Transforming sustainability: The Decarbonisation India Alliance Ignites Eco-Transformation to Lower Emissions
New Delhi, September 21, 2023: The Decarbonisation India Alliance, led by the Society of Energy Engineers and Managers (SEEM) as well as several other organisations, was officially inaugurated on Thursday during the SEEM India Energy Conclave and Awards 2023.
This collaborative effort involves prominent industries, energy-efficient product manufacturers, service providers, and policy organizations, all working together to advance India’s decarbonisation efforts. Members part of the alliance include SEEM, Asar Social Impact Advisors, Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI), AMOS Group, Sonel, India Blockchain Alliance (IBA), Janitza, NGOs, Industries, Facilities among others. Through a shared dedication to addressing climate change and moving towards a more sustainable future, this alliance is poised to fast-track the reduction of India’s carbon footprint.
Dr Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India said, “Impacted by climate change myself, I’ve witnessed its effects in Himachal Pradesh where I come from —torrential rains and floods. The 1.5-degree Celsius threshold is no longer a distant future; it’s our present reality. To shield ourselves from escalating natural disasters, we must actively contribute to global temperature reduction. The Prime Minister’s vision through the Mission LiFE program provides a framework for these solutions. Let’s take energy efficiency initiatives to every corner of our nation, securing our society and future generations against climate catastrophes.”
The Decarbonisation India Alliance (DIA) at its core embodies the imperative to cut greenhouse gas emissions and embraces sustainable development principles. By uniting diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders, manufacturers, and service providers, it promotes a comprehensive approach to decarbonisation. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, the alliance strives to craft inventive solutions and implement industry best practices. This initiative not only targets emissions reduction but also fuels economic expansion and job generation. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy unlocks pathways for innovation, research, and development while attracting investments in clean technologies and renewable energy infrastructure, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth.
The DIA offers an exceptional platform for stakeholders to unite and contribute to India’s journey towards a low-carbon, resilient future, ensuring a sustainable legacy for generations to come. DIA focuses on several key objectives: expediting the shift to a low-carbon economy by promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability across sectors; nurturing innovation and technology development to support decarbonisation in India; facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building among stakeholders to enhance strategy implementation; and advocating for policies that incentivize decarbonisation and foster a sustainable environment.
“This alliance marks a major stride in India’s pursuit of decarbonisation objectives. By leveraging the combined knowledge and assets of various stakeholders, it charts a course toward a sustainable future where economic advancement and environmental preservation are harmonized. DIA is going to be a game changer to accelerate India’s Odyssey to net zero status. It is an all-encompassing framework to coordinate, collaborate and catalyse all the efforts in this direction,” said R Jayakumar, President, SEEM.
“At the heart of our efforts within the alliance lies the SEEM National Action Plan for Decarbonising India. This plan, crafted under the alliance’s auspices, forms a prominent part of our endeavours. It delineates a comprehensive strategy encompassing six key domains: Energy Audits, Training and Development, Collaborative Programs, Certifications, Events and Programs, and Studies & Surveys,” said G Krishnakumar, National General Secretary at SEEM.
In Energy Audits, the plan seeks to boost audit quality through training, partnerships with manufacturers, and sector-specific mass audits for energy optimization. Training & Development emphasizes training programs for auditors, industry experts, and facilities, both in-person and online, along with SEEM Competency Centers for energy champion certification. Collaborative Programs will forge partnerships with various organizations to improve audit quality and promote collective programs, while certifications will recognize expertise and encourage sustainable practices. Events & Programs will raise awareness and drive innovation through awards, competitions, and exhibitions. Studies & Surveys will provide valuable data for policy-making on energy efficiency, renewables, and carbon reduction.
The alliance recognises the role of multiple stakeholders to ensure low carbon footprint in a country as diverse as India. These entities wield considerable environmental influence, and their proactive participation in emission reduction efforts can yield substantial benefits.
“Through the exchange of knowledge, the integration of energy-efficient technologies, and the embrace of clean production methods, industries can assume a pivotal role in expediting India’s decarbonisation journey. Energy-saving product manufacturers and service providers should be seen as climate champions, and they are an indispensable pillar of this alliance. By championing the adoption of renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and advocating for green technologies, these stakeholders make significant contributions to curbing carbon emissions. This alliance is the need of the hour, and will emerge as an essential tool to combat climate change,” said Vinuta Gopal, Chief Executive Officer, Asar.
The climate crisis is already unleashing a barrage of extreme events: scorching heat waves, crippling droughts, devastating floods, food shortages, glacier melt, disease outbreaks, species vanishing, and ecosystems teetering on the brink. These calamities affect millions globally, obliterate entire species, and deliver crippling blows to economies. The situation is poised to deteriorate further unless we align with science-backed emissions reduction targets to cap global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“The climate challenge perennially grapples with our nation’s developmental and growth imperatives. This crisis ripples through adjacent issues, from poverty and livelihood loss to deepening gender disparities, health repercussions, ecological degradation, and security threats. Achieving equilibrium between surging energy demand, socio-economic advancement, and environmental sustainability poses intricate challenges. India’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2070, as pledged in Glasgow, necessitates a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy that harmonizes ambitious climate action with resilience-building measures,” said Priya Pillai, Director, Asar.
