Pune, 15 September 2025: The Confederation of Indian Industry’s IGBC Pune Chapter, successfully hosted the Green Sabha at PYC Gymkhana, Pune. This focused stakeholder sensitization event convened over leading architects, developers, manufacturers, and technology experts to raise awareness on the power of green products, materials, and technologies in reducing the carbon footprint of Pune’s construction and real estate sector.
From September 8-13, 2025, CII IGBC is celebrating World Green Building Week to highlight the vital role of sustainable buildings in creating resilient futures for communities and businesses. Green buildings enhance health and wellbeing, boost local economies through job creation and local sourcing, and strengthen resilience against extreme weather while reducing waste. This week emphasizes how sustainable buildings support both people and the environment, reinforcing the foundations of thriving communities that businesses depend on for success.
The Green Sabha, an important intervention in the Green Building Week, commenced with a welcome address by Poorva Keskar, Chair, IGBC Pune Chapter. The sessions that followed provided detailed information on the CII GreenPro ecolabel, introduced by Praveen Kumar Soma, Principal Counsellor, CII-IGBC. GreenPro is a Type-1 Ecolabel accredited by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) that helps the building and manufacturing sectors select sustainable products and technologies to reduce environmental impact. With over 11,500 certified products, GreenPro supports the development of green buildings and companies by providing users with clear sustainability information for informed purchasing decisions.
Poorva Keskar also highlighted IGBC’s ongoing leadership through initiatives like the Green Building Congress 2025, encouraging Pune’s stakeholders to pursue net-zero and green building goals consistent with national policies and upcoming international climate commitments.
The panel discussion, ‘GreenPro for Pune: Enabling Sustainable Growth in Construction & Real Estate,’ featured expert insights led by 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. Industry leaders debated the growing market relevance of certified green products, with a sharp focus on overcoming adoption barriers, business case studies, and local policy incentives. The session moderator, Pranati Shroff, (add designation), steered the group in exploring how verified green materials directly boost financial returns, strengthen brand reputation, and build long-term resilience for Pune’s evolving-built environment.
The Green Sabha concluded with a technical session by Karl Wadia, Senior Principal, Architect Hafeez Contractor outlining the potential for designers and developers to drive urban decarbonization, emphasizing circular construction practices and innovative material choices. Throughout the event, actionable guidance was shared on policy alignment, integrating GreenPro standards into procurement, and accessing green finance schemes that reward low-carbon investment.
Amar Builders were felicitated at the IGBC Green Sabha with the GreenPro Facility Services plaque for two of their green projects. This milestone marks Maharashtra’s first and India’s second project to be honoured with this prestigious recognition. Additionally, Megapolis Saffron received the Silver Certification plaque under the IGBC Green Residential Society rating. The event also awarded various GreenPro and IGBC Green leaders and reaffirmed IGBC Pune Chapter’s commitment to creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration that empower stakeholders to take informed decisions.
The event marked a strategic step in accelerating Pune’s green transition, demonstrating how collective efforts on green product adoption and technology innovation can support a climate-resilient, economically robust and healthy future for the city’s growing communities.