R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, FEB 12
In a landmark moment for India’s maritime sector, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin, has emerged as the country’s first Major Port to secure the prestigious IGBC Platinum Rating — the highest certification awarded by the Indian Green Building Council — for its Administration Building.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin Sets a New Benchmark in Energy Efficiency
Four buildings at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin have been awarded the prestigious BEE Shunya / Shunya Plus Certification by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of… pic.twitter.com/EKLvSf9Y72
— V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin (@vocpa_tuticorin) February 11, 2026
The achievement positions VOC Port at the forefront of sustainable port-led infrastructure and signals a decisive shift toward net-zero, climate-resilient maritime ecosystems.
- First Major Port in India to Secure IGBC Platinum Rating for Sustainable Infrastructure
- Administration Building Runs on 100% Renewable Energy; 89% Solar Generated On-Site
- Hospital & CISF Barracks Earn Shunya Plus; Admin Block & Guest House Achieve Shunya Certification
- 37% Reduction in Potable Water Use, 70% Green Cover and IoT-Driven Resource Monitoring
- Aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 & Harit Sagar – Green Port Guidelines
Powering a Port with Pure Green Energy
At the heart of the recognition lies a bold energy transition. The Administration Building operates on 100% renewable energy, with 89% of its electricity generated on-site through rooftop solar installations and the remaining 11% sourced from off-site renewable energy within the port ecosystem.
The building’s high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) reflective roof coating reduces the Urban Heat Island effect, while integrated energy-efficiency systems significantly lower consumption intensity.
Smart Water, Zero Waste & Circular Use
VOC Port’s green framework extends beyond energy:
- IoT-enabled water meters and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring systems
- Rainwater harvesting and water-efficient plumbing fixtures
- 37% reduction in potable water consumption
- 100% wastewater treatment through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), with full reuse
These interventions align with global best practices in circular resource management and climate-conscious infrastructure.
Shunya & Shunya Plus: Net Zero to Net Positive
Further cementing its green credentials, VOC Port has been awarded Shunya and Shunya Plus Certifications by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power.
- A Shunya building is a Net Zero Energy Building that produces as much renewable energy as it consumes annually, maintaining an Energy Performance Index (EPI) between 0–10 kWh/m²/year.
- A Shunya Plus building is a Net Positive Energy Building that generates more renewable energy than it consumes, with an EPI below 0 kWh/m²/year, enabling surplus energy export to the grid.
Under this framework:
- The Port Hospital and CISF Barracks have secured Shunya Plus Certification.
- The Administrative Building and Guest House have earned Shunya Certification.
Inclusive, Health-Centric Infrastructure
Beyond energy metrics, VOC Port’s Administration Building integrates occupant well-being and universal accessibility:
- No Smoking Policy and eco-friendly housekeeping chemicals
- Non-slippery ramps and differently-abled-friendly toilets
- Electric wheelchairs
- Lifts with braille panels and audio assistance
- Over 70% green campus cover through extensive plantation
Seven IGBC Accredited Professionals oversee sustainability implementation and continuous performance improvement, embedding green governance into operational DNA.
Maritime India Vision 2030 in Action
Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Harit Sagar – Green Port Guidelines spearheaded by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, VOC Port has institutionalised energy-efficient and environmentally responsible infrastructure practices.
This dual recognition — IGBC Platinum and BEE Shunya certifications — establishes VOC Port as a national benchmark for climate-aligned, inclusive port infrastructure development.
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.
