From September 8-13, 2025, CII IGBC celebrated World Green Building Week to highlight the vital role of sustainable buildings in creating resilient futures for communities and businesses. Green buildings enhance health and well-being, boost local economies through job creation and local sourcing, and strengthen resilience against extreme weather while reducing waste. The week emphasized how sustainable buildings support both people and the environment, reinforcing the foundations of thriving communities on which businesses depend.
The Green Sabha, an important intervention during Green Building Week, commenced with a welcome address by Poorva Keskar, Chair, IGBC Pune Chapter. Subsequent sessions provided detailed information on the CII GreenPro ecolabel, introduced by Praveen Kumar Soma, Principal Counsellor, CII-IGBC. GreenPro is a Type-1 Ecolabel accredited by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) that helps the building and manufacturing sectors select sustainable products and technologies to reduce environmental impact. With over 11,500 certified products, GreenPro supports the development of green buildings and companies by providing users with clear sustainability information for informed purchasing decisions.
Poorva Keskar also highlighted IGBC’s ongoing leadership through initiatives like the Green Building Congress 2025, encouraging Pune’s stakeholders to pursue net-zero and green building goals in line with national policies and upcoming international climate commitments. The panel discussion, “GreenPro for Pune: Enabling Sustainable Growth in Construction & Real Estate,” featured expert insights led by Hrishikesh Manjrekar, Co-Chair, IGBC Pune Chapter; Samali Khinvasara, Director, Prime Colour Products; Tanay Paranjape, CEO and Founder, Aindri Initiatives Pvt. Ltd.; Alok Kale, Founder, Magnus Ventures; and Pratik Potnis, Founder, The Green Studio and Trios. Industry leaders debated the growing market relevance of certified green products, focusing on overcoming adoption barriers, presenting business case studies, and exploring local policy incentives. The session moderator, Pranati Shroff guided the discussion on how verified green materials directly enhance financial returns, strengthen brand reputation, and build long-term resilience for Pune’s evolving built environment.
The Green Sabha concluded with a technical session by Karl Wadia, Senior Principal, Architect Hafeez Contractor, outlining the potential for designers and developers to drive urban decarbonization, emphasizing circular construction practices and innovative material choices. Throughout the event, actionable guidance was shared on policy alignment, integrating GreenPro standards into procurement, and accessing green finance schemes that reward low-carbon investments.
Amar Builders were felicitated at the IGBC Green Sabha with the GreenPro Facility Services plaque for two of their green projects. This milestone marks Maharashtra’s first and India’s second project to be honoured with this prestigious recognition. Additionally, Megapolis Saffron received the Silver Certification plaque under the IGBC Green Residential Society rating. The event also recognized various GreenPro and IGBC Green leaders and reaffirmed IGBC Pune Chapter’s commitment to creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration that empower stakeholders to make informed decisions. The event marked a strategic step in accelerating Pune’s green transition, demonstrating how collective efforts in green product adoption and technology innovation can support a climate-resilient, economically robust, and healthy future for the city’s growing communities.
