Development Alternatives believes in the right of every individual to access basic needs services-literacy, drinking water, adequate shelter, sanitation, renewable energy and livelihood services.

DA develops and promotes affordable green solutions and delivery systems to the poor in villages and small towns so that they are able to fulfill these basic needs. The organisation has developed and transferred several new products, including Arsenic filters, pre cast doors and windows and toilet frames for local communities. Approximately 2000 families have access to domestic energy solutions.

DA’s basic needs programme leverages the strength of various groups from the government, academia, private sector and civil society for bringing accountability, quality, transparency and equity in services especially for the un-reached regions of India. The idea is to develop innovative technologies and delivery models that can make green building materials, eco-construction services, safe drinking water, ecological sanitation and clean cooking solutions accessible to everyone in a financially viable manner. DA promotes social processes that enable community groups and local agencies to plan, access, manage and monitor services delivery for basic needs fulfilment. DA believes that this is essential

The organisation believes that viable mechanisms based on local market and enterprises are necessary to reduce costs and ensure delivery of quality services to each individual. The technology solutions are delivered through the large network of entrepreneurs and buildings partners of Development Alternatives in the private sector and through large social government and industry programmes.