Odisha’s Lok Bhavan has become the first Lok Bhavan in the country to receive the prestigious Platinum certification under the Indian Green Building Council’s (IGBC) Green Campus Rating System, marking a major milestone in sustainable and environment-friendly public infrastructure.
The Governor’s official residence and office in Bhubaneswar secured 88 out of 100 points, placing it in the highest category of the IGBC rating system. The campus has also become the first to receive a Platinum rating under the revised and more stringent IGBC Green Campus Version 1, which was launched in July 2024.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati Receives Certification
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati received the Platinum certification from IGBC National Chairman C. Shekar Reddy at a programme held at the New Abhishek Hall of Lok Bhavan.
Describing the recognition as a proud moment for Odisha, the Governor said the achievement reflected the collective efforts made to transform Lok Bhavan into a green and sustainable campus.
The certification recognises the initiatives undertaken by the institution in areas such as greenery, clean energy generation and consumption, water conservation, sustainable mobility and other environmentally responsible practices.
Lok Bhavan Scores 88 Out of 100
Lok Bhavan secured 88 points out of 100 under the IGBC Green Campus Rating System, earning the highest Platinum category.
The recognition is particularly significant because the IGBC’s revised Green Campus Version 1 framework has introduced more stringent standards for evaluating sustainability initiatives.
The Platinum certification goes beyond the environmental performance of an individual building. It evaluates the overall approach of a campus towards sustainability, including energy efficiency, water management, biodiversity, waste management, transportation and the well-being of occupants.
More Than 80 Per Cent Green Cover
One of the key features contributing to the certification is Lok Bhavan’s extensive green cover.
According to reports, more than 80 per cent of the campus is covered by greenery. The campus has thousands of trees representing dozens of species, contributing to biodiversity conservation and helping create a more environmentally sustainable institutional space.
The extensive tree cover, along with measures such as reflective roofing, has also helped address the heat-island effect and improve the overall environmental conditions within the campus.
The Governor said the recognition demonstrates how public institutions can integrate environmental responsibility into their day-to-day operations and long-term infrastructure planning.
Major Progress in Water Conservation
Water efficiency has emerged as another important component of Lok Bhavan’s sustainability efforts.
The campus has achieved more than a 35 per cent reduction in water consumption through the adoption of water-efficient systems and conservation measures.
Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems have also been developed as part of efforts to strengthen water security. These include recharge facilities and other infrastructure designed to conserve rainwater and support groundwater replenishment.
Such initiatives are increasingly important as public institutions seek to reduce resource consumption and improve their long-term environmental sustainability.
Solar Energy Supports Net-Zero Vision
Renewable energy has played a major role in the Odisha Lok Bhavan Platinum certification.
The campus currently has an installed solar power capacity of 635 kWp through rooftop and ground-mounted solar installations.
Governor Kambhampati said the solar infrastructure is helping Lok Bhavan move towards becoming a net-zero campus. He also highlighted the importance of expanding the use of solar energy across homes and institutions.
A small wind turbine is also planned within the Lok Bhavan campus to further increase the use of renewable energy and diversify the institution’s clean energy sources.
First Lok Bhavan With Fully Electric Official Convoy
Lok Bhavan has also adopted an all-electric official carcade, making it the first Lok Bhavan in the country to fully transition the Governor’s official convoy to electric vehicles.
The move represents another important step towards reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels and promoting sustainable mobility within government institutions.
Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure have also been incorporated into the campus’s wider sustainability framework.
The adoption of EVs reflects the increasing role of clean transportation in reducing carbon emissions and supporting India’s transition towards greener mobility solutions.
Waste Management and Sustainable Practices Strengthened
The campus has also adopted measures for systematic waste management.
Waste is segregated into different categories, including wet, dry, sanitary and hazardous waste. Organic waste is treated through on-site processes and reused for landscaping and other green initiatives, while recyclable materials are routed through authorised systems.
These measures aim to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and encourage the efficient use of resources within the campus.
The Platinum certification recognises these integrated sustainability measures rather than focusing on a single environmental initiative.
Governor Calls for More Green Campuses
Governor Kambhampati urged universities and other institutions in Odisha to pursue green certification and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
He said educational institutions, in particular, can play an important role in creating awareness about environmental protection and sustainable development.
With thousands of students graduating from universities every year, the Governor said young people can become ambassadors for environmental protection and contribute towards building a more sustainable future.
The Governor also expressed hope that the achievement of Lok Bhavan would encourage other public institutions to follow similar practices and pursue recognised sustainability standards.
A New Benchmark for Sustainable Public Infrastructure
The Odisha Lok Bhavan Platinum certification marks an important achievement for sustainable public infrastructure in India.
By integrating green cover, renewable energy, water conservation, waste management and electric mobility, Lok Bhavan has established a model for environmentally responsible institutional campuses.
The recognition is expected to encourage other government buildings, universities and public institutions to adopt similar approaches towards sustainability.
As India continues to focus on climate-conscious development and resource efficiency, Odisha’s Lok Bhavan has set a new benchmark by becoming the country’s first Lok Bhavan to receive the IGBC Platinum certification under the Green Campus Rating System.