Global Network for Zero to accelerate India’s net zero transition

The Global Network for Zero (GNFZ), the world’s independent net zero certification body for buildings, businesses and portfolios, hosted the Net Zero Deep Dive Conference 2025 in Bengaluru. The event convened over 300 business leaders, sustainability experts, policymakers, and technology innovators, serving as a catalyst for actionable strategies to accelerate India’s net zero transition.

Achieving India’s net zero target by 2070 will require an estimated $10.1 trillion in sustainable infrastructure investment by 2050, making financial innovation and cross-sector collaboration essential. With the theme “Net Zero – From Aspiration to Action,” the event addressed the practical steps businesses must take to reduce emissions while ensuring economic feasibility. With 70 percent of the urban infrastructure needed in India by 2047 yet to be built, integrating sustainable solutions at the design stage is crucial. Additionally, energy demand from buildings is projected to increase sevenfold by 2050, highlighting the urgency of large-scale renewable adoption and resource efficiency.

Discussions reinforced the necessity of corporate climate leadership, with industry experts urging businesses to integrate sustainability into workforce engagement and supply chain management, an area which has emerged as a major pain point for businesses when tackling Scope 3.

The conference served as a platform for industry leaders to navigate the complexities of decarbonization, addressing regulatory hurdles, financing challenges, and the critical need for innovation. Discussions centered on a multi-dimensional approach to achieving net zero, encompassing the implementation of best-in-class green building strategies and technologies, renewable energy integration, carbon offsetting, circular economy models, and policy-driven frameworks demonstrating real-world examples from the top-performing net zero case studies.

Mahesh Ramanujam, President & CEO of the Global Network for Zero said, “The path to net zero demands more than just commitment. It requires actionable, systemic change. India is well-positioned to lead the charge, and GNFZ is dedicated to helping businesses achieve sustainability goals through strategic, measurable pathways.”

As companies worldwide work toward decarbonization, circular economy adoption, and sustainable resource management, the masterclass series served as a knowledge-sharing platform to address key challenges, explore innovative solutions, and drive industry-wide collaboration. While Rakesh Bhatia, SVP, Ecofirst showcased a case study on Unilever R&D Centre, Bangalore and Anju Mary Kuruvilla, Director of Industry Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Danfoss highlighted a net zero case study for the manufacturing industry, emphasizing scalable decarbonization strategies with Danfoss’ leadership as an example,

Selvarasu M, MD, LEAD Consultancy shared net zero learnings from landmark projects, including L&T TC 4 Chennai, Capgemini Bengaluru, T2 Terminal at Bengaluru Airport, and Capitaland Chennai, demonstrating how diverse sectors can decarbonize and drive sustainability in India and Samdarsh Nayyar, Partner at Sunil Nayyar Consultants demonstrated how Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is walking the talk by certifying its headquarters in New Delhi Net Zero.

The conference celebrated several outstanding projects that reached significant milestones in achieving net zero. GNFZ recognized these companies for their exceptional contributions to sustainable development by awarding them GNFZ Net Zero milestone certificates as they

progress towards full decarbonization. The honored projects included Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mumbai, Ajeenkya DY Patil University & Knowledge City in Pune, Lenskart Factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, ANJ Factory, Wada Maharashtra, Pravin Masalewale (Suhana) Warehouse, Pune, D2O headquarters in Jaipur and AEON Headquarters in Jaipur among others who received recognition for committing to Net Zero with GNFZ.

The industry leaders shared their perspectives on advancing sustainability and achieving net zero. The conference showcased India’s commitment to the global net zero movement. It also solidified its role as an incubator for pioneering sustainability solutions. Corporate leaders shared insights on overcoming the financial and technological barriers to net zero, reinforcing the importance of scalable, cost-effective solutions. Overall, the conference reinforced the power of collaborative action in driving systemic change and ensuring long-term sustainability.