Net Zero Leadership in India: The Companies, Projects, and People Accelerating Net Zero

On February 21, 2025, GNFZ gathered leaders from across India for our GNFZ Net Zero Deep Dive Conference in Bangalore, convening 300+ delegates, speakers, and presenters.

We spent the past year developing a comprehensive solution for new and existing buildings to provide guidance for buildings at any stage to achieve net zero. And we now have three certification programs: GNFZ’s Net Zero Certification for Buildings at the Design, Construction, and Operations stage; GNFZ’s Net Zero Certification for Portfolios; and GNFZ’s Net Zero Certification for Businesses – each of which is offered across the following categories: Energy, Water, Waste, and Emissions.

During the event, we recognized early adopters of our certifications, projects that have committed to pursuing net zero, and our net zero champion partners – demonstrating the scope of progress we are all making toward a zero emissions future.

Early Adopters

Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mumbai

A consistent driver of innovation in energy efficiency, renewable solutions, and green infrastructure at its Mumbai campus, BDB is also a signatory of the UNFCCC Carbon Neutral Pledge — making ironclad its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and advancing towards net zero building certification by 2040, with all tenants achieving certification by 2050.

BDB has already implemented energy-efficient infrastructure, rooftop solar panels, intelligent building management systems, waste reduction strategies, and rainwater harvesting, resulting in an annual carbon emissions reduction of 840 tons. However, reduction is only the first step — their vision is to eliminate emissions entirely, accelerating the transition to a fully net-zero future across operations.

BDB has joined forces with GNFZ and taken the critical first step in the path to acceleration: Completing their Emissions Assessment in pursuit of our Net Zero Certification for Operations under the Emissions category.

DY Patil University, Pune

Ajeenkya DY Patil University & Knowledge City in Pune has a green campus that not only educates but also empowers students to take action and drive positive change.

Schools can and must be ground zero for a net zero world. The understanding, the momentum, the sense of purpose — it’s all there for the taking. We were proud to recognize an institution that is already harnessing this power, that is already leading the charge and shaping the environmentally conscious leaders of tomorrow.

They have completed their Energy Assessment as the first step in their pursuit of our Net Zero Operations certification under the Energy category.

Lenskart

India has a national net zero timeline of 2070. But to reach Viksit Bharat by 2047, and to avert many of the projected and compounding crises on the horizon, we are each going to have to accelerate our decarbonization efforts to make change at scale. Lenskart, a pioneering force dedicated to enhancing vision with style for a billion people, is also on an ambitious journey toward achieving net zero by 2030. With a commitment to sustainable manufacturing, innovative technologies, and responsible global expansion, Lenskart is setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the eyewear industry.

We celebrated their remarkable efforts, particularly for the strides being made at their manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi toward pursuing GNFZ Net Zero certification.

The company has already achieved the first milestone — the Emissions Assessment certificate in pursuit of our Net Zero Operations certification under the Emissions category.

ANJ Group

Breaking new ground in India's design and build industry, ANJ Group stands as a trailblazer in innovation and world-class execution. With more than 40 years of expertise and 2000+ projects in their portfolio, they have redefined workplace environments across the country. From their cutting-edge, fully robotic, IGBC LEED Platinum-rated factory to pioneering net zero solutions, ANJ continues to push the boundaries of sustainable excellence.

ANJ factory in Wada, Maharashtra was awarded its Emissions Assessment Certificate in pursuit of our Net Zero Operations certification under the Emissions category.

D2O Headquarters in Jaipur

From advanced energy simulations to smart building technologies, D2O employs a comprehensive approach that ensures every project meets the highest standards of sustainability. D2O integrates innovative technologies and holistic design principles that not only enhance energy efficiency but also prioritize occupant well-being and environmental stewardship.

With an impressive portfolio of over 2000 projects across more than 20 countries, D2O has introduced a tradition and a movement toward the adoption of these enlightened spaces that empower us to harmonize with nature while simultaneously providing healthier living and working conditions.

D2O has joined GNFZ to begin the comprehensive certification of their state-of-the-art headquarters in Jaipur under GNFZ’s Net Zero for Design and Construction certifications in the energy category.

Pravin Masalewale, a proud part of the Suhana Group

As a leader in India’s spice industry, Pravin Masalewale has not only enriched our kitchens with authentic flavor, but its leadership has also taken a bold step toward a greener future. We specifically recognized their Pune warehouse’s commitment to transition to triple net zero in energy, waste and waste through our Net Zero Certification for Operations. This move is a testament to their dedication to setting new benchmarks for the food industry by integrating renewable energy, implementing energy-efficient systems, and introducing sustainable practices in waste management.

With a holistic approach that includes green development initiatives like the Eco-Factory Foundation — which promotes sustainable practices among local farmers and urban communities — Pravin Masalewale is both raising the bar on corporate social responsibility and strengthening their market position. They continue to set a wonderful example of a comprehensive and successful long-term growth strategy driven by appealing to an expanding segment of eco-aware customers and partners.

They achieved their first milestone certificate: Their Energy Assessment.

AEON Headquarters, Noida

AEON has always been at the forefront of offering integrated sustainability support to their clients and walking the talk by pursuing GNFZ’s net zero certification for its headquarters in Noida. And as a GNFZ Partner, they will also lead others through the certification – play an integral role in building a net zero India and world.

AEON had already completed its Emissions Assessment and just received the certificate for completing their Net Zero Plan.

Projects That Have Committed to Starting Their Net Zero Journeys With GNFZ

These projects have registered to pursue net zero certification with GNFZ, taking the first, most important step toward emissions elimination.

Ajmera Residential Development in Vikhroli, Mumbai has registered to pursue Triple Net Zero across our energy, water and waste categories under both our Net Zero Design and Net Zero Construction certifications at their upcoming luxury residential development in Vikhroli, Mumbai to create a template for scaling this comprehensive work across their portfolio.
Cityspace82 office in New Delhi has registered to pursue GNFZ Net Zero for Operations certification in the Emissions category.

Pieco Engineering India, New Delhi has committed to pursuing our Net Zero Operations certification under the Emissions category.
ACPL Design has registered to pursue Net Zero Operations certification with GNFZ under the emissions category.
Sunil Nayyar Consultants, Gurgaon has pledged to achieve Net Zero Operations certification with GNFZ in the emissions category.
Concept Consilio, Mumbai has committed to Net Zero Operations certification under the Emissions category with GNFZ.
Residential Villa, Mauritius is pursuing GNFZ’s Net Zero under both our Net Zero Design and Net Zero Construction certifications in Emissions.

GNFZ’S Net Zero Champions

GNFZ’s strategic partners — our net zero champions — comprise individuals who are leading sustainability experts dedicated to helping organizations implement net zero strategies for a certification journey.

Rakesh Bhatia, SVP, Ecofirst, has made groundbreaking contributions to India’s Net Zero global leadership — including designing and implementing India’s first Net Zero multifamily program for Mahindra Lifespaces at Mahindra Eden, Bengaluru, followed by a Pan-India Volume Net Zero Program for the developer, retrofitting Unilever’s R&D Center in Bengaluru for operational Net Zero, his current work designing a Triple Net Zero Certification Program for Club Mahindra Resorts, and his consulting on net zero solutions for mega manufacturing plants like Agaratas Battery Plant Sanand, TATA OSAT Semi Conductor Plant at Assam and Dholera, Tata Power 5 GW Renewable Manufacturing Plant, and RIL New Energy Township at Jamnagar.
Selvarasu M, Managing Director, LEAD Consultancy is a founding member of both the World Green Building Council and the Indian Green Building Council, with over 33 years of experience and over 2000 projects successfully delivered. Selvarasu's portfolio includes iconic net-zero energy campuses such as Capgemini Bengaluru, Thamarai Tech Park Chennai, and the groundbreaking L&T TC4 building. He’s currently working to transform the upcoming Noida airport — the 3rd largest airport in the world to pursue Net Zero Carbon.
Anshul Gujarathi, Founder and Director, EcoSolutions is an exemplary leader in Environmental Architecture and Sustainability, with over 25 years of experience. He has spearheaded over 570 green projects across 7 countries. With a focus on championing Net Zero, Green Certifications, and Carbon Management, it’s Anshul’s Ph.D. on “Cost Implications in Green Residential Buildings” that addressed major affordability concerns in making residential developments green and focused on delivering cost neutral and beneficial solutions. Anshul has delivered GNFZ Net Zero Assessment & Net Zero Water Design & Construction Certificates for HUL’s Rhino facility in Assam, and has delivered the Net Zero Assessment milestone for DY Patil University campus in Pune.
Samdarsh Nayyar, Partner, SNC, has spearheaded green consultancy for several landmark projects and his company has delivered 1000 projects for leading developers including DLF, HINES (in the US), Oberoi, Unitech, Apollo, Godrej, ITC and more. What is so special about his work is that it covers a wide variety of sectors from hotels and hospitals to IT parks and data centers. He also played a key role in the Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, the headquarters for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which has achieved a 5-star GRIHA rating and operates as a net-zero energy facility, displaying innovative design that emphasizes energy conservation and renewable energy integration. And of course, he has been and will continue to be a pivotal force in four of our projects — SNC in Gurgaon, and Pieco, Concept, and Cityspace82.
Ashu Gupta, Founder & Managing Partner, Design2Occupancy, is a visionary leader in sustainable development and net-zero building solutions. Ashu’s pioneering work in net zero building design is exemplified by his own office building in Jaipur, which has achieved net zero energy, water, and waste and is also pursuing GNFZ Net Zero certification in energy under design and construction. In 2020, he launched D2O Learning to provide specialized training, empowering over 30,000 professionals through 500+ sessions teaching sustainable building practices. With over 16 years of experience, his contributions to energy efficiency have been recognized by the governments of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Ashish Rakheja, Managing Partner, AEON Consultants, has proved a driving force in sustainable architecture and engineering for more than a quarter of a century, with over 4000 projects across various sectors such as airports, hotels, hospitals, retails, residential and commercial developments and more. As the Chair of the Net Zero Technical Committee at the Indian Green Building Council, Ashish has dedicated himself to promoting high-performance buildings and has successfully led 11 Net Zero Energy Buildings, two Net Zero Water Townships, and over 100 Platinum rated green projects in India.
Dr. Nirav Mandir, Chief Human Capital & Sustainability Officer, Shree Ramkrishna Exports, leads the company’s ESG initiatives and is behind SRK’s extraordinary achievements in green building and decarbonization. Under his guidance, SRK’s two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities — SRK House & SRK Empire — achieved complete net zero certification by GNFZ a full six years ahead of the company’s planned 2030 zero emissions goal. Additionally, Dr. Mandir shoulders the strategic responsibilities for SRK’s Global HR, IR, Administration, HSE, CSR, and Compliances.

Congratulations to all who were recognized at the conference – they are a driving force of net zero in India and setting a benchmark for all to follow.