The event’s closing session marked the introduction of GRIHA ratings and the acknowledgement of sustainable initiatives.
Delhi, India’s New Delhi
“Accelerating climate action and fostering resilience in the built environment” was a key theme at the end of the 16th GRIHA Summit, which was organised by the GRIHA Council. Policymakers, business executives, and community leaders convened for the two-day Summit to discuss ways to promote sustainable infrastructure.
In her speech, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI and President of the GRIHA Council, emphasised the event’s overall goal. There will always be difficulties, but how we respond to them and bring about long-lasting change is what counts most. The opportunity to go green is here, and it is our responsibility to take use of it, she added, adding that perfection may never be achieved.
Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, a member of parliament and former minister of state for external affairs and culture, urged for coordinated efforts to attain climate resilience in her farewell speech. “Let’s not allow other people to set our agenda. Now is the moment to implement our own green strategy, grounded on our history and informed by GRIHA guidelines. India’s dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly living is embodied by GRIHA. We must make our current structures consistent with the GRIHA requirements in order to implement the reuse and recycling principles,” she stated.
The introduction of two new sustainability standards, the GRIHA Infrastructure Rating for Highways and the GRIHA Rating for Ports, which are intended to encourage ecologically conscious practices in these vital industries, was a major feature of the session. By offering standardised frameworks for evaluating and improving infrastructure performance, both ratings seek to promote sustainability.
The director and COO of AIS GlassXperts, Mr. Aditya Bhutani, underlined the importance of collaborations in promoting sustainability. “Net zero is a reality that we must attain, not merely an opportunity. Grand gestures are not necessary for change; millions of tiny actions may change the world, he said.
The GRIHA award ceremony was also held at the valedictory session, and distinguished dignitaries congratulated the GRIHA 3-star and 2-star Rated Projects. Additionally honoured were the winners of the GRIHA Exhibition Design Competition and the GRIHA Exemplary Awards.
In partnership with GIZ India, Ornate Solar, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a side event called “Scaling Up Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Technologies in Buildings in India” was arranged as part of the Summit. The discussion centred on tackling important issues including striking a balance between efficiency and aesthetics, analysing the lifespan effects of BIPV materials, and determining whether large-scale applications are economically feasible.
The Summit, which featured six topic tracks and four plenary sessions, tackled urgent challenges to accelerate climate action at many levels, such as energy transition, policy advocacy, united stakeholder action, and encouraging the development of smart and resilient infrastructure. The main topics of discussion this year included controlling urban heat, investigating biophilic designs and cutting-edge building materials, providing incentives for advancing low-carbon development, the function of communities, and modernising existing infrastructure.
Ms. Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO and Secretary, GRIHA Council, gave concluding comments at the occasion, restating the organization’s dedication to promoting sustainability via cooperation and creativity.
Leaders from government and business, legislators, architects, urban planners, product producers, researchers, financial institutions, and civil society all attended the 16th GRIHA Summit. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, and Rajasthan, as well as prominent companies like Knauf, Asahi Glass, ARS Steel and Alloy International Pvt. Ltd, Union Bank of India, and many more, are among the partners that the GRIHA Council is grateful to.