Stakeholders Call for Bold Action on Urban Sustainability at 7th GRIHA Regional Conclave in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 20, 2025: A shared sense of urgency and possibility defined the 7th GRIHA Regional Conclave held on June 20, 2025 at Bengaluru. Organised by GRIHA Council under the theme ‘Innovate to Act for a Climate Resilient World’, the conclave convened policymakers, architects, urban planners, industry representatives, and community leaders to ideate on how Indian cities like Bengaluru can become more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.
Conclave highlights water, waste, and mobility as key levers for Bengaluru’s sustainable transformation
Inaugurating the conclave, Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, stressed, “There is a deep impact of climate change on people and livelihoods, so the need for a balance between growth and sustainability, for the link between health and climate.” Commending GRIHA Council’s efforts in promoting resource-efficient and resilient infrastructure, he underscored the state’s commitment to green urbanisation and innovation-driven partnerships. He invited GRIHA Council to collaborate with state government departments in scaling up sustainable development initiatives across Karnataka.
Shri Sanjay Seth, Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, GRIHA Council & Senior Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Programme, TERI shared, “Karnataka became the first state in India to mandate the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), setting a benchmark for energy-efficient construction.” Highlighting India’s leadership in climate action, he noted the country’s efforts to drive inclusive clean energy transitions and balance growth with environmental responsibility.
Smt Janet Joseph, Lead of CSR Practice Lead – Corporate Social Responsibility (Practice), Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), emphasized the corporate sector's role in driving sustainability. She highlighted, “There is a need for smart, purposeful choices—like choosing electric over emissions—to shape a resilient future. Through partnerships with TERI, GRIHA Council, and others, Mercedes-Benz supports bold, inclusive, and climate-focused initiatives.” She affirmed the company’s commitment to steering the world toward a more sustainable planet.
The conclave also saw the launch of the JAN (Jan Awas Nirman) GRIHA Online Tool. JAN GRIHA is a low-cost green certification developed by GRIHA Council for homes up to 200 m². It promotes sustainable housing at the grassroots level, advocating for eco-initiatives through a simple, affordable, calculator-based tool that encourages low-carbon choices in home construction. Along with this, GRIHA publications on Sustainable Guidelines for Design Implementation, Construction Management and Operation and Maintenance were released in the regional language Kannada for ensuring better outreach and knowledge dissemination.
On June 19, 2025, as a prelude to the GRIHA regional conclave, Green Building Tour was conducted to the ABB India Ltd., Nelamangala Campus, Bengaluru- recognized by TERI and GRIHA as India’s first officially certified water-positive campus. The participants were apprised of the environmentally responsible and resource-efficient features of the campus, with a focus on the innovative water management practices implemented on-site. Three plenary sessions on- Drops of Change: Innovative Solutions to Water Woes, Waste Not, Want Not: Path to Sustainable Waste Management, Navigating Namma Bengaluru: Steering Towards Sustainable Mobility were conducted with eminent dignitaries and industry leaders.
Recognizing contributions to sustainable building practices, GRIHA Award Ceremony was conducted, felicitating the GRIHA-rated buildings and PM SHRI schools of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.