Urbanization is often called the bane of sustainability. With urban areas consuming 75% of the world's natural resources and discharging an equal amount of waste, it seems justified. Add to it, the fact that rapid influx of migrants has strained city resources with millions of urban residents living without even the most basic services such as water, electricity and sewerage, and the argument is sealed.

The largest opportunities lurk beneath what seems like insurmountable challenges. At Mahindra Lifespaces, we look at increasing density as an advantage. Diverse talent congregates in urban centres which in turn facilitates social, economic, and environmental innovations. Energy efficiency, technological innovation, equity in access, exchange of value, creation of wealth and environmental protection - all represent opportunities to get things right and set new urban standards.