The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry holds immense potential to uplift and transform the operations of non-profit organizations (NGOs). By providing robust, functional, and sustainable infrastructure, AEC firms enable NGOs to better fulfill their missions, especially in critical sectors like healthcare and education. NGOs often face significant challenges in accessing high-quality construction services within their constrained budgets, which can hinder their ability to serve communities effectively. Therefore, the integration of cost-effective and sustainable architectural solutions is crucial for NGOs, ensuring that they can maximise their impact while adhering to principles of environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.
In regions where infrastructure is underdeveloped or lacking, the need for expert architectural and engineering services tailored for NGOs is particularly pressing. Many NGOs operate in environments where inadequate facilities limit their effectiveness, whether it’s a healthcare clinic struggling with space constraints or an educational institution in need of safe, conducive learning environments. The gap between the available resources and the necessity for durable, quality buildings has been a significant barrier, often leading to substandard constructions that fail to meet the needs of the communities they aim to serve. Bridging this gap is essential to enhance the capacity of these organisations, allowing them to provide critical services more effectively and sustainably.
BuiltX Sustainable Design & Construction (BuiltX SDC) is pioneering a new era in India’s AEC industry, focusing exclusively on supporting NGOs. Founded in late 2021 by Abdul Aleem, a civil engineer and Stanford graduate who returned to Bihar during the devastating second wave of COVID-19, BuiltX was born out of a dire need to address infrastructure deficiencies, particularly in healthcare. Aleem witnessed firsthand the urgent need for robust infrastructure in Bihar, where the pandemic highlighted glaring deficiencies. Non-profits, despite their tireless efforts, often struggled with inadequate facilities and faced challenges with local contractors who lacked expertise and frequently overshot budgets and deadlines, compromising the quality of essential infrastructure.
BuiltX aims to fill this critical gap by providing top-tier construction services to non-profits at significantly reduced costs–10% to 25% below market rates. This model allows non-profits to save substantial funds, which can then be redirected towards their core operations, ensuring they can continue their essential work without the burden of prohibitive construction costs. “BuiltX is more than just a construction organisation; it’s a movement towards sustainable and equitable infrastructure,” said Abdul Aleem, co-founder and CEO of BuiltX. “Our core values of empathy, integrity, and innovation drive every project we undertake. We are dedicated to building a future where every child has access to quality education and every individual can receive world-class healthcare, regardless of their financial background.” BuiltX’s mission is to positively impact 100 million lives through its construction projects by 2040, demonstrating how start-ups can set and achieve ambitious goals through a combination of technology and a deep commitment to social impact.
BuiltX has already crossed significant milestones since its inception, building over 300,000 square feet of infrastructure for non-profits, impacting more than a million people over the next decade. One of its flagship projects is the largest eye hospital in Eastern India–a 500-bed super specialty eye hospital for Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital in Bihar. This facility is set to become the largest charitable eye hospital in India by the number of surgeries conducted, performing over 100,000 free eye surgeries annually. By providing affordable, high-quality construction services, BuiltX offers more than just infrastructure; it offers a partnership that empowers NGOs to focus on their mission and enhance their service delivery.
The importance of sustainable architecture for NGOs extends far beyond mere necessity. It is a powerful enabler for creating long-term social impact and fostering community development. By ensuring that NGOs have access to cost-effective, high-quality infrastructure, AEC firms play a critical role in expanding the reach and improving the operational capacity of these organisations. This, in turn, benefits millions of individuals, allowing for better healthcare, education, and community services. As NGOs continue to tackle pressing social issues, the integration of innovative and empathetic architectural practices will be essential in supporting their missions and achieving lasting, positive change. Moving forward, the commitment to sustainability and affordability in AEC services for NGOs will be key to building a more equitable and resilient future for communities around the globe.
