Amit Shah Calls for Green Buildings, Affordable Homes at CREDAI Meet

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday called on real estate developers to make green building practices the “new normal” in India’s housing sector, while also urging them to focus on low-cost housing and skill development for construction workers.

Addressing a conclave organised by CREDAI, the apex body of real estate developers, in New Delhi, Shah emphasised the need for sustainable development, transparency in land markets, and greater credibility in the real estate sector.

Green Building Norms Should Become Industry Standard

(Green Housing as the New Normal)

Highlighting the growing importance of sustainability, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that green building norms, energy-efficient designs, water recycling systems, rainwater harvesting, and scientific waste management should be treated as essential components of housing projects.

He told developers that these measures should go beyond the basic structure of buildings and be integrated at the design stage itself. According to the minister, adopting green elements would not significantly increase project costs nor adversely affect developers’ profitability.

The minister also stressed that builders should prioritise green areas and plantations within housing projects, stating that environmental responsibility and business viability can go hand in hand.

Push for Net-Zero Real Estate Sector

(Sustainable Development and Climate Goals)

Talking about India’s broader sustainability goals, Shah urged real estate developers to work towards achieving net zero emissions in the housing sector. He underlined that responsible urban development is critical as cities expand rapidly due to increasing urbanisation.

The real estate sector, he said, plays a key role in shaping sustainable cities and must align with India’s long-term climate commitments.

Need for Transparent Land Markets

(Ending Land Banking and Speculation)

Shah expressed concern over land banking and speculative holding, stating that Indian cities need to move away from such practices.

“In the coming days, we have to make the land market transparent,” Shah said, adding that the industry should adopt self-regulation mechanisms so that excessive government intervention is not required.

He also pointed out that improving transparency would help boost trust and credibility in the real estate sector.

RERA Has Strengthened the Real Estate Sector

(Impact of Real Estate Regulation Act)

Referring to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), Shah said the law has significantly improved the functioning of developers while safeguarding the interests of homebuyers.

He recalled that when RERA was passed in 2016, the industry had several apprehensions.

“When we look back, nobody can deny that the RERA has played an important part in the smooth functioning of developers,” he said.

RERA came into full force in May 2017 and has since brought structural reforms, ensuring:

• Greater transparency in property transactions

• Better quality construction

• Stronger protection for homebuyers

At present, 35 states and Union Territories are implementing the law, with 1.55 lakh projects registered under RERA.

According to Shah, buyers are more confident about purchasing properties when projects are RERA-registered.

GST Reforms to Reduce Construction Costs

(Lower Tax Burden on Builders)

Shah highlighted that the real estate sector has received significant benefits under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

He noted that GST on cement has been reduced to 18% from 28%, and taxes on several other building materials have also been lowered.

“Overall, there is a possibility of a 5-7% reduction in cost because of the latest GST reforms,” he said, adding that lower costs would help developers offer better facilities to customers.

Earlier, he had remarked, “The reduction in cost would help builders in providing more facilities to customers.”

Rapid Urbanisation Brings New Opportunities

(Future Growth of the Housing Sector)

The minister said India’s rapid urbanisation would create massive opportunities for the real estate industry in the coming years. He added that the government is pursuing urban development with a clear long-term vision, and responsible developers are key stakeholders in this journey.

Faster Environmental Clearances Highlighted

(Government Support for Green Projects)

Speaking at the same event, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said the government has significantly improved the environmental clearance process.

He stated that approvals are now being granted within 90–110 days, compared to 650 days under the previous government.

Yadav also emphasised the importance of green real estate development, net-zero goals, and urged builders to focus on electronic waste recycling, in addition to solid waste management.

Conclusion

(Sustainability, Transparency, and Trust as Growth Pillars)

Amit Shah’s address highlights the government’s push for a sustainable, transparent, and buyer-friendly real estate sector. By promoting green norms, cost-effective housing, regulatory compliance through RERA, and tax reforms via GST, the Centre aims to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

As urbanisation accelerates, developers who embrace sustainability, self-regulation, and innovation are likely to play a central role in shaping India’s future cities.