s accessibility and strengthening its economic linkages. Developments like the Ganga Expressway connect Meerut to Prayagraj and significantly improve connectivity with western Uttar Pradesh and the NCR. On the other hand, the development of the Ring Road and Bypass is helping in reducing traffic problems as well as providing new growth avenues for residential developments and efficient utilisation of peripheral lands. The modernisation of Prayagraj Airport, along with the increase in the number of visitors due to the Mahakumbh, has made the city more business-friendly.

Complementing these developments are ongoing upgrades to railway infrastructure and multimodal connectivity. Together, these initiatives are steadily reshaping Prayagraj from a historically important city into a more connected and future-ready urban centre.

Besides the physical infrastructure, the deep-rooted spiritual importance of Prayagraj is also becoming a potent stimulus for the next wave of its economic development. Being one of the major pilgrimage cities of India, Prayagraj is likely to get an advantage out of the planned investment of ₹5,000 crore by the government for five years into temple-town development and tourism infrastructure. The investments directed at developing ghats, roads, facilities for visitors, etc., will raise the urban landscape of the city. This renewed focus on religious tourism is also creating a ripple effect across the real estate landscape, with rising opportunities in hotels, serviced apartments, second homes and retail developments.

Mohit Goel, Managing Director, Omaxe Group, said, “Prayagraj is at a stage where long-term infrastructure investments are beginning to translate into a much broader urban and real estate opportunity. The impact extends well beyond improved mobility. Projects such as the Ganga Expressway are strengthening the city’s linkages with larger economic centres and unlocking new growth corridors across eastern Uttar Pradesh. Equally significant is Prayagraj’s stature as one of India’s foremost spiritual destinations. The proposed Rs. 5,000 crore investment towards temple-town development is expected to further enhance civic infrastructure, tourism facilities and last-mile connectivity. Currently, residential values in the city are averaging around Rs. 7,900-8,000 per sq. ft., and as these connectivity upgrades become fully operational, we believe the market has the potential to witness 20-30% appreciation over the next three to five years. Taken together, these structural drivers are steadily positioning Prayagraj as one of the most promising real estate destinations in the region.”

Moreover, Mahakumbh 2025 has left behind an enduring urban legacy shaping Prayagraj’s growth trajectory. The investments in roads, flyovers, beautification, sewerage and other infrastructure worth more than Rs. 7,000 crore helped hasten the process of modernization. The influx of over 450 million pilgrims was a clear indication of how much tourist potential the city holds, while the infrastructure put up during the preparations will help the citizens for years to come.

Kapil Chugh, VP-Sales, Rise Infraventures, said, “The transformation happening in Prayagraj reflects a broader shift taking place across emerging Indian cities. Urban growth today is being driven by connectivity, infrastructure and quality of life, and Prayagraj is beginning to tick all three boxes. The legacy infrastructure created around Mahakumbh, combined with projects such as the Ganga Expressway and continued government investment, is giving the city a stronger economic foundation. We believe this is encouraging a more mature real estate ecosystem where demand is becoming increasingly end-user-led. Over the next few years, Prayagraj has the potential to evolve into a well-rounded urban destination with sustained real estate momentum.”

Therefore, Prayagraj’s growth story today extends well beyond its spiritual and cultural identity. Backed by improving connectivity, sustained public investment and a gradually expanding economic ecosystem, the city is evolving into a more organised and future-ready urban centre. This transformation places it among the emerging markets that are set to define the next phase of urban expansion in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Shalimar Corp Limited, a trusted name in the real estate sector with over four decades of excellence, is set to mark its presence in Varanasi with the launch of Shalimar Courtyard. As part of its expansion plans for 2026–27, the company has identified Varanasi as a key growth market, driven by its increasing religious significance, spiritual tourism, and large-scale infrastructure investments. Following the successful delivery of landmark developments across Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, the company is now focusing on the rapidly evolving cities of Purvanchal.

With a legacy spanning more than 40 years across real estate, infrastructure, and civil construction, Shalimar Corp Limited has successfully delivered over 60 projects. The company has developed more than 21 million square feet of premium real estate and earned the trust of over 8,500 happy customers, who are now a part of the Shalimar family. Renowned for timely project delivery, contemporary architecture, and unwavering customer trust, Shalimar continues its commitment to excellence with Shalimar Courtyard. Spread across approximately 3.75 acres, the project has been designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Hafeez Contractor and is inspired by timeless Mediterranean architecture. The landscape design, crafted by Thailand-based Red Landscape, creates an environment that perfectly blends luxury, elegance, and modern living.

Strategically located on Lahartara Road, Varanasi, Shalimar Courtyard is a premium residential development comprising 6 towers with a total of 244 thoughtfully designed residences. The project enjoys exceptional connectivity, being just 400 metres from Varanasi Junction Railway Station, while key landmarks such as Sunbeam School Lahartara, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Taj Ganges, and Nadesar Palace are all within close proximity.

Designed to offer a truly elevated lifestyle, the project features a host of world-class lifestyle and wellness amenities, including a grand double-height entrance lobby with an elegant guest waiting lounge, a double-height café, a grand swimming pool with deck and changing rooms, a fully equipped gymnasium, a dedicated yoga room, pickleball court, half basketball court, cricket practice net, badminton court, jogging track, family lounge, twin multipurpose halls, a snooker and table tennis room, kids’ pool, beautifully designed water features, and several other thoughtfully curated recreational spaces, ensuring residents experience comfort, convenience, and an unparalleled lifestyle.

Speaking on the company’s expansion into Purvanchal, Mr. Kunal Seth, Director, Shalimar Corp Limited, said, “The emerging cities of Uttar Pradesh present tremendous opportunities for world-class residential and commercial development. Varanasi, in particular, is witnessing remarkable growth backed by infrastructure development, tourism, and increasing demand for premium housing. With Shalimar Courtyard, we aim to introduce a benchmark in luxury living that reflects our legacy of quality, innovation, and customer-centric development. Going forward, Shalimar Corp Limited remains committed to delivering iconic projects that contribute to the region’s urban transformation.