16th GRIHA Summit: Catalysing climate action in the built environment for a sustainable future
New Delhi, November 29, 2024: The stage is set for the 16th GRIHA Summit, a flagship event organized by GRIHA Council, which will take place on December 4-5, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. With the theme “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment,” the summit aims to revolutionize design processes, construction practices, and the management of urban spaces to address the challenges of climate change. The Summit also aligns with India’s vision of becoming Viksit Bharat @2047, a roadmap integrating sustainable urban development with economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability and good governance.
Two-day event to spotlight sustainable design, low-carbon development, and cutting-edge technologies in alignment with India’s Net Zero and Viksit Bharat@2047 goals
Reflecting on the significance of the Summit, Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI & President, GRIHA Council, stated, “Although the built environment is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, it also presents one of the greatest opportunities for impactful change. As we accelerate climate action in the built environment, we must prioritize energy efficiency integration, green infrastructure development, sustainable urban planning and circularity in our norms. This is a critical opportunity to reshape how we build, live, and work in a way that fosters long-term environmental stewardship and spurs innovation and economic growth.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Sanjay Seth, Vice President and CEO, GRIHA Council, remarked, “Buildings are more than just structures; they are the backbone of society. We must transform the future of our builtscapes into sustainable, resilient and low-carbon spaces that coexist with the environment and improve quality of life. The future of architecture and urban development lies in adopting low-carbon construction and building practices, incorporating sustainable building materials, and embracing the concept of energy-efficient smart buildings that minimize environmental impact and maximize efficiency, human health and well-being. It is our responsibility to ensure that the buildings of tomorrow protect our planet and its inhabitants.”
The two-day Summit will feature 4 plenary sessions and 6 thematic tracks exploring critical topics such as managing urban heat, exploring biophilic designs & innovative construction materials, incentivising for propelling a low-carbon development, role of communities and transformation of existing infrastructure. These discussions aim to provide actionable strategies to achieve net-zero emissions, foster sustainable urban ecosystems, and accelerate India's low-carbon transition. The Summit will also showcase advancements in sustainable materials and technologies, live architectural design competition models, and a display of Carbon Negative Wall Tiles.
Adding a dynamic dimension to the Summit are two exhibitions, one highlighting advancement in sustainable materials and technologies and the other showcasing live architectural models from a design competition. A key exhibit will feature carbon-negative wall tiles that offset 220 gm of CO2 eq. per sqm, serving as innovative solutions to combat carbon emissions. A side event, “Scaling Up Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Technologies in Buildings in India,” will be held on 5 December in collaboration with GIZ India, Ornate Solar, and TERI. Additionally, a Green Building Tour to Gujarat Sadan, New Delhi, is scheduled for 3 December 2024. A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and GRIHA Council to promote sustainability in educational institutions.
As a prelude to the Summit, GRIHA Council introduced Regional Conclaves that have already brought together diverse stakeholders in Lucknow, Jaipur, and Hyderabad to discuss sustainable habitats and resilient communities. Future conclaves are planned for Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, and Guwahati, ensuring regional representation in the discourse on sustainable urban development. Community-driven activities such as the Green Carnival, involving over 50 schools, and a Plogging Event at Lajpat Nagar Central Market, where 200 participants joined hands to clean and green the city, have further amplified the Summit's outreach.
The 16th GRIHA Summit promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking event, bringing together government and industry leaders, policymakers, architects, urban planners, product manufacturers, researchers, financial institutes, and civil society. It is supported by esteemed partners, including the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, and Rajasthan, as well as industry leaders such as Knauf, AIS Glass, ARS Steel, and Union Bank of India. Join us in our drive towards a sustainable and inclusive built environment and a 'Net Zero' nation by 2070.