IGBC Roadshow Highlights Path to Net Zero in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is one of India’s leading states in the green building movement, with over 1,080 IGBC-registered projects spanning more than 597million sq. ft across diverse sectors. Driven by progressive policies, industry leadership, and strong advocacy from the IGBC Chennai Chapter, the state is making notable strides toward a sustainable built environment and net zero goals. Chennai has emerged as a hub for green innovation, with metro stations, IT parks, factories, and residential complexes adopting energy-efficient, water-positive, and low-carbon practices. With growing adoption of renewable energy, sustainable construction, and circular design, Tamil Nadu is setting benchmarks for climate-responsive urban development in India.

Chennai, 20 June 2025: The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), successfully hosted its first regional roadshow in the run-up to the much-anticipated 23rd edition of the Green Building Congress, scheduled to be held from 27–29 November 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The Chennai Roadshow, held at Feathers – A Radha Hotel, was an inspiring convergence of sustainability leaders, architects, industry experts, and policymakers.

With the central theme of the roadshow focusing on “Path to Net Zero: Actionable Strategies for the Buildings & Built Environment,” the event served as a vital platform for showcasing Tamil Nadu’s and Chennai’s contributions to India’s green building movement. The session highlighted how industry and government stakeholders can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient built environment through innovation, collaboration, and commitment.

Mr. Mahesh Anand, Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter, opened the session with welcome remarks, followed by a special address from Mr. Ajit Chordia, Chairman, CII Chennai Zone & Past Chair, IGBC Chennai Chapter. Mr. Chordia said, "Tamil Nadu is uniquely positioned to lead India’s green transition, with its strong urban base, progressive leadership, and clear climate vision. Initiatives like the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission and Green Tamil Nadu Mission are not just policy frameworks — they’re catalysts for real, on-ground transformation. The Green and Liveable Cities report, launched earlier this year, outlines an actionable path for making our key cities sustainable, vibrant, and investment ready. IGBC is proud to partner in this journey, working closely with government and industry to implement cutting-edge green building solutions.”

Mr. B Thiagarajan, National Chairman, IGBC & Chairman, Green Building Congress 2025, provided strategic insights on India’s sustainability trajectory and the upcoming Congress. In his address, he said, "We stand at a pivotal moment where sustainability is no longer optional — it’s a strategic advantage. Recent global and national reports confirm that green buildings not only reduce environmental impact but also deliver measurable business value. With over 13.7 billion sq. ft. of registered green building footprint and nearly 16,000 projects under IGBC ratings, India is making remarkable progress. Chennai exemplifies this momentum, surrounded by landmark IGBC-certified structures like L&T HQ and Olympia Tech Park. Yet, our journey is far from over. The path to Net Zero demands deeper collaboration, continuous innovation, and a shared vision. As we head toward the Green Building Congress 2025 in Mumbai, I urge all stakeholders to scale up efforts and help shape cities that are not just smart and sustainable — but also inclusive and future-ready."

A key highlight of the afternoon was the panel discussion on “Path to Net Zero: Actionable Strategies for the Buildings & Built Environment,” chaired by Mr. B Thiagarajan, National Chairman, IGBC and Chairman, Green Building Congress 2025. The session featured a distinguished panel of industry leaders who shared practical insights and innovative approaches to decarbonizing the built environment. The panelists included Mr. K Veerappan, Vice President & Dean of Engineering Academy, Larsen & Toubro Limited; Mr. Anand Santhanam, Executive Director (Sales & Marketing), Saint-Gobain India Pvt. Ltd - Glass Business; Dr. Ponni Concessao, Principal Architect, OCI Architects; Ar. Anupama Mohanram, Head of Green Architecture, Green Evolution. Together, the panel offered a comprehensive view of how collaboration and innovation are key to building a greener future.

The event also featured a presentation on the upcoming Green Building Congress 2025 by Mr. M Anand, Deputy Executive Director, CII-IGBC, outlining the scale, scope, and unique opportunities the Green Building Congress 2025 will present to businesses, professionals, and cities committed to the green transformation.

Tamil Nadu and Chennai: Leading by Example in Green Infrastructure

Tamil Nadu continues to be among the top-performing states in the green building space. With over 1,080 registered green building projects covering more than 597 million sqft, the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable urbanization. Chennai has seen a growing number of IGBC-certified offices, factories, schools, healthcare institutions, and residential complexes.

Innovative urban infrastructure such as the Chennai Metro Rail, smart campuses, and high-performance commercial buildings further solidifies the city’s leadership in energy efficiency and green development. The Chennai Chapter of IGBC has been instrumental in promoting awareness and adoption of green building concepts through sustained engagement with developers, local bodies, and professionals.