Eco isn’t extra – Why MMR’s homebuyers are demanding sustainability as standard

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) stands at a turning point where climate emergency and mindful consumerism are changing the way we live, construct and purchase. Sustainability is no longer considered an add-on or something to indulge in; rather it is now a non-negotiable aspect of home purchasing, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. To a greater extent, they see eco-friendly features as necessary elements of their ideal properties rather than as upscale extras.

This change is taking place in the context of real-world environmental change. Mumbai witnessed its hottest start to the year in January 2025 as the Santacruz weather station clocked an average high of 33.2°C. In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) introduced its inaugural Climate Budget Report for FY 2024–25, allocating 32.18% of its capital outlay on climate resilience, green buildings, flood protection, green transport, and energy efficiency projects. Alongside policy shifts, we are seeing a real change in consumer preferences across the MMR region from western suburbs to Thane, Navi Mumbai and Chembur. 

Buyers want houses that reduce energy consumption, save water and integrate green design features. Rainwater harvesting, solar power and passive air flow are top priority, not an afterthought. These aren’t check boxes—instead, they’re statements of the values that buyers want their homes to represent. The post-pandemic world has accelerated this trend further. Homeowners now, more than ever, want houses that promote physical and mental well-being with better air quality, daylight and functional outdoor space such as balconies, terraces or decks. For many, the concept of a ‘healthy home’ is now synonymous with an ‘ecologically conscious home.’ This increasing demand is also transforming the way architects and builders respond to projects. Sustainability is being incorporated from the master planning and material selection phases to post-occupancy operations.

New residences are embracing low-carbon materials, smart energy tracking systems and collective waste management solutions. Although the image persists that green homes are more costly, they save money in the long term on utility bills and fetch a higher resale value making them a wiser investment, economically and ecologically. Most encouraging is the change from individual interest towards a sense of collective responsibility. Sustainability is no longer an option for a customer—it is fast becoming a collective ethos among developers, citizens, and policymakers. Certification systems such as IGBC, GRIHA, and LEED are now viewed not as trophies of glory, but an imperative. This is a sign of an even deeper shift in the way urban India imagines real estate. The focus is changing from short-term delivery to long-term habitability. With Mumbai’s Net-Zero 2050 vision and increasing public awareness, the industry expectation is clear: to design not only for today’s inhabitants, but also for generations to come.