Odisha’s Lok Bhavan Becomes India’s first ‘Platinum’ Green Governor’s Campus

Bhubaneswar: Lok Bhavan, Odisha, has achieved the prestigious Platinum Green Campus Certification of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), becoming the first Governor’s campus in the country to receive the highest green rating.

The Governor’s official residence-cum-office secured 88 out of 100 under the IGBC Green Campus Rating System. It is also the first campus to receive a Platinum rating under the revised IGBC Green Campus v1 system, launched in July 2024.

Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati received the certificate from IGBC national chairperson C Shekar Reddy in the presence of works and law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, additional chief secretary, energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, forest, environment and climate change principal secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma and secretary to Governor Roopa Roshan Sahoo.

The certification recognises the campus’ initiatives 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 belonging to 72 species. A biodiversity assessment has documented 27 faunal species. Tree cover and reflective roofing have also helped reduce the heat-island effect.

The campus has achieved more than 35 per cent reduction in potable water consumption through water-efficient fixtures. A rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge network comprising recharge trenches, ponds, filter chambers and deep-borewell recharge systems has been developed to strengthen 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 installed across rooftop and ground-mounted locations. Energy-efficient LED lighting and smart timer-based controls have further reduced 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,” said Governor Kambhampati.

The campus has also adopted electric vehicles for internal transportation and installed EV charging infrastructure. Shaded pedestrian pathways encourage walking within the campus.

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, while segregated dry waste is sent through authorised recycling systems, resulting in complete diversion from landfill.

The campus is a no-smoking zone and has enhanced 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 certification is significant as it extends the concept of green infrastructure beyond individual buildings to the functioning of an entire public institution, integrating energy, water, biodiversity, waste management, mobility and human well-being into campus management.