Union Environment Minister emphasises Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Urban Development at CREDAI National Conclave 2025 – EQ
In Short : Union Environment Minister highlighted the urgent need for sustainable and climate-resilient urban development at the CREDAI National Conclave 2025. Emphasising green construction, efficient resource use, and climate-adaptive infrastructure, the Minister urged real estate stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices that balance rapid urbanisation with long-term ecological sustainability and resilience against climate challenges.
In Detail : Adopt Energy-efficient Designs, Circular Construction Practices and Green Buildings: Shri Bhupender Yadav
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav today addressed the Confederation of Real Estate Developer Associations of India (CREDAI) National Conclave 2025, in New Delhi. He underscored the real estate sector’s critical role as a nation-building force shaping India’s economic growth, urban future and quality of life. The occasion was graced by Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, as the Chief Guest.
The Minister stated that as India moves towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, city planning and construction must ensure inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth. He emphasised that development and environmental protection are complementary goals and must progress together, with environmental considerations integrated at the earliest stage of planning.
Highlighting the sector’s impact on energy use, water consumption, waste generation, air quality and urban heat, Shri Yadav said real estate is central to India’s climate commitments, including the Net Zero target by 2070. Sustainability, he added, is no longer optional but the foundation of future-ready development. Noting the growing impacts of climate change on cities, the Minister called for climate-resilient urban planning, including flood-resilient layouts, heat-adaptive materials, increased green cover and sustainable mobility solutions.
The Minister outlined key reforms undertaken by the Ministry to modernise environmental governance, including strengthening environmental clearance mechanisms, promoting digital and technology-driven systems, adopting a risk-based regulatory approach, advancing Mission LiFE and the Green Credit Programme, and reinforcing air and water quality frameworks in urban areas.
Assuring industry stakeholders, Shri Yadav said the Government aims to reward compliance with efficiency while dealing firmly with violations. Ease of Doing Business, he stressed, cannot come at the cost of environmental safeguards, nor should environmental protection lead to avoidable delays. He encouraged the sector to lead in adopting energy-efficient designs, renewable energy, water-positive developments, circular construction practices and green buildings, which add long-term value for cities and citizens.
Appreciating CREDAI’s engagement, Shri Yadav reiterated that industry bodies are partners in national development. Concluding, he affirmed the Government’s commitment to sustainable urbanisation, regulatory reform and collaborative governance to ensure India’s cities are inclusive, resilient and in harmony with nature.
