GRIHA or Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment, has launched two new sustainability frameworks, the GRIHA Infrastructure Rating for Highways and the GRIHA Rating for Ports.
The new frameworks are intended to encourage ecologically conscious practices in these vital industries. By offering standardized frameworks for evaluating and improving infrastructure performance, both ratings seek to promote sustainability, GRIHA said in a recently concluded summit.
The summit, which featured six thematic tracks and four plenary sessions, tackled urgent issues to accelerate climate action at different levels. These included energy transition, policy advocacy, united stakeholder action, and encouraging the development of smart and resilient infrastructure.
The main topics of discussion this year included controlling urban heat, investigating biophilic designs and cutting-edge building materials, providing incentives for advancing low-carbon development, the function of communities, and modernizing existing infrastructure.
Thought leadership:
Dr Vibha Dhawan, President, GRIHA Council, and Director General, TERI, said, “Challenges will always arise, but what truly matters is how we face them and create a lasting change. Perfection may never be reached, but the chance to go green is here, and it’s up to us to seize it.”
Mr Sanjay Seth, Vice President and CEO, GRIHA Council, underscored the critical need for innovation and collaboration. “The conversations we’ve had, the ideas we’ve shared, and the solutions we’ve proposed over these past two days will play a crucial role in transforming our built environment. It is our collective responsibility to leverage our expertise and passion to drive positive change. As we reflect on our journey, we also celebrate the exceptional achievements that are setting new standards for sustainable excellence,” he said.
Ms Meenakashi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, and Member of Parliament, called for unified efforts to achieve climate resilience. “Let’s not let others dictate our agenda. It’s time to run our own green agenda, rooted in our heritage and guided by GRIHA standards. GRIHA symbolizes India’s commitment to sustainability and green living. With the concepts of reusing and recycling, we have to get our existing buildings compatible with the standards provided by GRIHA,” she said.
Mr Aditya Bhutani, Director and COO, AIS GlassXperts, underscored the role of partnerships in advancing sustainability. “Net-zero isn’t just an opportunity; it’s the reality we must achieve. Change doesn’t require grand gestures; small acts, multiplied by millions, can transform the world,” he said.
