Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amaravati Capital City, the 2.4 lakh sq ft APCRDA Project Office stands as both a functional workspace and symbolic statement of Andhra Pradesh’s green governance ethos. Designed as a flagship demonstration of the IGBC Platinum-rated Amaravati Master Plan (2018), it embodies the principles of energy efficiency, green mobility and environmental stewardship.While recently inaugurating the facility on 13th Oct 2025, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu stated the APCRDA Project Office as “a model of responsible construction and a shining example of how governments can lead the way in sustainable development.”From blueprint to benchmarkThe office brings together the operations of key institutions under the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, including the APCRDA, Amaravati Development Corporation (ADC), and the Engineer-in-Chief (Public Health), along with a range of state-of-the-art facilities such as an Experience Centre, Command and Control Centre, crèche, and food courts. Designed as a G+7 structure, the building seamlessly blends functional efficiency with architectural elegance, reflecting a modern and sustainable approach to government infrastructure.“Designing the APCRDA Project Office as India’s first government building to achieve IGBC Net Zero Energy recognition has been both a professional milestone and a collective accomplishment,” shared Ar. Sandeep Dixit, Chief Architect & Design Coordinator, APCRDA. “The project reflects Amaravati’s vision of a sustainable, future-ready capital—where design, engineering, and policy come together to deliver measurable environmental impact.”The structure achieves an energy performance index (EPI) of 0.85 – around 15 per cent better than the ECBC 2017 baseline – through energy-efficient lighting, high-performance HVAC systems and 100 per cent renewable energy compliance via a 540 kWp rooftop solar PV system and green tariff power.Design thinking and technical excellenceThe project’s double-skin façade, reflective terrace coatings and optimised daylighting minimise heat ingress and cooling loads, while intelligent HVAC and lighting controls with occupancy sensors enhance operational efficiency.Beyond energy performance, the building demonstrates the power of collaboration. APCRDA’s architects, engineers and consultants worked closely with IGBC’s technical committee through every stage – from simulation modelling to material validation – ensuring that the design delivered measurable outcomes.Leadership and vision in actionFor APCRDA, the certification reflects Andhra Pradesh’s larger development philosophy.“Earning the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage is a proud milestone in our pursuit of developing Amaravati as a world-class, sustainable capital,” said K. Kanna Babu, I.A.S., Commissioner, APCRDA. “This achievement stands as our commitment to embedding green and energy-efficient principles into every aspect of planning and development. Andhra Pradesh remains committed to leading by example—creating cities that are smart, resilient, and environmentally responsible for generations to come.”The project’s design aligns with the Swarna Andhra mission, ensuring that future developments across the state reflect similar sustainable principles.IGBC’s role and national momentumAccording to C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, CII-IGBC, the project is part of a much larger transformation. “With over 230 projects embracing IGBC’s Net Zero Rating Systems, India is accelerating the green and net zero building movement like never before. This is Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority’s first government building in the region to achieve IGBC Net Zero Energy Design Certification, demonstrating Andhra Pradesh’s vision and determination to champion sustainability and climate-responsive development—raising the bar for sustainable infrastructure nationwide.”Adding perspective from the regional chapter, Vijaya Sai Meka, Chairman, IGBC Amaravati Chapter, remarked, “Under the vision of Amaravati and the ‘Swarna Andhra’ mission, aligning all upcoming developments with IGBC’s Green and Net Zero ratings, Andhra Pradesh confirms its role as a frontrunner in India’s sustainable infrastructure drive. The APCRDA-IGBC collaboration is a benchmark for government buildings and will inspire cities across India to adopt similarly ambitious standards.”Sundeep Vullikanti, Senior Counsellor, CII-IGBC, added, “The collaboration between APCRDA and IGBC reflects the strength of policy-backed green leadership. This is the first government building in Andhra Pradesh and we are sure it is going to create a ripple effect across public sector projects.” He also noted that the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), formed by CII in 2001, launched its Net Zero Energy Rating to accelerate India’s transition toward carbon neutrality. Andhra Pradesh’s initiative, he said, aligns with IGBC’s broader roadmap to achieve Net Zero in the building sector by 2040, in sync with the World Green Building Council’s global targets.Empowering change through demonstrationMore than an administrative hub, the APCRDA Project Office functions as a living laboratory for sustainable governance. It integrates low-flow water fixtures, organic waste management and native landscaping to conserve resources. The facility also serves as a training ground for engineers and administrators to familiarise themselves with net-zero systems and green operations.A model for public infrastructureAs India expands its green building footprint – the second largest in the world – the APCRDA Project Office emerges as a replicable blueprint for government-led sustainability. It demonstrates that net-zero design is both achievable and economically viable when intent, policy and technology align. Documented by IGBC as a national case study, the project reinforces how data-driven planning and public-sector leadership can accelerate India’s climate goals, signalling that the journey to net zero begins at the Government’s own doorstep.- KAVITA PARAB FACT FILE Project: APCRDA Project Office, AmaravatiCompletion: 2025 Site area: 4.3 acre Built-up area: 2.4 lakh sq ft (G+7 floors) Certification: IGBC Net Zero Energy - Design rating Client/project developer: Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Main contractor: KPC Projects Design consultant: Genesis MEP consultant: Optimal Energy performance index (EPI): 0.85 (≈17,08,980 kWh/year) – 15 per cent better than the ECBC 2017 baseline Renewable energy: 540 kWp rooftop solar PV system + green tariff power Energy-efficiency: High-performance HVAC and LED lighting systems HVAC sub-vendor: Harshavarthan Airconditions Other vendors: Asian Paints, Ergoline, Vijaya Durga Enterprises. Quotes Sustainability is not an added layer but the very foundation of responsible architecture. — Ar. Sandeep Dixit, Chief Architect & Design Coordinator, APCRDA Andhra Pradesh’s leadership demonstrates that net zero is achievable today, not a goal for tomorrow. — C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, CII-IGBC The APCRDA-IGBC collaboration is a benchmark for government buildings and will inspire cities across India to adopt similarly ambitious standards. — Vijaya Sai Meka, Chairman, IGBC Amaravati Chapter Earning the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage is a proud milestone in our pursuit of developing Amaravati as a world-class, sustainable capital. — K. Kanna Babu, I.A.S., Commissioner, APCRDA The collaboration between APCRDA and IGBC reflects the strength of policy-backed green leadership. - Sundeep Vullikanti, Senior Counsellor, CII-IGBC