Thiruvananthapuram's NZCRB Action Plan Addressing Carbon Emissions and Pollution Control
The city corporation of Thiruvananthapuram has developed a pioneering Net Zero Carbon and Resilient Buildings (NZCRB) action plan. Focusing on the energy-efficient and low-carbon resilient construction of buildings and climate adaptation, this comprehensive blueprint aims to create a more sustainable construction sector in the fast-growing city.
Designed with an advanced strategy to lower carbon emissions for each stage of a building’s lifecycle, the NZCRB action plan incorporates climate-responsive materials and advanced technologies to mitigate the construction carbon footprint and to better prepare structures for the impacts of extreme weather due to climate change. Also crucial to the initiative is the establishment of an NZCRB Cell within the city corporation, tasked with managing its operationalization and long-term resilience. Collaboration with WRI India, ISHRAE, IGBC, and other leading sustainability researchers and institutions helped draft the action plan. Regarding the approach, the city plans to incorporate innovative construction techniques, along with high-performance glass, heat pumps, and wall systems with thermal efficiency design. Additionally, the civic body prioritizes solar energy on public buildings and, under the Solar Cities program, has already installed a cumulative 17 MW of solar capacity, exceeding the projected value for solar energy in the region.
With the rapid growth of the city, there has been an increase in construction approval requests. “This initiative is a crucial step towards advancing the city’s climate action and energy usage targets,” remarked a senior city official. Furthermore, he provided insight into the city’s climate budget, which he intends to implement in line with the NZCRB action plan goals. The action plan recommends that builders and developers be offered financial rewards for adopting innovative construction methods. It additionally recommends training on the construction industry for community members to incorporate climate and natural resource-friendly building methods, the creation of community cooling spaces, as well as the integration of urban nature-based methodologies.
Another essential part of the plan is the construction and demolition waste management, which includes decentralized waste segregation systems and a central processing unit. The intention is to recycle about 50% of waste material from demolitions to further sustainability goals. Aside from the goals to reduce carbon output, the NZCRB action plan promises numerous benefits, such as the reduction of urban heat island effects, improved air quality, greater energy efficiency, and green sector employment opportunities, all of which are long-term. The city corporation plans to implement these policies first on government buildings as a pilot testing area before expanding to private businesses.
Through these efforts, Thiruvananthapuram intends to sustain its commitment to climate action as it works towards becoming a zero-carbon city, positioning the city as a leader in sustainable urban development while striving to provide a resilient, eco-friendly city for everyone.
