Expert series : driving climate action in the building sector

Building Sustainable and Inclusive Cities

Cities are the heartbeat of economic and social life, but rapid urbanization and socio-economic disparities present complex sustainability challenges. How can we ensure that cities are livable for the people that call them home? Listen to the voice of the community, says Eka Permanasari, Associate Professor, Monash University, Indonesia and GBPN expert. 

“To build cities that last, we must design them with, not just for, their inhabitants,” Professor Permanasari said.

Her work in Jakarta, where she led a participatory design initiative to create community centers, demonstrates the power of collaboration between local stakeholders and urban planners. By engaging residents in every stage—from planning to execution—these centers became vibrant hubs of activity, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

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Implementing effective climate policies 

Bishal Thapa, Senior Director, India Program at CLASP,  stresses that while there is always room for more climate policies, the critical issue often lies in their implementation. In regions like the Global South, where climate impacts are felt most acutely, there is a critical need to ensure that policies are actionable and context-specific.

Mr Thapa’s  work focuses on providing decision-makers with the evidence and tools needed to implement policies that balance economic development with environmental sustainability. “It’s about understanding the constraints faced by policymakers and helping them make informed decisions,” he explains. His expertise in energy efficiency and sustainability highlights the importance of aligning technology with market realities to create affordable, scalable solutions.

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Circular systems – Beyond recycling and the power of Collaboration

The circular economy offers a promising framework for sustainability, but as John Holm, Senior Vice President of Pyxera Global explains, we must move beyond superficial efforts like recycling. True circularity requires systems that regenerate and restore natural resources.

Mr Holm’s work focuses on creating systems that prioritize reducing, reusing, and repurposing materials, with recycling as the last resort. “We need policies that incentivize businesses to adopt circular practices from the outset,” John notes. Networks are vital for creating transformative change, but they must be built on shared goals and purpose. Mr Holm stresses that successful networks are driven by the people within them, ensuring accountability and mutual support. As Mr Holm stresses,  “Collaboration, not competition, is the way forward.”

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Private Sector Leadership in Decarbonization

The private sector is instrumental in the global push to reduce carbon emissions, and leaders like Dr. Sunita Purushottam, GBPN Board Chair and Sustainability Lead at Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited, are paving the way. Under Dr Purushottam’s leadership, Mahindra has made a commitment to achieve a 100% environmentally sustainable portfolio, with ambitious targets to achieve net-zero buildings by 2030.

Dr. Purushottam emphasizes, “This is an ongoing journey of increasing commitment because it’s the need of the hour.” While regulatory pressures are propelling some of these changes, she underscores the need for businesses to go beyond mere compliance and actively integrate sustainability as a fundamental value. Her work in decarbonizing the built environment demonstrates that the private sector can lead by example, creating a domino effect across industries and value chains.

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