- ADB’s private sector operations is promoting gender equality and contributing to green, equitable, and inclusive development in India by empowering women with access to loans for safe, sustainable, and affordable homes.
- Given the housing sector’s significant role in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, there is a critical need for it to transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
ADB is contributing towards building climate resilience and addressing the shortage of affordable housing in India by facilitating loans for economically disadvantaged women to buy safe, sustainable, and affordable homes through its IIFLHF Supporting Access to Affordable Green Housing for Women Project.
This video was launched at COP28 in Dubai.
Transcript
Climate change-induced weather hazards are worsening the shortage of housing in India. The estimated shortage is 18.7 million in urban areas and 43.7 million in rural areas.
Shortage of affordable housing can have serious impact on women, especially on their health, safety, well-being and their home ownership prospects.
Mohua Mukherji, Independent Project Finance Specialist and Director IIFL:
The home ownership gap for women in India is very serious. It varies regionally, but about 15% of married women and less than a quarter of widowed women are actually the owners of their home.
The environmental impact of meeting the affordable housing deficit can be substantial if not done in a climate sustainable manner.
ADB's private sector operations is supporting IIFL Home Finance in India to facilitate loans for economically disadvantaged women to buy green certified homes.
Monu Ratra, Executive Director and CEO, IIFL Home Finance Ltd.:
There should be again some attractive financing options available to the women owners, and developers to be sensitized about the gender aspect of the buildings they construct, which, under this technical assistance program of ADB and IIFL, we have tried to initiate.
The ADB technical assistance program also supports IIFL with on-lending to developers for the construction of green housing, using rating methods that are vetted for climate resilience and carbon emission reduction.
Rajesh Shah, Promoter, La Luxuria:
Green housing involves the use of recycled materials, conservation of water, and processing of garbage within the society. The use of recycled materials reduces the exploitation of earth.
Ashok B Lall, Principal Architect, AB Lall Architects:
For housing to be green, it is essential. It means that those who are living in residential estates, especially in cities, have full environmental security. They can cope with climate change, protect themselves against the rise in temperatures, have the security of plentiful water, and have an environment that balances the indoors and outdoors with greenery. That's good for health and well-being.
Given the housing sector’s significant role in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, there is a critical need for it to transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Suzanne Gaboury, Director General, Private Sector Operations Department, ADB:
COP28 will be discussing how private sector can limit greenhouse gas emissions. ADB is already working on transformative climate action and this Supporting Access to Affordable Green Housing for Women Project in India is one example of how ADB’s private sector supports decarbonization and climate resilience.
By empowering women with access to loans for safe, sustainable, and affordable homes, ADB is promoting gender equality and contributing to green, equitable and inclusive development.
