Leaders highlight green innovations on World environment day 2024

Aditi Balbir, Co-founder, EcoRatings 

“Climate disasters are upon us and yet countries, companies and people are slow to change. What is that one thing that will make a difference? GenAI technologies can analyse vast sets of unrelated data, create patterns and give us insights in real-time, to make decisions NOW! For example – what is the quality of our soil, what are the unique techniques for regeneration specific to small and large farmers? Where is the new desert likely to emerge? What land is subject to which sort of climate risk? And how can it be mitigated? GenAI gives insights into a specific location, using macro data, satellite imagery and factors unique to a particular part of the world. GenAI is how we protect our land, and create our future.”

Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman & Managing Director of Vikram Solar

“We at Vikram Solar renew our pledge to advance India’s climate goals and foster a sustainable tomorrow. Recognising our critical role as leaders in renewable energy, we are more determined than ever to confront climate change head-on and champion sustainable practices. By harnessing solar power, we not only fuel our nation’s transition to cleaner energy but also catalyse the shift toward a more sustainable way of living. Moreover, our commitment extends to minimising our environmental footprint through initiatives like adopting paperless operations. This approach is not merely about powering homes and industries—it is about pioneering innovations that inspire global environmental stewardship. By aligning our actions with these principles, we illuminate the path to a resilient, green future, proving that technological advancement and ecological responsibility can indeed coexist.”

Sudhir Nain Operation Head – Domestic of Jakson Green

“Air pollution and climate change are critical threats impacting billions, with 91percent of the global population breathing polluted air and deforestation contributing 20percent of global emissions. At Jakson Green, we understand the urgency and are dedicated to transforming stakeholders’ decarbonisation visions into reality through advanced green technology, renewable solutions, and sustainable practices. By harnessing nature and developing innovative green molecule solutions, we aim for a healthier planet. Collective action is vital, and businesses must transition to renewable energy, promote sustainability, and advocate for change. Jakson Green leads by example, being IGBC certified, using integrated sewage treatment plants, and green-certified housekeeping chemicals. Our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability innovation drives us to advance our practices and technologies continuously. On this World Environment Day, inspired by decades of environmental advocacy, let’s commit to environmental consciousness, track our footprints, set achievable goals, and make informed choices for a sustainable future.”

KA Chowdary, Chief Projects and Operations Officer, EverEnviro:

“The World Environment Day is an urgent reminder to act swiftly to build a climate-positive planet. The challenge of rapid land degradation has sent a clarion call to preserve our natural resources. The time to act is now, and society must collectively take the appropriate actions to reverse the climate clock. India Inc is poised to play a key role in accelerating climate action by embracing a circular economy, integrating renewable energy sources, and focusing on recycling measures. Reducing the burden on landfills through innovative measures is critical and aligns with the government’s waste-to-wealth mission. At EverEnviro, we believe in leading by example. As the country’s leading producer of compressed biogas, we are at the forefront of converting waste into biofuels, bolstering India’s green gas-based economy. Further, the Fermented Organic Manure, a by-product of CBG production promotes regenerative agriculture thereby, restoring soil nutrients and empowering farmers. The transition towards such innovative and climate-friendly practices is crucial for bringing a positive climate impact in society.”

Dr Vikas Nimesh, Principal Research Associate, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).

“India eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the next phase of the FAME initiative, generating significant excitement among stakeholders in the EV community. The forthcoming regulations are expected to enhance manufacturing capabilities, increase domestic sourcing, and address infrastructure gaps—critical steps for broader EV adoption. Aligned with initiatives like the PLI Scheme, these regulations are poised to attract substantial investments, furthering the ‘Make in India’ mission. The transport sector contributes to a staggering 23percent of global GHG emissions, a percentage that is alarmingly on the rise. As we mark World Environment Day 2024, it’s essential to recognise the transformative potential of EVs in promoting clean and sustainable mobility. Accelerating the transition from ICE to EVs is crucial to significantly reduce pollution. India is at the forefront of this transition, demonstrating a strong commitment to increasing EV adoption, ensuring a just, clean and smart energy transition for all.”

Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India:

“The rapid loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation, exacerbated by climate change, threatens local ecosystems, species, food security, and global socio-economic stability. Addressing this crisis requires collective action, with corporations playing a crucial role. At Schneider Electric, we are committed to developing solutions and technologies that preserve biodiversity by optimising resources throughout their lifecycle.  We collaborate with NGOs, employees, and partners to implement biodiversity conservation and restoration programs across all our sites and enforce water conservation plans in water-stressed areas. As a result, we have already improved our water intensity by 51percent in 2023, against the target of 35percent by 2025. Additionally, none of our operations involve extraction or land farming. In 2023, our manufacturing sites conducted their annual pollution risk review as part of ISO 14001 monitoring, reporting zero spills or discharges causing soil pollution. We also ensured compliance with regulations regarding hazardous materials and their related wastes through appropriate pollution prevention mechanisms. Our new 2030 commitment to sourcing 100percent deforestation-free wood further underscores our dedication to reducing land use impacts. We have also launched a sustainable packaging initiative to ensure that all our primary and secondary packaging is free from single-use plastics, with an aim of reducing our contribution to landfills. All these efforts resonate with the overarching theme of this year’s World Environment Day, which aims to create a sustainable future for all through #GenerationRestoration.”

Udit Garg, Director, Kundan Green Energy

“With regards to such critical, existential issues as the environment, I believe each day is a World Environment Day. It must underscore the absolute and immediate necessity of co-option with Nature. World Environment Day’s theme this year is “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”. Its slogan is “Our Land, our Future. We are the Generation Restoration”.  The last word, ‘Restoration’ holds great significance. In a world increasingly seeking energy solutions, green energy is key to the restoration of natural balance.Indian solar power adoption is a testbed of one of the most important questions of our time: can developing nations reduce carbon footprints as they fulfil economic potential?  Over the next 20 years India will see the greatest demand for energy among all countries. Not just economic growth, but the population (estimated to grow by 270 million), will goad this demand. For a country aspiring to become a $5 trillion economy, carbon-free growth is an existential imperative. We are fortunate that most parts of India have 300 – 330 sunny days in a year, equivalent to over 5000 trillion kWh per year. Average solar incidence stands at a strong 4 – 7 kWh/sq.meter/day. India’s solar potential is real and the support environment is improving fast, to forecast a $6 billion to $7 billion capital-equipment market and close to $4 billion in annual revenues for grid-connected solar generators. Longer-term value will come from efficiently executed projects, low-cost (and often innovative) financing, and localization. A vital aspect is module manufacturing facilities in-country. To be a global leader in solar energy India must create policy conditions for solar technology diffusion across the country, quickly. Going forward, we must also focus on emerging technologies such as monocrystalline, bifacial and half-cut cells, micro inverters and tracking equipment. These hold promise for disruptive gains in solar efficiency. “