Mahindra Group and Johnson Controls launch Net Zero Buildings initiative

New Delhi: Mahindra Group and Johnson Controls on Wednesday announced the first of its kind “Net Zero Buildings” initiative to decarbonize India’s commercial, urban residential and public buildings.

The announcement was made here, in the presence of George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls, Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Group Public Affairs Officer and other senior officials.

As India ramps up efforts to decarbonize its rapidly growing infrastructure of buildings, the joint initiative will simplify access to key information and resources to help organizations start their net zero building journeys.

Joining virtually at the event, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said “This collaboration is a statement of intent from the construction industry to support the Indian government’s journey towards the low-carbon pathway of development”.

Congratulating the Mahindra group and Johnson Controls International he said this initiative will provide a much-needed momentum to this movement. 

“Built infrastructure is responsible for 40% of the global energy related emissions today, and most of the built environment in India’s cities, is yet to be constructed” he added.

The Minister added that “Sustainability has been an article of faith for this government, and no developing country has ever steered away from the high carbon path of development as profoundly as India has done.” 

Speaking at the event Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Group Public Affairs Officer and Group Executive Board Member said “At Mahindra, we strongly believe in operating as a ‘Planet Positive’ organization. The group has undertaken multiple initiatives to decarbonize our operational infrastructure—leading to both financially and environmentally value accretive outcomes” said 

Talking about the initiative, George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls, said “With India on the cusp of a building revolution, now is the time to actualize the benefits of smart and green buildings for India’s economy and society”.  

The Net Zero Buildings Initiative comprises a cost-free, all-in-one toolkit and training, which will help building and facility owners learn about best practices of sustainable buildings.

According to the International Energy Agency, three-quarters of India’s anticipated 2040 buildings have yet to be built.

“With the sector accounting for 20 percent of emissions and more than 30 percent of energy consumption in the country the transition to smart and sustainable buildings is becoming an environmental and economic imperative,” said the statement.