The interim union budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 presented in the parliament on 1st February 2024 by the Hon’ble Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Government of India notably promotes rooftop solar installations under the rooftop solarization scheme, a step towards boosting the adoption of sustainable and clean energy systems across a broad spectrum of society. Certainly, this would contribute to the achievement of country’s climate goals and solidify the vision towards 2070. Also, aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY) and "Housing for All' scheme, the budget intends to provide affordable housing to the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society in the next five years. This is a great opportunity for the construction and building industry and allied sectors to reflect, create and advance a positive impact on the environment and society through sustainable transformation.

Both the initiatives of the Government of India are welcome steps and a roadmap, as this would further bolster the journey of green nation development for India. Along with this, the initiatives would also provide a platform for skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities for a large number of citizens of India in solar energy, construction and building sectors.

At GRIHA Council, I am glad to share that GRIHA Council contributed to the 38th edition of TERI Energy & Environment Data Diary and Yearbook (TEDDY), the flagship publication of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched on 23rd January 2024. GRIHA Council provided its technical expertise and insights on India’s current and projected energy consumption in urban areas by 2050. It also discusses the role of the India Cooling Action Plan in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission in the built environment.

As a part of the multi-city training program on GRIHA V.2019 which was initiated last year, the final two upcoming trainings under this programme are scheduled in Guwahati (21st-23rd February 2024) and New Delhi (6th- 8th March 2024). I encourage you all to take these platforms as opportunities to learn, engage and exchange ideas on promoting sustainable construction and building practices.

I would also like to share that GRIHA Council attended the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2024, the annual flagship multi-stakeholder convening by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It was a great experience interacting and deliberating on various aspects of sustainability and climate change under the theme ‘Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice’ with eminent industry experts and leaders during the event.

Taking the momentum forward from the last year’s annual summit, it gives me immense pleasure to announce the dates for this years’ annual 16th GRIHA Summit 2024 which is set to take place on 4th- and 5th December 2024. Let’s again come together to deliberate, celebrate, and reaffirm our efforts towards sustainability and green growth.