The UNEP SBCI special event was held on the 4th February 2009 in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The theme of the event was: “Sustainable Buildings and Construction for India: Policies, Practices and Performance”. The event was organised to engage the primary stakeholders (government, builders, practitioners, students) in a debate and discussion on key issues related to sustainable built environment in India. And to come up with a clear action plan listing down the framework, defining goals to be achieved and implementation strategies in order to mainstream sustainable buildings in India.

The event was attended by participants from various disciplines and representing various stakeholders like architects, engineers, corporate houses, builders, government officials and students. The event was inaugurated by a welcome address delivered jointly by Dr. Peter Graham, Coordinator Sustainable Buildings & Construction Initiative, UNEP, Dr. Leena Srivastava, Executive Director, operations, TERI and Ms. Kaarin Taipale – Chair Marrakech Task Force Sustainable Building Construction, Govt. of Finland. This was followed by a special address by the chief guest for the event, Mr. Deepak Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He set the tone for the event and urged the professionals to come forward to help the ministry in providing solutions to various hurdles being faced by the sustainable building initiative in the country. He highlighted the need for an action orientated approach and larger participation of the stakeholders who matter the most i.e. builders/ architects/ building owners.