KOLKATA: The Decarbonisation India Alliance (DIA) has officially launched its mission to combat greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the energy sector of Bengal, with the aim of accelerating Bengal’s journey towards a carbon-neutral future. This initiative, led by the Society of Energy Engineers and Managers (SEEM) in collaboration with numerous organizations, was unveiled during the SEEM India Energy Conclave and Awards 2023 in New Delhi.
The Decarbonisation India Alliance brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including prominent industries, manufacturers of energy-efficient products, service providers, and policy organizations. Notable members of the alliance include SEEM, Asar Social Impact Advisors, Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI), AMOS Group, Sonel, India Blockchain Alliance (IBA), Janitza, as well as various NGOs, industries, and facilities.
Priya Pillai, Director of Asar, an environment advocacy group, expressed the transformative nature of DIA, highlighting its mission to significantly reduce Bengal’s carbon footprint and inspire action among industry stakeholders, particularly in the energy sector. The alliance aims to drive substantial reductions in GHG emissions, creating a sustainable development model that can serve as a nationwide example. Pillai emphasised that this alliance represents a collective commitment to a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all.
West Bengal has witnessed a gradual increase in per capita greenhouse gas emissions, albeit at a slower rate compared to the national average. With a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 2.5%, per capita emissions in the state reached around 1.9 tons of CO2 per capita in 2018. In 2019, Bengal’s total greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at approximately 70 million tons.
As the state balances the need for economic growth and development, managing emissions and adopting sustainable practices have become increasingly crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a greener future for its residents. Emissions in the energy sector are distributed across various categories, including Public Electricity Generation, Transportation, Captive Power Plants, Industries, Agriculture, Commercial, and Residential segments, with fugitive emissions originating from fuel production.
Dr. Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director General at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India, stressed the urgency of taking action against climate change. Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted the devastating effects of climate change in Himachal Pradesh, including torrential rains and floods. Dr. Kumar underscored the importance of initiatives like the Mission LiFE program, initiated by the Prime Minister, as a framework for addressing these challenges and urged the nation to embrace energy efficiency initiatives to protect against climate catastrophes.
At its core, the Decarbonisation India Alliance embodies the imperative to reduce GHG emissions and embraces sustainable development principles. By uniting diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders, manufacturers, and service providers, it promotes a comprehensive approach to decarbonization. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, the alliance strives to craft innovative solutions and implement industry best practices. This initiative not only targets emissions reduction but also fosters economic expansion and job creation. The shift to a low-carbon economy paves the way for innovation, research, development, and investments in clean technologies and renewable energy infrastructure.
The objectives of DIA encompass expediting the shift to a low-carbon economy, nurturing innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building, and advocating for policies that incentivize decarbonization. R Jayakumar, President of SEEM, emphasized that DIA is a game-changer to accelerate Maharashtra’s journey towards net-zero emissions, serving as an all-encompassing framework to coordinate, collaborate, and catalyze efforts in this direction.
G Krishnakumar, National General Secretary at SEEM, provided insights into the SEEM National Action Plan for Decarbonizing India, which spans energy audits, training, collaborative programs, certifications, events, and studies. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance audit quality, and competency through training, collaborations, expertise recognition, awareness, and data provision for policy-making.
Vinuta Gopal, Chief Executive Officer of Asar, emphasized the pivotal role of industries, energy-saving product manufacturers, and service providers in India’s decarbonization journey. She highlighted their contributions in championing renewable energy adoption, enhancing energy efficiency, and advocating green technologies, asserting that the alliance is an essential tool to combat climate change.
The climate crisis demands science-backed emissions reduction targets to limit global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, aligning with India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Achieving this ambitious goal requires a comprehensive decarbonization strategy that harmonizes climate action with resilience-building measures across society, the economy, and the environment. The Decarbonisation India Alliance is poised to play a pivotal role in this critical endeavour.
The Decarbonisation India Alliance brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including prominent industries, manufacturers of energy-efficient products, service providers, and policy organizations. Notable members of the alliance include SEEM, Asar Social Impact Advisors, Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI), AMOS Group, Sonel, India Blockchain Alliance (IBA), Janitza, as well as various NGOs, industries, and facilities.
Priya Pillai, Director of Asar, an environment advocacy group, expressed the transformative nature of DIA, highlighting its mission to significantly reduce Bengal’s carbon footprint and inspire action among industry stakeholders, particularly in the energy sector. The alliance aims to drive substantial reductions in GHG emissions, creating a sustainable development model that can serve as a nationwide example. Pillai emphasised that this alliance represents a collective commitment to a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all.
West Bengal has witnessed a gradual increase in per capita greenhouse gas emissions, albeit at a slower rate compared to the national average. With a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 2.5%, per capita emissions in the state reached around 1.9 tons of CO2 per capita in 2018. In 2019, Bengal’s total greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at approximately 70 million tons.
As the state balances the need for economic growth and development, managing emissions and adopting sustainable practices have become increasingly crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a greener future for its residents. Emissions in the energy sector are distributed across various categories, including Public Electricity Generation, Transportation, Captive Power Plants, Industries, Agriculture, Commercial, and Residential segments, with fugitive emissions originating from fuel production.
Dr. Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director General at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India, stressed the urgency of taking action against climate change. Drawing from personal experience, he highlighted the devastating effects of climate change in Himachal Pradesh, including torrential rains and floods. Dr. Kumar underscored the importance of initiatives like the Mission LiFE program, initiated by the Prime Minister, as a framework for addressing these challenges and urged the nation to embrace energy efficiency initiatives to protect against climate catastrophes.
At its core, the Decarbonisation India Alliance embodies the imperative to reduce GHG emissions and embraces sustainable development principles. By uniting diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders, manufacturers, and service providers, it promotes a comprehensive approach to decarbonization. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, the alliance strives to craft innovative solutions and implement industry best practices. This initiative not only targets emissions reduction but also fosters economic expansion and job creation. The shift to a low-carbon economy paves the way for innovation, research, development, and investments in clean technologies and renewable energy infrastructure.
The objectives of DIA encompass expediting the shift to a low-carbon economy, nurturing innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building, and advocating for policies that incentivize decarbonization. R Jayakumar, President of SEEM, emphasized that DIA is a game-changer to accelerate Maharashtra’s journey towards net-zero emissions, serving as an all-encompassing framework to coordinate, collaborate, and catalyze efforts in this direction.
G Krishnakumar, National General Secretary at SEEM, provided insights into the SEEM National Action Plan for Decarbonizing India, which spans energy audits, training, collaborative programs, certifications, events, and studies. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance audit quality, and competency through training, collaborations, expertise recognition, awareness, and data provision for policy-making.
Vinuta Gopal, Chief Executive Officer of Asar, emphasized the pivotal role of industries, energy-saving product manufacturers, and service providers in India’s decarbonization journey. She highlighted their contributions in championing renewable energy adoption, enhancing energy efficiency, and advocating green technologies, asserting that the alliance is an essential tool to combat climate change.
The climate crisis demands science-backed emissions reduction targets to limit global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, aligning with India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Achieving this ambitious goal requires a comprehensive decarbonization strategy that harmonizes climate action with resilience-building measures across society, the economy, and the environment. The Decarbonisation India Alliance is poised to play a pivotal role in this critical endeavour.
