The CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) successfully organized the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 on July 4 at Hotel Holiday Inn, Kochi. Held under the theme “Tharavadu to Tomorrow: Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment,” the event brought together a wide range of participants including policymakers, architects, urban planners, developers, academics, and sustainability advocates. The conclave served as a collaborative platform to explore how Kerala’s rich cultural legacy can guide the development of climate-resilient, sustainable cities.
Kerala has made significant strides in the green building movement, with more than 460 IGBC-registered projects covering 49 million square feet across various sectors such as residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional. Noteworthy IGBC Platinum-rated projects in the state include Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, Reserve Bank of India’s Kochi office, Kannur International Airport, IOCL’s Calicut office, and Club Mahindra Ashtamudi.
Recent achievements also include the Net Zero Water certification for Shoba City in Thrissur and IGBC Gold ratings for Lulu Mall in Thiruvananthapuram and Vismayam, Kerala’s first Gold-rated home. The IGBC Kochi Chapter continues to lead awareness efforts, bolstered by a memorandum of understanding with the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to integrate sustainability into state-funded infrastructure projects.
The inaugural session featured prominent figures such as Mr. V Suresh, Chairman of Policy Advocacy & Government Relations at IGBC; Mr. Joseph Michael Kallivayalil, Vice Chairman of CII Kerala State Council; Ar B R Ajit, Past Chairman of the IGBC Kochi Chapter; Mr. K Lava, Chairman of the IGBC Kochi Chapter; Ar Lalichan Zacharias, Co-Chair of the Kochi Chapter; and Mr. M Anand, Deputy Executive Director of IGBC. The sessions throughout the day addressed various topics including low-carbon construction, renewable energy, green certifications, circular economy, water conservation, urban mobility, and the integration of ESG principles in the real estate sector.
Mr. V Suresh, Chairman, Policy Advocacy & Government Relations, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), said in a statement, “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, mentioned, “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.”
A key panel discussion titled “Resilient Kerala: Integrated Strategies for Water, Energy and Waste” featured Mr. R. Harikumar, Director of the Energy Management Centre, Government of Kerala, who emphasized the importance of building climate-aware infrastructure. Another session focused on “Accelerating Kerala’s Green Transition,” where Mr. M P Ramnavas, Director (Projects) of Kochi Metro Rail Limited, discussed the role of green transit infrastructure in promoting low-carbon urban development. Mr. Manu G, Airport Director of Cochin International Airport Limited, shared insights on the airport’s transformation into the world’s first fully solar-powered airport, reinforcing Kerala’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure.
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.”
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.”
The conclave included discussions on emerging themes such as net-zero energy buildings, green financing, ESG-aligned development, sustainable hospitality, and heritage-conscious architecture. It also provided a valuable networking opportunity for developers, consultants, green technology providers, and government representatives working toward Kerala’s sustainable urban growth.
With more than 20 speakers from sectors like architecture, construction, and public infrastructure, the event saw strong participation. Thought leaders like V Suresh of IGBC, Ar B R Ajit of Asset Homes, and representatives from UltraTech, Saint-Gobain, and Lulu Tech Park shared perspectives on sustainable innovation and industry practices. The event was backed by organizations including CREDAI Kerala, the Indian Institute of Architects (Cochin Chapter), IIID, and ISHRAE, and sponsored by companies such as UltraTech Cement, Saint-Gobain, LuminX, Simpolo, Doors & More, and Asian Paints.
As Kerala faces growing urbanization pressures, the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 reinforced the importance of blending heritage with sustainability. The conclave concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to accelerate the transition to inclusive, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient built environments for the state’s future.
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