A Transformative Journey: GNFZ Net Zero Deep Dive Conference 2025
The GNFZ Net Zero Deep Dive Conference in Bangalore, convening more than 300 attendees, was a key moment for India’s net zero movement. Hosted at the ITC Gardenia, the day-long event focused on turning aspirations into action and served as a dynamic platform for industry leaders to navigate the complexity of decarbonization. From master classes featuring real-world case studies, invigorating fireside chats with industry titans, networking opportunities and an interactive roundtable discussion, industry leaders shared insights with one another on how to overcome the financial and technological barriers to reach net zero.
Thank you to our sponsors: ANJ, Jaquar, Transteel, Cherry Hill, and BNB Workplace!
Recognizing the companies, projects and people accelerating net zero
During the event, GNFZ President and CEO Mahesh Ramanujam recognized the early adopters of our certifications, projects that have committed to pursuing net zero and our net zero champion partners. These pioneering companies and leaders are setting new benchmarks for others to follow while ushering in a new era of achievement in India.
Engaging fireside chats
Juggy Marwaha, the CEO of Prestige Group, one of India’s leading property development companies, captivated the audience with his vision for sustainable real estate. He emphasized collaborative leadership and the critical role of net zero in shaping the industry.
Key Highlights:
Instead of chasing big, overwhelming goals, Juggy advocated for embracing GNFZ’s incremental approach — small, measurable actions that lead to transformational change.
Real estate cannot afford to ignore sustainability. Net Zero is not just a trend —it’s becoming a necessity. Future-proofing through design, technology and resilience should be at the core of any development.
Homeownership is no longer a post-retirement dream. Today’s young professionals are investing in homes earlier and are reshaping market dynamics.
Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Zomato, explored the food delivery company’s sustainability commitments and the power of net zero action. Zomato’s journey proves sustainability isn’t just an obligation – it's a massive opportunity.
Key Highlights:
Zomato has committed to 100% EV Deliveries by 2030. Since more than 90% of Zomato’s emissions stem from food deliveries, tackling Scope 3 emissions with fleet electrification is a key focus of theirs for delivering meaningful change.
More than 50 EV partnerships have been forged, scaling adoption across 400+ cities.
Zomato has also pledged plastic-neutral deliveries, recycling 20,000 metric tons annually.
Zomato believes sustainability is equal to business growth, reducing risk, cost and building trust.
Dr. Nirav Mandir, Chief Human Capital & Sustainability Officer of Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), shared how two of SRK’s diamond crafting facilities in Surat became the first GNFZ certified buildings in the world, achieving GNFZ’s Net Zero Operations certification for Emissions in 2024 with GNFZ — six years ahead of target.
Key Highlights:
SRK has been on its sustainability journey for nearly two decades. Their diamond crafting facilities in Surat rank among the top five green buildings in the world, having achieved LEED Platinum certifications in both 2018 and 2023.
They took the next steps to achieve net zero certification by installing a 6 MW solar power plant to completely mitigate their Scope 1 and 2 emissions and implementing unique Scope 3 strategies, setting a model for all others in India.
SRK is taking its commitment beyond corporate boundaries by engaging with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) — which make up 85% of India’s businesses — to accelerate sustainability adoption at all levels.
Deep dive master classes
The deep dive master classes on energy, emissions, water, waste and industry specific frameworks, formed the core of the conference, offering attendees an in-depth understanding of net zero concepts backed by practical, real-world case studies. Experts highlighted actionable strategies that businesses can implement such as renewable energy adoption, carbon footprint management, and circular economy practices.
While Rakesh Bhatia, SVP of Ecofirst, showcased a case study on Unilever R&D Centre in Bangalore and Anju Mary Kuruvilla, Director of Industry Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at Danfoss, highlighted a net zero case study for Danfoss facilities, emphasizing scalable decarbonization strategies, Selvarasu M, MD, LEAD Consultancy shared net zero learnings from landmark projects, including L&T TC 4 Chennai, Capgemini Bangalore and T2 Terminal at Bengaluru Airport, demonstrating how diverse sectors can decarbonize and drive sustainability in India. An eye opener session by Sunita Purushottam, Head of Sustainability at Mahindra Lifespace Developers, focused on how their residential development in Bangalore achieved net zero in Energy and Waste. Ramnath Vaidyanathan, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Godrej Industries, took the audience through what it takes to tread on the net zero path for a business conglomerate dealing in multiple industries.
Collaborative roundtable discussions
The interactive audience roundtable session moderated by Ashish Rakheja, Managing Partner at AEON Consultants, not only provided diverse perspectives giving each participant the opportunity to voice their opinions and ask pressing questions but also fostered a sense of community among participants, united in their commitment to sustainability.
Key takeaways and impact
The GNFZ Net Zero Deep Dive Conference was a resounding success, equipping participants with actionable insights to drive net zero. The event reinforced the power of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing in advancing the net zero agenda.
With diverse stakeholders — from business leaders to policymakers — sessions highlighted how aligning economic and environmental priorities can accelerate progress. With continued collaboration and innovation, net zero is no longer just an aspiration — it’s becoming a reality and India is poised to lead by example.