The event’s closing session marked the introduction of GRIHA ratings and the acknowledgment of sustainable initiatives.
“Accelerating climate action and fostering resilience in the built environment” was a key theme after the 16th GRIHA Summit, which the GRIHA Council hosted. 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, emphasized 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 stated, 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 compliant with the GRIHA criteria in order to implement the reuse and recycling concepts,” she stated.
Mr. Sanjay Seth, Vice President and CEO of the GRIHA Council, gave the opening remarks for the valedictory session, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and innovation.”Our built environment will undergo significant change as a result of the discussions, concepts, and solutions we have discussed over the last two days. It is our shared duty to use our knowledge and enthusiasm to promote constructive change. We celebrate the outstanding accomplishments that are establishing new benchmarks for sustainable excellence as we look back on our journey,” he said.
The introduction of two new sustainability frameworks, 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 standardized frameworks for evaluating and improving infrastructure performance, both ratings seek to promote sustainability.
The director and COO of AIS GlassXperts, Mr. Aditya Bhutani, emphasized 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 can change the world, he said.
The GRIHA award ceremony was also held during the valedictory session, and distinguished dignitaries congratulated the GRIHA 3-star and 2-star Rated Projects. Additionally honored 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 centered on tackling important issues including striking a balance between efficiency and aesthetics, analyzing the lifespan effects of BIPV materials, and determining whether large-scale applications are economically feasible.
The Summit covered important topics to accelerate climate action at multiple levels, such as policy advocacy, united stakeholder action, energy transition, and encouraging the development of smart and resilient infrastructure, through four plenary sessions and six theme tracks. Managing urban heat, investigating biophilic designs and novel building materials, providing incentives for advancing low-carbon development, the role of communities, and transforming existing infrastructure were the main topics of discussion this year.
Ms. Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO and Secretary, GRIHA Council, gave closing remarks at the occasion, restating the dedication to promoting sustainability by 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.
