Mahindra Group and Johnson Controls have jointly launched an initiative to decarbonize buildings. The Net Zero Buildings Initiative aims to provide essential resources and information to organizations, building owners and facility managers enabling them to create sustainable spaces. The initiative will accelerate the deployment of smart and sustainable buildings across commercial, urban residential, and public sectors.
Starting in March 2024, the initiative will kick off with the release of a comprehensive toolkit document. This will be followed by a year-long series of virtual and in-person workshops, empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to embark on their net-zero buildings journeys. This partnership aims to provide visibility on building data for climate progress reporting and to formulate strategies and frameworks.
Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Group Public Affairs Officer and Group Executive Board Member at Mahindra, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “At Mahindra, we strongly believe in operating as a ‘Planet Positive’ organization…We also understand the critical role of collaboration in accelerating a sustainable future, and hence join hands with Johnson Controls, leaders in net zero building solutions, to share our learnings and best practices with everyone.”
According to the International Energy Agency, a significant portion of India’s anticipated 2040 buildings is yet to be constructed. Buildings currently account for 20% of emissions and over 30% of energy consumption in India. Transitioning to smart and sustainable buildings is crucial not only for the environment but also for the economy.
Investing in energy-efficient infrastructure has the potential to lower electricity consumption by 40-60% compared to traditional buildings. According to India Energy Outlook 2021, Improving building energy efficiency by 30% can save around 250 TWh of power by 2030, contributing to economic growth.
George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls, highlighted the potential of this collaboration, stating, “The joining together of our two companies to develop this unique initiative is a natural fit—leveraging Johnson Controls’ leadership in smart building technology and Mahindra’s renowned multi-industry expertise and reach.”
The Net Zero Buildings Initiative will provide a comprehensive toolkit and training for building and facility owners, covering best practices, assessment tools, conservation measures, building regulations, available incentives, financing models, and more.
Mahindra Group has previously demonstrated its commitment to sustainability, with various sectors and claimed achieving significant improvements in energy efficiency. As per Mahindra, Mahindra Holidays has increased energy efficiency by over 50% across resorts, and Mahindra Lifespaces launched India’s first Net Zero Energy Residential building.
As part of the initiative, Mahindra and Johnson Controls will collaborate closely with Indian national and state governments, think-tanks, and industry associations. This partnership aims to provide visibility on building data for climate progress reporting and to formulate strategies and frameworks.