The Global Network for Zero (GNFZ), an independent certification body for net zero initiatives, recently convened a Leadership Roundtable in Gurugram, uniting top sustainability leaders, real estate developers, and green building consultants. The event focused on advancing India’s national net zero goals and aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The roundtable underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to overcome barriers to decarbonization in buildings and businesses. Participants shared innovative ideas for enhancing sustainability practices and leveraging India’s leadership in net zero building initiatives across various sectors.
Key speakers included Mr. Kumaran Walaja Rajamanickam, Executive Director – Technical at DLF, who shared his vision for net zero infrastructure within DLF’s portfolio. Dr. Sunita Purushottam, Head of Sustainability & CSR at Mahindra Lifespace Developers, presented a compelling case study, highlighting the role of residential real estate in achieving net zero emissions. Mahindra Lifespace is the first developer in India to deliver net zero homes, and Dr. Purushottam outlined plans to exclusively build net zero structures by 2030. Mr. Ashish Rakheja, Managing Partner at AEON Consultants, discussed sustainability strategies from a landmark project in the Maldives, focused on high sustainability standards in a marine-sensitive area.
Mahesh Ramanujam, President & CEO of GNFZ, emphasized the need to remove obstacles to achieving net zero goals. He noted India’s progress, currently leading in the number of net zero buildings, and urged for greater ambitions that transcend national boundaries to make net zero a global reality.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring industry leaders like Mr. Brij Nandan Yadava, COO of Hero Realty, and Ms. Umit Bhatia, Senior Director of Sustainability Strategy at JLL India. The discussion focused on cross-sector strategies to tackle decarbonization challenges. Mr. Sameer Sinha of Savvy Group remarked, “Sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive; they can drive business success while benefiting the planet.” Ms. Bhatia added, “To meet our 2040 net zero targets, businesses need tailored, actionable roadmaps.”
The event also recognized several projects that reached significant milestones in their net zero journeys, awarding GNFZ Net Zero milestone certificates to initiatives such as:
- Mindspace Airoli West – Mumbai
- Gera Commerzone B4 – Pune
- Westin Mumbai Powai Lake by Chalet Hotels
- Duflon Industries – Ahmedabad & Mahad
- Canteen Building, RHINO Facility by Hindustan Unilever – Assam
- Econest: A Sustainable Cottage by Smart Village Movement – Meghalaya
- Administrative Block, Mahindra World City Developers Limited – Chennai
- AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP – Noida
These projects were honored for their progress toward net zero through GNFZ’s certification system, which acknowledges milestones like emissions assessment and carbon offset validation.
Overall, the roundtable provided a valuable platform for collaboration and learning, as leaders from various industries exchanged challenges and solutions in the pursuit of net zero. GNFZ remains committed to supporting projects across India with tailored solutions aimed at reducing emissions across all scopes in an accessible and accelerated manner.
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