Although North America, Western Europe, and Japan continue to account for the bulk of the global environmental and building technologies (EBT) industry, the growth rates in these markets have slowed down. The growth potential of the global EBT industry lies with the developing countries of Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Environmental regulations and energy-saving mandates – the most important factors influencing the growth of the EBT industry – have become increasingly stringent among Asian countries. Integration of business decisions with environmental issues, increasing construction activities, reduction in global trade barriers, greater globalization, increasing privatization as well as industrial investments, and rising awareness of environmental issues have been driving this industry.

Asian countries have begun investing heavily in environmental technologies and cleaner production processes in line with greater integration with the global economy. The priority given to investments in environmental, infrastructural, and transportation projects as well as the substantial research and development activities has also greatly aided the EBT industry. The social infrastructure and labor conditions play a critical role in the development of this industry in a country. General social and labor policies greatly influence this demand-driven industry and industry-specific policies largely facilitate its rapid development.

India is already a promising EBT market and is expected to account for a major share in the regional and global markets in 2009. The country’s huge population greatly aids this consumption-led industry, which has to deal with many stringent mandates and standards. These laws and consumer demand have compelled the installation of eco-friendly EBT equipment in automobiles and factories. Government bodies, particularly at the municipal level, are the largest consumers in water and waste treatment equipment sub segment and the environmental services segment. Municipalities and other government bodies have been encouraging turnkey projects and integration with private companies to foster and catalyze the development of environmental and building infrastructure.

The increased pace of urbanization and consumer spending since 2004 has improved the demand for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, especially from hotels, offices, restaurants, and shopping malls. Energy-efficient lighting equipment has become popular among modern buildings in India. Consumers are also increasingly demanding pollution prevention, cleaner production technologies, waste minimization, and environment-friendly products.