CREDAI New President Champions Sustainability and Housing Reform

The newly appointed President of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), Shekhar Patel, has outlined a comprehensive and forward-thinking agenda.

Taking the reins of the organisation on April 18, Patel has committed to pushing the real estate sector towards carbon neutrality by 2050, launching large-scale reforestation drives, skilling millions of construction workers, and promoting more transparent and data-driven business practices. With the real estate sector poised to play a pivotal role in India’s socio-economic development, these ambitious goals promise to transform not only the industry but also the way in which urban spaces are planned, developed, and inhabited. CREDAI, a significant force in India’s real estate sector, represents over 13,000 developers across 230 city chapters in 21 states. Its newly appointed President’s vision marks a shift in the industry towards sustainability and inclusivity, aligning with India’s broader climate goals and the national development aspirations of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Under Patel’s leadership, CREDAI has set its sights on making substantial strides towards carbon neutrality, with a key emphasis on green and eco-friendly building practices that reduce environmental impact. This direction aligns with the increasing global focus on climate change and the need for industries to contribute to a sustainable future.

One of the key pillars of Patel’s agenda is carbon neutrality by 2050. With the construction sector being a major contributor to carbon emissions, the push towards sustainable, energy-efficient building practices is more critical than ever. CREDAI has already started taking steps towards this goal by encouraging developers to adopt green technologies and sustainable materials. Patel’s roadmap includes facilitating widespread adoption of renewable energy systems in real estate projects, such as solar energy, and promoting the use of energy-efficient building designs. Additionally, CREDAI has announced plans to launch a large-scale reforestation drive. This initiative is expected to help mitigate the environmental impact of urbanisation, which is often marked by the loss of green spaces. The drive is in line with global best practices of integrating nature into urban development and aims to combat deforestation while simultaneously improving air quality and providing residents with more green spaces to enjoy.

Another major focus area for Patel is skilling India’s vast construction workforce. Recognising the crucial role that skilled labour plays in the development of India’s infrastructure, CREDAI has set a goal to train and upskill 10 lakh workers within the next five years. This initiative will not only improve the quality of work in the construction industry but also ensure that workers are equipped to operate in a rapidly evolving sector that increasingly relies on technological innovation. To further streamline and modernise the real estate sector, CREDAI also plans to establish a data analytics centre. This centre will provide real-time insights and business intelligence to developers, helping them make more informed decisions. Through the CREDAI app, developers will gain access to critical data that can guide them in optimising their project designs, understanding market trends, and reducing operational inefficiencies. By embracing digitalisation, CREDAI is positioning itself as a forward-looking organisation that understands the importance of data in driving decision-making in the modern economy.

Alongside these sustainability and technological initiatives, CREDAI is also focusing on critical housing reforms. Patel has highlighted the need for a revision in the definition of affordable housing. The current criteria are often seen as limiting and failing to meet the diverse needs of India’s growing urban population. CREDAI plans to advocate for more inclusive policies that make housing more accessible to a broader section of society, including low-income groups and first-time homebuyers. These reforms are aimed at not just increasing the supply of affordable housing but also improving the quality and sustainability of such developments. In line with the broader vision of making urban India more liveable, Patel has committed to promoting greater ease of doing business within the real estate sector. This includes advocating for policy reforms that simplify approval processes, reduce regulatory bottlenecks, and encourage private sector participation in urban infrastructure development. With a greater focus on making the sector more investor-friendly, CREDAI aims to unlock the potential of India’s real estate market, which is one of the fastest-growing globally.

While the goals outlined by CREDAI’s new President are ambitious, they are also timely. The real estate sector in India is at a critical juncture. With urban populations growing rapidly, the demand for housing, infrastructure, and sustainable cities is on the rise. It is essential that the sector adapts to these challenges while keeping environmental and social considerations at the forefront. Patel’s agenda signals that CREDAI is ready to take the lead in addressing these challenges and steering the sector towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. This proactive approach comes at a time when India is experiencing rapid urbanisation, with millions of people migrating to cities in search of better economic opportunities. The pressure on urban infrastructure, including housing, transportation, and green spaces, has never been higher. Patel’s agenda signals that CREDAI is ready to take the lead in addressing these challenges and steering the sector towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.

CREDAI’s new leadership is setting the stage for a paradigm shift in India’s real estate sector. With a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, the organisation is poised to contribute significantly to the creation of greener, smarter, and more equitable cities. The real estate sector’s role in shaping the future of urban India cannot be overstated, and CREDAI’s initiatives are likely to have far-reaching implications for how cities evolve in the coming decades

CREDAI New President Champions Sustainability and Housing Reform