Tamil Nadu Accelerates Green Transformation as IGBC Signs MoUs with Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) to Advance Sustainable Built Environment and unveils 1,500 IGBC-rated Projects.

Chennai, September 25, 2026: Tamil Nadu Accelerates Green Transformation as IGBC Signs MoUs with Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) to Advance Sustainable Built Environment and unveils 1,500 IGBC-rated Projects.

IGBC Green Tamil Nadu Summit 2026 brings government and industry together to strengthen collaboration on green buildings, sustainable infrastructure, and the State’s net-zero ambitions.

The CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), strengthened its partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu through MoUs with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Public Works Department (PWD) at the IGBC Green Tamil Nadu Summit 2026. The Summit featured addresses by Mr. Mahesh Anand, Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter, Mr. Mehul H. Doshi, President, CREDAI Chennai, along with Mr. P Ravichandran Purushothanam, Chairman CII Southern Region, Mr. Unnikrishnan AR, National Vice Chairman, IGBC and Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India Pvt.Ltd and Mr. Sriram Iyer, Co-Chair, IGBC Chennai Chapter, reinforcing the collective commitment towards a sustainable and net-zero built environment in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu continues to be one of India's leading states in green building adoption, with 1,509 IGBC-registered projects covering over 1.03 billion sq. ft. and 670 certified projects spanning 338.61 million sq. ft. The state's green building portfolio includes 875 commercial, 271 residential, 166 industrial and logistics, 154 transit infrastructure, and 26 Net Zero projects. Notably, the 26 Net Zero projects account for 34.30 million sq. ft., reflecting Tamil Nadu's growing commitment to low-carbon and climate-resilient development.

The Summit also marked the unveiling of 1,500 IGBC projects, highlighting the growing momentum for green building practices across the State. The MoU signings with Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will further support Tamil Nadu’s broader sustainability and net-zero aspirations. During the programme, The GCC-IGBC MoU creates a framework for capacity building, green assessments, technical guidance, certification support, and knowledge sharing for public infrastructure projects in Chennai. The Summit brings together policymakers, government leaders, industry stakeholders, developers, architects, engineers, consultants, academia, and sustainability professionals to discuss green buildings, sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, low-carbon infrastructure, and climate-resilient urban development.

Thiru S Saravanan, IAS Joint Commissioner (Works) Greater Chennai Corporation Govt. of Tamil Nadu, said “Sustainability needs to be incorporated at the design stage. Whether we design a park, a road, a pathway, or a building, adopting sustainable principles at the design level is much easier than making modifications later, which can involve significant cost and challenges’’ Moreover, in his statement, he encouraged the corporate companies and citizens of the city to join hands with the Greater Chennai Municipal Corporation. To make these initiatives more actionable for private entities, he also encouraged planners, engineers, and other stakeholders to work together so sustainable design becomes part of how our city develops.

Mr. K Mathimani Joint Chief Engineer PWD Govt. of Tamil Nadu said “Tamil Nadu has always been a frontrunner, not only in economic development but also in social development. The State has taken many initiatives towards greening and sustainability, from rainwater harvesting at the policy level to increasing green cover, green schools, coastal and wetland conservation. But government agencies alone cannot make these initiatives successful. We need collaboration and cooperation from the private sector and other stakeholders to take sustainable development forward.”

Mr. P. Ravichandran Purushothaman, Chairman, CII Southern Region, said, “Green Tamil Nadu is not limited to buildings; it must also address the state’s water and waste challenges. Chennai and Tamil Nadu have already set excellent examples through IGBC-certified government buildings, corporate facilities, and industrial establishments that have achieved significant savings in energy and water while enhancing the health and well-being of their occupants. The priority now is to create greater awareness, undertake appropriate audits, and ensure effective implementation. By replicating and scaling these successful practices across all sectors and among stakeholders throughout the state, Tamil Nadu can accelerate its green transformation. This transformation is not only environmental but also social.”

Mr. Unnikrishnan AR, National Vice Chairman, IGBC and Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Tamil Nadu’s rapid urbanisation presents a significant opportunity to advance sustainable growth. Drawing on my personal and professional experience, I believe that both individuals and corporates have an important role to play in this transformation. By adopting responsible practices, using resources efficiently, and making sustainability an integral part of decision-making, each of us can contribute to a greener future’’. He states that through stronger collaboration among the government, industry, research institutions, professionals, and citizens, Tamil Nadu can accelerate the development of greener, healthier, and more resource-efficient communities’’.

The Summit also featured an Executive Conversation on “Transforming the Built Environment: A Strategic Conversation on Tamil Nadu’s Net Zero Future,” which examined opportunities to strengthen government-industry partnerships, promote low-carbon growth, and shape a future-ready built environment for Tamil Nadu. Mr. Unnikrishnan AR, National Vice Chairman, IGBC and Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India Pvt. Ltd., participated in the fireside chat, moderated by Mr. Juzer S Kothari, Managing Director, Conserve Consultants.

The panel discussion, “Tamil Nadu's Net Zero Roadmap: Priorities for a Sustainable Built Environment,” featured Ms. Rajalakshmi Additional General Manager, Chennai Metro Rail, Mr. Navin Kumar Managing Director Navin's Developers, Ms. Mamta Verma Principal Architect, Eco 360, Mr. Sivakumar V General Manager, Ford Motor Private Limited, and Mr. Anand Muthuswamy Chairman, Branding & Sustainability Tirupur Exporters Association. The Programme was moderated by Dr. C. Velan, Ceebros and Mr. Anand M Executive Director CII-IGBC, where the session discussed key priorities and partnerships required to advance Tamil Nadu's net-zero and sustainable development goals.

The technical session, “Designing the Next Generation of Green & Net Zero Buildings,” featured Dr. Vallinayagam (Chaitanya Foundations Pvt. Ltd.), Ar Raghu Ram Principal Architect, Trilok Architects, Mr. Gopinath U Manager – Sustainability and Design Saint-Gobain India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Amarjit Singh Matharu Jaquar & Company Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Nikhil John Alexander Senior Manager – Projects Marketing, Nippon Paint India, and Ms. Simmiy Malhotra VP – Branding and Business Strategy, Kidin Industries Pvt. Ltd. The session highlighted innovations in Green and Net Zero Buildings, focusing on sustainable design, advanced materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, and thermal comfort.

The second technical session, “Green Factories, Global Competitiveness: Enabling Sustainable Growth Across Industries in Tamil Nadu,” featured Dr Venkatesan K, Senior GM & Head – Facilities, Administration & CSR, VA Tech WABAG Ltd; Mr. Saurav Choudhury, Senior Counsellor, Green Logistics & Infrastructure, IGBC; Ar Shyam Sundar, Principal Architect, PTK Architects; and Ms. Sneha Zagade, Head – Sustainability & ESG, Horizon Industrial Parks Ltd. The session focused on green factories, low-carbon infrastructure, and sustainable logistics, highlighting their role in improving industrial efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing competitiveness.

The Summit concluded with the IGBC Green Crusaders & Valedictory Session, recognizing contributions to Tamil Nadu's green building movement and reaffirming commitment to a net-zero future.

The session featured Mr. Mahesh Anand, Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter; Mr. Srinivasan V Kunnakudi, Chairperson, IIID Chennai Chapter ; Mr. Krishnan R, President, ISHRAE Chennai Chapter; Thiru Prem Kumar S, Deputy General Manager, Indian Overseas Bank; and Mr. Unnikrishnan AR, National Vice Chairman, CII-IGBC and Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India Pvt. Ltd. The IGBC Green Crusaders were felicitated for their contribution to advancing the green building movement in the State. The session was moderated by Mr. Sundeep V, Senior Counsellor, CII-IGBC, and concluded with remarks by Mr. Sriram Iyer, Co-Chair, IGBC Chennai Chapter.

The IGBC Green Tamil Nadu Summit 2026 underscored the need for continued collaboration between government, industry, professionals, and other stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of green building practices and create a built environment that was resilient, resource-efficient, low-carbon and environmentally responsible.

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About CII-Indian Green Building Council

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) was established by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in 2001 to actively to promote the Green Building movement in India. The Council, consists of 33 Chapters across India, is represented by all stakeholders of the construction industry, comprising corporate, government, and nodal agencies, architects, product manufacturers, institutions, and more. The Council also works with governments, industry bodies, the World Green Building Council, bilateral and multilateral agencies in promoting green building vision in India.

With a registered Green Building footprint of over 16.42 billion Sq. ft. and 20,164 registered projects adopting IGBC’s 33 Green and Net Zero rating systems, the Green Building movement in India has been advancing at a rapid pace and transforming India into one of the global leaders in green built environment. IGBC is a market leader with about 90% of India’s green building projects adopting IGBC Green and Net Zero Rating Systems.

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