Bengaluru 2030: Building a Sustainable and Liveable Urban Future

By Zayd Noaman

Bengaluru, December 11, 2025: In December 2024, Karnataka introduced India’s first circular economy policy, requiring 20 per cent of all construction materials to be sustainable. This step reflects an approach where resource efficiency, environmental care, and quality of life are considered alongside physical growth. Bengaluru, with its rapid urbanization, is well-placed to apply such measures, creating opportunities to align policy and infrastructure for long-term progress. India’s broader climate goals include reducing carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The way Bengaluru develops in the coming years will influence its ability to contribute to these national climate goals and achieve balanced and sustainable growth.

Action Agenda for 2030

For Bengaluru to further its progress as a sustainable and liveable city by 2030, coordinated improvements across transport and urban planning will be central for both residents and the real estate sector. Traffic management and stronger transit connectivity can enhance the value of different locations and guide where projects are planned. This enables developers to design attractive and accessible neighbourhoods. For residents, progress in mobility and cleaner transport options can support shorter commutes, improved air quality, and a richer urban experience.

Water management is also a key issue in this context. Reviving lakes and improving groundwater recharge can reduce reliance on distant river sources and strengthen the city’s long-term sustainability. A consistent supply of water supports both real estate project feasibility and household well-being. Waste management is another priority, where advanced processing and stronger recycling systems can reduce landfill use and create capacity for new growth. Upgrading drainage can help manage seasonal flooding while also enhancing the city’s resilience and quality of life. Well-planned public spaces and green commons directly add to the quality of life in the city. While developers have introduced community spaces within projects, citywide planning can extend these benefits more broadly.

Housing affordability and quality are also critical to support Bengaluru’s growth. As the city expands, rising land values and a limited rental market are encouraging many households to explore newer areas, paving the way to balanced development across the region. Energy- and water-efficient housing in these areas can support affordability for residents while easing pressure on natural resources. Besides, strengthening governance underpins progress, where better coordination across institutions, clearer land-use norms, and updated frameworks can support faster approvals and timely infrastructure delivery.

Sustainability and Liveability in Practice

Bengaluru’s future depends on treating sustainability and liveability as core requirements of growth. Buildings already consume 35 per cent of India’s electricity, and the city’s housing and commercial stock is still expanding. However, progress is visible: retrofitting and AI-enabled management systems have reduced energy use notably. Certifications such as LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA are becoming more common, with Bengaluru leading India in green-certified Grade A office supply, a sign that sustainable projects are entering the mainstream.

In the residential segment, homes account for a large share of resource use, with considerable potential for efficiency improvements. Smart devices can cut household energy demand, while rainwater harvesting and recycling can reduce net water use by up to 50 per cent. Rooftop solar, natural ventilation, and biophilic design not only lower costs but also improve well-being, while affordable housing integrated with transit corridors can strengthen inclusivity and resilience.

Transit-oriented development must guide growth. Higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) should be permitted only where strong public transport, safe pedestrian access, and reliable services exist. Compact, mixed-use hubs along metro corridors offer a credible alternative to low-density sprawl. Natural systems need continued focus. Bengaluru’s lakes and tree cover once acted as a climate shield. Their restoration, supported by buffer enforcement and stormwater upgrades, can form part of the city’s core infrastructure.

As the center stage of enterprise and innovation, Bengaluru should move forward with environmental integrity, economic vitality, and social equity working together. Green practices, renewable energy, and efficient design can guide the decade ahead, boosting the city’s liveability and offering an urban future residents and investors can rely on.

The author is President of CREDAI Bengaluru