IndiGlobal Media: The Rajasthan State Energy Department Chief Alok Gupta emphasized mainstreaming the climate actions against the fast-changing climate for securing the lives of future generations.
Addressing the audience at the inaugural session of the 3rd GRIHA Regional Conclave in Jaipur, Rajasthan held recently, Alok Gupta, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Rajasthan underlined the importance of green building, sustainable construction, and building practices, which will significantly contribute to climate action in the built environment. He was appreciative of the GRIHA Council’s initiative to organize the Regional Conclaves and build new partnerships with three different institutions – IPA, FSAI, and AHSRAE, to advance sustainability in the built environment.
Highlighting one of the initiatives of the Rajasthan government – under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. He shared the overwhelming and huge response from different sectors including businessmen, and farmers. 4500 MW orders have been placed and work for 3000 MW has already been started.
GRIHA Council hosted its Third regional conclave in Jaipur on 25th October (Friday) 2024 to “Accelerate Climate
Action in the Built Environment”
Sanjay Seth, Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, GRIHA Council & Senior Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Programme, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) welcomed the esteemed guests, dignitaries, and participants at the inaugural session. He encouraged everyone to take a moment and reflect on our actions today which will ultimately impact the world as we pass it on to our future generations. He emphasized that it’s no longer enough to nearly explore sustainability and resilience, the time has also come to have certain robust systems in place that can reduce and effectively respond to the escalating crisis that we are facing today.
Nishant Jain, IAS, Secretary, Jaipur Development Authority, Government of Rajasthan, in his keynote address highlighted his concern over the growing urbanization and carbon emissions which have grave impact on the climate and our environment. He also shared about the green building relaxations and incentives provided by the Jaipur Development Authority, Government of Rajasthan. He also highlighted that Jaipur Pink City being
declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is based on traditional architecture designs. In his address, he advocated for promoting a green built environment and sustainable infrastructure development.
Dr. Ajay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Regional Office, Jaipur, Ministry of Education, Government of India, during his special remarks at the inaugural, highlighted that schools are more than just the centers of learning; schools are the house of innovation. Every moment they are trying to push our boundaries ahead to whatever is possible. He also highlighted that buildings are powerful tools in the climate action, which is something he came to understand after connecting with GRIHA Council.
There were three technical sessions which deliberated on- “Advancing Low-Carbon Materials in the Construction Industry”, “Sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions to water and energy” and “Navigating the Path to Sustainability: Implementing Rajasthan’s New Regulations into Action”.
GRIHA Council signed three Memorandums of Understanding during the event, one Indian Plumbing Association Jaipur Chapter (IPA), represented by Shri. Sudhir Mathur, Chairman of (IPA), Rajasthan. One with ASHRAE Jaipur Chapter, represented by Amit Kakkar, Chief Engineer, Department of Information Technology & Communication (DOIT&C), Govt. of Rajasthan. One with Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI) represented by Ankur Gupta, FSAI-President. The event concluded with a cultural performance to segue into an evening of networking among the attendees.