Odisha's Lok Bhavan becomes India's first Platinum certified green Lok Bhavan

In Bhubaneswar, Odisha's Governor's residence, formerly known as Raj Bhavan but renamed Lok Bhavan in December 2025, has achieved a historic milestone. It is now the first Lok Bhavan in India and the first green campus in the country to attain IGBC Platinum certification under the stringent Green Campus v1 rating system introduced in July 2024. The campus achieved a final score of 88 out of 100, placing it among the highest-rated green campuses in the country.

Turning a functioning campus into a green one proved to be the most challenging part. The IGBC Platinum certification required retrofitting the existing infrastructure, upgrading systems, and optimizing operations. Civil works, electrical upgrades, water management improvements, energy monitoring, landscaping adjustments, and waste handling reorganization were carried out across eight environmental and operational categories. Every credit earned was meticulously documented.

Key achievements include preserving over 80% of the campus under green cover, documenting 2,374 trees across 72 species, and recording 27 species in faunal diversity with a Shannon Wiener index of 3.59. The campus now generates 635 kWp of solar power, and energy efficiency stands at 50.57 kWh per square metre per year, positioning it for potential net-zero operations.

Water consumption has been reduced by more than 35% through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, drip irrigation, and separate monitoring of various water systems. Waste segregation at the source, vermicomposting of organic waste, and 100% diversion of dry waste from landfills are other noteworthy accomplishments.

The campus has also introduced an all-electric official carcade, along with electric vehicle charging infrastructure and internal transport. Indoor air quality monitoring, increased daylight penetration, and universal accessibility features, such as ramps and tactile signage, have improved occupant satisfaction to over 80%.

Beyond campus operations, initiatives like plantation drives, public health programs, blood donation camps, and adolescent health and nutrition campaigns extend the transformation's reach. For a state focused on administrative reform, this certification serves as a valuable proof point. More importantly, it provides a documented template showcasing the process and benefits of retrofitting an existing government campus.