In line with Andhra Pradesh’s visionary goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2047, the cities of Kakinada, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam have taken bold strides under the “Mainstreaming Climate Action in Three Cities of Andhra Pradesh” project. The project aims to mainstream climate considerations in planning, financing, and delivery of services at the city level.  The project aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy – 2024, and Viksit Andhra Pradesh – 2047 goals through the development of Net-zero Climate-Resilient City Action Plans (CRCAPs) for the three project cities. CRCAPs of Kakinada and Vijayawada have been prepared and Visakhapatnam is in progress. The plan outlines various strategies to curtail GHG emissions,  enhance climate resilience at the community level, benefiting all relevant stakeholders and achieve ambitious climate targets. 

Beyond planning, the project emphasises action on the ground. Kakinada, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam have undertaken technical studies to implement targeted interventions to reduce carbon emissions and enhance climate resilience. 

Kakinada: Driving Energy Efficiency and Low-Carbon Design

A comprehensive study focusing on energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions for municipal infrastructure was conducted in Kakinada. The study comprises two key tasks: an Investment Grade Energy Audit (IGA) and the development of Technical Guidelines for Low-Carbon Public Buildings.

The IGA was conducted for key facilities in Kakinada, including the KMC’s offices, Command and Communication Centre, and water supply infrastructure. The audit identified energy efficiency retrofitting measures, demand-side management opportunities, and strategies for integrating renewable energy, such as rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV installations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, to reduce energy consumption, operational costs, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Recommendations were provided regarding the technical specifications of retrofitting measures, and solution providers were identified along with the cost-benefit analysis.

The second task involved a design review of the KMC’s office building, aimed at integrating low-carbon strategies to enhance resource efficiency across energy, water, and waste management aspects and reduce buildings’ end-use energy consumption and GHG emissions in its lifecycle. This effort culminated in the creation of the ‘Technical Guidelines for Low-Carbon Public Buildings in Kakinada,’ offering comprehensive recommendations for different phases of building lifecycle such as design, construction, operations and end-of-life. The guidelines promote passive design, sustainable material selection, thermal comfort systems, and efficient lighting, among others. 

Vijayawada: Heat-Resilient and Sustainably Cooled Buildings

Considering the Vijayawada’s climatic conditions and increasing urbanisation, it is essential to promote and develop heat resilient buildings in the city to cope with urban heat island impacts and rising energy demand. The technical guidelines on heat resilient and sustainably cooled buildings in Vijayawada has been developed through detailed design reviews and walk-through audits of various building typologies, including a municipal school, cultural auditorium, VMC office buildings, a government hospital, and a low-income residential complex. These guidelines offer localised recommendations on passive and active cooling strategies tailored to the city’s climate, covering building form, orientation, vegetation, landscape, and building envelope such as shading, glazing, cool and green roofs, and heat-resilient materials, along with natural and stack-driven ventilation improvements.

On-site assessments of cooling systems across buildings support recommendations for energy-efficient solutions and renewable energy integration to reduce cooling demand. These technical insights are mapped to city and state policies, helping users to navigate available financial incentives and implementation support.

A design review of VMC’s School has further explored sustainable cooling interventions for its existing and upcoming blocks, catering to 1,500 students. The study evaluated shading, vegetation, window placement, roofing, and wall materials, while also assessing solar rooftop potential and feasibility. It offers a cost-effective pathway to enhance indoor thermal comfort, improve learning conditions, and promote climate-responsive infrastructure in educational institutions.

Visakhapatnam: Optimizing Energy Use in Water Supply and Treatment Facilities

An Investment Grade Energy Audit (IGA) was conducted for key energy intensive raw water supply, treatment, and wastewater treatment facilities across the city through consultations with Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC). The study analyzed energy consumption patterns, identified retrofitting and demand-side management measures, and assessed renewable energy integration along with their cost-benefit analysis. These recommendations aim to reduce energy use, cut utility bills, and lower GHG emissions over the facilities’ operational lifespan.

With these on-ground technical studies in three project cities and their respective city-wide ‘Net-zero Climate-Resilient City Action Plans’ mark significant milestones in their climate journey. By embedding the proposed technical and policy-led solutions and interventions into their urban frameworks, Kakinada, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam are setting bold examples for other cities in the region. The outcomes of the conducted technical studies can be used as a starting point to guide state policymakers towards developing a larger roadmap for low carbon, heat resilient and energy-efficient built infrastructure in the state of Andhra Pradesh and contribute towards the target of net-zero emissions by 2047, reinforcing the role of cities as pivotal drivers of sustainable growth. As these projects unfold, they serve as a testament to the cities’ leadership in building a low-carbon future, inspiring others to adopt similar strategies and accelerate Andhra Pradesh’s transition to climate-smart urbanisation.