Chennai Metro Rail Limited Headquarters Achieves IGBC Platinum Certification under the IGBC Green New Buildings Rating System

Chennai, October 2025 — Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has achieved the prestigious Indian Green Building Council Platinum certification under the IGBC Green New Buildings rating system for its headquarters located at Nandanam, Chennai. This Platinum Certification reflects CMRL’s outstanding commitment to sustainability across multiple parameters including site preservation, rainwater harvesting, water efficiency, energy savings, on-site renewable energy, and occupant well-being facilities.

The Plaque and Certificate was handed over to Thiru M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director, Chennai Metro Rail Limited; Thiru. T. Archunan, IRSE, Director (Projects), Chennai Metro Rail Limited; Tmt. Rekha Prakash, Chief General Manager (Planning & Design), Chennai Metro Rail Limited by Padma Shri Ar. C.N. Raghavendran, Managing Director of C.R. Narayana Rao (CRN); Mahesh Anand, Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter; and Mr Sriram Iyer, Co-Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter in the presence of the CMRL team and IGBC Secretariat.

In this flagship project, 69 trees were preserved, sustainable landscaping covered 79% of the area, potable water consumption was cut by nearly a third, and 100% on-site wastewater treatment with reuse was implemented. The building also demonstrates 23.39% energy savings beyond ASHRAE baseline standards and includes a rooftop solar photovoltaic system contributing 3% of annual energy needs.

Thiru M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director, Chennai Metro Rail Limited, while accepting the Plaque and the Certificate said, “Sustainability is at the core of our mission. This recognition strengthens our resolve to integrate sustainable construction and operations in all our projects. We are proud to lead by example and contribute to Chennai’s vision of becoming a greener city.”

Significantly, potable water consumption has been reduced by over 31% using efficient low flow plumbing fixtures. The building also achieves 100% wastewater treatment and reuse, recycling treated wastewater to satisfy 94% of flushing and irrigation demands. Energy efficiency measures have resulted in a 23.39% reduction in energy consumption beyond the ASHRAE baseline, with an on-site rooftop solar photovoltaic system supplying 3% of annual electricity needs. Comprehensive energy metering and Building Management Systems enable continuous monitoring and management of resource use.

In addition to its environmental performance, the headquarters prioritize occupant health and wellness, providing amenities such as a yoga area and indoor games including carrom, table tennis, and chess. Indoor air quality is monitored continuously by cutting-edge carbon dioxide sensors that regulate fresh air intake for comfortable and healthy working conditions.

Padma Shri Ar. C.N. Raghavendran, Managing Director of C.R. Narayana Rao (CRN) and Past Chairman of IGBC Chennai Chapter, remarked, “This project exemplifies the shift towards high-performance, environment-sensitive buildings that are essential for sustainable urban growth. It is gratifying to see the leadership from CMRL is embracing green building technologies that conserve natural resources while creating healthy, productive workplaces.”

Mahesh Anand, Chairman of IGBC Chennai Chapter, said, “The Platinum certification achieved by CMRL’s headquarters is a testament to the Government of Tamil Nadu and Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s vision to commit to sustainable development. Green buildings like this set a benchmark for government and public sector projects continuing to inspire broader adoption of green building practices across India’s urban development and infrastructure.”