When it comes to civil engineering, few can rival the vast knowledge and expertise possessed by Mr. Sanjay Seth. Having dedicated more than three decades to the field, he has established himself as a prominent figure within the building and energy sector, shaping its trajectory in significant ways. Currently, he occupies two pivotal roles that showcase his remarkable leadership skills – Vice President & Chief Executive Officer of GRIHA Council and Senior Director of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Before assuming these esteemed roles, Mr. Seth’s journey led him to the prestigious Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. As a crucial driving force behind the Building Energy Efficiency Programme, he spearheaded initiatives that revolutionized energy conservation within the building domain. Furthermore, his exceptional management skills were recognized when he served as the interim Secretary of the BEE, effectively overseeing the organization’s administration and financial matters. Additionally, he was bestowed the honour of being nominated as a Director on the Board of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), further solidifying his influence in the energy sector.
One of Mr. Seth’s most ground-breaking contributions lies in his pioneering work on the development of codes pertaining to energy efficiency in buildings, most notably the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). These codes have set new benchmarks for sustainable practices in the construction industry, reshaping the landscape of energy-efficient architecture.
Beyond his national impact, Mr. Seth’s influence extends globally as he actively serves as a member on various committees, both national and international. His multifaceted expertise covers an extensive range of activities, spanning from city-level interventions to meticulous planning of sustainable urban environments. His holistic approach encompasses promoting low carbon and sustainable transportation, undertaking policy analysis, and integrating sustainable habitats into the built environment. Moreover, he has dedicated considerable effort to capacity building and knowledge creation, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
An accomplished author, Mr. Seth has penned numerous research papers on topics that revolve around sustainable and affordable housing in India. His insights and thought leadership have been instrumental in driving positive change within the housing sector, aiming to make sustainable living a reality for all.
Establishing GRIHA as a Standard for Green Buildings and Sustainability
Established in 2007 through collaboration between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) is an Indian green building rating system. GRIHA evaluates buildings comprehensively, considering qualitative and quantitative criteria throughout their entire life cycle, to determine their environmental performance. This rating system sets a definitive standard for green buildings and aims to minimize resource consumption, waste generation, and overall ecological impact.
GRIHA offers two rating variants that align with national regulations and policies, such as the National Building Code, Energy Conservation Building Code, Ministry of Environment and Forests clearance, and Central Pollution Control Board guidelines. In India’s INDC document submitted at COP 21 in Paris, GRIHA was recognized as an indigenous green building rating system developed within the country. The GRIHA Council provides data on green buildings in India to the Government of India, which is included in India’s biennial update reports submitted to the UNFCCC.
The GRIHA Council is responsible for developing green building ratings for both new and existing buildings, as well as issuing GRIHA ratings. Its latest GRIHA variants align with the principles of the circular economy, carbon counting, and net positivity, while maintaining a focus on raising awareness and promoting engagement for the most effective outcomes. In line with India’s commitment to becoming a net-zero nation by 2070, the GRIHA Council has introduced various certifications, including the Decarbonizing Habitat Programme (DHP), Water Positive Certification, Net Zero Waste Certification, and Energy Positive Certification. These certifications cater to diverse stakeholder groups, including industries, organizations, and projects, among others.
Driving Innovation and Climate Action
From Mr. Seth’s perspective, the GRIHA Council is a leading force in promoting sustainable habitats, constantly striving for innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. With a dedicated and meticulous approach, the council actively seeks to understand the user experience, gather market feedback, and ensure ease of implementation. In line with this commitment, they recently introduced the GRIHA V. 2019 rating variant, aiming to drive the construction industry towards enhanced resource efficiency.
Being at the forefront means the GRIHA Council always endeavours to incorporate and promote new sustainability concepts within the market, remaining ahead of industry practices. For instance, they have successfully integrated life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methodologies to assess the quantifiable impact of carbon emissions in building projects. By doing so, they have established a tangible approach to evaluate the environmental impact throughout a project’s lifespan.
Moreover, the GRIHA Council has taken a proactive step towards addressing the challenge of zero-carbon emissions. In response to the commitments made by our Honourable Prime Minister of India during COP 26, they have launched the Decarbonizing Habitat Programme (DHP). This initiative demonstrates their dedication to contributing to the nation’s goals and actively participating in global efforts to combat climate change.
Commitment to Inclusive Development
As a sustainability professional, Mr. Seth is driven by a deep passion for exploring innovative solutions to optimize resource efficiencies, minimize carbon emissions, and build climate resilience within the built environment. Alongside his dedicated team, they constantly strive to bridge the gap between knowledge and implementation, extending the reach of sustainability to grassroots levels.
Mr. Seth is well aware of the detrimental impact the building and construction industry has on the environment, being responsible for a staggering 38% of global carbon emissions. He witnesses first-hand the negative consequences of over-concretization and the absence of green cover, which transform cities into urban heat islands. The immediate effects of these actions are evident in the changing weather patterns and the intensified heatwaves, resulting in a rise in heat-related fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations and low-income groups. To him, it is imperative to address these groups who face the highest risks and will be most severely affected.
He strongly believes that Indian cities need to adopt a comprehensive framework that promotes sustainable and resilient built environments, enhancing both quality of life and the ability to achieve climate goals. While there is a government push for climate-sensitive ecosystems, Mr. Seth recognizes the significant gap in translating climate action to the grassroots level.
To effectively reduce carbon emissions from the construction and building sector, he emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that encompasses construction, manufacturing, operation, and disposal. The core ideology behind the development of GRIHA ratings and certifications lies in amalgamating traditional wisdom with emerging concepts and technologies. This approach ensures resource efficiency, maximizes human comfort, and nurtures the environment.
Mr. Seth and his team are actively involved in advancing climate-resilient and low-carbon development pathways for the sector, providing guidance for Indian states to follow. Their aim is to strengthen social, environmental, and economic aspects while simultaneously improving the quality of life for all segments of society and promoting sustainability within the built environment.
GRIHA ratings and certifications play a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of sustainable practices and carbon reduction strategies across various social strata. Mr. Seth acknowledges the importance of bridging the knowledge-to-implementation gap at the grassroots level, leading the GRIHA Council to develop specific rating variants. These include the GRIHA for Affordable Housing (AH) and JAN (Jan Awas Nirman) GRIHA Certification.
Aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the GRIHA AH rating variant provides guidance specifically tailored to low-income households. It aims to reduce operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing resource efficiency. Notably, all projects registered under PMAY are eligible for the GRIHA AH rating, which holistically evaluates the environmental performance of residences throughout their entire life cycle.
To promote sustainability at the grassroots level and recognize the efforts made by low-income groups, the GRIHA Council has introduced the JAN GRIHA certification. This certification targets smaller, low-cost residential buildings in India with a built-up area of up to 200 m2. Its overarching goal is to work collaboratively towards achieving carbon neutrality and fostering sustainability in the built environment.
Impact and Milestones
As Mr. Seth reflects on his journey from a Civil Engineer to the CEO & Vice President of GRIHA Council, he takes great pride in the impactful achievements that have characterized his progression. Guided by a strong vision and ambition to drive sustainable development on a global scale, his leadership at GRIHA Council is fuelled by a culture of innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
From the very beginning of his tenure, Mr. Seth has been dedicated to ensuring that GRIHA Council plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change and advancing sustainability goals worldwide. The remarkable growth in the adoption of GRIHA is a testament to the widespread recognition and acceptance of the rating system among stakeholders in the built environment sector. With over 3,700 registered projects covering an impressive total area of more than 630 million square feet, the reach of GRIHA is expanding exponentially.
Strategic alliances forged through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with government bodies and private sector entities across different states have been instrumental in establishing enduring partnerships between GRIHA Council and various stakeholders. These collaborations have nurtured longstanding relationships with prestigious entities such as Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC India), and the Bhopal Smart City Development Corporation Limited (BSCDCL). These alliances have solidified GRIHA Council’s position as a trusted leader in sustainable development. Furthermore, the introduction of tax rebates for green constructions in multiple states has made sustainability more accessible to the public.
Mr. Seth takes particular pride in the association of GRIHA Council with the renowned 5-star GRIHA rating for the New Parliament Building of the Central Vista project. This recognition highlights the Council’s commitment to excellence and its growing impact at a global level. Moreover, GRIHA Council has expanded its influence beyond Indian borders and registered its first international airport project, Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the Republic of Maldives.
To further promote sustainability and raise awareness among affordable housing segments, GRIHA Council has introduced the JAN GRIHA certification. This certification sets benchmarks for small-scale residences with a built-up area below 200 m2, supporting the common goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
One of the key areas where GRIHA Council has made significant contributions is the integration of renewable energy systems. By facilitating the incorporation of renewable energy technologies in GRIHA-rated projects, the Council has helped achieve a cumulative capacity of 533 MWp. These systems not only result in substantial energy savings but also contribute to an annual reduction of 83,93,398 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, GRIHA-rated projects have achieved noteworthy water savings of 10,36,24,420 kL per year and have made a positive impact on the environment through the planting of over 2,66,770 new trees and the preservation of 28,000 trees.
For Mr. Seth, these accomplishments and highlights are a testament to the dedication, expertise, and passion of the entire GRIHA Council team. Together, they have worked tirelessly to create a positive impact on the environment, advance sustainability goals, and contribute to the betterment of society.
Inspiring Sustainable Leadership
From Mr. Seth’s perspective, he firmly believes in the power of having a compelling vision that extends beyond immediate success. For him, sustainability should not be an afterthought but a guiding principle deeply integrated into the core of a business model. By prioritizing sustainability, one can drive positive change and serve as an inspiration for others to follow suit.
In order to achieve this vision, Mr. Seth emphasizes the importance of fostering collaborations. Through collective action, complex challenges, which extend beyond energy and water efficiency, can be addressed more effectively. Drawing from his own experience, he recognizes that the world is full of opportunities waiting to be seized. Encouraging a culture of innovation within an organization becomes crucial, as it enables individuals to think creatively and challenge conventional practices.
Mr. Seth understands the magnitude of global challenges like climate change and encourages others to lead by example. By promoting environmentally conscious behaviors and practices, both professionally and personally, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future. He believes in the power of discovering ideas that can make a difference at the grassroots level and contribute to the betterment of society.
For those who dare to dream and embrace sustainability as a fundamental aspect of their business, Mr. Seth envisions them becoming charismatic leaders who inspire other entrepreneurs to join the journey towards a more sustainable and resilient global community. By leading by example and instilling sustainability at the heart of their enterprises, they can create a positive impact that transcends boundaries and paves the way for a better tomorrow.
Leading with Purpose
Mr. Seth’s leadership philosophy at GRIHA Council centres around sustainability, collaboration, innovation, and a learning mindset. The organization practices what they preach, taking action and learning from both successes and mistakes. The achievements of GRIHA Council are attributed to their dedicated team and Mr. Seth’s emphasis on embedding sustainability in the organization’s values and operations. He prioritizes empowering team members through growth opportunities and skill enhancement.
Continuous improvement and professional development are key, as Mr. Seth believes in staying ahead of industry trends. By leading by example, he encourages sustainable practices within the organization and serves as a role model for stakeholders. Through these principles, Mr. Seth and GRIHA Council aim to foster a positive work culture and make a meaningful impact on the built environment sector, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Transforming the World
GRIHA Council is committed to promoting sustainable practices and social responsibility. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including government bodies, private organizations, and educational institutions, to drive collective action towards sustainability. The council provides rating certifications, technical support, and training programs to promote sustainable habitats and green building practices.
In line with their mission, GRIHA Council undertakes corporate social responsibility activities such as tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and awareness programs. They actively involve stakeholders and engage communities through initiatives like the GRIHA ACE group, which empowers students to become environmental advocates. The council has also introduced the JAN GRIHA certification, aligned with PMAY, to promote sustainability at the grassroots level. Mr. Seth envisions a healthy and sustainable planet achieved through stakeholder engagement, awareness promotion, and sustainable practices. GRIHA Council strives to make a lasting positive impact on the environment and society.
Creating a Sustainable Future
GRIHA Council is guided by core values of credibility, integrity, and inclusiveness. They promote climate-smart development, native practices, and global carbon offsetting to create future-ready and sustainable habitats. Mr. Seth envisions GRIHA Council as a pioneering force, leading the way in sustainability globally. They plan to expand their reach, establish strategic partnerships, advocate for supportive policies, invest in research and development, and enhance capacity-building programs.
Technology and data analytics play a crucial role in GRIHA Council’s approach to sustainability. By harnessing the power of technology, they can leverage valuable data insights to drive continuous improvement and inform their decision-making processes. Additionally, GRIHA Council values the feedback and collaboration of stakeholders, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping their strategies and initiatives.
