Chennai, October 2025: The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) headquarters at Nandanam has been awarded the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Certification under the Green New Buildings rating system, marking a major milestone in sustainable infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu.
The recognition underscores CMRL’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility through initiatives such as site preservation, rainwater harvesting, water efficiency, renewable energy integration, and enhanced occupant well-being.
The Platinum Plaque and Certificate were presented to Thiru M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director, CMRL, along with Thiru. T. Archunan, IRSE, Director (Projects), and Tmt. Rekha Prakash, Chief General Manager (Planning & Design). The honors were handed over by Padma Shri Ar. C.N. Raghavendran, Managing Director, C.R. Narayana Rao (CRN); Mahesh Anand, Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter; and Sriram Iyer, Co-Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter, in the presence of the CMRL team and IGBC Secretariat.
Sustainability Highlights
The CMRL headquarters demonstrates a comprehensive approach to green design and energy efficiency:
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69 trees preserved within the project site and 79% area landscaped sustainably.
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31% reduction in potable water consumption through low-flow fixtures.
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100% on-site wastewater treatment and reuse, meeting 94% of flushing and irrigation needs.
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23.39% energy savings beyond ASHRAE baseline standards.
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Rooftop solar photovoltaic system providing 3% of annual energy needs.
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Advanced Building Management Systems for real-time energy and resource monitoring.
Focus on Employee Wellness
Beyond environmental stewardship, the building incorporates wellness amenities including a yoga area, indoor recreation spaces (carrom, chess, table tennis), and smart air-quality monitoring systems with carbon dioxide sensors to maintain healthy indoor environments.
Leadership Speak
Accepting the award, Thiru M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director, CMRL, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our mission. This recognition strengthens our resolve to integrate green 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 and Past Chairman of IGBC Chennai Chapter, lauded the initiative, stating:
“This project exemplifies the shift toward high-performance, environment-sensitive buildings that are essential for sustainable urban growth. CMRL’s leadership in adopting green building technologies sets an inspiring precedent.”
Mahesh Anand, Chairman, IGBC Chennai Chapter, added:
“The Platinum certification achieved by CMRL’s headquarters reflects the Government of Tamil Nadu’s and CMRL’s vision for sustainable development. Such projects set new benchmarks for green public infrastructure in India.”
With this recognition, Chennai Metro Rail continues to reaffirm its role as a frontrunner in sustainable urban mobility and eco-conscious infrastructure development.
