MoHUA and GRIHA Council to Work Closely to Enhance Sustainability in Indian Cities: MoHUA Secretary

04 November 2025, New Delhi: GRIHA Council that administers GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), recognised as India’s own green building rating system, inaugurated the 17th edition of their flagship event, The GRIHA Summit, in New Delhi. Under the theme ‘Innovate to Act for a Climate Resilient World,’ the summit aims to accelerate scalable climate solutions for India’s built environment by bringing together national and international leaders.

Delivering the inaugural address, Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, said, “We are witnessing one of the greatest migrations in human history — a transformation that will unfold within the next decade and redefine how humanity lives, builds, and sustains itself. The scale and speed of this urban transition are truly unprecedented, bringing with them challenges that are global in nature and civilisational in scale. Whether it concerns buildings, energy, or people, every element is now deeply interconnected. Our response, therefore, must be inclusive — placing people at the heart of climate action. I wish to commend the GRIHA Council and TERI for curating this year’s theme and for their continued efforts in driving sustainability in the built environment. Their work reminds us that the ultimate goal of climate action is not only to build resilient cities but to improve the lives of the people who inhabit them.”

“Two decades ago, we spoke of invention and creativity, but rarely of innovation. Today, innovation is not a choice — it is a necessity for survival. The challenges before us cannot be solved by any single sector, institution, or intervention. They demand collaboration across disciplines, communities, and nations. As we move forward, we must continue to learn, evolve, and innovate — developing systems and technologies that make our cities efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. Let us ensure that our collective efforts deliver measurable outcomes that empower people, strengthen communities, and build a climate-resilient future for all,” he said. The inaugural ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries and sector leaders and were felicitated by Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General TERI and President GRIHA Council along with Mr Sanjay Seth, Vice President & CEO, GRIHA Council.

Delivering the opening address, Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General TERI and President GRIHA Council, said, “The era of passive awareness is over. The stark realities of climate change, evidenced by tragedies demand we move from dialogue to decisive action. Our theme, ‘Innovate to Act for a Climate-Resilient World,’ is a direct response to this urgency. Innovation, in this context, transcends technology; it is a fundamental mindset shift. It’s about reimagining our methods, fostering radical collaboration, and strategically designing a built environment that operates in harmony with nature, not against it. Inspired by the COP30 spirit of ‘Global Mutirão’—collective effort—GRIHA Council is committed to spearheading this transformation. We are uniting stakeholders to turn groundbreaking ideas into measurable impact, ensuring that every building, city, and community becomes a cornerstone of resilience. This summit is our catalyst to build a future where human progress and ecological integrity are not just balanced, but truly integrated.”

Welcoming the gathering, Mr Sanjay Seth, Vice President & CEO, GRIHA Council, said, “The 17th GRIHA Summit is not just a platform for dialogue, but a living demonstration of how innovation and collaboration can drive climate action. Whether through showcasing cutting-edge technologies like building-integrated photovoltaics or through creative initiatives such as Nirmaan, this Summit embodies the spirit of partnership that unites the Global North and South. As we move from ambition to action, this Summit stands as a collective commitment to transform ideas into impact.”

Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Ms May-Elin Stener, Ambassador, The Royal Norwegian Embassy, articulated “Climate change is a shared challenge that calls for collective action. Both Norway and India understand that building a sustainable, low- emission future starts with how we shape our cities. We are proud of the strides Norway has made in this transition and admire India’s vision for smart and green urban development. Our partnership brings together Norwegian green technology and India’s scale and ambition — working side by side to create a blueprint for urban development that balances growth with climate resilience. Together, we can turn our cities into lasting examples of sustainability for generations to come.”

As climate risks grow more frequent and severe, the performance of our buildings and infrastructure will increasingly define how societies endure and prosper. The summit calls attention to this responsibility, highlighting how innovative thinking, breakthrough solutions, and smarter implementation can shift the built environment from being merely reactive to becoming a driving force for climate security and sustainable progress.

In this special address, Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA), said, “As the world moves towards affordable and reliable energy, cities are becoming the epicentre of the energy transition – consuming over 70% of the global electricity and producing more than two-thirds of the emissions. Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) present a transformative solution by turning roofs facades, and skyline into energy-generating surfaces. Recognizing its potential, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), in collaboration with TERI and GRIHA is working with the governments, architects, and financial institutions worldwide to integrate BIPV into building codes, strengthen capacity, and foster technology co-development. Together, these efforts position BIPV not merely as a design innovation but as a catalyst for green jobs, local manufacturing, and climate-resilient urban growth – proving that sustainability is not a constraint on development but a foundation for inclusive prosperity.”

During the inaugural session, GRIHA Council launched GRIHA Infrastructure Rating for Metro Stations, a specialized framework curated in collaboration with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) to advance sustainability in India’s expanding metro infrastructure network; along with Shashwat: Let Nature Be, GRIHA’s annual magazine showcasing articles, opinion pieces, interviews of industry partners and stakeholders around the summit theme.

A key highlight of the day was the GRIHA Rating Awards and Felicitation Ceremony, where high-performing green building projects from across the country were recognized for their exemplary achievements in energy efficiency, sustainability performance, and resilience outcomes.

The summit also inaugurated the exhibition ‘NIRMAAN’ which features dynamic exhibition zones presenting cutting-edge sustainable materials, technologies, and innovations.

Also Read: India Enforces 30% Import Duty on Canadian Yellow Peas, Impacting Global Pulse Trade

📢 If You’re in Agriculture, Make Sure the Right People Hear Your Story.
From product launches to strategic announcements, Global Agriculture offers unmatched visibility across international agri-business markets. Connect with us at pr@global-agriculture.com to explore editorial and advertising opportunities that reach the right audience, worldwide.