Carbon-Negative Building Materials in the Indian Construction Sector: A Pathway to Net Zero 2070

Abstract

India is currently undergoing the largest urban transition in human history (NITI Aayog, 2022). With nearly 70% of the building stock required for 2050 yet to be constructed, the choice of materials will determine the nation's ability to meet its "Panchamrit" climate targets (IEA, 2023). This paper evaluates the potential of carbon-negative building materials—specifically Hempcrete, Mycelium, and Biochar-infused concrete—within the Indian landscape. We analyze the utilization of India's 600 million tonnes of annual agricultural residue as a feedstock for biogenic carbon storage (Ministry of Agriculture, 2024). Through a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) adjusted for Indian manufacturing conditions, this research demonstrates that shifting to these materials could sequester up to 120 million tonnes of CO_2 annually by 2040 (Global ABC, 2024). We address structural performance, the role of the National Building Code (NBC), and the socio-economic benefits of "Green-Collar" job creation in rural India.