Vijayawada Railway Station has received the prestigious ‘Green Railway Station’ certification, with the highest Platinum rating, awarded by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). IGBC, a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was established in 2001 and is India’s premier certification body for green building initiatives. The certification evaluates stations in six key environmental categories, including sustainability, health, energy efficiency, water conservation, smart initiatives, and innovation. Vijayawada Railway Station’s achievement underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability and promoting eco-friendly practices within the railway sector.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Indian Green Building Council (IGBC): IGBC is a leading certification body under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) that focuses on promoting green building practices in India. They develop green building rating programs, offer certification services, and conduct training programs to encourage sustainability.
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): CII is a prominent industry association in India that works to facilitate economic growth and development. It collaborates with organizations like IGBC to promote sustainable practices within various sectors.
- Green Building Congress: This annual flagship event organized by IGBC serves as a platform for discussions and knowledge sharing on green building trends and practices. It brings together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to advance sustainability.
- World Green Building Council: IGBC is one of the five countries represented on the board of the World Green Building Council. This global organization focuses on addressing environmental challenges through sustainable building and construction practices.
- Environmental Categories: The certification rating is based on six environmental categories, which include Sustainable Station Facility, Health, Hygiene, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, and Smart and Green Initiatives. These categories assess a railway station’s commitment to eco-friendly operations and sustainability.