The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has prepared its Net Zero Carbon and Resilient Buildings (NZCRB) Action Plan Report as part of various ongoing efforts of the civic body to address climate change issues. NZCRB are structures designed to minimise their environmental impact and enhance their ability to withstand climate-related challenges.
Such highly energy-efficient buildings can either produce their own renewable energy or purchase renewable energy, to offset their energy consumption, towards the goal of achieving a net-zero carbon footprint.
Developed by the Corporation, with WRI India as knowledge partner, along with architects and experts as part of the working group, the NZCRB plan outlines 20 actions for reducing carbon emissions across the entire building lifecycle — from design and construction to operation and eventual demolition.
Key actions
Some of the key actions suggested include the development of a database on carbon content of building materials, designing and implementing a green procurement policy, integration of NZCRB principles in urban planning, and including city master plans and building the infrastructure and capacity for better end-of-life carbon management of buildings. Beyond reducing carbon emissions, the plan offers other benefits such as lower urban heat island effects, improved air quality, long-term energy and infrastructure savings and local green job creation. It also proposes a dedicated steering committee to oversee implementation and track progress.
The action plan was released at an exhibition and dialogue titled ‘Towards a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Built Environment for Thiruvananthapuram’ on Thursday. The event was jointly organised by the Corporation, WRI India, the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
The exhibition spotlighted more than 10 innovative climate-responsive building materials and technologies, aimed at strengthening low-carbon construction. From new age heat pumps and high performance glass to walling materials with low thermal resistance, the exhibition showcased strategies to reduce whole life cycle carbon in buildings while ensuring thermal comfort.
Published – July 11, 2025 09:29 pm IST
