India’s construction industry is growing at a rapid pace, with the country expected to become the third-largest construction market globally by 2030. But alongside this boom is a parallel shift — a growing demand for eco-friendly construction materials. For suppliers across India, this is no longer just a buzzword or CSR trend. It is a fast-growing niche market with immense potential and profitability.

Why the Green Wave?

Today’s developers, homeowners, architects, and even government projects are increasingly prioritizing sustainability. There are several reasons behind this shift:

• Environmental concerns: India is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Builders and clients are under pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects.
• Incentives and regulations: Green buildings can enjoy faster approvals, tax rebates, and other benefits under IGBC (Indian Green Building Council), GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), and LEED certifications.
• Consumer awareness: Homebuyers and commercial clients now actively ask for “green buildings” — preferring natural, non-toxic, energy-efficient materials.
• Rising energy costs: Eco-friendly materials often lead to long-term savings on power, water, and maintenance.

What Are Eco-Friendly Construction Materials?

These are materials that are either:

• Low in embodied carbon (e.g., fly ash bricks, AAC blocks)
• Made from recycled/reclaimed content (e.g., recycled steel, wood, or plastic)
• Locally sourced and energy-efficient (e.g., bamboo, lime plaster, terracotta tiles)
• Non-toxic and sustainable (e.g., low-VOC paints, natural insulation, clay flooring)

Brands like Bharathi Cement’s GreenPro-certified products, Ramco’s SuperGrade dry mix solutions, Asian Paints’ Royale Atmos (low VOC paint), and Bamboo India are tapping into this market with great success.

Profitability and Market Potential

Contrary to popular belief, green materials are not always more expensive. In fact:

• They often require less transportation (if locally sourced)
• Come with high perceived value (allowing better margins)
• Are used in premium and high-value projects, including resorts, IT parks, government smart city initiatives, and private green homes

With the right positioning, these materials can command a premium price — especially if certified, branded, and backed by a sustainability narrative.

Final Thoughts

India’s green building market is expected to reach $35 billion by 2030. Suppliers who start offering eco-friendly products today will have a competitive edge tomorrow. This is a rare chance to do well by doing good — growing your business while also helping build a greener India. Start small. Start local. But start now.

Tiles can make or break the look of your home. Whether you’re building a new house or renovating, selecting the right tiles is one of the most important — and confusing — decisions. With so many options in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This simple guide will help you make smart, stylish, and cost-effective tile choices for every room.

Where to Use What: Room-wise Tile Suggestions

• Living Room:
  Use vitrified tiles – they are durable, glossy/matte, and give a clean look.
  Popular choices: Wooden finish, marble-look vitrified tiles.
  Brands: Kajaria, Somany, Johnson Tiles
• Kitchen:
  Use ceramic wall tiles (easy to clean) and anti-skid floor tiles.
  Go for light-colored walls and darker floors to hide stains.
  Brands: Orientbell, Asian Granito
• Bathroom:
  Choose anti-skid matte tiles for floors, and glossy tiles or digital prints for walls.
  Create contrast with accent tiles in the shower area.
  Brands: Nitco, Simpolo
• Bedroom:
  Matte finish or satin-finish tiles in neutral tones give a relaxing vibe.
  Wooden-finish vitrified tiles are a popular choice.
• Balcony / Terrace:
  Go for terracotta tiles, stone-finish tiles, or porcelain outdoor tiles – all weather-resistant and slip-safe.

Tips to Ensure Cost-Effectiveness

• Calculate coverage carefully: Add 10% extra for cuts and waste. Feel free to use Arqonz’s calculator: https://www.arqonz.com/calculator/tile-calculator
• Buy from company-authorized dealers to avoid duplicates.
• Check combo offers (floor + wall tiles) to save money.
• Avoid over-designing: A mix of plain and accent tiles is stylish and cheaper than full patterns.

How to Check for Quality

• Tap Test: Gently tap on the tile — a clear sound indicates good quality.
• Water Absorption: Less than 0.5% for vitrified tiles. Ask the dealer for specs.
• Visual Inspection: Check for uniform size, smooth edges, and no warping.
• Batch Code: Always buy tiles of the same batch to avoid color shade differences.

Popular Indian Tile Brands to Consider

• Kajaria Ceramics – Known for wide range and innovative designs.
• Somany Ceramics – Affordable, durable, and stylish.
• Nitco – Premium designs, especially for wall and bathroom tiles.
• Orientbell – Value-for-money, smart layout tools online.
• Simpolo – Known for large format and designer tiles.

Final Word

Tiles are not just about looks — they affect your home’s safety, maintenance, and resale value. Choose wisely, take your time, and consult your interior designer or contractor if needed. When done right, your tiles will keep your home looking fresh and elegant for years to come.

India has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070, a commitment announced at COP26 in Glasgow. This ambitious target encompasses all key sectors of the economy, including the building sector, which plays a significant role in the nation’s carbon footprint.

The Building Sector’s Carbon Footprint

Currently, India’s building sector accounts for approximately 25% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. This figure is projected to rise as urbanization accelerates and new constructions proliferate. Notably, a significant portion of the buildings that will exist by 2070 are yet to be built, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable development.

Why Buildings Contribute to Emissions

Buildings contribute to emissions through two primary avenues:

1. Embodied Carbon: Emissions associated with the production and transportation of construction materials like cement and steel.
2. Operational Carbon: Emissions resulting from the energy consumed during the building’s use, primarily for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances.

Architects’ Role in Mitigating Emissions

Architects are uniquely positioned to influence both embodied and operational carbon emissions. Here are three strategies to consider:

1. Material Selection: Opt for low-carbon materials such as recycled steel, sustainably sourced timber, and low-emission concrete alternatives. Utilizing recycled construction and demolition waste can also significantly reduce embodied carbon.
2. Passive Design Strategies: Incorporate design elements that leverage natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. This includes strategic building orientation, insulation, and window placement.
3. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Integration: Implement energy-efficient systems and integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels to minimize operational carbon emissions.

A Sustainable Future Through Design

The path to a net-zero future is paved with thoughtful design and sustainable practices. Architects, by embracing innovative materials and energy-efficient designs, can lead the transformation towards environmentally responsible buildings. This not only contributes to India’s climate goals but also sets a precedent for sustainable development globally.

By prioritizing sustainability in every project, architects can ensure that the structures we build today contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.

We were thrilled to participate at Gitex Global 2024, this October. It is the world’s largest event, connecting startups and investors. It also hosts Expand North Star—a technology startup showcase that has gained international acclaim. This landmark event was held at the Dubai World Trade Center from October 12 to 15, attracting over 70,000 attendees, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from across the globe.

Our stall was a hive of activity. The star attraction was our AQIQ, a “ChatGPT” (Large Language Model) designed exclusively for the construction industry. The app directly addresses industry needs, delivering fast insights and practical solutions for builders and suppliers alike. We also showcased our AR and VR capabilities that can transform customer experiences and streamline the building process. We also had the opportunity to connect with local builders, trading companies, and suppliers interested in our products and services. 

Gitex took over Dubai, with diverse tracks on everything from tech transfer to venture capital and startup strategies. With over 1,000 global investors representing a whopping $1 trillion in assets, Dubai proved to be a leading global hub for startups. There were speaking engagements, knowledge-sharing panels, and even the Supernova Challenge 2.0—a $200,000 pitch competition that showcased top emerging startups.

‘Expand North Star’ gave us more than exposure; it opened doors. Talking with industry experts and exploring future-forward tech left us with valuable insights and exciting potential collaborations. The Dubai events set the bar high, and Arqonz is more driven than ever to keep pushing boundaries in AR, VR, and AI solutions like AQIQ.

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