Pankaja Munde Urges Developers and Architects to Embrace Green and Net-Zero Building Models

Pune, May 30, 2025 – In a strong call to action at the ‘Green Pune Summit & Felicitation 2025,’ Maharashtra’s Environment, Climate Change, and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde emphasized the urgent need for real estate developers and architects to integrate Green and Net-Zero building concepts in upcoming construction projects.

Munde highlighted that with rising environmental concerns and increasing urbanization, the construction sector must lead in adopting sustainable practices that minimize ecological damage. “Developers must take responsibility to mitigate environmental degradation by embracing green technologies and climate-responsive designs,” she said.

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Prefabricated Tech for Cleaner Construction

Munde cited prefabricated construction technologies as a viable and necessary innovation to reduce on-site dust, debris, and construction waste, all of which contribute to air pollution and ecological imbalance in urban areas.

Speaking at the summit organized by the CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Pune Chapter, Munde stressed the integration of sustainable systems in real estate and the adoption of new regulatory frameworks—especially around wastewater treatment and sustainable design norms—currently being developed by the government.

She welcomed stakeholder recommendations provided to the IGBC during the event and expressed confidence that such summits would act as a convergence point for public-private collaboration to transform Pune into India’s leading green model city.

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Prominent Industry Leaders Join the Summit

The inauguration was graced by notable dignitaries including Padma Shri awardee and Pune International Centre founding member Amitav Mallik, Kirloskar Oil Engines CEO Rahul Sahay, CII-IGBC National Vice Chairman C. Shekhar Reddy, IGBC Pune Chairperson Dr. Purva Keskar, and Co-Chair Hrishikesh Manjrekar.

Dr. Keskar later engaged in a dynamic discussion with Minister Munde under the session titled “The Green Dialogue: Breaking Barriers and Building Solutions,” covering Maharashtra’s environmental policies, urban India’s green transition, and the alignment of local action with global climate goals.

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Pune Leads India’s Green Building Movement

Hrishikesh Manjrekar, Co-Chair of the IGBC Pune Chapter, outlined how Pune is emerging as a national leader in sustainable urban development, driven by IGBC-certified green buildings, government incentives, and increasing investments in eco-friendly infrastructure.

He pointed out that green-rated buildings in Pune command 4–7% higher rental premiums, faster occupancy rates, and greater investor interest, underscoring their long-term economic and ecological value. “These initiatives support Pune’s climate action goals, including energy efficiency, waste management, and becoming carbon-positive by 2050,” he added.

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IGBC Initiatives Empowering the Future

The IGBC, through its Green Cities Ratings and training workshops, is actively nurturing a culture of sustainability among Pune’s local developers and architects. Dr. Keskar emphasized Pune’s unique position as a city blending rapid urban growth with conscious climate action.

Notable IGBC Platinum-rated projects such as ISC Tower Pune, Amar Tech Park, and Rajshree Estate were cited as stellar examples of energy-efficient and sustainable design.

“The involvement of Pune’s youth, particularly through the IGBC Student Chapter and various public awareness campaigns, is energizing the green movement in the city,” Dr. Keskar said.

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Experts Discuss Innovations and Challenges

The summit also featured a high-impact technical session where experts shared best practices and future innovations in sustainable construction. IGBC Ahmedabad Chapter Chairman and INI Group CMD Jayesh Hariyani spoke about holistic and site-specific design strategies.

Presentations by Gujarat Guardian and Schindler India showcased emerging technologies in energy-efficient glass and vertical mobility systems, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of modern buildings.

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Climate-Responsive Urban Design Takes Center Stage

A thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Climate Action Plans for Real Estate-Focused Cities” marked the summit’s conclusion. Moderated by Principal Architect Pritika Manjrekar of Moco Design Studio, the panel included:

• Anand Sanghvi, Director – Operations, Panchshil Realty
• Anshul Abbasi, Head of Policy & Planning, NIUA
• Nikhil Mijar, Architect & Urban Planner, Pune Municipal Corporation

The discussion spotlighted the need for climate-responsive architecture, financing strategies for green buildings, and critical policy reforms to support sustainable urban growth.

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Recognizing Pune’s Green Champions

In recognition of Pune’s growing contribution to India’s green building landscape, several IGBC-certified projects were felicitated during the event. The awards were presented by Minister Pankaja Munde, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi (IAS), and CII-IGBC National Vice Chairman C. Shekhar Reddy.

These accolades reinforced Pune’s rising profile as a model city for climate-smart urban development.

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Pune on the Path to a Greener Future

With strong governmental backing, active industry participation, and growing public awareness, Pune continues to set new benchmarks in green infrastructure and sustainable development. The Green Pune Summit 2025 not only celebrated past achievements but also laid out a clear roadmap for the city’s environmentally resilient future.