Green Building Congress-2023 witnesses active participation from Sri City & industries

The ‘Green Building Congress-2023 (GBC’23),’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government, took place in Chennai from November 23 to 25, 2023. This three-day conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the latest advancements in sustainable practices and green building initiatives. IGBC, a key player in India’s journey towards achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission goals, announced the country’s first ‘Net Zero Carbon’ rating system during the conference.

Sri City, as one of the Steering Committee and Expo sub-committee members, has been involving in organising the GBC’23, since March 2023. In addition to serving as sponsors, Sri City and some of the constituent industrial units, including Daikin, Blue Star, Thermax, and Hunter Douglas, took an active part in the event. In the Expo on Green & Low Carbon Buildings/Products/Technologies’ held at the venue, Sri City showcased a wide range of green initiatives, ranging from eco-friendly infrastructure to solid waste reduction programmes. These units have highlighted their projects designed to reduce environmental impact through energy-efficient technology and ethical production methods. During the conclave, Blue Star plant in Sri City, which has been adjudged as the best environment-friendly smart designed facility, was awarded IGBC’s Gold rating. 

Commenting on the Sri City’s participation in the congress, Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Founder Managing Director, Sri City, congratulated Blue Star for bagging the recognition, and stated,”The conference served as a platform for Sri City and the industrial units to demonstrate their commitment to net-zero goals, green building designs, sustainability practices, and innovative approaches to energy and water conservation. As these initiatives continue to gain momentum, Sri City stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable practices in shaping the industrial landscape of the future.” 

Dr. P. Venkateswaran, General Manager (Environment), who chaired the session on ‘Building Water positive cities’, in his talk underscored the need for enhancing the integrated water resources in future-ready industrial parks, citing the experience of Sri City. He highlighted the city’s progress into being the country’s prominent business hub by underlining its emphasis on attaining optimal outcomes, holistic growth, corporate functionality, and environmental preservation. 

Sri City, a global business hub with 210 industries, exemplifies sustainable urban development by incorporating practices like green buildings, renewable energy, water harvesting, waste management, and biodiversity conservation, promoting economic, environmental, and societal benefits. IGBC accreditation has already been granted to Sri City and several of its industrial units in recognition of their sustainability endeavours.  One of the first greenfield cities in the country, Sri City received an IGBC Green City ‘Gold’ rating. It was certified by ASSOCHAM as a Green and Eco-Friendly Movement (GEM). IGBC accreditation is held by eight businesses in Sri City: Mondelez, Colgate Palmolive, Blue Star, Kimberley, Thermax, Rockworth, Alstom, and Varun Beverages.  Ten of the firms are “Green Building Certified,” and about 14 have IMS (9001 and 14001) accreditation. Colgate Palmolive and IFF are U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) member and are committed to its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.