New Delhi is set to host the 17th GRIHA Summit on November 3-4, where global leaders will convene under the theme ‘Innovate to Act for a Climate Resilient World’. The primary goal is to accelerate the development and implementation of scalable climate solutions tailored for India’s built environment.
Organized by the esteemed GRIHA Council, this significant two-day event will feature an impressive lineup of over 50 prominent speakers across four plenary and four specialized technical sessions, alongside three innovation-driven exhibition pavilions showcasing cutting-edge advancements.
Key discussions will revolve around establishing robust policy frameworks, advancing technological innovations, exploring effective market mechanisms, and forging strategic partnerships. These efforts are crucial for enhancing the resilience of cities, critical infrastructure, and local communities against the impacts of climate change.
Distinguished speakers include Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway; Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance; and Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD, HUDCO. Acclaimed actor Gulshan Grover will also add a touch of glamour as the Guest of Honour at the valedictory ceremony.
Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI and President of the GRIHA Council, emphasized the importance of innovative thinking in urban development. She stated, “As we reconsider the growth trajectory of our cities and the evolution of our infrastructure, innovation must be the guiding principle from conception to completion. The 17th GRIHA Summit aims to spark conversations on seamlessly integrating resilience, efficiency, and circularity as fundamental pillars of sustainable development.” Dhawan further added that only through shared commitment and continuous innovation can humanity create habitats that benefit both people and the planet.
Sanjay Seth, Vice President & CEO of GRIHA Council, highlighted the critical juncture we face. “We are at a pivotal moment where climate action must transition from mere ‘intent to implementation’ and ‘ambition to action’. The built environment is poised to become a powerful catalyst for fostering low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive growth. Our collaborative efforts today will shape a more adaptive, inclusive, and low-carbon future.”
Over the course of the summit, subject matter experts will explore India’s journey towards inclusive, low-carbon growth. Sessions will specifically address vital topics such as energy security, climate change education (climate pedagogy), building resilient infrastructure, and empowering communities to drive climate action.
Thematic sessions will also cover pressing issues including climate-smart water security strategies, the development and adoption of low-carbon building materials, innovative solutions for urban air quality, and the implementation of circular economy models.
Other notable speakers include Anil Razdan, former power secretary; Leena Nandan, former secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Yevgeniya Pozigun, senior associate at Zaha Hadid Architects; Daniel Joseph Whittaker from Singapore University of Technology and Design; Peter Graham, CEO of Global Buildings Performance Network; TERI’s R R Rashmi; and Saurabh Kumar, vice president, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.
A highlight of the Summit will be the ‘Nirmaan Exhibition’, showcasing cutting-edge sustainable technologies and products. This includes a demonstration of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) facades and a gallery featuring entries from an architectural design competition.
Additionally, a new publication titled ‘GRIHA Infrastructure Rating for Metro Stations,’ developed in collaboration with BMRCL, will be launched. This groundbreaking tool will be used to assess and improve the environmental performance of metro stations across India.
The GRIHA Rating Awards and Felicitation Ceremony will celebrate outstanding achievements, recognizing exemplary 4-Star and 5-Star projects in sustainable construction. Prior to the main event, a Green Building Tour on November 1 will offer participants an exclusive look at Uttarakhand Niwas in New Delhi, a 5-Star GRIHA-rated project that exemplifies best practices in sustainable design.
GRIHA, which stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment, is India’s homegrown green building rating system. It was jointly developed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Recognized by the Government of India as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCCC, GRIHA provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions within various habitats.