Odisha Lok Bhavan has achieved the highest rating under the Indian Green Building Council’s (IGBC) Green Campus Rating System, becoming the first Governor House in the country to receive a Platinum certification for its sustainable and environment-friendly campus, according to an official statement.
The Lok Bhavan campus secured 88 out of 100 points under the IGBC rating system, placing it in the highest certification category. The recognition marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s efforts to promote green infrastructure, renewable energy adoption and environmentally responsible public institutions.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati received the certification from IGBC National Chairman C Sekhar Reddy at a function held at New Abhishek Hall at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
According to the Governor’s House, Odisha Lok Bhavan is not only the first Lok Bhavan in India to receive a green Platinum certification but also the first campus to secure a Platinum rating under the revised IGBC Green Campus v1 rating system, which was launched in July 2024.
Recognition for Green Transformation
The certification recognises a series of initiatives undertaken at Lok Bhavan to improve its environmental performance, including expansion of green cover, clean energy generation and the use of electric vehicles.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the certification, Governor Kambhampati described the achievement as a proud moment for Odisha and said the recognition reflected the collective efforts undertaken to transform the campus into a green institution.
He said the certification covered several sustainability measures implemented at Lok Bhavan and noted that the campus had acted upon recommendations made during the assessment process to achieve the highest possible rating.
The Governor also said the achievement could encourage other public institutions to adopt sustainable practices and pursue recognised green-building certifications.
635 kWp Solar Capacity at Lok Bhavan
Renewable energy has emerged as a major component of Lok Bhavan’s green transition. The campus currently has an installed solar power capacity of 635 kWp, according to the Governor.
Kambhampati called for greater adoption of rooftop solar systems by households and institutions, highlighting Odisha’s considerable solar potential.
He also emphasised the importance of making greater use of renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind power, as the country continues its transition towards cleaner energy.
As part of the next phase of its sustainability initiatives, Lok Bhavan is also planning to install small windmills on its campus. The proposed installations are intended to further expand the use of renewable energy at the premises.
First Governor House to Adopt All-Electric Carcade
Another notable feature of Lok Bhavan’s green transition is its adoption of an all-electric official carcade.
The Governor’s House described this as another first for a Lok Bhavan in the country and said the move forms part of its broader effort to reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered vehicles and promote cleaner mobility.
The combination of renewable energy generation and electric mobility has helped strengthen the campus’s sustainability profile and contributed to its achievement under the IGBC Green Campus framework.
Green Certification Push to Universities
Governor Kambhampati also called upon universities across Odisha to pursue green certification and take a more active role in spreading environmental awareness.
He highlighted the large number of students who pass through university campuses every year and said educational institutions could play an important role in creating a generation of environmental ambassadors.
The Governor’s appeal comes as educational institutions increasingly become important platforms for demonstrating sustainable infrastructure and promoting environmentally responsible practices among students and communities.
Green Transformation Planned for Puri Lok Bhavan
The sustainability initiative is also expected to extend beyond the Bhubaneswar campus.
Kambhampati said efforts would be made to obtain green certification for Lok Bhavan in Puri as well. A 100-kW solar power plant has been proposed there as an initial step towards making the campus more environment-friendly.
The proposed project is expected to form part of a wider effort to replicate sustainable practices across government and institutional facilities in Odisha.
Government Backs Wider Adoption of Green Practices
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said the Governor’s commitment to environmental protection had been translated into concrete action through the transformation of Lok Bhavan.
He described the certification as a matter of pride for Odisha and said the achievement could encourage government departments to incorporate green practices into the planning and construction of future buildings.
The recognition comes at a time when sustainable building design, renewable energy integration and energy-efficient infrastructure are gaining greater importance in India’s efforts to reduce environmental impact and accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy.
Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department Vishal Kumar Dev, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor Dr Roopa Roshan Sahoo, vice-chancellors of various universities and senior IGBC officials were among those present at the certification ceremony.
With its Platinum rating, solar generation capacity, electric vehicle adoption and plans for further renewable-energy integration, Odisha Lok Bhavan has positioned itself as a prominent example of how public campuses can incorporate sustainability into their operations and infrastructure.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information and official statements. Readers are advised to refer to official announcements for further details.
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