The Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) IGBC Pune Chapter successfully hosted the Green Sabha at PYC Gymkhana in Pune, bringing together leading architects, developers, manufacturers, and technology experts for a focused stakeholder sensitization event. The program highlighted the crucial role of green products, materials, and technologies in reducing the carbon footprint of Pune’s construction and real estate sector. The Green Sabha was held as part of CII IGBC’s celebration of World Green Building Week, taking place from September 8–13, 2025. The week aims to emphasize how sustainable buildings can create resilient futures for communities and businesses.
Green buildings not only improve health and wellbeing but also stimulate local economies through job creation and sourcing, while increasing resilience against extreme weather and reducing waste. This global observance underscores how sustainability supports both people and the environment, reinforcing the foundations of thriving communities on which businesses depend. The event began with a welcome address by Poorva Keskar, Chair of IGBC Pune Chapter. Praveen Kumar Soma, Principal Counsellor at CII-IGBC, introduced the audience to CII’s GreenPro ecolabel, a Type-1 Ecolabel accredited by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN).
GreenPro assists the building and manufacturing sectors in identifying sustainable products and technologies that lower environmental impact. With over 11,500 certified products, GreenPro provides transparent sustainability information that helps buyers make informed decisions, supporting the development of green buildings and environmentally responsible companies. During her address, Poorva Keskar also highlighted IGBC’s ongoing leadership through initiatives like the upcoming Green Building Congress 2025. She encouraged Pune’s stakeholders to pursue net-zero and green building targets aligned with national policies and global climate commitments.
The panel discussion titled “GreenPro for Pune: Enabling Sustainable Growth in Construction & Real Estate” featured valuable insights from industry leaders including Hrishikesh Manjrekar, Co-Chair, IGBC Pune Chapter; Samali Khinvasara, Director, Prime Colour Products; Tanay Paranjape, CEO and Founder, Aindri Initiatives Pvt. Ltd.; Alok Kale, Founder, Magnus Ventures; and Pratik Potnis, Founder, The Green Studio and Trios. The session, moderated by Pranati Shroff, explored the increasing market relevance of certified green products. Panelists discussed ways to overcome adoption challenges, presented business case studies, and examined policy incentives while emphasizing how verified green materials can enhance financial returns, brand reputation, and long-term resilience in Pune’s growing built environment.
The Green Sabha concluded with a technical session led by Karl Wadia, Senior Principal at Architect Hafeez Contractor. He emphasized the role of designers and developers in driving urban decarbonization, focusing on circular construction practices and innovative material use. Attendees received practical guidance on aligning with policies, integrating GreenPro standards into procurement processes, and accessing green finance programs that reward low-carbon investments. During the event, Amar Builders were presented with the GreenPro Facility Services plaque for two of their green projects, a milestone that represents Maharashtra’s first and India’s second recognition of this kind.
Megapolis Saffron was also awarded the Silver Certification plaque under the IGBC Green Residential Society rating. Several other GreenPro and IGBC Green leaders were recognized for their contributions to sustainability. The Green Sabha served as an important step toward accelerating Pune’s green transition. It showcased how collaborative efforts in adopting certified green products and innovative technologies can contribute to a climate-resilient, economically strong, and healthier future for the city’s expanding communities.
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