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Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has earned the prestigious Platinum certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) under its Green New Buildings rating system for its headquarters at Nandanam, Chennai. This recognition marks a major milestone in CMRL’s commitment to sustainability and responsible urban development.
The certification highlights CMRL’s success across several key sustainability parameters — including rainwater harvesting, energy conservation, renewable energy integration, water reuse, and occupant well-being. The award was presented to Thiru M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director of CMRL, along with senior officials Thiru T. Archunan, Director (Projects) and Tmt. Rekha Prakash, Chief General Manager (Planning & Design). The plaque and certificate were handed over by Padma Shri Ar. C.N. Raghavendran, Managing Director of C.R. Narayana Rao (CRN), alongside Mahesh Anand, Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter, and Sriram Iyer, Co-Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter, in the presence of the CMRL team and IGBC Secretariat.
Leading by Example in Sustainable Urban Design
The CMRL headquarters stands out as a model of eco-friendly construction and resource-efficient operation. The project preserved 69 mature trees on-site and dedicated 79% of the campus area to sustainable landscaping. Through innovative water management, potable water usage was reduced by over 31% using low-flow plumbing fixtures. Moreover, the building achieves 100% wastewater treatment and reuse, with 94% of treated water used for flushing and irrigation needs.
Energy efficiency is another major highlight. The building demonstrates 23.39% energy savings beyond the ASHRAE baseline standards, achieved through high-performance building materials and smart design strategies. Additionally, a rooftop solar photovoltaic system contributes 3% of the total annual energy requirement, reducing dependency on conventional power sources. A Building Management System (BMS) and comprehensive energy metering allow real-time monitoring of energy and water use, ensuring optimal efficiency at all times.
Focus on Well-being and Health
Beyond environmental performance, the CMRL headquarters places strong emphasis on the well-being of its employees. The building incorporates features that promote comfort, health, and recreation, including a dedicated yoga zone, indoor games facilities for activities such as carrom, chess, and table tennis, and advanced indoor air quality monitoring systems. The workspace is equipped with carbon dioxide sensors that regulate fresh air intake automatically, ensuring a healthy and pleasant work environment.
Voices of Recognition
Speaking at the ceremony, Thiru M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director of CMRL, said, “Sustainability is at the core of our mission. This recognition strengthens our resolve to integrate sustainable construction and operations in all our projects. We are proud to lead by example and contribute to Chennai’s vision of becoming a greener city.”
Padma Shri Ar. C.N. Raghavendran, Managing Director of CRN, added, “This project exemplifies the shift towards high-performance, environment-sensitive buildings essential for sustainable urban growth. It’s gratifying to see CMRL’s leadership embracing technologies that conserve resources while creating healthy, productive workplaces.”
Mahesh Anand, Chairman of IGBC Chennai Chapter, praised the initiative, saying, “The Platinum certification achieved by CMRL’s headquarters is a testament to the Government of Tamil Nadu and CMRL’s vision for sustainable development. Such green buildings set benchmarks for public sector projects and inspire wider adoption of eco-friendly practices across India’s infrastructure sector.”
A Benchmark for Future Development
With this recognition, CMRL joins a growing list of public infrastructure bodies setting high standards for sustainable design and green innovation. Its headquarters demonstrates how government projects can align environmental responsibility with functional excellence — offering a roadmap for cities aspiring to grow responsibly and reduce their ecological footprint.
As Chennai continues to expand its metro network, CMRL’s green-certified headquarters stands as a symbol of progress, clean, efficient, and future-ready, paving the way for a more sustainable urban India.
