The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), marked World Earth Day with a powerful statement: sustainability is not just a choice—it’s a responsibility. The IGBC Green Crusaders Felicitation Program recognized visionaries transforming India’s building landscape through green innovations.
A Milestone Event Supporting Net Zero Goals
Held in Hyderabad, the event spotlighted the Green Crusaders Initiative, a flagship IGBC program that honors individuals, institutions, and organizations that champion sustainable building practices. The 2025 felicitation ceremony brought together leading names such as Blue Star, Godrej, DCB Bank, Infosys, Wipro, HDFC Bank, Indian Oil Corp. Ltd., LTI Mindtree, Dominos, Balrampur Chini, and IIM Shillong.
Theme That Echoes Urgency: “Our Power, Our Planet”
Aligned with the global Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” this year’s celebration emphasized the urgency of clean energy solutions. With rapid urban development, the need for eco-conscious construction has never been greater. IGBC’s initiative aims to inspire action that contributes to India’s ambitious Net Zero targets.
Keynote Insights: Building for a Better Tomorrow
C. Shekhar Reddy, National Vice Chairman of IGBC, delivered the keynote, offering a clear call to action for the building sector. He emphasized that buildings should no longer be passive energy consumers. Instead, they must transform into active contributors—energy producers and planet protectors.
Mr. Reddy revealed that over 142 new projects, spanning 875 million sq. ft. across 14 sectors, have registered with IGBC. This growth brings the total to an impressive 15,800+ projects, covering 13.56 billion sq. ft. of green building space—a clear indication of India’s accelerating shift toward sustainability.
The Rise of Net Zero Buildings in India
One of the major highlights was the focus on Net Zero Buildings—structures designed to be self-reliant in energy, water, and waste management. These buildings go beyond minimizing their environmental impact; they actively contribute to a healthier planet by generating clean energy and efficiently using resources.
More than 150 ongoing projects are pursuing IGBC Net Zero ratings in energy, water, carbon, and waste-to-landfill. This reflects a growing awareness and readiness among developers to prioritize sustainable practices.
Government Incentives Fueling Green Growth
Support from both state and central governments has been crucial. Thirteen Indian states now offer incentives for IGBC-rated buildings, including additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR), fee reimbursements, and green infrastructure subsidies. At the national level, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has simplified clearance processes for IGBC-certified developments, removing bureaucratic hurdles that slow down sustainability efforts.
Spreading the Green Message Across India
With 30 active chapters nationwide, IGBC’s network continues to promote sustainable construction through education, collaboration, and certification programs. From metros to smaller cities, these chapters are helping scale the green building movement by connecting stakeholders and sharing best practices.
Green Crusaders: Driving a Sustainable Future
The real heroes of the day were the Green Crusaders—the individuals and organizations who are putting sustainability into action. Their innovations, resilience, and commitment to environmentally conscious practices serve as a guiding light for others to follow.
Whether it’s through reducing carbon footprints, adopting renewable energy, or designing spaces that prioritize health and efficiency, these crusaders are building a legacy for future generations.
A Unified Call to Action for the Industry
In closing, Mr. Reddy urged all stakeholders—developers, architects, engineers, policymakers—to join the Net Zero movement. “This is not just about saving electricity. This is about securing a sustainable, healthier future for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Join the Green Movement with IGBC
The IGBC Green Crusaders Initiative is more than an awards program—it’s a national movement. As India sets its sights on becoming a global leader in green construction, initiatives like these will play a vital role in shaping policies, influencing design, and ensuring that sustainability is built into the foundation of every new development.
Founded by CII in 2001, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is India’s premier organization promoting green building practices. With 32 rating systems and over 90% of India’s green projects certified under its framework, IGBC is spearheading a transformation toward eco-conscious infrastructure and energy-efficient living.
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