ITC Centre, the futuristic office complex that ITC Limited is building in Sector 32, Gurgaon, has been awarded the Platinum Green Building rating by USGBC-LEED ( US Green Building Council - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ). This is the highest rating in this category and ITC Centre is the largest Platinum rated building in the world.

ITC is the first corporate house in India to have achieved this unique international distinction.

The ITC Centre complex is being constructed on a 2-acre plot of land. Its total built-up area is about 1,80,000 sq ft. It has a ground and three upper floors and two basements.

A few of the salient green features incorporated in the building are; zero water discharge, 53% energy savings over conventional building, 40% reduction in potable water use, use of treated gray water for flushing & landscaping, Use of fly-ash in bricks & concrete, high efficiency equipment, eco-friendly housekeeping practices and well designed green education program.

In order to achieve the highest LEED Rating for ITC Centre, extensive research and simulation studies were conducted by the project team in consultation with CII, TERI, USGBC, Architects, Engineering Consultants, Independent Commissioning Agency and the Shriram Research & Test Centre.

The design concept, scope & technical specifications for the ITC Centre were developed to meet the unique and overall intents of the green building. Accordingly, the building envelope, energy, indoor air quality & water efficiency, materials & sustainability measures were evaluated on the basis of simulation studies and optimised. In addition, innovative ideas like green education and eco-friendly housekeeping practices have been implemented.

The building, which has been envisaged as exemplifying modern classic architecture, will have a well articulated facade, roof & specialised glazing with contemporary interiors and services, all of which comply with relevant international standards.

In keeping with ITC's thrust on protection of the environment and enrichment of ecology, the Company decided to seek Green Building Certification for this project by an international certification agency of stature. ITC then identified USGBC - LEED as the leading certification authority.

The building rating system of USGBC-LEED was established in USA in 1993. It focuses on design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on their occupants and on the environment on certain parameters like energy efficiency and renewable energy, the quality of the indoor environment, conservation of materials & resources, safeguarding water and water efficiency, sustainable site planning and innovation & design processes. The ratings are four: Platinum, which is the highest and the best, followed by Gold, Silver and Certified.

Out of the 150 projects around the world that USGBC-LEED has certified so far by, only 7 have been awarded this prestigious platinum rating.

The actual rating process is based on the submission of all design documents, simulation, construction and operating intent followed by an audit & review process. The entire process took over a year.

The facility measuring 1,81,000 sq.ft at Gurgaon has been built on a two-acre plot to accommodate various businesses of ITC and the Welcomgroup Management Institute. ITC has played a trail-blazing role in India's corporate sector in preserving and enriching the environment through sustained induction of environment-friendly technology and work habits. The construction of this sustainable infrastructure is yet another demonstration of the Company's continued thrust on environment management.

ITC is the first corporate organisations in India to launch 'Triple Bottom Line' reporting. The Company now reports performance on not only its financial capital, but also environmental and social capital.

The USGBC-LEED Award was given to ITC during the international Green Building Convention held in Portland, Oregon, USA on the 11th of Nov 2004. The convention was attended by more than 6000 building professionals from 15 countries.