India’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development takes center stage at the Summit on Sustainability 2024, organized by the Energy Consortium – IIT Madras and Pollution Control India. The event brings together leaders across sectors to discuss and strategize solutions aligned with the Paris Agreement, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and India’s own sustainability targets.
India’s strides in emission reduction and renewable energy expansion demonstrate its dedication to a sustainable future. The Summit on Sustainability seeks to build on these achievements by fostering collaboration and sharing actionable insights for climate action. The event will explore key areas such as Corporate Sustainability Efforts, Grassroots Leadership, Waste-to-Wealth Innovations, Circular Economy Adoption, Sustainable Infrastructure, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
The inaugural ceremony of Summit on Sustainability 2024 was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Nikhil Tambe, CEO, The Energy Consortium, IIT Madras, Anuradda Ganesh, Co-Founder, ARANTREE Consulting Services Pvt Ltd, and Professor, IIT Madras, Dr. Indumathi Nambi, Professor, Environmental Engineering & School of Sustainability, IIT Madras, Nishta Gupta, Head of Sustainability & ESG, Suzlon Energy Ltd., Arjav Pandya, Chief Manager, Petrochemical Marketing at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Ramveer Tanwar, Founder, Say Earth NGO, Dr. Mala Singh, Founder & Director, PEC Greening India; Chairperson, IGBC(CII) Mumbai Chapter, Nandakumar E, CEO, International Centre for Clean Water, Smita Ram, Co-Founder & CEO, Rang De, Biren Vora, Director, Ekaagra Social & Microfinance Foundation, Ashish Jain, Founder, Indian Pollution Control Association, Sanjay M Mahajani, Professor, Dept. of Chemical Engg. at IIT Bombay, Satyendra Mehra Group Director & Member of Management Board, NuernbergMesse India Pvt Ltd, Ulhas Parlikar, Director, MRAI; Consultant, Global Waste Management.
“Water is the lifeblood of society and industry, yet its scarcity and pollution pose an urgent global challenge. At the International Center for Clean Water (ICCW), an IIT Madras initiative, we innovate at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community impact. Our focus spans analyzing over 130 water quality parameters, advancing industrial R&D to minimize effluent pollution, and fostering predictive models on water quality, availability, and its nexus with energy and health. By fostering a culture of respect for water, we aim to ensure its sustainable use while advancing economic growth, public health, and environmental resilience.” said Nandkumar E, CEO, International Centre for Clean Water.
DR. ANURADDA GANESH, Co-Founder of ARANTREE Consulting Services Pvt Ltd, Professor, IIT Madras said, “At ARANTREE Consulting Services, an incubation initiative at IIT Madras Research Park, we are committed to driving decarbonization and sustainability through evidence-based solutions. Our expertise spans life cycle assessments, carbon footprint analysis, technology readiness evaluations, and tailored decarbonization roadmaps. By leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, ML, and robotics, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, we aim to create scalable, resilient, and economically viable solutions for industries. Sustainability is not just an agenda but a critical necessity shaped by climate urgency, regulatory pressures, and social responsibility, making this a transformative era for businesses and communities alike.”
Sathvik Batte, CEO, Marichin Sustainables said, “We’re committed to helping companies mitigate their emissions through carbon credits and offsets. We’re also excited about venturing into renewable energy, as the sustainability industry continues to grow. Over the past 2-3 years, sustainability has gained significant momentum, and we’re only scratching the surface. For India, the potential is immense, supported by the vision of Prime Minister Modi. India could become the carbon credit capital of the world and a leader in sustainable technologies. Solar energy, for instance, has become cheaper than thermal power. Similarly, technologies like direct air capture, despite initial skepticism, will mature and become cost-effective by 2050. The future is bright for sustainability, and events like the Summit on Sustainability are crucial for fostering valuable conversations and partnerships.”
Speaking at the Inaugural ceremony Himakshi Singh, spokesperson for the event said “Our goal is to inspire ongoing engagement that yields impactful results. The summit will serve as a one-time event and a catalyst for sustained dialogue and innovation toward a greener future. By embracing eco-friendly practices such as energy conservation, waste minimization, and renewable energy adoption, and leveraging government support through subsidies, we can foster a collective transition towards sustainability. As we integrate stronger ESG frameworks and comply with new reporting standards, collaboration between academia, industry, and regulators will drive us closer to achieving India’s net-zero targets and addressing the critical challenges of climate change.”
At COP29, the global G20 leadership admitted that climate impacts are already ripping shreds out of every G20 economy, wrecking lives, pummeling supply chains and food prices, and fanning inflation. Bolder climate action is basic self-preservation for every G20 economy. Without rapid cuts in emissions, no G20 economy will be spared from climate-driven economic carnage.
The experts at the Summit on Sustainability, along with academia, the industry and NGOs, will share their insights on sustainable practices, technology advancements in green energy, and the role of local communities in driving effective climate action. The future beckons us towards Quantum AI which will be critical to develop sustainable solutions for energy and resource management.
The Summit on Sustainability promises to equip attendees with actionable insights, practical frameworks, and collaborative pathways toward a sustainable future. Through these conversations, India continues to emphasize its leadership role in global climate action, making sustainability not only an agenda but a guiding principle for businesses, communities, and individuals alike.
