State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest public sector bank, has been recognised at the 13th CII National Award for Environmental Best Practices 2026 for its SBI Surya Ghar – Loan for Solar Roof Top initiative. The project was adjudged an “Excellent Environmental Project” under the Sustainable Solutions and Services category at the national competition organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on October 8 and 9, 2026, in Chennai.
The initiative was selected from 316 projects submitted by 145 companies across sectors. Organised by CII–Godrej Green Business Centre under its GreenCo programme, the award recognises excellence in environmental management, sustainability and innovative environmental solutions. Shri R Shailesh Unnithan, CGM (ESG & CFU), received the award on behalf of the Bank.
Shri. R Shailesh Unnithan CGM (ESG & CFU) receiving the award.
(Left to Right: Ms Anjli Prakash (DGM (CF-Asset),SBI, Mr Mahesh Anand (Chairman, CII IGBC Chennai Chapter & President, Nippon Paint (India) Private Limited), Mr. R Shailesh Unnithan (CGM (ESG & CFU),SBI, Mr. M Ponnuswami (Chairman, CII Southern Region Taskforce on MSME & Ease of Doing Business & CMD, PonPure Chemicals Group, Mr Vikram Kasbekar ( Chairman, GreenCo Council & Executive Director, Hero Motocorp, Ms. Arun Jyothi Sepuri (DGM -Retail Loans),SBI and Mr K S Venkatagiri (Executive Director -CII Godrej Green Business Centre)
Commenting on the recognition, Shri Satyendra Kumar Singh, DMD & CCO and Chief Sustainability Officer, SBI, said, “This recognition reinforces SBI’s commitment to financing India’s clean energy transition. By making rooftop solar affordable and accessible, SBI Surya Ghar empowers households to become producers of clean energy, while contributing to the nation’s climate goals.”
As of September 30, 2026, SBI’s solar rooftop loan portfolio stood at ₹20,219 crore, supporting 4.96 GW of capacity across approximately 13.73 lakh outstanding loan-financed installations. With highly concessional interest rates and a fully digitised process, the initiative continues to drive wider adoption of rooftop solar. SBI maintains its leadership among public sector banks across key performance metrics, including sourcing, sanctioning and disbursement, with an overall market share of 61.69%.
With end-to-end digitisation, SBI Surya Ghar loan initiative empowers households to invest in rooftop solar, reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity, lower long-term electricity costs and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
The recognition reinforces SBI’s commitment to financing India’s clean energy transition by making rooftop solar more accessible and affordable through end-to-end digitised financing solutions. It also highlights the Bank’s role in mobilising finance for sustainable energy adoption, enabling households to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions while contributing to the nation’s broader climate and sustainability goals.
