V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) has become the first Indian major port to receive the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Rating and complementary certifications from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The recognition was awarded to the port administration building in acknowledgement of sustainable design and energy performance. The achievement positions the port as a national benchmark for green port infrastructure.

The administration building follows the port's Green Policy and waste management plan and is fitted with rooftop solar panels and a high Solar Reflectance Index reflective roof coating to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve energy efficiency. Resource efficiency measures include IoT-enabled water metres, indoor air quality monitoring systems, rainwater harvesting and water-saving plumbing fixtures, leading to a 37 per cent reduction in potable water usage. Wastewater is treated in an on-site sewage treatment plant and fully reused.

In a decarbonisation step the administration building operates on 100 per cent renewable energy with 89 per cent of electricity generated on-site through solar power and the remaining 11 per cent sourced from off-site renewable supplies. Under the BEE Shunya certification framework a Shunya building is a net zero energy building with an Energy Performance Index between zero and ten kWh per square metre per year while a Shunya Plus building is net positive and can export surplus energy. VOC Port's hospital and CISF barracks have been awarded Shunya Plus and the administrative building and guest house have been awarded Shunya.

Occupant health, safety and inclusivity have been prioritised through a no smoking policy, eco-friendly housekeeping chemicals, non-slippery ramps, differently-abled-friendly toilets, electric wheelchairs and lifts with braille and audio assistance. The campus maintains over 70 per cent green cover and the port has seven IGBC Accredited Professionals overseeing implementation and continual improvement. The chairperson said targeted building upgrades and policy measures were undertaken to enhance environmental performance and that the combined certifications mark a proud milestone for the port.