The Habitat Emprise (THE) addresses the urgent need for effective and sustainable policy frameworks in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change. We collaborate with government agencies at the national and local levels, international organizations, and research institutes to bridge the gap between global sustainability practices and local implementation. Recognizing the specific challenges faced by diverse regions within India and other developing countries, THE specializes in crafting policies that are not only environmentally sound but also economically viable and socially equitable.
Examples of our work include:
Mainstreaming Universal Accessibility with UN Habitat Bangladesh
THE supported UN Habitat in Bangladesh to mainstream policies on universal accessibility in the context of SDG 6 and 11. Members of our team actively engaged with government departments and agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector (specifically the ready-made garment industry[1]) to recognize and encourage policy implementation[2]. This involved conducting stakeholder consultation workshops, and building capacity on accessibility audits amongst policymakers, architects, and planners to mainstream policy guidance in existing and upcoming infrastructure projects. Specifically, the project involved assessing existing government policies[3] and engaging with stakeholders to encourage policy implementation. This approach significantly influenced infrastructure projects, promoting inclusivity and sustainability in urban development initiatives.
Promoting Trees Outside Forests (TOF) with ICRAF and TIF
We worked with the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) and The Infravision Foundation (TIF) to amend State building codes and revise public procurement policies. With an aim to promote Trees Outside Forests (TOF)-based products in the construction sector across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, the initiative supported the Government of India’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change (MoEFCC) policy reform, to reduce dependence on wood imports and enhance domestic wood production through tree cultivation in non-forested landscapes.
A key aspect of this work includes contributing to policy reforms. The effort was directed towards increasing reliance on domestic wood resources via the adoption of innovative tree cultivation in non-forested settings
Providing Recommendations for Building Energy Efficiency
We supported development of the comprehensive regulatory framework, integrating local environmental considerations and after extensive stakeholder engagement for practical applicability, through contribution to the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH). This enabled targeted training for policymakers, practical insights from international experts were shared through comprehensive course material and interactive sessions.
One of the key problems we address is the lack of contextualized policies. Too often, policies developed at a global level fail to account for the unique social, economic, and environmental conditions prevalent in specific regions. THE tackles this challenge by conducting thorough research, engaging with local communities, and working closely with government agencies to understand the specific needs and priorities of each region. We then leverage our expertise to adapt global frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to the regional context, ensuring that policies are relevant, practical, and effective.
Another significant challenge is the difficulty in engaging stakeholders and building consensus around sustainable development agendas. Many stakeholders may have competing interests, and it can be difficult to find common ground. THE overcomes this obstacle by facilitating inclusive and participatory processes. We bring together representatives from government, industry, civil society, and local communities to engage in constructive dialogue and identify solutions that meet the needs of all parties. Through this collaborative approach, we build trust, foster understanding, and ensure that policies are widely accepted and effectively implemented.
Furthermore, THE recognizes the limited capacity for evidence-based policymaking and impact assessment in many developing countries. Too often, policies are based on assumptions and anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous data and analysis. THE addresses this challenge by conducting thorough research, collecting and analysing data, and developing robust models to assess the potential impacts of different policy options. We then work closely with policymakers to communicate our findings in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that decisions are informed by the best available evidence.
THE’s unique value proposition lies in our ability to combine global expertise with local knowledge, our commitment to stakeholder engagement, and our focus on evidence-based policy making. By working collaboratively with our partners, we create policy frameworks that are not only sustainable but also practical, implementable, and effective in achieving their intended goals. We empower stakeholders with cutting-edge sustainability strategies, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives. THE’s transformation of the built environment will lead to sustainable and resilient growth.