Held under the theme "Sustainable Well-being | Green Healthcare | Climate Resilient Infrastructure", the conclave explored how sustainability can extend beyond environmental performance to improve occupant well-being strengthen healthcare infrastructure and enhance resilience into Kerala's rapidly evolving built environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri APM Mohammed Hanish (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala, said, "Achieving the milestone of 600 IGBC-certified projects is a testament to Kerala’s unwavering leadership in sustainable urban development. To further accelerate our vision of a climate-resilient, net-zero future, the Government of Kerala is committed to enhancing policy and financial incentives for green building projects across all residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. We look forward to engaging in detailed discussions with the IGBC team to formalize these progressive frameworks and establish a benchmark for green construction nationwide"
The inaugural session featured perspectives from government, healthcare and industry leaders, followed by panel discussions on future-ready healthcare infrastructure, sustainable design and construction, green technologies, climate resilience resource efficiency. Experts shared practical insights into improving patient comfort, operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact and strengthening resilience across healthcare facilities and urban infrastructure. The sessions highlighted practical approaches to improving patient and occupant well-being, enhancing operational performance and reducing the environmental footprint of buildings and infrastructure.
Dr. Lallu Joseph, President, Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), said, "Healthcare infrastructure today must deliver far more than clinical excellence. Hospitals of the future must be designed to promote patient wellbeing, enhance caregiver productivity, reduce environmental impact and remain operational during climate-related disruptions. Sustainable healthcare facilities not only improve patient outcomes but also significantly reduce lifecycle costs and carbon emissions. The discussions at this conclave reinforce the need to embed sustainability into every stage of healthcare planning, design and operations."
With Kochi’s growing urban footprint and its coastal context, the Green Kochi Conclave also highlighted the importance of climate-responsive planning and infrastructure. Discussions explored how green healthcare facilities, wellness-centric buildings, advanced technologies and resilient design strategties can contribute to healthier and more future-ready communities across Kerala.
Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Chairman, IGBC, said, "To meaningfully advance India’s target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, our focus must pivot decisively toward greening the rapidly emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring sustainable practices uplift every level at the bottom of the pyramid. I strongly urge all key industry bodies—including CREDAI, IIA, CAHO, and IIID—to actively champion this movement among their members, drive grassroots awareness, and jointly accelerate the expansion of green building standards into every corner of the nation”.
Mr K. Lava, Chairman, IGBC Kochi Chapter, said “As infrastructure development expands rapidly across Kerala, IGBC sees a vital opportunity to ensure this progress is not only economically productive, but also inherently sustainable and climate-resilient. Given that Kerala is increasingly vulnerable to extreme climate events, our buildings and infrastructure must be engineered to withstand these adverse environmental conditions while advancing long-term ecological balance”.
Highlighting the tangible impact of sustainable development across diverse sectors in Kerala, several flagship projects were formally felicitated at the event: Welcare Hospital, Kochi (339 beds) achieved the prestigious IGBC Platinum Rating under the Green Healthcare Facilities system; the Reserve Bank of India’s Staff Quarters in Kochi earned the top-tier IGBC Platinum Rating under the Green Service Building category; and five State Bank of India (SBI) branch projects across the state were recognized with Gold and Silver IGBC ratings for advancing green practices in public financial infrastructure. In the presence of Mr V Suresh, Past National Chairman; Ar Lalichan Zacharias, Co-chair, IGBC Kochi chapter; Mr Joseph Michael Kallivayalil, Chairman, CII Kerala State council.
The conclave reaffirmed IGBC's commitment to supporting Kerala's transition towards a healthier, greener, and more resilient built environment through green building practices, capacity building, knowledge sharing, policy advocacy, and industry collaboration.
Adding further momentum to the movement, the IGBC Green Kochi Conclave hosted the 'Green Crusaders' registration drive, which successfully brought & felicitated 50 new projects accounting for 1.3 crore square feet of built-up area into the IGBC green fold, underscoring Kerala's growing commitment to sustainable architecture. These crusaders were felicitated by Mr M P Ramnavas, Director, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. and Mr Rakesh, CEO, Waynad Redevelopment Project & other dignitaries.
The event concluded with the IGBC Green Crusaders Awards & Felicitations, recognising organisations and professionals for their outstanding contributions to sustainable development, followed by networking sessions and stakeholders interactions.
