India Energy Efficiency Retrofits Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The India Energy Efficiency Retrofits Market is expanding rapidly due to rising energy costs, aging building stock, and stricter sustainability mandates.
• Governments and utilities in India are promoting retrofit programs to reduce carbon emissions and improve building performance.
• Commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and public infrastructure are leading adopters of large-scale retrofit initiatives.
• Advancements in smart controls, high-efficiency HVAC, insulation materials, and lighting systems are improving retrofit ROI.
• Energy efficiency retrofits support long-term operational cost reduction and asset value enhancement.
• Financing mechanisms such as ESCO models, green bonds, and performance contracts are accelerating adoption in India.
• Integration of digital energy management platforms is improving monitoring, verification, and optimization of retrofit outcomes.
• Public–private partnerships are shaping the competitive landscape and scaling retrofit deployment across India.

India Energy Efficiency Retrofits Market Size and Forecast

The India Energy Efficiency Retrofits Market is projected to grow from USD 178.4 billion in 2025 to USD 312.9 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. Growth is driven by increasing regulatory pressure to reduce energy consumption, rising utility prices, and decarbonization targets across buildings and industrial assets. Retrofit projects focus on upgrading HVAC systems, lighting, insulation, building envelopes, and control systems to improve energy performance. Commercial and public sector buildings account for a significant share due to scale and policy-driven mandates. Industrial retrofits are also increasing as manufacturers seek cost savings and emission reductions. Continued policy support and technological innovation will sustain strong market expansion across India.

Introduction

Energy efficiency retrofits involve upgrading existing buildings and infrastructure with energy-saving technologies to reduce consumption, emissions, and operating costs. These retrofits may include HVAC upgrades, LED lighting, insulation improvements, smart building controls, efficient motors, and renewable energy integration. In India, a large portion of buildings and industrial facilities were constructed before modern energy codes, creating significant efficiency gaps. Retrofitting these assets is a cost-effective alternative to new construction for achieving sustainability goals. Energy efficiency retrofits improve occupant comfort, asset longevity, and resilience while supporting climate commitments. As energy efficiency becomes a strategic priority, retrofits are emerging as a core pillar of India’s energy transition strategy.

Future Outlook

By 2031, the India Energy Efficiency Retrofits Market is expected to witness widespread adoption across residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure segments. Digital energy audits, AI-driven optimization, and performance-based contracting will become standard practices. Integration of retrofits with smart grids and distributed energy resources will enhance flexibility and resilience. Governments will increasingly mandate retrofit requirements for existing buildings to meet climate targets. Financing innovation will lower entry barriers for asset owners. Overall, energy efficiency retrofits will play a central role in reducing energy demand and emissions while improving economic competitiveness in India.

India Energy Efficiency Retrofits Market Trends

• Rising Adoption of Smart Building Technologies and Automation
  Smart building technologies are increasingly being integrated into retrofit projects across India to optimize energy consumption. Building automation systems enable real-time monitoring and control of HVAC, lighting, and power usage. Data-driven insights allow facility managers to identify inefficiencies and adjust operations dynamically. Smart retrofits improve occupant comfort while reducing energy waste. Falling sensor and IoT costs are making automation more accessible. This trend is transforming traditional retrofits into intelligent, performance-optimized upgrades.

• Strong Growth in HVAC and Building Envelope Retrofits
  HVAC systems and building envelopes account for a significant share of energy consumption in existing buildings in India. Retrofit projects increasingly focus on high-efficiency HVAC units, heat pumps, advanced insulation, and window upgrades. These measures deliver substantial energy savings and improved indoor comfort. Rising awareness of indoor air quality is further supporting HVAC modernization. Envelope retrofits also improve thermal performance and reduce peak loads. This trend remains a primary driver of retrofit investment.

• Expansion of Performance-Based Contracting and ESCO Models
  Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) are playing a growing role in the India retrofit market through performance-based contracts. These models guarantee energy savings and reduce upfront capital requirements for building owners. ESCOs handle design, implementation, financing, and verification of retrofit projects. This approach lowers financial risk and accelerates adoption. Public sector and large commercial buildings increasingly rely on ESCO-led retrofits. Performance contracting is becoming a cornerstone of large-scale retrofit deployment.

• Integration of Renewable Energy and Storage with Retrofits
  Retrofit projects in India increasingly combine energy efficiency measures with on-site renewable energy and battery storage. Solar PV, energy storage, and demand response enhance overall energy performance and resilience. Integrated retrofits support peak load reduction and grid interaction. Building owners seek holistic solutions rather than isolated upgrades. This trend aligns energy efficiency with broader decarbonization strategies. Integrated retrofits deliver higher long-term value and sustainability impact.

• Use of Digital Energy Audits and Advanced Measurement & Verification
  Digital tools are transforming how retrofit opportunities are identified and validated in India. Advanced energy audits use AI and simulation models to prioritize high-impact upgrades. Measurement and verification platforms track savings and ensure performance compliance. Transparent data improves stakeholder confidence and financing access. Continuous monitoring enables ongoing optimization beyond initial retrofits. This trend strengthens accountability and long-term performance assurance.

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Energy Costs and Operational Expense Reduction Needs
  Escalating energy prices in India are motivating building owners and industries to invest in efficiency improvements. Retrofits reduce long-term operating expenses and protect against price volatility. Cost savings provide a compelling economic justification for upgrades. Energy efficiency investments often deliver predictable returns. This financial motivation remains a powerful growth driver across sectors.

• Government Regulations, Incentives, and Climate Commitments
  Governments in India are enforcing stricter energy performance standards for existing buildings. Incentives, rebates, and tax credits are reducing retrofit costs. National climate targets emphasize demand-side efficiency as a priority. Public sector retrofit mandates are expanding rapidly. Policy support provides long-term market stability. Regulatory drivers are central to sustained market growth.

• Aging Building and Industrial Infrastructure
  A large share of infrastructure in India is outdated and energy-inefficient. Retrofitting extends asset life while improving performance. Aging systems require replacement or modernization to remain competitive. Retrofit projects address deferred maintenance issues. Infrastructure renewal is closely tied to efficiency upgrades. This structural factor underpins long-term market demand.

• Corporate Sustainability and ESG Commitments
  Organizations in India are adopting ESG strategies that prioritize energy efficiency and emission reduction. Building retrofits are among the fastest ways to achieve sustainability targets. Improved energy performance enhances corporate reputation and compliance. ESG-linked financing further supports retrofit investments. Corporate sustainability initiatives are becoming a strong demand driver.

• Technological Advancements and Improved Retrofit Economics
  Advances in materials, controls, and analytics have improved retrofit effectiveness and payback periods. Modular solutions reduce installation complexity. Improved performance predictability increases investor confidence. Technology innovation continues to lower lifecycle costs. These advancements strengthen the economic case for retrofits across India.

Challenges in the Market

• High Upfront Capital Requirements and Financing Barriers
  Despite long-term savings, retrofit projects often require significant initial investment. Smaller building owners in India may face financing constraints. Complex approval processes can delay projects. Access to affordable capital remains uneven. Financing barriers can slow adoption in certain segments.

• Complexity of Retrofitting Occupied Buildings
  Implementing retrofits in occupied buildings can disrupt operations and occupants. Scheduling constraints increase project complexity and cost. Coordination with tenants and facility managers is required. These challenges can delay decision-making. Minimizing disruption remains a key operational hurdle.

• Lack of Awareness and Technical Expertise
  Some asset owners in India lack awareness of retrofit benefits or available technologies. Limited technical expertise affects project planning and execution. Misaligned expectations can reduce satisfaction. Education and advisory services are needed. Knowledge gaps remain a challenge, particularly in smaller markets.

• Measurement, Verification, and Performance Risk Concerns
  Uncertainty around actual energy savings can deter investment. Inconsistent measurement practices affect trust. Performance risk impacts financing decisions. Robust verification frameworks are essential but add cost. Addressing performance risk is critical for market confidence.

• Fragmented Regulatory and Building Code Frameworks
  Variations in building codes and incentive programs across regions in India create complexity. Inconsistent standards increase compliance burden. Asset owners with multi-region portfolios face challenges. Harmonization efforts are ongoing but incomplete. Regulatory fragmentation can slow market scaling.

India Energy Efficiency Retrofits Market Segmentation

By Retrofit Type

• HVAC Upgrades

• Lighting Retrofits

• Building Envelope Improvements

• Building Automation and Controls

• Motors and Drives

• Water and Energy Management Systems

By End-User

• Residential

• Commercial

• Industrial

• Public and Government Buildings

By Project Size

• Small-Scale Retrofits

• Medium-Scale Retrofits

• Large-Scale Retrofits

By Service Model

• ESCO / Performance Contracting

• Direct Owner Investment

• Utility-Led Programs

Leading Key Players

• Schneider Electric

• Siemens

• Johnson Controls

• Honeywell

• ABB

• Eaton

• Daikin Industries

• Trane Technologies

• ENGIE

• Veolia

Recent Developments

• Schneider Electric expanded digital retrofit solutions integrating energy management and building automation across India.

• Johnson Controls launched advanced HVAC retrofit programs targeting commercial and public buildings in India.

• Siemens strengthened performance-based energy retrofit offerings through smart infrastructure platforms in India.

• Honeywell introduced AI-enabled building optimization tools to improve retrofit outcomes in India.

• ENGIE expanded ESCO-led retrofit projects supporting decarbonization goals in India.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected market size and CAGR of the India Energy Efficiency Retrofits Market by 2031?

2. Which retrofit types and end-user segments are driving demand in India?

3. How are digital technologies and ESCO models transforming retrofit deployment?

4. What financial and operational challenges affect retrofit adoption?

5. Who are the leading players shaping innovation and competition in this market?