Decarbonization Excellence Awards
Honoring Climate Leaders in the Built Environment
“These awards aren’t just a pat on the back — they’re a rallying cry to accelerate sustainable transformation in our cities, buildings, and industries.”
Why These Awards Matter?
The Decarbonization Excellence Awards at the ISHRAE CoOL Conclave celebrate pioneering efforts that are transforming the built environment for a low-carbon future.
Buildings and infrastructure contribute to nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions across their lifecycle. Recognizing this, the awards aim to:
- Acknowledge game-changers integrating sustainability into construction, operations, and urban planning
- Inspire replication of proven strategies across geographies and sectors
- Foster dialogue around scalable climate-tech and green solutions
- Reinforce urgency and demonstrate the viability of net-zero transitions
Award Categories
Recognizing excellence across the ecosystem—from groundbreaking organizations to visionary individuals—these categories reflect the breadth and depth of decarbonization in the built environment.
Corporate Excellence in Decarbonization
Celebrating organizations that have embedded low-carbon strategies at the heart of their operations, across scale and sector.
- Large Corporate Enterprises
- Government & Public Sector
- Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Innovative Technology & Materials
Honoring bold breakthroughs that are redefining what’s possible in sustainable construction and operations.
- Product Innovation
- Technology Innovation
- Built Environment Innovation
Carbon Neutral Award
A singular, high-impact recognition for a project that exemplifies Net Zero Energy performance across any building typology (residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial).
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1 Award
Net Zero Energy Project of the Year
Excellence in Retrofit
Awarded to the most effective and replicable retrofit project that has significantly improved carbon efficiency in an existing structure.
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1 Award
Excellence in Carbon-Efficient Retrofit
Individual Contribution to Decarbonization
Recognizing personal leadership and advocacy that has advanced decarbonization goals through influence, initiative, or innovation.
- Youth Changemaker (Under 40)
- Legacy Contributor (Lifetime Contribution)
Evaluation & Recognition
All entries will be meticulously evaluated by a distinguished jury panel comprising:
- Industry leaders and senior sustainability experts
- Renowned architects and design visionaries
- Government scientists and policy advisors
- Academicians and researchers from leading institutions
- Climate influencers and environmental advocates
Judging Criteria
- Demonstrated carbon emissions reduction
- Innovation and replicability
- Long-term impact and sustainability
- Integration of ESG principles
- Stakeholder involvement and education
Winners will be honored
During the prestigious Awards Gala at the CooL Conclave, in the presence of national and international dignitaries, industry media, and climate thought leaders.
Live Virtual Event
Jury Members
Hafeez Sorab Contractor
Padma Bhushan - Architect Hafeez Contractor
Jeff Oatman
Chair of the Asia Pacific Regional Network, Head of Collabration and Membership World Green Building Council
Dr Anita Gupta
Scientist ‘G’, Adviser & Head, Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Department of Science and Technology (DST) Ministry of Science and Technology Government of India
Chetan Singh Solanki
Founder, Energy Swaraj Foundation Professor, IIT Bombay, Dept of Energy Science and Engineering
Jayanta Kumar Das
Society President - ISHRAE, Director – MEHO HCP AIR SYSTEMS PVT LTD
Ankur Periwal
Managing Director, KPT Pipes, Awards Observer
Frequently Asked Questions
Any individual, organization, institution, or project team engaged in the built environment and related sectors that has taken significant steps toward reducing carbon emissions is eligible. This includes private corporations, government bodies, SMEs/MSMEs, startups, academic institutions, NGOs, and individuals.
No. There is no entry fee for any category of the Decarbonization Excellence Awards.
The final date for submitting entries is May 31st, 2025. We recommend preparing your documentation and evidence in advance. Stay tuned for updates via our official mail id, website and ISHRAE channels.
Yes, nominations are encouraged! You may nominate peers, mentors, organizations, or projects that you believe are making an exceptional impact in decarbonization efforts. Consent from the nominee must be obtained before submission.
Applicants should provide evidence such as energy and emissions data, certifications, case studies, implementation strategies, media mentions, photos, testimonials, or third-party audits—anything that supports the quantifiable and qualitative impact of their efforts through the awards excel format devised by the Jury and a supporting presentation deck.
Yes. An applicant may apply for multiple categories, provided each submission is tailored specifically to the objectives and criteria of that particular award. Please note to send separate emails for each entry. 1 mail for 1 entry.
Yes, all data and documents submitted will be kept strictly confidential and used only for the purposes of evaluation by the awards jury.
The jury includes a diverse and respected panel of sustainability experts, architects, government scientists, climate influencers, and policy makers. Members are carefully selected based on their expertise, neutrality, and industry contributions.
Award winners will be revealed and honored during the grand Awards Gala at the ISHRAE CoOL Conclave, in front of dignitaries, industry peers, and media on 1st of August, 2025 at Indore.
Winners will receive:
- National recognition and media exposure
- A trophy and certificate of excellence
- Enhanced industry credibility and visibility
