Jiyan Pattharwala - SEA Case Story

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What brought you to this moment in your career where the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) made sense for you?


Ever since I started working on green building projects almost eight years back, I wanted to know more about the inception and motivation behind sustainability efforts around the globe. The information about the marque events and best practices related to sustainability was not readily available to learn from. However, since I learned about the SEA credential and the guidebook, which is developed by ISSP to understand core sustainability concepts, I decided to take up the challenge of renewing my knowledge, skills and abilities and moving closer to my dream of becoming a champion sustainability professional. 


How are you putting the knowledge, skills, and ability demonstrated in the SEA to work in your career (or work) today?


Based on the KSAs demonstrated in the SEA, I am trying to develop an inclusive, extensive, comprehensive sustainability strategy for companies. Establishing action plans based on applicable frameworks and principles, keeping in mind the regulatory trends and policies for smoother operations and enhancing the company culture with systems thinking and innovation are some things that I keep in mind while helping to prepare the organisation for corporate climate action and social equity.  


For those starting out in the sustainability field, what advice do you have for them?


Be inquisitive. Ask questions. Seek advice from experts in the cause that you look forward to champion. Don't be afraid to collaborate and work together; after all, working in silos has caused most of the problems of today. Lastly, I'd like you to go on immersions, which will help you understand the complexities and challenges that must be addressed to deliver sustainable solutions successfully. 


Ar. Jiyan Pattharwala

Founder & CEO

Building Zero Consultants


Ar. Jiyan Pattharwala is the Founder & CEO of Building Zero Consultants, a green building and sustainability consultancy firm based in Surat, India. He graduated in architecture (Bachelor of Architecture) from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University and did his post-graduation in High-performance Buildings (Master of Engineering Leadership) from the University of British Columbia. His expertise is high-performance, climate-responsive building design and carbon neutrality/net zero planning for businesses. 



He has worked on more than 20 green building projects in India, 16 of which are platinum certified and include India's Greenest Office, India's Greenest Home, and India's First Green Industrial City. He is an accredited professional of the US Green Building Council, Indian Green Building Council, International WELL Building Institute, IFC World Bank Edge Program and GRIHA Council.


He believes it is imperative to design and implement climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to curb the detrimental impacts of climate change. He believes in the power of integrated design and intends to work collaboratively with professionals in the built environment realm to bring positive change.


Read perspectives from the ISSP blog

By Jacqueline Kerr, PHD May 27, 2026
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By Nitesh Dullabh April 28, 2026
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