Beat Plastic Pollution: A Real Estate Perspective from Knight Frank India

Growing up, my summer visits to my grandmother’s home in Nurani, a village in Kerala, left lasting impressions. Meals were served on banana leaves — a tradition I once saw as quaint, but now recognize as an early lesson in sustainability. These age-old customs continue to keep many parts of Kerala plastic-free, reminding us how traditional practices can contribute to a greener future.

As we mark World Environment Day 2025, themed #BeatPlasticPollution, it’s crucial to reflect on the urgency of reducing plastic waste. India generates around 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with a large portion remaining uncollected. The real estate and construction sectors are significant contributors, using plastic in insulation, piping, flooring, and more.

Yet, change is underway. The industry is increasingly adopting sustainable materials — from recycled plastic shuttering sheets and Wood-Plastic Composite doors to eco-bricks made with fly ash and waste plastic. These innovations not only reduce environmental impact but also offer cost-effective, durable solutions for modern construction.

At Knight Frank India, sustainability is at the heart of our ethos. Our offices are plastic-free, replacing single-use plastics with reusable options. We are aligned with global ESG goals — working towards net-zero emissions by 2040, and WELL, LEED, or IGBC-ready workplaces by 2030. We actively engage our teams through environmental awareness programs, embedding a culture of responsibility.

This World Environment Day, we call on all stakeholders in real estate to act: audit plastic use, adopt green alternatives, and support community initiatives. Small, consistent steps can lead to lasting change.

Let’s build a future where sustainability is not just a choice, but a way of life. Together, we can truly #BeatPlasticPollution