IIT Madras Aims to Make Green Technology Affordable for India

India has long relied on jugaad, the culture of quick fixes and improvised solutions, to solve everyday problems. But when it comes to tackling climate change and building sustainable technologies, experts say improvisation alone is not enough.

Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras are working on a scientific approach designed to make eco-friendly technologies affordable without sacrificing quality or performance.

Their goal is to reduce the cost barrier that often prevents consumers and industries from adopting greener alternatives.

The Challenge of Expensive Green Products

Across the world, environmentally friendly products often come with a “green premium” — meaning they cost significantly more than conventional alternatives.

Examples include biodegradable packaging, bio-based adhesives, and sustainable construction materials.

For many consumers and businesses, the higher price discourages adoption even when the environmental benefits are clear.

This gap between sustainability and affordability remains one of the biggest obstacles in the global transition to cleaner technologies.

Moving Beyond Jugaad

India’s innovation culture frequently celebrates jugaad — clever improvisation using limited resources.

While such approaches can provide quick solutions, experts argue that long-term climate and industrial challenges require systematic scientific design and engineering.

The work being done at IIT Madras focuses on building structured frameworks that optimise materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chains.

Science-Driven Framework for Affordable Sustainability

Researchers at IIT Madras have developed a science-driven framework that analyses how eco-friendly products are designed and manufactured.

The framework aims to identify ways to reduce production costs without compromising performance.

By improving design efficiency and manufacturing methods, the research team hopes to eliminate the price gap between conventional and green products.

Impact on Indian Industry and Consumers

If implemented widely, such innovations could make sustainable materials and technologies accessible to a much larger segment of India’s population.

Affordable green alternatives could benefit sectors such as:

• Packaging and consumer goods

• Construction and infrastructure

• Manufacturing and industrial materials

Reducing costs could also encourage businesses and government agencies to adopt environmentally responsible products on a larger scale.

A Step Toward India’s Climate Goals

India has set ambitious targets for sustainability and carbon reduction in the coming decades.

Making green technologies affordable will be critical to achieving those goals.

The research at IIT Madras highlights how scientific innovation — rather than quick fixes — may help bridge the gap between environmental responsibility and economic practicality.

If successful, such frameworks could help accelerate India’s transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.