Celebrating Net Zero in India: The Companies Leading the Transformation
India has set a goal of becoming the world’s third largest economy, as well as achieving Viksit Bharat 2047, or becoming a developed nation by that time. Accelerating India's national net zero target could play a crucial part in achieving those goals.
Additionally, despite low per-capita emissions, India is the world’s third-largest emitter. So at COP26 in 2021, India announced its ambition to become net zero by 2070. Given India’s ranking as the frontrunner in net zero building progress, there is no better time to capitalize on the country’s current positioning, pursue that ambitious target, and empower the nation’s real estate leaders to drive accelerated decarbonization.
GNFZ's mission is to accelerate the realization of a net zero world and is dedicated to helping projects in India get there faster. By addressing the traditional barriers that buildings and businesses face in decarbonization, we offer incremental, all-in-one solutions so businesses can reach their net zero targets to accelerate the shift to a zero emissions world.
After review and validation by GNFZ, a project is recognized as “GNFZ certified” when it reaches zero carbon emissions. But having designed our certification around the market’s needs, GNFZ appreciates and acknowledges the work and dedication that goes into achieving incremental progress toward net zero certification, which is why we also recognize projects throughout the certification process and award certificates for the following critical milestones on the path to net zero:
Certificates |
Milestone Achievements |
|---|---|
| Assessment Certificate | Awarded after the completion of a carbon assessment, calculating a building or portfolio’s Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This is performed after a building’s various emissions sources are inventoried. |
| Net Zero Plan Certificate | Awarded after completing and submitting a net zero plan, which you have total flexibility to develop based on your scope, schedule and budget. |
| Carbon Offsets Certificate | Awarded when you’re ready and want to validate your carbon offsets as described in your net zero plan. |
| Net Zero Milestone Certificates | Awarded upon achieving intermediate net zero milestones, reflecting your progress against permanent removal of carbon emissions. |
| Final Net Zero Certification | Awarded when your project achieves zero Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, which the project must sustain. If the status changes, you will recertify the project, beginning with an assessment. |
On September 27, 2024, GNFZ gathered leaders from across India for the second edition of our roundtable series, where we featured insights from industry experts and delved into how we can accelerate a net zero future. We also celebrated our clients for their projects that have achieved GNFZ milestone certificates on the way toward their full net zero certifications.
Mindspace Airoli West: Mumbai
Gera Commerzone B4: Pune
Westin Mumbai Powai Lake by Chalet Hotels
Duflon Industries: Ahmedabad & Mahad
Canteen Building, RHINO Facility, Hindustan Unilever: Assam
Econest: A Sustainable Cottage by Smart Village Movement: Meghalaya
Administrative Block, Mahindra World City Developers Limited: Chennai
AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP: Noida
Mindspace Airoli West: Mumbai
Mindspace REIT is an owner and developer of a quality Grade A office portfolio in four key office markets in India. Recently, Mindspace announced a partnership with GNFZ, which marks a major milestone in Mindspace REIT's dedication to environmental sustainability, advancing its goal to certify the entire portfolio as net zero by 2042.
They have begun the certification process with the evaluation of one of the buildings of Mindspace Airoli West, situated near the vibrant residential micro-markets of Thane and Navi Mumbai.
Already a LEED v4.1 O+M Platinum building, it exemplifies high-performance building standards and efficient systems. To align GNFZ’s net zero certification, this building will reduce Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions through energy efficiency upgrades, green power procurement, and green leases for occupants.
So far, the building has achieved two GNFZ milestone certificates: Emissions Assessment and Net Zero Plan.
Gera Commerzone B4: Pune
Another Mindspace Business Parks project, Gera Commerzone B4, Pune is a prominent IT park and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located in Kharadi, Pune, and is part of a larger development spread across approximately 25.8 acres known for its modern infrastructure, prime location, and emphasis on employee well-being.
Its key features include a thriving IT community and is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), offering tax benefits to businesses. Strategically located in the secondary business district of Pune, users of the space can enjoy its proximity to the railway station, Pune International Airport, and the upcoming metro station. Plus, its biophilic design fosters a strong connection between humans and nature, prioritizing employee health and well-being.
Gera Commerzone has already received the Realty+ Conclave & Excellence Award 2021 (Pune) for “Best Commercial Project of the Year,” recognizing its excellence in design and development and three buildings within the complex have achieved LEED Pre-Certification, with one Platinum and two Gold certifications.
Gera Commerzone B4 building in the complex has completed its Emissions Assessment and Net Zero Plan with Global Network for Zero.
Westin Mumbai Powai Lake by Chalet Hotels
Chalet Hotels Limited (CHL), the developer, owner, and operator known for its unprecedented record of consumer excellence in the Indian hospitality sector, is doubling down on its enduring commitment to elevating and expanding its sustainable business practices. It has partnered with GNFZ for decarbonizing its 5-star, 15-acre luxury resort, the Westin Mumbai Powai Lake.
As the first hospitality company in the world to join Climate Group’s RE100, EP100, and EV100 initiatives for renewable electricity, energy efficiency, and electric mobility, CHL has already achieved LEED Gold certification for four of its hotels including JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, Commercial Tower Sahar Mumbai, and Commercial Tower Whitefield Bengaluru.
By teaming up with GNFZ, net zero initiatives will be accelerated across energy, water, and waste and serve as the enterprising venue, the origin story, and the heart and soul of the brand’s net zero journey.
They have completed their first milestone receiving their Net Zero Assessment certificate.
Duflon Industries: Ahmedabad & Mahad
With customers in more than 40 countries and a workforce in 12 locations around the world, DuFlon, the world class manufacturer of high-performance Fluoropolymers, elastomers, and machined castings has taken an extraordinary leap forward in its commitment to implementing sustainable business practices across operations in Ahmedabad and Maharashtra.
As the largest processor of Fluoropolymers in South Asia and the only Indian Teflon™ Licensee Processor (TLP) approved for global markets from Chemours (formerly DuPont), DuFlon is also a leading global manufacturer of PTFE Nozzles for SF₆ Switchgear and FP parts for Pumps & Valves (P&V) and has outlined a bold new strategy for eliminating carbon emissions.
DuFlon has partnered with GNFZ to accelerate decarbonization for three of its manufacturing facilities – one in Ahmedabad and two in Mahad in Maharashtra.
DuFlon has completed its emissions assessment for all 3 facilities — and achieved Emission Assessment certificates for its full analysis and review of each facility’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Canteen Building, RHINO Facility, Hindustan Unilever: Assam
Hindustan Unilever or HUL, nearly a century-old consumer manufacturing brand, is dedicated to strengthening its sustainable business practices across operations and in support of ethically driven production for a portfolio that includes brands that are household names.
Already having achieved LEED Gold certification in 2018, the Assam plant is certainly no stranger to valuing green building standards. In fact, the RHINO facility previously won two Greentech Awards — a Gold for Outstanding Achievement in Safety Management and Platinum for Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility.
HUL has now partnered with GNFZ for certifying its Canteen Building at its RHINO facility in Doom Dooma, Assam for net zero energy and water.
The facility has achieved its milestone certificates – Net Zero Energy Assessment and fully achieved GNFZ’s Net Zero Water Certification in Design & Construction.
Econest: A Sustainable Cottage by Smart Village Movement: Meghalaya
Smart Village Movement (SVM) has collaborated with GNFZ to pursue net zero certification for EcoNest, an innovative eco-tourism cottage in the picturesque state of Meghalaya, Northeast India.
EcoNest represents a fusion of technology, entrepreneurship, and natural resources. This collaboration between SVM, UC Berkeley, Meghalaya Tourism, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation, and Shillong Bamboo Pvt Ltd demonstrates the responsible use of local renewable materials and skills, establishing a model for sustainable tourism infrastructure.
GNFZ will guide SVM through a detailed Net Zero certification process and it has already achieved its Emissions Assessment certificate.
Administrative Block, Mahindra World City Developers Limited: Chennai
Mahindra World City, Chennai, is renowned for its commitment to advancing business excellence in a meticulously designed environment. The infrastructure is strategically tailored to facilitate seamless operations and foster innovation, and the responsive ecosystem is bolstered by robust governance, ensuring an efficient and effective platform for enterprises.
The integrated approach harmonizes social and residential amenities, elevating the overall quality of life. This holistic environment promotes a balanced lifestyle where work and living intersect. Mahindra World City, Chennai, challenges conventional business ecosystems by fostering an integrated approach to industrial development, and their strength lies in creating a dynamic environment for industries such as auto and auto components, engineering, logistics and warehousing, renewable energy, electronics, EV, FMCG, and food processing.
They are committed to continual improvement in understanding the relationship between enterprise activities and sustainability. They strongly believe in the principles of carbon neutrality, water positivity, and zero waste to landfill, achieving the objective of a sustainable and secure environment for businesses and residents alike.
Mahindra World City, Chennai has completed GNFZ’s Emissions Assessment and is working to complete the Net Zero Plan.
AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP: Noida
Known for their vision to provide cutting edge alternate design approach with a focus on balancing optimum performance, occupant comfort, and project budget, AEON has always been at forefront of not only offering integrated sustainability support to their clients but also believing in walking the talk. And to reinforce that belief, the company’s headquarters in Noida is now pursuing GNFZ’s net zero certification.
The building, already LEED and EDGE certified, utilizes renewable energy, maximizes natural light, and engages employees in collaboration.
AEON’s team has set an extraordinary benchmark both as a GNFZ Partner and client whose efforts to build a sustainable future never stop.
AEON has completed GNFZ’s Emissions Assessment and is pursuing GNFZ’s Net Zero certification.