Mahindra & Johnson Controls' Net Zero Initiative for Sustainable Buildings in India
In a pioneering move towards sustainable infrastructure development, the Mahindra Group and Johnson Controls have jointly unveiled a groundbreaking Net Zero Buildings Initiative aimed at decarbonizing India's rapidly expanding landscape of commercial, urban residential, and public buildings. The initiative, a testament to the commitment of both entities to a 'Planet Positive' approach, seeks to simplify access to crucial information and resources, facilitating organizations in embarking on their net zero buildings journeys.
With the International Energy Agency highlighting that a significant portion of India's anticipated 2040 buildings is yet to be constructed, and the sector responsible for 20% of emissions and over 30% of energy consumption in the country, the transition to sustainable buildings is both an environmental and economic necessity. The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as India stands on the verge of a building revolution.
Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Group Public Affairs Officer and Group Executive Board Member at Mahindra, emphasized the importance of collaboration in accelerating a sustainable future. The Net Zero Buildings Initiative, comprising a cost-free, all-in-one toolkit and training, aims to provide building and facility owners with essential knowledge about sustainable practices, tools for assessing building parameters, conservation measures, and insights into Indian building regulations, incentives, technology, financing models, and more.
George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that it leverages Johnson Controls' leadership in smart building technology and Mahindra's multi-industry expertise. The initiative is expected to guide and inspire a movement towards a more sustainable built environment in India and globally.
The Net Zero Buildings Initiative is strategically timed to align with the Indian government's commitment to a low-carbon development pathway, as highlighted by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. The collaboration between Mahindra and Johnson Controls aims to support this journey by working closely with national and state governments, think-tanks, and industry associations.
Investing in energy-efficient infrastructure can potentially reduce electricity consumption significantly, and the initiative aims to contribute to this by providing tools and resources for sustainable building practices. The Mahindra Group has already made strides in this direction, with various sectors showcasing substantial improvements in energy efficiency.
The Net Zero Buildings Initiative is set to launch in March 2024 through virtual and in-person workshop sessions as part of a year-long roadshow. Mahindra and Johnson Controls are poised to play a pivotal role in driving sustainability in the construction industry, providing momentum to India's efforts in achieving a low-carbon future.
