Chennai : WABAG House, the corporate office of VA Tech Wabag, has achieved the prestigious IGBC Platinum Re-Certification in 2024, a recognition of its sustained excellence in green building performance. Having first achieved Platinum Certification in 2018 and re-certified in 2021, WABAG House continues to lead by example in sustainable operations and innovation.
To mark the occasion, a plaque was handed over to Mr. Rajiv Mittal, Chairman & MD, Wabag House, by Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, CII-IGBC in the presence of Mr. S. Varadarajan, Chief Growth Officer, Wabag House; Mr. Shailesh Kumar CEO-India Cluster, Wabag House; and Mr. Mahesh Anand, Co-Chairman, CII-IGBC Chennai Chapter.
As a leader in sustainable habitats, WABAG House has set ambitious goals to become a “Zero Waste” building by 2025 and achieve “Zero Carbon” status by 2028, in alignment with India’s climate action commitments. This journey demonstrates its steadfast dedication to advancing net-zero principles and creating a greener, more resilient future.
Receiving the IGBC plaque, Mr. Rajiv Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, VA Tech WABAG, expressed his gratitude, saying “At WABAG, we are deeply committed to making the planet greener, cleaner, and more sustainable. We have adopted a policy to ensure that all our projects aspire to IGBC Platinum certification, driving us closer to our organization’s Net Zero aspirations. This commitment reflects our responsibility towards creating a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.”
In a significant achievement, WABAG House has also earned dual certifications for Net-Zero Water and Near Net-Zero Energy from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), making it the first operational corporate office in India to receive this dual recognition. These milestones underline its position as a pioneer in resource optimization and sustainability. Additionally, the building is on track to secure the IGBC Health & Well-being Certification within this financial year.
Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, CII-IGBC, while addressing the gathering, said “What stands out about WABAG is not just their unwavering commitment to sustainability but also the remarkable speed at which they achieve their ambitious goals. Their Green and Net Zero initiatives are truly inspiring and set a high benchmark for others to follow. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the entire WABAG team for their exemplary efforts in advancing sustainable development.”
WABAG House integrates innovative design and operations to deliver outstanding environmental performance:
• High-performance envelope for energy efficiency and natural daylight optimization.
• Optimized HVAC and LED lighting systems with smart controls.
• Energy Performance Index (EPI) of less than 80 kWh/sqm/year, well below national and global benchmarks, with 78% renewable energy usage and a goal of 100%.
• Water positive with 100% rainwater harvesting and 2.7 times the water consumed being returned to the Earth.
• Fresh-air systems, CO2 sensor controls, and adherence to ASHRAE standards enhance indoor air quality.
• Health-focused amenities, including ergonomic furniture, green housekeeping, and recreational spaces.
• Sustainable landscaping and waste management practices aligned with MoEF guidelines.
Through these certifications and initiatives, WABAG House has achieved measurable improvements in energy conservation, water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. The green features have enhanced workforce productivity and health while strengthening the organization’s brand as a leader in sustainability.
WABAG’s commitment to net-zero principles and long-term goals sets a new benchmark for corporate offices, inspiring others to adopt innovative and sustainable practices for a better tomorrow.
IGBC encourages innovation in building technologies, materials, and design practices that support net zero goals. It promotes research and development in sustainable building solutions and technologies. It also fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, including industry experts, government bodies, and academic institutions. This collaborative approach helps in sharing knowledge, experiences, and solutions related to net zero buildings.
CII-IGBC’s Mission on Net Zero envisions to achieve 100% net zero embodied carbon by 2050, for new buildings and infrastructure and work towards making all buildings including existing buildings, net zero operational carbon. Its Net Zero Carbon Rating System promotes the use of low-embodied carbon materials and technologies and on-site or off-site renewable energy sources, and adherence to a Whole Building Life Cycle Analysis. The rating system addresses projects in both ‘Design & Construction’ and ‘Operations’ phases. This approach allows tailored strategies for minimising or eliminating carbon emissions at different project stages.
