Telangana Strengthens Push for Smart, Green and Net-Zero Development at IGBC Green Telangana Summit 2026 

Hyderabad, March 7, 2026: The CII Indian Green Building Council (CII IGBC) successfully concluded the second edition of the IGBC Green Telangana Summit 2026 on March 6, 2026, in Hyderabad. Centered on the theme “Smart, Green & Net Zero: Transforming Telangana’s Built Environment Together,” the summit served as a high-level forum for policymakers, architects, and sustainability experts to strategize on accelerating the state’s transition toward a resilient, low-carbon future, a press statement said.

The day-long event highlighted Telangana’s status as a national frontrunner in sustainable urban development. The state currently boasts over 1,245 IGBC-registered projects, representing a massive green building footprint of 1.67 billion sq ft. This portfolio includes a diverse mix of more than 715 commercial projects, 335 residential developments, 110 metro transit projects, and 20 net-zero initiatives. Industry leaders noted that this momentum has solidified Hyderabad’s reputation as one of India’s premier hubs for eco-friendly construction.

Global collaboration was a focal point of the discussions, with international leaders praising local efforts. Matt Meyer, Governor of the State of Delaware, USA, emphasized the global significance of Hyderabad’s progress, stating, “Cities and states around the world are increasingly confronting the urgent challenge of climate change. The work done here on ground in Hyderabad and India matters to us at the State of Delaware. We are here looking for collaboration in fostering global partnerships, bringing together leaders to exchange ideas, share technologies, and explore pathways that can accelerate climate action. Telangana’s strong emphasis on smart, sustainable, and net-zero development reflects the kind of forward-looking leadership needed to drive resilient and inclusive growth in the decades ahead.”

The summit also addressed the scale of India’s looming urban expansion. C Shekar Reddy, National Chairman of the Indian Green Building Council, noted that the country’s built-up area is expected to grow 2.5 times by 2040. “India is witnessing one of the largest waves of urbanization in its history… At this critical juncture, Telangana is demonstrating how rapid urban growth can go hand in hand with sustainability. Today, India has over 19,000 IGBC-registered projects representing 15.74 billion sq. ft. of green building footprint, making it the second-largest green building footprint in the world, and Telangana has been at the forefront of this progress. As the state continues to expand across housing, infrastructure, IT, and industry, it is imperative that every new development embraces green and net-zero principles. With progressive policies, innovation, and strong collaboration between government, industry, and citizens, Telangana has the potential to emerge as a national benchmark for smart, green, and net-zero development,” Reddy remarked.

Technological innovation and policy leadership were further underscored by Bill McQuade, President of ASHRAE, who said, “India is at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of sustainable and high-performance buildings. The momentum we are witnessing in Telangana reflects how policy leadership, industry commitment, and technical innovation can come together to transform the built environment. Through platforms like the Green Telangana Summit 2026, we can accelerate collaboration and share global best practices that advance energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and climate resilience. We remain committed to working closely with partners in India to support the transition toward low-carbon, healthy, and sustainable buildings that benefit both people and the planet.”

Beyond the panel discussions, the summit saw the unveiling of the Telangana Coffee Table Book, which documents over 40 iconic green and net-zero projects in the state. Ar Srinivas Murthy, Chairman of the IGBC Hyderabad Chapter, reflected on the role of the design community in this shift. “Hyderabad has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic hubs for sustainable and green buildings, reflecting the strong commitment of developers, architects, industry, and government. Through the continued efforts of the CII Indian Green Building Council and the IGBC Hyderabad Chapter, the city is setting new benchmarks in energy-efficient, resource-efficient, and people-centric built environments. As architects and designers, we have a crucial role in shaping spaces that are not only aesthetically inspiring but also environmentally responsible and future ready,” Murthy said.

The event concluded with the IGBC Green Crusaders & Valedictory Session, during which 47 projects—accounting for 46.3 million sq ft of green footprint—were recognized for their adherence to sustainable building practices. By bringing together organizations such as CREDAI, NAREDCO, and ASHRAE, the summit reaffirmed Telangana’s pivotal role in driving India’s broader climate goals and establishing a blueprint for smart, net-zero urban centers.