Tejas Chavan, Director at Green Spaces, brings a clear-eyed approach to sustainable development. In this interaction, he shares how real estate can align with ecological priorities, what makes projects like Grape County stand out, and why place-based thinking matters in shaping tomorrow바카라™s communities.
1. How have consumer mindsets evolved towards eco-conscious living, and how has Green Spaces adapted to this shift?
Over the past decade, we've witnessed a profound transformation in consumer consciousness, especially post-pandemic. People are increasingly prioritising wellness, sustainability, and meaningful living. They no longer see nature as a luxury but as a necessity. At Green Spaces, this shift aligns perfectly with our core philosophy. Since 1985, we've been committed to creating living spaces that are not just environmentally responsible but emotionally enriching.
We바카라™ve responded by offering experiences and homes that put nature at the centre whether through our self-sustaining eco-homes, organic farms, or immersive eco-retreats like Grape County. Our developments are designed not just to reduce carbon footprints but to reconnect people with the rhythms of nature.
2. How do you balance commercial success with ecological integrity across your real estate and hospitality projects?
For us, sustainability is not a constraint but it바카라™s a catalyst for innovation. At Green Spaces, we view ecological integrity as a non-negotiable foundation rather than an added feature. By integrating sustainable design, renewable energy, water conservation, and biodiversity into the blueprint of every project, we ensure that profitability does not come at the planet바카라™s expense.
Moreover, the growing demand for eco-conscious living means that doing the right thing environmentally is also a sound business strategy. Grape County, for example, has seen consistent occupancy and guest loyalty precisely because it offers a rare blend of luxury and purpose. Our clients and guests value authenticity, and that trust translates into long-term success.
3. Grape County is often called a benchmark for eco-luxury. How do you ensure it doesn바카라™t fall into the trap of greenwashing?
Greenwashing occurs when sustainability is reduced to a marketing gimmick. At Grape County, sustainability is in our DNA and not a label. From the very beginning, we undertook a comprehensive rewilding of the land by planting over 52,000 native trees, building artificial lakes for groundwater recharge, and using materials that are both locally sourced and low-impact.
We also engage independent environmental consultants to monitor biodiversity and assess impact. Transparency is key as we let our work speak for itself, and our guests often become ambassadors because they can feel the difference. Whether it's through zero single-use plastic, community engagement, or nature-positive design, everything is done with intent and integrity.
4. What are the biggest challenges you've faced in building sustainable projects in semi-urban or rural regions like Nashik and Igatpuri?
The biggest challenge is often shifting mindsets of both stakeholders and communities. Convincing people that sustainability is not just ethical but also economically viable takes time and patience. Infrastructure limitations can also pose hurdles especially in implementing waste management systems or renewable energy solutions in remote areas.
Also, navigating regulatory frameworks that aren바카라™t always updated for green innovations can slow progress. However, these challenges have also opened opportunities for grassroots collaboration. We work closely with local panchayats, artisans, and labour to co-create solutions that are both scalable and culturally rooted.
5. How do your social and environmental commitments influence your business decisions at Green Spaces?
Our guiding principle is simple: if it바카라™s not good for the land or the people, it바카라™s not good for business. This philosophy touches every decision we make from the selection of land to the design of our structures, and the suppliers we partner with.
We바카라™ve invested in organic farming to support tribal and local farmers, created employment through our eco-retreats, and launched initiatives like Hausla and Eco-Pedlars that foster social inclusion and community welfare. Most of the staff we hire are from nearby villages, we train them and make them job-ready, creating long-term livelihoods. Even the daily grocery and vegetable needs of Grape County are met by sourcing from within a 10 km radius, supporting small vendors instead of large-scale suppliers. This not only boosts the local economy but significantly reduces our carbon footprint.
These aren바카라™t just CSR initiatives, they바카라™re woven into our operational model. Long-term value comes from enriching ecosystems, both human and natural.
6. Can your hyperlocal, community-first development model be scaled nationwide in the real estate sector?
Absolutely, but with nuance. Our model is designed to be place-based, which means we honour the local geography, climate, culture, and community dynamics. Scaling it nationwide doesn바카라™t mean replicating the same design template, it means replicating the ethos.
We believe the future of development lies in decentralization. With the right partnerships, policy support, and public awareness, eco-sensitive, community-first developments can transform how we live across India.
7. What innovations or new directions are you exploring as Green Spaces enters its next phase of growth?
While we are not chasing technological fads, we are deeply invested in nature-led innovation. For instance, tree plantation remains at the heart of our efforts. Each project is thoughtfully curated with a green theme. Our Lighthouse project focuses on flowering trees that enhance local biodiversity and seasonal aesthetics. Another project, Antara, features a Nakshatra Garden where plantation is aligned with astrological star signs, reviving ancient Indian traditions in a modern context.
These initiatives are not just symbolic; they create unique identities for our projects while deepening the connection between residents and their natural surroundings.
8. What advice would you give young entrepreneurs looking to merge purpose with profit in the sustainability space?
Start with clarity of intent. Sustainability isn바카라™t a trend, it바카라™s a responsibility. Build your business around a cause you deeply believe in, and let that guide your decisions. Profit will follow when your work creates real impact.
Also, be patient. Green entrepreneurship requires long-term thinking, system-level innovation, and sometimes going against the tide. Surround yourself with people who share your values, and never underestimate the power of small, consistent action. Most importantly, stay curious - nature is the best teacher.
About Tejas Chavan
Tejas Chavan is the Director at Green Spaces, a real estate and hospitality company deeply committed to sustainable living. With a leadership approach grounded in ecological integrity and community-first principles, Chavan represents a modern, conscious entrepreneur. He has played a key role in changing Green Spaces into more than just a business바카라” a purpose-driven venture focused on blending commercial success with environmental stewardship.
Since its inception in 1985, Green Spaces has evolved under his guidance to meet the growing demand for wellness-oriented, eco-conscious living. Chavan has overviewed projects like Grape County, an award-winning eco-retreat known for its authentic approach to sustainability. From rewilding landscapes by planting over 52,000 native trees to eliminating single-use plastics, his initiatives reflect a deep respect for nature and a rejection of greenwashing.
Chavan바카라™s philosophy emphasizes place-based, hyperlocal development, tailored to fit the geography, culture, and communities of semi-urban and rural regions like Nashik and Igatpuri. His approach involves active collaboration with local panchayats, artisans, and farmers바카라”fostering both environmental and socio-economic impact. Under his leadership, initiatives like Hausla and Eco-Pedlars have created jobs, supported tribal farming, and reduced carbon footprints by sourcing locally.
Combining traditional knowledge with contemporary ecological design, Chavan has developed projects like Nakshatra Gardens and flowering-tree-themed communities. His advice to aspiring green entrepreneurs is to lead with intent, prioritize impact over trendiness, and allow nature to be both muse and mentor. Tejas Chavan is recognized for his role in contributing to changes within India바카라™s real estate sector, emphasizing sincerity, new approaches, and environmental considerations.
