10 October 2024: CII-IGBC, India’s premier body for green building certification and related services, inaugurated their first UP Sustainability Conclave 2024 in Lucknow. The Conclave, held at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) office in Lucknow, focused on how Uttar Pradesh increasingly adopting green technologies and thereby contributing to environmental conservation and fostering economic growth and providing a better quality of life for its residents. The inaugural was graced by Mr Amit Srivastava Co-Chairman, IGBC Uttar Pradesh Chapter; Mr Sachin Sharma, Chairman, IGBC Western Uttar Pradesh Chapter; Mr Ashish Rakheja, Chairman, IGBC Technical Committee & Managing Partner, AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP. Mr Sanjeev Bhardwaj Engineer-in-chief – Design & Planning Public Works Department, Government of UP, Mr Sachinder Mohan Sharma DRM Lucknow India Railway, Mr Sharad S Chandak Chief General Manager State Bank of India Lucknow Circle Were also part of the programme along with other key stakeholder of Built Environment and Building sector.

Notably, the state of Uttar Pradesh ranks 2nd overall in the country with 1,334 projects registered with CII IGBC covering an area of 1,582.62 Million Sq Ft. It also ranks 2nd overall in the Commercial category where the state has 613 registered projects covering an area of 108.73 Million Sq Ft. The Govt. of Uttar Pradesh to further the cause of decarbonization provides an additional 5% Floor Area Ratio (FAR) on buildings which are rated IGBC Gold or above. Speaking at the emergence of Uttar Pradesh and its focus on NET ZERO and Decarbonization.

Mr Amit Srivastava Co-Chairman, IGBC Uttar Pradesh Chapter while addressing the delegates said, “Uttar Pradesh is poised for significant evolution, driven by a combination of policy commitments, technological advancements, and societal engagement. While challenges remain, the path toward a sustainable and low-carbon economy is a priority for the state. The success of these initiatives will depend on collaborative efforts among government, industry, and communities to drive the transition effectively.”

Mr Sachin Sharma, Chairman, IGBC Western Uttar Pradesh Chapter said, “Uttar Pradesh, has been making significant strides in the net-zero and decarbonization space in recent years. The combination of initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and conscious urban development supported by a proactive policy framework to address climate change, has ensured that the state is playing significant role in helping the country achieve its sustainability goals.”

Mr Ashish Rakheja Chairman, IGBC Technical Committee & Managing Partner, AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP spoke on the Urgency and Impact on the Built Environment. He stressed on how Decarbonization is increasingly urgent due to climate change, with the built environment—including buildings, infrastructure, and urban spaces—contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. It is crucial for the built environment to mitigate climate change, improve resilience, and support sustainable development, requiring immediate and concerted action across sectors.

The Conclave also saw some lively discussion on Transitioning Buildings & Built Environment towards Net Zero, moderated by Mr Amit Srivastava, Co-Chairman, IGBC Uttar Pradesh Chapter. It highlighted key aspects of the urgent need for decarbonization in the built environment. The panel emphasized on how the built environment account for a significant portion of global carbon emissions and as a result the urgency for immediate action toward a net-zero transition cannot be overstated. Achieving a carbon-neutral future requires a holistic approach that encompasses design, construction, operations, and maintenance.

Emerging Green Technology and its impact on Construction and Infrastructure Development, which was moderated by Mr Sachin Sharma, Chairman, IGBC Western Uttar Pradesh Chapter, the panellists discuss on how the rapid emergence of green technologies is revolutionizing the design, construction, and operation of buildings. These innovations are not only essential for reducing carbon footprints but also for enhancing the overall quality of the built environment. As we adopt these emerging green technologies, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also reshaping the construction industry itself. Therefore, by embracing innovation and collaboration, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future.