Towards a Low-carbon and Climate Resilient Built Environment for Thiruvananthapuram
Background
The global building sector today is responsible for roughly 36 % of final energy use and nearly 40 % of energy‑related CO₂ emissions, and in India alone buildings and construction account for about 32 % of the country’s greenhouse‑gas output. Rapid urbanization—India’s towns and cities are expected to house 40 % of the population by 2036 (up from 31 % in 2011), and urban areas already generate 60 % of GDP while contributing 70 % of emissions—combined with a projected doubling of floor area by 2040, presents both a challenge and a critical window of opportunity. Without energy‑efficiency improvements, building energy demand could more than triple by 2050, driving a fourfold increase in carbon emissions. Achieving net‑zero carbon buildings is therefore essential not only for meeting India’s NDC target of reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45 % by 2030 but also for enhancing resilience to increasingly severe climate events.
In response, the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation (TMC), in collaboration with WRI India, is developing a city‑specific Action Plan for Net Zero Carbon and Resilient Buildings (NZCRBs). Aligned with the NZCRB (Net Zero Carbon and Resilient Buildings) Action Plan for the Thiruvananthapuram City, this single-day expo is crafted to provide an intensive, high-impact platform for showcasing innovative and sustainable building materials. The expo will demonstrate how climate-responsive and locally rooted building materials, technology and practices can spearhead net zero/low carbon transformation in the building sector in Thiruvananthapuram City.
The NZCRB Action Plan has been developed by WRI India in collaboration with the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation (TMC) and renowned architects and experts that were a part of the working group. The plan defines NZCRBs as buildings that not only minimize carbon emissions(embodied and operational) but also incorporate climate resilience and other adaptive strategies. The plan describes 20 transformative actions reducing carbon emissions across the entire building lifecycle; from design and construction to operation and eventual demolition, while strengthening Thiruvananthapuram’s resilience to climate-related challenges. Key actions include the development of a database on carbon content of building materials, designing and implementing a green procurement policy, integration of NZCRB principles in urban planning including city master plans and building the infrastructure and capacity for better end-of life carbon management of buildings. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the implementation of the plan will deliver several co-benefits like the reduction in urban heat island effects, improved air quality, long term savings on energy and infrastructure and creating local green jobs. Going forward, the plan proposes the formation of a dedicated steering committee to oversee and guide the implementation process as well as monitor and track progress.
The NZCRB Action Plan has been developed by WRI India in collaboration with the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation (TMC) and renowned architects and experts that were a part of the working group. The plan defines NZCRBs as buildings that not only minimize carbon emissions(embodied and operational) but also incorporate climate resilience and other adaptive strategies. The plan describes 20 transformative actions reducing carbon emissions across the entire building lifecycle; from design and construction to operation and eventual demolition, while strengthening Thiruvananthapuram’s resilience to climate-related challenges. Key actions include the development of a database on carbon content of building materials, designing and implementing a green procurement policy, integration of NZCRB principles in urban planning including city master plans and building the infrastructure and capacity for better end-of life carbon management of buildings. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the implementation of the plan will deliver several co-benefits like the reduction in urban heat island effects, improved air quality, long term savings on energy and infrastructure and creating local green jobs. Going forward, the plan proposes the formation of a dedicated steering committee to oversee and guide the implementation process as well as monitor and track progress.
Jointly organized by the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation (TMC), WRI India, the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the event aims to offer an immersive, one-day gathering where innovators, architects, engineers, builders, policymakers, and industry influencers converge to experience, learn, and collaborate on zero/low carbon building material solutions.
The objective of this event is to fast-track the dialogue and facilitate the net zero transition and market transformation of the building sector of Thiruvananthapuram City that emphasize climate responsive vernacular architecture, local materials and technology, energy efficiency, and resilience against climate variability—all encapsulated within a single-day interactive event.
Speakers
- Jahamgeer S, Secretary, TMC
- R Hari Kumar, Director, Energy Management Center-Kerala (TBD)
- Manoj Kumar K, Managing Director, KTIL
- Asha PA, Chief Engineer REES-TBC
- Denzil Fernandez, Regional Town Planner, Town Planning Department, LSGD
- Ajit S, General Manager-ESG, KIIFB
- Dr. Roshini Easow, Chair, ISHRAE Research committee 2024-26
- Ar. P B Sajan, Chief Architect and Joint Director, COSTFORD
- Sumedha Malaviya, Program Head, Building Decarbonization, WRI India