changeadminV.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has become India’s first major port to receive the prestigious IGBC Platinum Rating, the highest certification awarded by the Indian Green Building Council.
Aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Harit Sagar – Green Port Guidelines, V. O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu) has been implementing several green initiatives, resource-efficient practices, and a waste management plan to support sustainability.
In a significant step towards decarbonization, the administration building operates on 100% renewable energy, with 89% of electricity generated on-site through solar power and the remaining 11% sourced from off-site renewable energy sources of the port.
The building is equipped with rooftop solar panels and a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) reflective roof coating, which helps reduce the Urban Heat Island effect and improve energy efficiency.
Resource efficiency has been strengthened through IoT-enabled water meters, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring systems, rainwater harvesting, and water-saving plumbing fixtures, resulting in a 37% reduction in potable water usage. All wastewater is treated in an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and fully reused.
Occupant health, safety, and inclusivity have also been prioritised through a No Smoking Policy, eco-friendly housekeeping chemicals, and equipment with non-slip ramps, accessible (DAP) toilets, electric wheelchairs, and lifts with Braille and audio assistance, ensuring easy access for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
To strengthen sustainability practices, VOC Port has seven IGBC Accredited Professionals overseeing effective implementation and continual improvement. The campus boasts over 70% green cover, supported by extensive tree plantations.
In addition, V.O. Chidambaranar Port has also been awarded with Shunya and Shunya Plus certifications by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
The Shunya Certification system is based on the principle that a building’s total annual energy demand is fully met through on-site or off-site renewable energy sources.
A Shunya building is a Net Zero Energy Building, meaning it produces as much green energy as it consumes annually, with an Energy Performance Index (EPI) between 0 and 10 kWh/m²/year, focusing on energy efficiency and balance.
A Shunya Plus building is a Net Positive Energy Building that generates more on-site renewable energy than it consumes, with an EPI of less than 0 kWh/m²/year, enabling surplus energy to be exported to the power grid.
Under this certification, VOC Port’s Hospital and CISF Barracks have been awarded with Shunya Plus certification, and the Port’s Administrative Building and Guest House have been awarded with Shunya certification.
This dual achievement underscores VOC Port’s leadership among Indian ports in inclusive growth and sets a benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient port infrastructure nationwide.
Mr Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOC Port, stated that the project involved targeted building upgrades and policy measures to enhance environmental performance, energy efficiency, and occupant well-being.
He further noted that achieving the IGBC Platinum Rating, along with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) certification, marks a proud milestone, making VOC Port the first Indian Major Port to attain this distinction.
In September 2025, a Green Hydrogen Pilot Project was also commissioned at V.O. Chidambaranar Port to supply green hydrogen for applications such as street lighting and electric vehicle charging.
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