CII IGBC, India’s premier body for green building certification and related services, officially launched its Annual 22nd edition of the GREEN BUILDING CONGRESS in Bengaluru. The Green Building Congress 2024, Asia’s largest conference & expo on green built environment, aims to promote sustainable building practices and technologies. It serves as a platform for industry professionals, architects, builders, and policymakers to share knowledge, innovations, and best practices in green buildings and built environments.
The launch of the 22nd edition of the Green Building Congress was attended by Dr Chandrashekar Hariharan, Chairman, IGBC Bangalore Chapter & Trustee, AltTech Foundation; and Ar Anup Naik, Co-Chair, IGBC Bangalore Chapter & Co-Founder, Director, Urban Frame Pvt Ltd, Mr K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, CII Green Business Centre (GBC).
Speaking at the launch, Dr Chandrashekar Hariharan, Chairman, IGBC Bangalore Chapter & Trustee, AltTech Foundation, said, “The Green Building Congress is a pivotal event for advancing the green building movement in India, with over 12 billion sq. ft. of registered green buildings and more than 14,500 certified projects by IGBC. The 22nd edition sets a comprehensive agenda for transforming the built environment by addressing critical issues such as climate change, sustainable materials, and carbon neutrality. With the continued support of the Government of Karnataka for IGBC Bangalore Chapter’s initiatives, we aim to foster discussions and collaborations that can catalyse meaningful change and encourage broader adoption of green practices nationwide.”
By focusing on sustainable development and green building practices, the Green Building Congress can help create awareness and provide actionable strategies to address these issues. Visitors can pick and choose to get the touch and feel of green products and technologies for their homes, offices, and buildings. This year’s congress presents over 1,000 green building products and technologies, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate towards a more sustainable future for the city.
Mr K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, CII Green Business Centre, while addressing the media said “The Green Building Congress, which is our annual flagship event, returns to Bangalore after 18 years! This year the congress coincides with the World Green Building Council’s Asia Pacific Network Meet and Awards, bringing in 13 APN countries for the event. It is an ideal platform for industry experts, architects, builders, and policymakers to share insights on the latest trends and innovations in green building practices and facilitate connections among stakeholders, fostering collaborations that can drive sustainable building initiatives and contribute to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and climate resilience.”
The Green Building Congress will bring together a diverse group of attendees, including architects and designers, builders and developers, corporate and academia, representatives from the government and international agencies and green product manufacturers and thereby create a rich environment for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking, all aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the building sector.
Ar Anup Naik, Co-Chair, IGBC Bangalore Chapter & Co-Founder, Director, Urban Frame Pvt Ltd. said, “Prioritising the health and well-being of residents is essential for creating spaces that enhance quality of life while being environmentally responsible. IGBC’s Green and Net Zero Rating Systems promote energy efficiency, leading to lower power bills and reduced carbon footprints. By improving air quality and providing access to green spaces, these systems foster healthier, more liveable environments that enhance residents’ overall quality of life.”
The Green Building Congress which is scheduled from 14-16 November 2024 in Bengaluru will also focus on Green Homes – Towards Net Zero with the vision of creating sustainable living spaces that minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort and health for residents; Renewables for Buildings and Built Environment which will focus on integrating efficient sources into buildings and the built environment crucial for promoting sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint; and Transforming Existing Buildings to Net Zero that requires a strategic, multifaceted approach that combines technical upgrades, renewable energy integration, and community engagement.
CII-IGBC’s Mission on Net Zero envisions to achieve 100% net zero embodied carbon by 2050, for new buildings and infrastructure and work towards making all buildings including existing buildings, net zero operational carbon. Its Net Zero Carbon Rating System promotes the use of low-embodied carbon materials and technologies and on-site or off-site renewable energy sources, and adherence to a Whole Building Life Cycle Analysis. The rating system addresses projects in both ‘Design & Construction’ and ‘Operations’ phases. This approach allows tailored strategies for minimising or eliminating carbon emissions at different project stages.