Veeresh Sajjan, Managing Director (Karnataka), Anarock PMES
Sustainability is no longer a differentiator in real estate development; it is a business imperative. Across the industry, developers, investors, and occupiers are increasingly prioritising sustainable project delivery, energy-efficient buildings, and long-term asset performance. While green building certifications and ESG commitments continue to gain importance, the foundation of a truly sustainable development is established much earlier.
The environmental impact of a project is largely determined during planning, design, procurement, and construction strategy. By the time a building is ready for certification, many of the most significant decisions affecting its long-term sustainability have already been made.
In my experience, successful sustainable real estate development is not achieved through compliance alone. It is the result of embedding sustainability into every stage of project delivery from the earliest planning discussions to final execution and operations.
Why Sustainable Real Estate Development Begins Before Construction
When sustainability is discussed in the real estate industry, the conversation often gravitates towards certifications, ratings, and compliance requirements. While these frameworks are important, they represent only a part of the larger picture.
The reality is that a project’s environmental footprint is largely shaped before construction begins. Decisions related to site planning, building orientation, design efficiency, material selection, water management, and construction methodologies have a lasting impact on the sustainability performance of a development.
By the time a project reaches completion, many of these decisions cannot be reversed. This is why sustainability must be considered a core project philosophy rather than a final-stage requirement.
The Growing Role of Sustainability in Project Management
Over the past decade, the industry has witnessed a fundamental shift in how sustainability is perceived. What was once viewed as a value-added feature has become an essential expectation.
Today, energy efficiency, water conservation, responsible material sourcing, waste management, and occupant well-being are increasingly central to project success. Developers and investors recognise that sustainable buildings are not only environmentally responsible but also commercially resilient.
However, sustainability cannot be treated as a parallel initiative running alongside project delivery. It must be integrated into the delivery process itself.
As project managers, we operate at the intersection of design, procurement, construction, cost management, timelines and stakeholder expectations. This unique position allows us to ensure that sustainability objectives translate into practical outcomes on the ground.
Sustainable Project Delivery: Turning Intent into Action
The success of sustainable construction is determined through thousands of decisions made throughout a project’s lifecycle.
It is reflected in:
- The materials selected and approved
- The contractors and suppliers engaged
- The construction methodologies adopted
- The management of waste and resources
- The operational efficiencies built into the project
- The ability to balance sustainability goals with commercial objectives
None of these decisions belongs solely to a sustainability consultant. They require collaboration across the entire project team.
Sustainability is not won through a single initiative. It is achieved through consistent decision-making and accountability throughout the project delivery process.
Looking Beyond Green Building Certifications
At Anarock PMES, we are seeing a growing shift in client priorities. Increasingly, the focus is moving beyond achieving green building certifications towards creating developments that deliver measurable environmental and operational benefits.
Clients are asking more meaningful questions. Will the building consume less energy? Will it optimise water usage? Will it create healthier spaces for occupants? Will it remain resilient and efficient throughout its lifecycle?
This outcome-driven approach is helping redefine what sustainable project delivery truly means in today’s market.
The emphasis is no longer solely on achieving a certification. It is on delivering buildings that perform better for businesses, communities, and the environment.
Creating Long-Term Value Through Sustainable Buildings
Sustainability is often viewed through an environmental lens, but it also creates significant business value.
Buildings that consume less energy and water are more cost-efficient to operate. Sustainable developments are increasingly attractive to occupiers, institutional investors, and future capital. They are also better positioned to adapt to evolving regulations, market expectations and ESG requirements.
In this sense, sustainability is not simply a responsibility; it is a long-term investment in asset performance and resilience.
As the real estate sector continues to evolve, sustainable buildings will increasingly define what future-ready development looks like.
Building a More Sustainable Future Together
As we observe World Environment Day, it is important to recognise the significant role the built environment plays in global energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource utilisation.
The challenge is substantial, but so is the opportunity.
Creating sustainable developments is not the responsibility of a single stakeholder. Architects, engineers, project managers, developers, contractors and clients all play a critical role in shaping project outcomes.
Meaningful progress requires collective ownership and conscious decision-making from the very beginning.
When sustainability is embedded from day one, not as a compliance requirement but as a guiding principle, we can create developments that generate long-term value while reducing environmental impact.
The true measure of a project’s success is not only whether it was delivered on time and within budget. It is whether it leaves behind a positive and lasting legacy for the people who occupy it, the communities it serves, and the planet we all share.