Mahindra Group, Johnson Controls launch net zero buildings initiative in India

In a move aimed at decarbonizing India’s burgeoning building infrastructure, the Mahindra Group, a leading Indian industrial giant, has joined forces with Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), a global pioneer in creating smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. This partnership marks the inception of an unprecedented Net Zero Buildings Initiative targeting the decarbonization of commercial, urban residential, and public buildings across India. The initiative, launching in March 2024, is set to revolutionize the approach toward achieving net zero emissions in the building sector, providing accessible resources and information to facilitate organizations’ journeys towards net zero buildings.

Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Group Public Affairs Officer and Group Executive Board Member at Mahindra, emphasized the group’s commitment to being a ‘Planet Positive’ organization. Through various initiatives aimed at decarbonizing its operations, Mahindra has demonstrated the potential for environmentally beneficial outcomes that also deliver financial value. This collaboration with Johnson Controls aims to accelerate the journey toward a sustainable future by sharing knowledge, learnings, and best practices in the realm of net zero building solutions.

With the International Energy Agency highlighting that three-quarters of the buildings anticipated to exist in India by 2040 are yet to be constructed, the building sector’s significance in energy consumption and emissions cannot be overstated. Representing 20% of emissions and over 30% of energy consumption in India, transitioning to smart, sustainable buildings has become both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity.

George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls, highlighted the timely nature of this initiative, given India’s imminent building revolution. This partnership leverages Johnson Controls’ expertise in smart building technology and Mahindra’s extensive industry experience, promising to inspire a shift towards sustainable building practices not only in India but globally.

The initiative includes a comprehensive toolkit and training programs aimed at educating building and facility owners about sustainable building best practices, conservation measures, regulatory compliance, available incentives, and financing models. This holistic approach ensures a thorough understanding of the parameters essential for achieving net zero emissions in the building sector.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, lauded the initiative as a critical step towards supporting the Indian government’s low-carbon development goals. He emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability and climate resilience into the lifecycle of India’s built environment, considering the significant portion of global energy-related emissions attributed to built infrastructure.

The Mahindra Group has already made significant strides in improving energy efficiency across its various sectors, demonstrating the tangible benefits of investing in sustainable infrastructure. For example, Mahindra Holidays has achieved over 50% energy efficiency improvements across its resorts, and Mahindra Lifespaces has introduced Mahindra Eden, India’s first Net Zero Energy Residential building, projected to save over 1.8 million kWh of electricity annually.

In collaboration with Indian national and state governments, think tanks, and industry associations, Mahindra and Johnson Controls aim to provide enhanced visibility into building data, facilitating climate progress reporting and the development of strategic frameworks. The year-long roadshow featuring virtual and in-person workshops will kickstart in March 2024, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.