Bridging the Policy-Practice Divide: A Systemic Integration Framework for Mainstreaming Energy Efficiency in India’s Urban Missions

This study aims to develop a systemic integration framework to embed Energy Efficiency Technologies (EETs) into the governance, funding, and operational mechanisms of flagship urban missions Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) to bridge the policy-practice divide.A mixed-method approach was employed, including a systematic literature review (PRISMA-guided) to identify barriers and enablers, policy-technology mapping to align with mission components, and quantitative system dynamics modelling to project energy and emissions impacts under integrated versus business-as-usual scenarios.Key barriers include fragmented governance, high upfront costs, technical capacity gaps, and weak enforcement of energy codes. The proposed framework introduces multi-level governance structures, de-risk financing mechanisms, standardized technical specifications, lifecycle costing in procurement, capacity-building units, and digital monitoring systems. The framework emphasizes adaptability to regional contexts, detailed operational mechanisms for monitoring, and strategies for inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure equitable outcomes. System modelling shows integrated policies could achieve 145 TWh energy savings and avoid 118.9 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2040 four times greater than business-as-usual.A systemic, multi-stakeholder approach is essential to mainstream identified EETs into India’s urban missions, transforming them into vehicles for sustainable, low-carbon development while delivering significant economic and environmental benefits.