CT Logo

Kerala is steadily emerging as a leader in sustainable development. The state is blending traditional architecture with modern sustainability practices through passive design, rainwater harvesting, and low-carbon materials. Early steps toward Net Zero include widespread solar adoption, climate-resilient urban planning, and cool roof programs. Kerala's strong institutional support, public-private collaboration, and growing awareness position it as a frontrunner in creating a culturally rooted, climate-resilient built environment.

The CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) successfully hosted the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 at Hotel Holiday Inn, Kochi, on Friday, July 4. Held under the theme “Tharavadu to Tomorrow: Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment,” the conclave served as a unique platform to unite policymakers, planners, architects, developers, academics, and sustainability champions to shape Kerala’s urban future through climate-resilient and culturally rooted design. 

Kerala has emerged as a strong contributor to India’s green building movement with over 460 IGBC-registered projects encompassing 49 million square feet across residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. Notable platinum-rated projects include Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, RBI Kochi, Kannur International Airport, IOCL’s Calicut office, and Club Mahindra Ashtamudi. Other key developments include Net Zero Water certification for Shoba City, Thrissur, and gold ratings for Lulu Mall in Thiruvananthapuram and Vismayam, Kerala’s first IGBC Gold-rated home. The IGBC Kochi Chapter continues to lead awareness and outreach initiatives, bolstered by partnerships such as the MoU with the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to promote sustainability in state-backed infrastructure projects. 

The inaugural session featured key addresses from Mr. V Suresh, Chairman, Policy Advocacy & Government Relations, IGBC; Mr. Joseph Michael Kallivayalil, Vice Chairman, CII Kerala State Council; Ar B R Ajit, Past Chairman, IGBC Kochi Chapter; Mr. K Lava, Chairman, IGBC Kochi Chapter; Ar Lalichan Zacharias Co - Chair, IGBC Kochi Chapter; and Mr. M Anand, Deputy Executive Director, IGBC. The sessions throughout the day focused on key topics such as low-carbon construction, green certifications, urban mobility, renewable energy, water efficiency, circular economy, and the integration of ESG principles into real estate and infrastructure projects.

Giving the keynote address, Mr. V Suresh, Chairman, Policy Advocacy & Government Relations, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) said, “With 13 states across India offering policy incentives for IGBC-certified green buildings, Kerala is setting a strong example by providing up to 50 percent reduction in one-time building tax, 1 percent reduction in stamp duty, and 20 percent reduction in property tax. These measures reflect the state’s proactive approach to sustainable development. I encourage all stakeholders to participate in the IGBC Green and Net Zero Building Movement and help shape a greener, climate-resilient India.”

Mr. Joseph Michael Kallivayalil, Vice Chairman, CII Kerala State Council in his address said, “Kerala is steadily advancing its green building movement. The growing adoption of sustainable practices reflects the state’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing quality of life through energy-efficient, resource-conscious design. The IGBC Kochi Chapter plays a vital role in this progress through active awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and collaborations such as its partnership with the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to promote green infrastructure across the state.”

Mr. K Lava, Chairman, IGBC Kochi Chapter, welcomed the dignitaries and set the stage. In his opening remarks, he said “The Green Kochi Conclave 2025, themed “Tharavadu to Tomorrow – Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment”, brings together key stakeholders to chart a greener future for the state. Supported by the Government of Kerala, the event highlights the role of green technologies, Net Zero buildings, and eco-friendly infrastructure in addressing climate challenges and urban growth. Kochi, as a coastal city, is positioned as a model for sustainable urban development. The conclave aims to transform Kerala’s built environment through collaboration, policy influence, and a shared commitment to sustainability rooted in cultural heritage.”

Participating in a panel discussion on Resilient Kerala: Integrated Strategies for Water, Energy and Waste, Mr. R. Harikumar, Director of the Energy Management Centre, Government of Kerala, emphasized the state’s commitment to climate-conscious development. The event highlighted successful case studies and innovations from Kerala, including those from Kochi Metro and Cochin International Airport, both pioneers in integrating green practices at scale.

M P Ramnavas, Director (Projects) at Kochi Metro Rail Limited, participating in the panel discussion on “Accelerating Kerala’s Green Transition – A Pathway to Sustainable Growth,” shared how sustainable transit infrastructure can catalyze climate-friendly urban growth. Mr. Manu G, Airport Director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), reflected on the airport’s remarkable journey, highlighting it as a shining example of Kerala’s leadership in sustainability. CIAL holds the distinction of being the world’s first fully solar-powered airport.

In his closing remarks, Ar. Lalichan Zacharias, Co-Chair, IGBC Kochi Chapter focused on the road ahead. He said, “The Green Kochi Conclave 2025 sets the stage for a collective push towards sustainable urban development in the state. It brings together policymakers, professionals, and partners to explore practical solutions and innovations in green building, resource management, and climate resilience. With Kochi as the focal point, the conclave emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural identity while advancing environmentally responsible growth, making it a dynamic forum for ideas, partnerships, and impactful action.”

Panel discussions and technical sessions explored emerging trends such as green financing, net-zero energy buildings, sustainable hospitality, ESG-aligned development, and heritage-sensitive architecture. The event also served as a networking platform for developers, green product manufacturers, consultants, and government bodies to collaborate on Kerala’s next phase of sustainable growth.

The Green Kochi Conclave received great response and featured more than 20 eminent speakers from across sectors including construction, urban planning, architecture, and public infrastructure. Industry leaders such as V Suresh, Chairman, Policy Advocacy and Govt. Relations, IGBC, BR Ajit, MD of Asset Homes, and representatives from Saint-Gobain, UltraTech, Lulu tech Park shared their perspectives on sustainable innovation in the built environment.

The event was supported by key industry associations including CREDAI Kerala, Indian Institute of Architects Cochin, IIID, and ISHRAE, with sponsorship from UltraTech Cement, Saint-Gobain, LuminX, Doors & More, Simpolo, and Asian Paints.

As Kerala navigates rapid urbanization, the IGBC Green Kochi Conclave 2025 underscored the importance of preserving cultural identity while building for the future. It ended with a collective call for action—urging stakeholders across the ecosystem to accelerate the transition to climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and inclusive built environments.