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Sustainability Consulting on the Rise in India as Companies Embrace Green Initiatives

The demand for sustainability consulting services in India is witnessing a significant surge as more companies recognize the need to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Experts predict that this trend will continue to grow in the coming years, driven by a combination of regulatory pressures, investor demands, and increased consumer awareness.  Increasing Demand for Sustainability Consulting As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues gain prominence in corporate agendas, sustainability consulting has evolved from being a mere aspect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to a strategic business imperative. Companies in various sectors, including energy, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and pharma, are actively seeking sustainability-related consultancy services to guide their operations towards a greener future. Double-digit Growth Potential According to Mollshree Garg, India managing partner at Environment Resources Management (ERM), a leading sustainability consultancy, the sustainability consulting market in India was valued at $255 million in 2023. Experts anticipate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2021 to 2030. However, Garg believes that the market could experience even faster growth, given the substantial increase in companies' budgets dedicated to sustainability matters over the past five years. Driving Factors The shift towards sustainability consulting is propelled by a growing awareness of environmental and social challenges, coupled with regulatory frameworks and investor and consumer expectations. Companies like JSW Steel, Hindalco, and the Adani Group are making significant investments in environmentally friendly initiatives, such as green steel plants, renewable energy generation, and sustainable supply chain management. This paradigm shift reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and a recognition of the potential for long-term business success through green practices. Challenges and Opportunities While Indian companies are increasingly embracing sustainable practices, the country still lags behind global trends in terms of consumer demand for eco-friendly products. This discrepancy is attributed to the lack of compulsory standards or incentives from authorities that would encourage consumers to choose lower-carbon alternatives. However, with proper government intervention and the development of green product markets, India has immense potential for growth in this sector. Role of Sustainability Consultants Consulting firms like ERM play a vital role in shaping India's sustainability landscape. They provide guidance to central and state regulatory authorities on policy matters and assist in implementing environmental regulations. ERM India has actively contributed to the country's environmental regulatory framework, including drafting key guidelines such as the Environmental Clearance Notification and Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines. With the right support and incentives, Indian companies have the potential to lead the way in sustainable business practices, contributing to a greener future for the nation and the planet.

1 Apr 2024
Good News

‘Go Green Diwali Campaign’ Spreads Awareness About Celebrating Diwali in a Responsible Manner

Kids are the most excited during Diwali. So, what better way to spread awareness about green Diwali  than hosting the ‘Go Green Diwali Campaign’ in schools. That is exactly what the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee and NGO Yuvsatta did to educate kids about the harmful effects of firecrackers on the environment and how they could contribute by being a responsible citizen. Chanchal Singh, Deputy Director, School Education explained to the students about the hazards of firecrackers. He said that pyrotechnic chemicals that produce heat, light, gas, smoke and/or sound are used in firecrackers to make them shoot up in the air and explode. These have very adverse effects on the environment. He cautioned young ones to wear cotton clothes, use firecrackers only in the presence of elders and keep a bucket of water handy in case of any emergency. Santosh Kumar, vice-chairman, Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee and Director, Department of Environment said that it is heartening to see that more people now consider bursting crackers as a health hazard and harmful for the environment. He said that during Diwali, the pollution level shoots up to 10 to 15 times the permissible limits. So it is the responsibility of all citizens to protect their environment by celebrating Diwali in a green way. He suggested making homemade sweets, gifting plants, saying no harmful crackers. Pramod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta said that there is no harm in celebrating Diwali the traditional way by decorating homes with lamps and enjoying with sparklers and less polluting firecrackers. Over 2,500 students pledged to observe a green Diwali and stay away from crackers at the conclusion of the programme.   

24 Oct 2019
Good News

Star Citizens

Grassroots Heroes: Local Villagers Spearhead Forest Conservation Effort in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh

  In a remarkable display of environmental consciousness, local villagers in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP) have taken up the cause of preserving their forests. KNP, known as the first home to African cheetahs in India, has become the center of a movement to curb rampant tree cutting.   Even before the arrival of the cheetahs, two Gurjar caste-dominated villages, Kankar and Chitara, located in the park's buffer zone, initiated efforts to safeguard the KNP forests. The villages adopted a resolution to ban the entry of axes into the forest, imposing a hefty penalty of Rs 11,000 on violators. As a result, incidents of tree felling have significantly decreased, ensuring a healthy habitat for the park's wildlife, including leopards and African cheetahs.   The success of this conservation initiative can be attributed to the round-the-clock vigilance of the Cheetah Mitras, volunteers tasked with protecting the cheetahs. Their dedication has led to the capture and legal action against individuals from other villages involved in illegal tree felling.   To address the potential shortage of green fodder for their cattle due to the ban on tree cutting, the villages have taken up extensive cultivation of green fodder plants and grass within their own boundaries. This move has allowed the park's herbivore prey base, crucial for cheetahs, to solely benefit from the natural green resources within KNP.   The positive outcomes of this collaborative effort have inspired neighboring villages to follow suit and launch similar initiatives in association with KNP management. The 'No-Axe-in-Forests' initiative, pioneered by Chitara and Kankar villages, has proven to be a resounding success, demonstrating the potential for grassroots movements to protect and preserve our natural ecosystems.  

3 Sep 2023
Star Citizens

Assam Teacher's Green Mission: Planting Tens of Thousands of Trees for a Sustainable Future

In a remarkable display of dedication and environmental consciousness, Jahar Bhowmick, a mathematics teacher from Kokrajhar district in Assam, has garnered widespread admiration for his tireless efforts in planting and nurturing tens of thousands of trees. Bhowmick firmly believes that the number of trees planted directly impacts the prospect of human life, and he has made it his life's mission to spread awareness and protect the environment. It all began in 2014 when Bhowmick, confronted with scorching heat and a lack of electricity at Charaikhola High School, had a transformative idea. He decided to plant trees around the school premises to provide relief from the sweltering temperatures. Little did he know that this simple act would evolve into a profound movement. Over the years, Bhowmick's green mission has expanded, with active student participation and support. With the help of the social forestry department, he procured saplings and mobilized students to plant countless trees in Kokrajhar and neighboring villages. The scope of his mission even reached the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, where fruit trees were planted to ensure the self-sufficiency of golden langurs, a protected primate species. Beyond his practical efforts, Bhowmick takes the initiative to educate children on the importance of environmental protection and the role trees play in combating global warming. His dedication and unwavering commitment have earned him recognition, including the prestigious Bodoland Green Award. Jahar Bhowmick's extraordinary journey serves as an inspiration to all, emphasizing the transformative power of individual actions in creating a sustainable and greener future.

25 Aug 2023
Star Citizens

Global News

An Oasis in the Sky: This Skyscraper Overflows with 80,000 Plants!

A skyscraper bursting with 80,000 plants has opened its doors in the heart of Singapore, bringing a new level of greenery to the city-state’s central business district.   The Oasia Hotel Downtown, designed by WOHA Architects, has transformed the usual grey concrete high-rise into a living, breathing oasis. The building's unique design features 21 species of plants, including bamboo, shrubs, and flowering climbers, which cover every surface of the building, from the façade to the rooftop.   The greenery not only enhances the building's aesthetics but also improves the surrounding air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. The plants also provide a natural cooling effect, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy consumption.   The Oasia Hotel Downtown's greenery is not limited to just the exterior. The building's interior features a lush garden courtyard, while each guest room has a balcony adorned with greenery, providing a tranquil and serene living space.   The architects behind the project hope that the building will inspire other cities to incorporate more greenery into their urban landscapes, creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment for residents and visitors alike.   In a city where space is at a premium, the Oasia Hotel Downtown sets a new standard for green architecture and demonstrates that even the most urban environments can be transformed into vibrant, sustainable ecosystems.  

9 May 2023
Global News

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