Towards Sustainable Urbanism: Inclusivity in Pune’s Green Housing Sector. A qualitative study exploring the inclusion of specialized construction firms in Pune, India

Sammanfattning

The climate crisis presents urgent challenges for urban areas, requiring sustainable transitionsthat are both environmentally and socially inclusive. Housing is essential for meeting humanneeds but is also a major contributor to global emissions. Using Pune, India, as a case study,this research examines how sustainable construction regulations affect the inclusion of small-scale specialized firms, particularly those working with earthen and recycled practices. Thestudy investigates barriers to the participation of these firms and identifies potential enablersfor scaling alternative sustainable construction practices. Drawing on an integrated theoreticalframework combining the Multi-Level Perspective and a social sustainability framework, thestudy analyzes data from semi-structured interviews through a thematic case study approach.The findings show that existing regulatory frameworks are limited and poorly targeted,systematically excluding alternative sustainable construction practices, while social norms andcultural perceptions further reinforce these barriers by shaping demand and limiting awareness.Increased awareness, responsibility, and influence among wealthier social groups, together withmore flexible and context-sensitive regulatory frameworks, are identified as key enablers forpromoting inclusive sustainable construction and supporting broader urban sustainabilitytransitions.