India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with rapid urbanization and growth. However, buildings account for more than 32% of the total GHG emissions in India (UNFCCC, Biennial Report). This encompasses both operational and embodied carbons. As per the estimates, roughly 300,000 square feet of commercial floor space is being constructed daily across the country (Bureau of Energy Efficiency). With the projected increase in the construction sector to reach trillions by the end of 2047, there is an urgent need to decarbonize the buildings sector.

The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP), by the Government of India, aims to reduce the cooling demand by 25%, facilitate the transition towards natural refrigerants, and enhance the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings by 2038. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power launched the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in 2007 to establish minimum energy performance standards for buildings in India. Initially mandated for all commercial buildings across India, they were extended to residential buildings in 2018. However, despite efforts, mainstreaming ECBC through adoption and implementation still faces several challenges. If not addressed, this could lead to a seven-fold increase in carbon emissions by 2050.