Tuticorin’s V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port) is rewriting the script for major ports in India, clinching the IGBC Platinum rating for its administration building—the first of its kind among major ports. This February 4, 2026, accolade from the Indian Green Building Council celebrates a holistic approach to sustainability, waste management, and environmental protection.
At the heart of this green triumph is a building that runs on 100% renewable energy. Solar panels on the roof supply 89% of power needs directly, supplemented by off-site green sources for the rest. High-SRI roof coatings combat heat buildup, enhancing overall energy performance.
Resource optimization shines through smart tech: IoT water meters track usage precisely, while air quality sensors ensure healthy indoors. Rainwater harvesting and water-saving fixtures cut drinking water consumption by 37%, and an onsite STP recycles all wastewater.
BEE certifications elevate the achievement further. Zero Energy status for the admin and guest house means annual needs met fully by renewables. Zero Plus for hospital and CISF barracks indicates excess production, with surplus energy exported to the grid.
Prioritizing occupant well-being, the facilities feature smoke-free policies, green cleaning agents, accessible ramps and toilets, wheelchair support, and sensory aids for the visually impaired. The port’s landscape, with over 70% green coverage and vast afforestation, fosters a thriving ecosystem.
Backed by a team of seven IGBC professionals, VOC Port Chairperson Sushant Kumar Purohit emphasized, ‘Our environmental, energy, and welfare focus has made us India’s pioneering major green port.’
This certification not only positions VOC Port as a national leader but also inspires the maritime sector to embrace net-zero ambitions amid rising climate pressures.