Bengaluru-based realty firm Sattva Group has partnered with Knowledge Realty Trust and rePurpose Global to launch the 'Karnataka Zero Waste Initiative' on Earth Day 2026. According to Shivam Agarwal, Vice President, Strategy, Sattva Group, as reported by Construction World, the initiative aims to enable structured, community-led waste management systems that strengthen local practices while creating more secure and dignified livelihoods. Jiji Thomas, Head – ESG & Sustainability, Knowledge Realty Trust, added that by supporting integrated waste systems, they are embedding sustainability into their operations and the ecosystems that support them. Knowledge Realty Trust further strengthens the programme through its focus on governance, transparency, and stewardship, ensuring a structured, accountable, and scalable approach to impact. The initiative reflects a broader shift towards development approaches that are more responsible and inclusive, combining measurable outcomes with community ownership to create a model that can be sustained and expanded over time.
The three-year programme targets recovery of approximately 4.5 million kg of waste, integration of 50 coastal villages into formal waste management systems, and connection of over 80,000 households to organised waste management networks. As reported by Construction World, the initiative will support 200 waste workers through livelihood generation, skill development, and safer working conditions. The programme addresses the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions along Karnataka's coastal regions, which serve as vital ecological and economic assets for local communities. A strong focus on awareness and everyday behavior change is central to the programme, encouraging communities to adopt more sustainable habits and take greater ownership at the local level. Better segregation, collection, and processing systems will help move towards a more circular approach to material use, reducing dependence on landfills.
The initiative is being implemented with support from the Centre for Applied Research and People's Engagement (CARPE), combining on-ground execution, research-led methodologies, and governance frameworks to ensure scalable and measurable impact. According to Construction World, the programme focuses on awareness and behavioural change with a strong emphasis on driving a circular approach to material use while building a replicable model for sustainable coastal waste management. The approach emphasizes decentralised, financially viable systems that improve segregation, collection, and processing at source while reducing environmental leakage into marine ecosystems. CARPE, a social enterprise, contributes deep capabilities across solid waste management, green cover enhancement, and water body restoration through data-driven and research-led methodologies. rePurpose Global will lead on-ground execution while CARPE serves as the non-profit recipient of funds, contributing expertise in waste management and environmental restoration through data-driven approaches.
The programme specifically targets plastic waste, which constitutes 60 per cent of coastal litter in Karnataka, making it a critical focus area for the initiative. As reported by Construction World, the initiative focuses on addressing the growing challenge of plastic waste along the state's coastal regions, which serve as vital ecological and economic assets for local communities. The project addresses the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions along the state's 320 km coastline, where plastic accounts for 60 percent coastal litter. The initiative is designed to put in place waste management systems that are locally run, financially viable, and capable of delivering consistent and measurable results. The programme is expected to enable the recovery and responsible processing of approximately 4.5 million kilograms of waste, improving coastal conditions and reducing environmental leakage into marine ecosystems. Aditya Siroya, founder and chief impact officer at rePurpose Global, emphasized that the partnership aims to build scalable, locally embedded systems that reduce environmental impact while enabling community participation.
According to The Economic Times, Sattva Group has delivered 80 million sq ft of real estate projects so far, with another 100 million sq ft in various stages of planning and development. The partnership leverages the group's existing development capabilities while focusing on environmental sustainability initiatives along Karnataka's coastline, with the initiative representing a significant step toward sustainable development along Karnataka's coastal regions. By aligning business growth with ecological impact, the initiative not only improves coastal ecosystems but also builds trust, credibility, and long-term value for stakeholders while strengthening ESG commitments and enhancing the partners' brand as environmentally responsible and community-focused organisations. As organisations engaged in building and managing high quality, sustainable environments for modern India, there is a clear recognition that environmental health and community wellbeing are fundamental to meaningful progress.
