In the realm of sustainable development and environmental innovation, few names shine as brightly as Mili Majumdar. A trailblazer, visionary, and tireless advocate for a greener planet, she has redefined how India — and indeed, the world — envisions sustainable urban habitats. Her life’s work stands as a living testimony to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the impact of innovation rooted in compassion for both people and the planet.
Mili Majumdar: A Journey Rooted in Vision and Purpose
Mili Majumdar’s remarkable journey began with a foundation in architecture — earning her Bachelor of Architecture from Jadavpur University in 1990, followed by a Master of Technology in Building Science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, in 1992. From her earliest years, she envisioned a world where cities could coexist harmoniously with nature, where buildings could breathe, and where sustainability was not an option but a necessity.
Armed with knowledge, conviction, and an unrelenting drive, she entered a professional landscape that was only beginning to recognize the importance of environmental stewardship. Over the next three decades, Mili Majumdar would transform that landscape forever.
Shaping India’s Green Building Movement
At the heart of her legacy lies the creation of GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) — India’s first and foremost indigenous green building rating system. Under her leadership, a talented team conceptualized and developed this groundbreaking framework, which was officially adopted as India’s national green building rating system in 2007. Recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), GRIHA stands today as a vital tool for achieving the sustainability goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Through GRIHA, Mili Majumdar provided India — and later, the world — with a uniquely local yet globally relevant approach to sustainability. She proved that homegrown innovation could become an international benchmark, and that sustainable design was not just a technical pursuit, but a social responsibility.
Mili Majumdar: Leading Global Sustainability at the U.S. Green Building Council
Currently serving as the Managing Director of the Green Business Certification Institute (GBCI), India, and Senior Vice President for Innovation and Research at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Mili Majumdar continues to lead from the frontlines of environmental transformation.
Her visionary leadership has guided the global expansion of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) — the world’s most widely used green building certification system. Under her strategic direction, LEED has grown beyond individual buildings to encompass LEED for Cities and Communities and LEED Residential, fostering sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban environments across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Within USGBC, she leads a dynamic team of innovators and researchers dedicated to expanding the frontiers of green building science. Her work involves identifying emerging market trends, shaping global sustainability standards, and developing tools and certifications that help communities transition to cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive living spaces.
Policy, Innovation, and Advocacy
Mili Majumdar’s influence extends deeply into public policy and national development. She has served on numerous high-impact committees, including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for revising the National Building Code of India, and the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) committee. Her insights have been instrumental in shaping India’s policies on energy-efficient and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Beyond her technical expertise, she is a passionate advocate for climate equity, sustainable housing, and inclusive growth. She has been a guiding force in developing partnerships across public and private sectors, ensuring that sustainability is not confined to elite projects but accessible to communities at all levels.
Awards, Recognition, and Lasting Legacy
In recognition of her transformative contributions, Mili Majumdar has received several prestigious awards. She was honoured as the Construction World Woman of the Year (2011) by ASAPP Media, the Realty Plus Woman Icon in Sustainability (2021), the SEEM Award for Exemplary Contribution in Energy and Environment (2021), and the Women in Sustainability Award (USA, 2022).
In 2024, her alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, celebrated her with the Distinguished Alumni Award, acknowledging her global impact on sustainable development and environmental innovation.
Also Read : Starlink India: Hiring Begins for Satellite Internet Launch