A Moment of Glory: Odisha’s Lok Bhavan becomes India’s first ‘Platinum’ green Governor’s campus
By A.K. Sahoo
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 1: Odisha’s Lok Bhavan has become the first Governor’s campus in the country to receive the prestigious Platinum Green Campus Certification of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), marking a significant milestone in the State’s efforts to promote sustainable public infrastructure.
The Governor’s official residence-cum-office scored 88 out of 100 under the IGBC Green Campus Rating System. It is also the first campus to secure a Platinum rating under the revised IGBC Green Campus v1 system, launched in July 2024.
Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati received the certification from IGBC national chairperson C Shekar Reddy at a function attended by Works and Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, and Secretary to the Governor Roopa Roshan Sahoo.
The certification recognises Lok Bhavan’s comprehensive efforts in renewable energy, water conservation, biodiversity protection, waste management, sustainable mobility and occupant well-being.
More than 80 per cent of the campus is covered by green landscape, with 2,374 trees representing 72 species. A biodiversity assessment has recorded 27 faunal species. Extensive tree cover and reflective roofing have also helped mitigate the heat-island effect.
The campus has reduced potable water consumption by more than 35 per cent through water-efficient fixtures. Its rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge system includes recharge trenches, ponds, filter chambers and deep-borewell recharge facilities, strengthening water conservation and long-term water security.
In the energy sector, Lok Bhavan has an Energy Performance Index of 50.57 kWh per square metre per year and a 635-kWp solar photovoltaic system spread across rooftop and ground-mounted installations. Energy-efficient LED lighting and smart timer-based controls have further helped reduce electricity consumption.
“It’s a moment of glory for all of us. This certification will surely inspire other institutions to follow suit and adopt climate-friendly green initiatives for a better tomorrow,” Governor Kambhampati said.
The campus has adopted electric vehicles for internal transportation and installed EV charging infrastructure. Shaded pedestrian pathways have also been developed to encourage walking within the premises.
Lok Bhavan follows source segregation of wet, dry, sanitary and hazardous waste. Organic waste is treated through on-site vermicomposting and reused in landscaping, kitchen and medicinal gardens. Segregated dry waste is routed through authorised recycling systems, resulting in complete diversion from landfill.
The campus is a no-smoking zone and has strengthened fresh-air ventilation and indoor air-quality measures. Accessibility facilities include ramps, accessible toilets, Braille-enabled lifts, dedicated parking and pedestrian pathways for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
The Platinum certification is significant as it goes beyond recognising the environmental performance of an individual building. It reflects an integrated approach to managing an entire public institution, bringing together energy efficiency, water conservation, biodiversity, waste management, sustainable mobility and human well-being.
Photograph: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati (third from left) receives the IGBC Platinum certification plaque from IGBC national chairperson C. Shekar Reddy..
