Saint-Gobain CEPT University Partnership for Green Buildings
Saint-Gobain and CEPT University Join Hands to Promote Sustainable Building Research in India
Saint-Gobain and CEPT University have announced a long-term partnership to establish a climate-resilient Tech Commons Centre in Ahmedabad, bringing industry and academia together to support research, innovation and practical learning in sustainable construction.
The collaboration is intended to strengthen work on energy-efficient buildings, climate resilience and healthier indoor environments at a time when India is expanding its urban infrastructure and pursuing lower carbon emissions. According to the organisations, the new centre will support research, prototype development, skill training and knowledge sharing for students, researchers and professionals working in architecture, engineering, design and urban development.
The Tech Commons Centre is expected to function as a shared platform where students and industry experts can test building technologies, examine construction materials and study ways to improve building performance under Indian climatic conditions. The initiative is designed to connect classroom learning with practical challenges faced by the construction sector.
Sreedhar N., Senior Vice-President and CEO, Asia Pacific and India Region, Saint-Gobain, said the partnership reflects a shared focus on sustainable and energy-efficient construction.
“Saint-Gobain’s sustainable solutions create climate-resilient building spaces that consume up to 40% less energy, reduce embodied carbon, improve circularity, enhance durability, deliver healthier and comfortable living spaces. Our aim is to advance sustainable and energy-efficient construction while placing well-being at the center. This shared vision is at the heart of our partnership with CEPT. Together, we will provide architecture students with a living lab for sustainable construction relevant to India’s unique needs and create awareness in the next generation of talent that will shape the future of India’s built environment for decades to come.”
Professor Barjor Mehta, President of CEPT University, said universities have an important role in developing practical solutions for environmental and urban challenges.
“Universities have a vital role in creating knowledge that addresses real-world challenges. Through the Tech Commons Centre (TCC) and our collaboration with Saint-Gobain, we’re giving our students and faculty the chance to engage directly with building performance, sustainability and innovation. The TCC’s four hubs — Building Science and Climate Resilience, Urban Intelligence and Digital Twins, Computational Design and Visualisation, and Communications and Media — along with shared facilities, will bring academic inquiry closer to professional practice and push the sustainable built environment.”
The centre will include four specialised hubs covering Building Science and Climate Resilience, Urban Intelligence and Digital Twins, Computational Design and Visualisation, and Communications and Media. These facilities are intended to support interdisciplinary work and encourage collaboration between researchers, students and construction professionals.
The announcement comes as India continues to place greater emphasis on sustainable urban development. Buildings account for a significant share of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, making energy-efficient design an important part of climate strategies worldwide. Indian research institutions and government agencies have increasingly focused on reducing energy demand in buildings through improved materials, better insulation, efficient cooling systems and climate-responsive design.
Energy-efficient buildings can reduce electricity demand for cooling and lighting while improving indoor comfort. Better insulation, natural daylight, improved ventilation and fire-resistant materials are among the measures widely promoted by architects and building scientists to lower operating costs and improve occupant health. These measures are becoming increasingly important as Indian cities experience rising temperatures and rapid urban growth.
Saint-Gobain said its construction technologies are designed to improve thermal comfort, indoor air quality, acoustics, daylight access and fire safety while reducing energy consumption. The company stated that some of its building solutions can reduce energy use by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional construction methods.
The French-headquartered company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction materials and has expanded its operations in India over several decades. It manufactures products including glass, gypsum systems, insulation materials, construction chemicals and other building solutions. The company has stated that it aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has been increasing investment in lower-carbon construction technologies and manufacturing.
Saint-Gobain reported global sales of €46.5 billion in 2025 and employs around 162,000 people across operations in 81 countries.
The partnership also aligns with recent discussions between the Government of India and Saint-Gobain on expanding the company’s presence in the country as infrastructure development accelerates. India has become an increasingly important market for advanced construction materials because of large investments in housing, transport and urban infrastructure.
CEPT University, based in Ahmedabad, has developed a strong reputation in architecture, planning, design, technology and management education. Ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, the university has expanded its research activities in urban planning, climate-responsive design and sustainable development. It was recognised by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design in December 2023 and received an endowment of ₹250 crore to support India-focused research and training over the next 25 years.
Founded in 1962 as the School of Architecture, CEPT now operates five academic faculties and maintains more than 30 international collaborations with universities worldwide. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has recognised it as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, while the Government of Gujarat has designated it a Centre of Excellence.
The university has also continued to build its profile in sustainable design research. Earlier this month, a team led by CEPT students won the Solar Decathlon India 2025-26 competition for developing an affordable passive cooling solution aimed at improving thermal comfort in tin-roof settlements, reflecting the institution’s growing focus on practical climate-related innovation.
The new Tech Commons Centre is expected to provide another platform for research, testing and collaboration as India seeks to build solutions that improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact and respond to the country’s changing climate while supporting future urban growth.
Must Read:
Jay Thadeshwar at GLS University Inspires Future Storytellers