V.O. Chidambaranar Port Becomes First Indian Major Port to Receive IGBC Platinum Rating

V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority has become the first Major Port in India to secure the prestigious IGBC Platinum Rating, the highest level of green building certification awarded by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

The recognition has been conferred on the Port’s Administration Building, which has been developed in line with VOC Port’s Green Policy and integrated waste management framework aimed at advancing sustainability and resource efficiency.

The building features rooftop solar panels and a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) roof coating designed to mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect and improve energy performance. Water conservation measures, including IoT-enabled water meters, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring systems, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and water-efficient plumbing fixtures, have resulted in a 37% reduction in potable water consumption. All wastewater generated on-site is treated through a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and fully reused.

As part of its decarbonisation efforts, the Administration Building operates entirely on renewable energy. Approximately 89% of its electricity demand is met through on-site solar generation, while the remaining 11% is sourced from off-site renewable energy supplied by the port.

The facility also prioritises occupant health, safety and accessibility. It adheres to a strict No Smoking Policy, uses eco-friendly housekeeping chemicals, and incorporates non-slippery ramps, differently-abled-friendly toilets, electric wheelchairs, and elevators equipped with braille and audio assistance systems. The port campus maintains over 70% green cover, supported by extensive plantation drives. Seven IGBC Accredited Professionals oversee sustainability implementation and continuous improvement initiatives.

In addition to the IGBC Platinum certification, VOC Port has received Shunya and Shunya Plus certifications from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Under the Shunya framework, a building qualifies as Net Zero Energy if its annual energy consumption is fully offset by renewable energy generated either on-site or off-site, with an Energy Performance Index (EPI) between 0 and 10 kWh/m²/year. A Shunya Plus certification denotes a Net Positive Energy Building that produces more renewable energy than it consumes, achieving an EPI below 0 kWh/m²/year and enabling surplus energy export to the grid.

Under this certification programme, VOC Port’s Hospital and CISF Barracks have been awarded Shunya Plus status, while the Administrative Building and Guest House have secured Shunya certification.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Harit Sagar – Green Port Guidelines spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aim to promote sustainable and energy-efficient port infrastructure nationwide.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOC Port, said the project involved targeted infrastructure upgrades and policy measures to enhance environmental performance, energy efficiency, and occupant well-being. He added that achieving both the IGBC Platinum Rating and BEE certification marks a significant milestone, positioning VOC Port as a sustainability benchmark among Indian major ports.