ISHRAE, IGBC Sign Landmark MoU to Advance Commissioning of Building Services Across India

Mumbai, November 29, 2025: The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of CII, and the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize and strengthen the commissioning (Cx) of building services across India. This agreement represents a significant step toward building industry-wide capacity, formalizing a structured accreditation framework, and ensuring that building projects across the country achieve the highest standards of energy efficiency, performance, safety, and occupant well-being.

The MoU was formally signed by Jayanta Kumar Das, Society President, ISHRAE, and KS Venkatagiri, Executive Director, Indian Green Building Council, in the presence of senior industry leaders, technical experts, and members of the Cx Process Standard development team. The ceremony marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts of both organizations to elevate commissioning practices within India’s rapidly evolving built environment.

Commissioning is widely recognized by IGBC and ISHRAE as a vital process that ensures all building systems—from HVAC and electrical to plumbing, automation, and renewables—perform as intended and meet the Owner’s Project Requirements. When integrated from the design stage, commissioning enhances system performance and delivers 8–10 per cent energy savings, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Building upon ISHRAE’s established HVAC Commissioning Standard (10003:2020), this collaboration expands the structured commissioning process to all major building services.

As part of the MoU, IGBC and ISHRAE will develop a comprehensive training and accreditation program that expands ISHRAE’s existing HVAC Commissioning course to include all major building services. Professionals completing the program will receive joint certification as Certified Commissioning Professionals (CxP) through an online, third-party examination. A Joint Technical Committee (TC) will be constituted to develop the curriculum within 16 weeks and to guide the program through regular meetings at Green Building Congress and ACREX.

The MoU also enables IGBC to empanel Commissioning Authorities (CxA), each required to have at least three accredited CxPs and demonstrate broad experience across building systems. Empanelment will remain valid for three years and will be renewed based on participation in Continuing Education Programs designed jointly by ISHRAE and IGBC. Nationwide training will be facilitated through IGBC chapters and ISHRAE Knowledge Centres, offering a range of formats—from short awareness sessions to advanced multi-day courses—targeted at professionals across all levels of the building industry.

Industry adoption forms an essential part of the initiative. IGBC will mandate the involvement of Certified CxPs for green building projects under its rating systems, ensuring consistent and high-quality commissioning practices. OEMs, contracting firms, and other stakeholders are encouraged to support the wider adoption of commissioning across the sector.

Reflecting on the partnership, Jayanta Kumar Das, Society President, ISHRAE, stated that the MoU marks a major advancement in establishing commissioning as a structured discipline in India. He noted that expanding the scope from HVAC to cover all building systems positions the industry to adopt a more holistic approach to performance, safety, and sustainability. He emphasized that the initiative strengthens the capabilities of professionals and improves outcomes for the built environment.

KS Venkatagiri, Executive Director, IGBC, highlighted that commissioning is fundamental to achieving the intended performance of green buildings. He stated that the collaboration between IGBC and ISHRAE creates a strong, scalable, and structured commissioning ecosystem that enhances the quality of green building projects nationwide. He added that the initiative opens new avenues for professional growth while supporting India’s sustainability and energy-efficiency goals.