In a significant move towards transforming the construction and building sector into a sustainable powerhouse, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited, in collaboration with partners, World Resources Institute (WRI) India, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), and EcoCollab, launched a ground-breaking business charter for sectoral decarbonisation in February 2022.

The charter quickly gained momentum with 15 initial signatories from various industry segments, including architectural firms, low-carbon material manufacturers, MEP firms, and more. By June 2023, the signatory count had reached an impressive 21, showcasing the sector's commitment to a greener future.

The signatories

Lodha, JSW, and GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) are among the notable signatories, each pledging their dedication to the six priority actions outlined in the charter, aimed at achieving sectoral decarbonisation.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has also recently joined forces to fund the Business Charter activities with a generous contribution of near INR one crore. The first event under the SDC-funded action plan, 'Call for Action,' took place at the Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi, on August 9, 2023.

This event marked a momentous occasion as an additional 22 signatories enthusiastically endorsed the charter, bringing the total signatory count to an impressive 43, representing a remarkable 180% increase since its inception.

Decarbonisation workshops

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited is actively spearheading the charge towards decarbonisation. Notably, Dr. Sunita Purushottam, Head of Sustainability at Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., representing M&M in the First Movers Coalition, participated as a panellist in the Cement and Concrete Workshop during the Coalition's In-Country Workshop in India on July 12, 2023. The workshop focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities for demand-side decarbonisation and was organised by the World Economic Forum.

The company held its first city-focused workshop on the Decarbonisation Charter on August 9, 2023, in Delhi. This event aimed to drive the adoption of action-based charters among developers and the real estate value chain.

Further demonstrating the company's dedication to sustainable industrial practices, Rajaram Pai, Chief Business Officer - Industrial at Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., recently took part as a panellist in a DPIIT-organised session focused on "Advancing India's Industrial Competitiveness," where he highlighted the key factors and sustainability aspects crucial for designing Eco Industrial Parks, showcasing Mahindra Lifespaces' commitment to driving industrial sustainability.

Leading the way to a more sustainable future

In addition to its sustainability endeavours, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited is committed to environmental responsibility. To engage associates, a plastic quiz has also been introduced. Moreover, a month-long plastic-free campaign is scheduled to launch at the company-wide safety event, where sites will engage in various activities to promote the avoidance of single-use plastic.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited continues to lead the way in the construction and building sector's transformation towards a greener, more sustainable future, setting an inspiring example for the industry and the world at large.