IGBC Launches 31st Chapter in Rajkot to Drive Green Building Movement

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), India’s premier body for green and net zero building certification, launched its 31st Chapter in Rajkot on 30 August 2025 at RPJ Hotel. The event was graced by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajkot) and Former Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, as the Chief Guest.

The new IGBC Rajkot Chapter aims to engage local stakeholders, including builders, developers, architects, and policymakers, in advancing green building practices and promoting sustainable urban development. With Rajkot witnessing rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and expanding infrastructure, the city is well-positioned to benefit from green initiatives that improve resource efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and enhance climate resilience.

Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajkot) and Former Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of green buildings in Rajkot’s future development. “As Rajkot continues to evolve, adopting green building principles is essential for environmental sustainability and for improving quality of life and economic prosperity,” he said.

C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman of IGBC, said, "Green buildings today are not just a choice, but a strategic opportunity, delivering up to 60% energy savings while enhancing real estate value and occupancy. With advancements in logistics, renewable energy, and smart city initiatives, Rajkot is demonstrating that true progress can be achieved without compromising the environment. Gujarat continues to lead this national movement, with 35.16 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, over 1,200 IGBC-registered projects, and Rajkot becoming India’s first Smart City to achieve IGBC certification. The IGBC Rajkot Chapter stands as a symbol of Gujarat’s vision, where the state’s legacy of enterprise is seamlessly aligned with the responsibility of sustainability."

Kunal Gol, Chairman of the IGBC Rajkot Chapter, said, “The launch of the IGBC Rajkot Chapter marks the beginning of a collective journey to make Rajkot a model of sustainable urban development. By uniting developers, architects, policymakers, academia, and citizens, we aim to accelerate the adoption of green and net zero buildings, inspire innovation in infrastructure, and position Rajkot at the forefront of Gujarat’s and India’s green transformation, because a sustainable tomorrow is not a choice, but an imperative.”

The Panel Discussion titled "Designing Tomorrow: Green Buildings for a Sustainable Rajkot" brought together thought leaders, policymakers, developers, architects, and sustainability experts to address the challenges and opportunities associated with Rajkot’s rapid urbanization and industrial growth. The panel emphasized the critical need to balance city expansion with sustainability, focusing on integrating net zero goals, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and healthy building practices. This collaborative dialogue aimed to inspire innovative strategies for shaping a resilient and eco-friendly built environment in Rajkot.

The Technical Session, themed "Towards a Greener Horizon: Revolutionizing Construction with Sustainable Solutions," focused on the transformative potential of sustainable building practices within the construction industry. The session highlighted the importance of adopting resource-efficient methods, energy conservation technologies, and low carbon materials to mitigate environmental impacts effectively. It presented a strategic framework for integrating these sustainable solutions into construction processes, ensuring that development meets current needs without compromising the capacity of future generations to thrive.

The Rajot Chapter launch was graced by prominent members from the real estate and construction sector. The launch saw participation from representative of Ultratech Cement, Saint Gobain, Bronco LLP, Kich Architectural, IP School of Architecture and MaST Designs.

Ankoor Sanghvi, Co-chair IGBC Rajkot Chapter, in his concluding remarks said, “The launch of the IGBC Rajkot Chapter marks a defining step in our city’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. Rajkot has always been a hub of enterprise and innovation, and now it is time to channel that spirit into building a healthier, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible built environment. Together, we aim to make Rajkot a model green city for India.”