In a groundbreaking initiative to fortify the city’s construction sector against climate change challenges and foster sustainable development, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has forged a partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI-India).
The collaboration aims to formulate a comprehensive city action plan on Net Zero Carbon and Resilient Building, aligning with the city’s ambitious target to achieve carbon-neutral status by 2035. The agreement, signed by Corporation Secretary Binu Francis and Deputy Director of WRI-India’s Energy Programme, Deepak Krishnan, signifies a proactive step towards addressing climate change concerns within the construction industry. The city action plan will be crafted by WRI-India at no cost to the Corporation and will serve as a strategic roadmap to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a model of sustainability. The study, encompassing diverse aspects of the construction sector, will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating disaster-resilient buildings, and devising solutions to combat rising temperatures. WRI-India will engage with various stakeholders in the construction domain, considering factors like climate conditions, market dynamics, technology integration, and investment opportunities. Mayor Arya Rajendran and Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh were present during the signing ceremony, emphasising the significance of this collaboration in steering the city towards environmental responsibility and resilient urban development.
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s commitment to achieving carbon-neutral status by 2035 aligns with global sustainability goals. The study conducted by WRI-India is poised to be a catalyst for reform in the construction sector, advocating eco-friendly practices and reinforcing the city’s position as a trailblazer in climate-conscious urban planning. The Minister announced that the net zero carbon initiatives pioneered by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation would serve as a model for other cities. The Government’s urban commission is expected to leverage these initiatives to combat greenhouse gas emissions and usher in innovative solutions for a sustainable and resilient urban future.