How a Sustainability Business Model Can Unlock Long-term Profits

As businesses face increasing environmental challenges and shifting consumer expectations, sustainability business models are becoming a key factor in long-term success. Companies are realizing that sustainability isn't just about doing good for the planet; it can also unlock new opportunities for growth and increase profitability.

By focusing on energy efficiency, businesses can position themselves for long-term financial success. In this blog, we will read how adopting a sustainability business model can benefit companies and help them achieve lasting profitability.

What is a Sustainability Business Model?

A sustainability business model integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into a company’s operations. It goes beyond just using green energy or recycling; it’s about creating a business strategy that benefits both the company and the world in the long run.

This model could include using renewable energy, reducing waste, and sourcing materials responsibly. By focusing on these factors, businesses can grow while also having a positive impact on the environment and society.

Why Sustainable Business Models Make Financial Sense

Embracing a sustainability business model is not just about environmental responsibility; it’s about making smarter decisions that support long-term profitability. Here’s why it makes financial sense:

Cost Savings: Implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimizing resource use, and reducing waste all contribute to lowering operational costs. These savings, once realized, can be reinvested into the business for further growth.

Regulatory Compliance: Governments are tightening environmental regulations, and businesses that adopt sustainability practices early are well-positioned to avoid penalties, comply with regulations, and remain competitive in a shifting landscape.

Stronger Brand Reputation: Consumers are usually drawn to brands that show they care about the planet. By prioritizing sustainability, businesses not only improve their reputation but also attract customers who value ethical and sustainable practices.

Attracting Investment: Investors are placing more value on businesses that show a commitment to sustainability. A sustainability business model makes companies more appealing to investors looking for long-term, responsible growth opportunities.

The Long-term Benefits of Sustainability

Adopting a sustainability business model isn’t just a short-term fix; it has long-term financial benefits:

Resilience: Sustainable businesses are more prepared for future challenges like resource shortages or price fluctuations in energy markets. They are more adaptable to the changes in global supply chains and regulations.

Innovation: Sustainability often drives innovation. Companies that focus on improving their environmental impact are more likely to find new ways to improve operations, develop new products, and create efficiencies that give them an edge over competitors.

Employee Engagement: Employees are also looking to work for companies that align with their values. A company that embraces sustainability is more likely to retain top talent, leading to improved productivity and a positive workplace culture.

How to Transition to a Sustainability Business Model

For businesses looking to adopt a sustainability business model, the transition can be done in several steps:

Assess Your Impact: Start by understanding your current environmental impact. Identify where you use the most energy, produce the most waste, or consume the most resources, and look for ways to reduce that footprint.

Engage Your Team: Sustainability requires buy-in from all employees. Encourage staff to contribute ideas, adopt sustainable practices in their work, and help foster a culture of sustainability across the organization.

Communicate Your Efforts: Transparency is key. Make sure your customers, investors, and other stakeholders know about the sustainability practices you are implementing. This helps in building trust and shows that you are serious about your commitment.

Partner with Experts: Collaborating with other businesses or experts who specialize in sustainability can help you implement the best solutions tailored to your needs. They can provide guidance, technology, and best practices to ensure your sustainability efforts are successful.

Unlocking Profitability with Sustainability

A sustainability business model is not just about being eco-friendly; it’s a smart strategy for ensuring long-term profitability. By reducing operational costs, improving efficiency, and building a strong brand reputation, companies can reap the financial rewards of sustainable practices. Furthermore, businesses that lead in sustainability create value for all stakeholders, from consumers to investors to employees.

To make this transition successful, it’s important to partner with trusted experts and sustainable technology providers. This partnership will help you implement effective solutions, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and ensure that your business is contributing to a sustainable and profitable future.

GPS Renewables and CSIR-NCL Launch NG SAF: An Indigenous Ethanol-to-SAF Technology

GPS Renewables, one of the leading global full-stack, renewable oil & gas companies offering technology and project solutions for climate-positive biofuel projects, has partnered with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) to develop a first-of-a-kind commercial-scale production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from ethanol. The same technology can be used to produce SAF from methanol as well.

As part of the partnership, GPS Renewables will invest in developing technology based on a patented catalyst from CSIR-NCL. The technology will enable one-step oligomerization of ethylene and other olefins – a process where small molecules are joined together to form larger molecules that emulate Aviation Turbine Fuel. Multiple players have demonstrated the Ethanol-to-Jet Fuel process at lab scale, but commercial-scale production has remained elusive.

With a license to the CSIR-NCL technology, GPS will engineer a commercial-scale plant under the project brand NG SAF. This partnership aims to demonstrate the first commercial-scale Ethanol-To-Jet plant. GPS Renewables holds the exclusive rights to commercialize this technology.

Currently, SAF is produced on a commercial scale primarily through the HEFA pathway (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids), which uses feedstocks like Used Cooking Oil (UCO) or animal fats. In India, large-scale HEFA production is not a feasible solution due to the lack of an organized UCO collection system and FSSAI restrictions on importing UCO. These feedstock challenges make it difficult to scale SAF production through the HEFA route in India, thereby highlighting the need for an alternative, home-grown technology that can boost SAF production. Ethanol from 2G biomass is expected to be a key product of the Indian agri-biomass ecosystem, and this will be the feedstock for the CSIR-NCL-GPS SAF production.

Commenting on the collaboration, Gomatam Ravi, CTO, GPS Renewables, said, “We are thrilled to partner with CSIR-NCL to build an indigenous and breakthrough SAF technology that can position India as a leader in SAF production. At GPS, we have always prioritized technology that can fast-track India’s transition to clean energy, and this collaboration reflects that commitment. While many have demonstrated the process at lab scale, none have succeeded in producing SAF from Ethanol at an industrial scale. With NG SAF, we aim to change that. We are confident that with our expertise in scaling cleantech solutions and CSIR-NCL’s scientific backing, we can deliver an indigenous and industrially viable SAF solution to the world.”

Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, said, “One of our core strengths at CSIR-NCL lies in working closely with industry leaders to transform disruptive ideas into commercially deployable solutions. Scientific research, when coupled with industry collaboration, can create promising solutions to address global challenges. This indigenous technology, named NG SAF, based on CSIR-NCL’s patented oligomerization process, can be a game-changer to decarbonize the aviation sector. GPS Renewables’ proven track record and extensive experience in clean fuels make them an ideal partner to take this innovation from the lab to the market.”

Mainak Chakraborty, Co-Founder and CEO, GPS Renewables, highlighted the importance of the team behind the program, saying “The technical advisory team to the NG SAF project is a thing of dreams, including Dr. Anjan Ray, (Former Director UOP and Former Director of Indian Institute of Petroleum), Dr. Arvind Lali, (Retired Professor from ICT Mumbai), Dr. Ashish Lele, (Director NCL), Gomatam Ravi, (Former Head of Shell Technology Center), Dr. Samir Chikkali (Humboldt Fellow and Faculty at NCL), and several others. GPSR has an engineering team of 120 people, adding up decades of experience from the likes of Petrofac, Petronas, Technip, Toyo, McDermott, Lauren USA, L&T, and other industry leaders, all of whom have come together to make NG SAF a reality.”

About GPSR (GPS Renewables) Group

Headquartered in Bengaluru, GPS Renewables (“GPSR”) is the world’s largest full-stack, renewable oil & gas company offering technology and project solutions for climate-positive biofuel projects. Starting from captive biogas plants, GPSR has scaled up to set up some of the world’s largest RNG plants. In 2022, GPS Renewables launched GPSR Arya Pvt Ltd (“ARYA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, to commission BOO (Build-Own-Operate) projects, augmenting its climate impact ambitions.

GPSR has formed joint ventures with Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Oil India to build compressed biogas (CBG) plants across India. These plants will process agricultural and organic waste, reduce carbon emissions, and support the government’s SATAT initiative.

https://gpsrenewables.com/

About CSIR- NCL

National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, established in 1950, is a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). CSIR-NCL is a science and knowledge-based research, development, and consulting organization. It is internationally known for its excellence in scientific research in chemistry and chemical engineering, as well as for its outstanding track record of industrial research involving partnerships with industry from concept to commercialization.

https://www.ncl-india.org/

Amwoodo Secures $4M Pre-Series A to Accelerate Plastic-Free Living with Bamboo Innovation

L-R  (Mr Sourav Dey, Director and Co-founder, Mr Agni Mitra,Founder and CEO and Mr Avijit Rajak, Co-Founder and Director of Finance)

Amwoodo, an innovator in bamboo-based sustainable solutions, announced that it has raised $4 million in Pre-Series A funding from a consortium of leading investors. This round was led by Rainmatter, with participation from Adventz Group, Thinkuvate, and Caspian. The investment marks a significant milestone in Amwoodo’s mission to accelerate the transition toward eco-conscious living by creating world-class alternatives to harmful disposable products.

Founded in 2019, Amwoodo has been at the forefront of replacing single-use plastics with bamboo-first products that combine sustainability with everyday convenience. The company has built strong B2B partnerships with leading names such as Himalaya Wellness Company, Bombay Shaving Company, and ITC Hotels, while also expanding into the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) space through its marketplace Ecoconsious. With this new funding, the company will:

• Scale production capacity to meet growing domestic and global demand
• Enter the D2C market through its own marketplace, Ecoconsious, and launch other plastic-alternative brands under the House of Amwoodo
• Strengthen community engagement and expand livelihood opportunities in bamboo-growing regions

It is a shared commitment to rewriting the story of sustainability—where innovation replaces waste, communities thrive, and every product leaves the planet better than we found it. With this support, we are not just scaling a business; we are fueling a movement to make eco-conscious living the norm, not the exception. We’re leading from the ground up - listening, learning, and building with the community. Because change starts where the roots are.

— Mr. Agni Mitra, Founder & CEO, Amwoodo

Mr Agni Mitra, Founder and CEO

At Amwoodo, we have always believed that sustainability is not a trend—it’s a responsibility. This funding is a testament to the collective effort of our passionate team, the trust of our partners, and the unwavering support of our customers. Together, we are proving that businesses can drive both profit and purpose, and we are ready to take the next big leap toward making eco-conscious living the global standard.

— Mr. Subhrakanti Das, Chief of Staff, Amwoodo

Amwoodo’s growth is also supported by recognition as a Great Place to Work® (India) and accolades from various media houses, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in innovation and sustainability.

About Amwoodo

Amwoodo Eco Products Private Limited is India’s foremost innovator in sustainable bamboo-based solutions, creating eco-friendly alternatives to everyday essentials. Founded in 2019, Amwoodo is built on the belief that sustainability is not a trend but a responsibility. With a bamboo-first approach, the company offers a wide range of products—from premium personal care and oral care to hotel amenities, office stationery, and corporate gifts—designed to replace plastic in daily life. Backed by leading clients such as Himalaya Wellness Company, Bombay Shaving Company, and ITC Hotels, Amwoodo is redefining conscious consumption through innovation, ethical practices, and circular economy principles. Supported by $1 million in funding from Rainmatter (Zerodha) and recognized as a Great Place to Work®, Amwoodo continues to inspire a global shift toward eco-conscious living and a greener future.

1% Greener, 7% More Engaged: Landmark Study Quantifies ROI of Sustainable Workspaces in India

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), in collaboration with the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), today launched the landmark research report "SUSTAINABLE WORKSPACE – Catalyst for Productivity and Profitability in Indian Businesses" at the CII Green Business Centre, Hyderabad.

The unique one-of-its-kind research study in the world with academic support from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, reveals that sustainable workplaces are transformative for Indian businesses. The key findings of this research are that organizations that adopt Green Building Practices are more likely to have a thriving and engaged workforce, leading to increase in business performance for the organization. Moving far beyond environmental responsibility, the study demonstrates that green building strategies substantially enhance employee productivity, well-being, and organizational profitability.

The multi-year project presents the strongest evidence to date that adopting green solutions in India’s workplaces leads to marked improvements in employee thriving, engagement, and over all wellbeing outcomes. Through a rigorous, multi-phase approach involving inputs from 75 case study partners with over 1,100 occupant responses from 6 cities and analysis of more than 900 indoor environment quality data points, the study offers robust, data-driven proof that building sustainably delivers measurable value for both organizations and their people.

Key Findings

• A 1% increase in Green Index (a composite of indoor environment quality and comfort) lifts employee thriving by 3% and engagement by 2%, respectively, and enhances physical well-being by 3%.
• A 1% increase in Indoor Environment Quality leads to 7% increase in employee engagement and 2% increase in Thriving.
• Improved Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)—covering temperature, lighting, noise, humidity, and CO₂—boosts both psychological vitality and learning at work, driving organizational performance, innovation, and staff retention.
• The findings confirm that sustainable workspaces deliver far-reaching outcomes: higher employee satisfaction, well-being, and organizational profitability across varying climatic and cultural zones in India.

The report was unveiled by H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy to India; Shri R V Karnan IAS, Commissioner GHMC Government of Telangana; Mr. M Goutham Reddy, Vice Chairman, CII Telangana State Council; and Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, IGBC; Ms Bente Toftkær, Director, Global Talent & International Services, Danish Industry; Ar. Srinivas Murthy, Chairman, IGBC Hyderabad Chapter; and Mr. K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, CII GBC in the presence of other dignitaries and sustainable industry champions.

Speaking at the launch, H.E. Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy to India, said "Denmark is delighted to partner with India in advancing the agenda of sustainable and people-centric development. Over the years, our collaboration has demonstrated how shared knowledge, technology, and innovation can deliver solutions that benefit both people and the planet. The launch of the DI and CII-IGBC report on Sustainable Workspaces is yet another milestone in this journey. It reinforces the importance of designing workplaces that reduce environmental impact while enhance well-being, creativity, and productivity. Together, Denmark and India can accelerate the green transition and create resilient urban futures that serve as a model for the world."

Shri R V Karnan IAS, Commissioner GHMC Government of Telangana, while addressing the gathering said, "Telangana is proud to lead the sustainable transformation of India’s built environment, with Hyderabad emerging as one of the country’s green building hubs. Our state has consistently championed IGBC-certified projects across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors, setting benchmarks in energy efficiency and eco-friendly urban development. Collaborating with national and international partners, we reaffirm our commitment to harnessing the power of green workspaces to enhance quality of life, drive innovation, and build resilient urban futures. This report provides compelling evidence that sustainable workplaces are not only vital for citizen well-being but also a strategic investment in Telangana’s economic growth and global competitiveness."

Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, IGBC, stated, "As IGBC celebrates 25 years of championing the green building movement in the country, the launch of the DI and CII-IGBC research report on Sustainable Workspaces – Catalysts for Productivity and Profitability in Indian Businesses marks an important milestone. This study reinforces the need to move beyond traditional metrics like energy and water savings to embrace workplaces that prioritize people’s well-being, creativity, and productivity while ensuring environmental stewardship. Together, we can transform our work environments into powerful catalysts for both sustainability and business growth, shaping a greener and healthier future for India."

The report provides actionable guidance for business leaders, Developers, policymakers, urban planners, architects, ESG investors and industry associations. It urges all stakeholders to:

• Prioritize IEQ and comfort in both new and existing workplaces.
• Integrate measurable green metrics in design and operations.
• Assess workspaces with evidence-based tools to drive employee engagement and organizational success.

Trane Technologies Launches BrainBox AI Lab to Drive Sustainable HVAC and Building Intelligence

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, announced the launch of the BrainBox AI Lab – igniting a new era in energy optimization for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions in the built environment and refrigerated transport.

The Trane Technologies BrainBox AI Lab is dedicated to advancing technologies designed to support more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable building operations across the industry. With the infusion of AI through Trane Technologies’ products, solutions, and operations, the organization is poised to lead the market transition towards fully digitized building operations in alignment with its sustainability principles.

“Through the BrainBox AI Lab, we are bringing together world-class talent and industry-leading technology to shape the next generation of climate innovation,” said Riaz Raihan, Chief Digital Officer, Trane Technologies. “Demand continues to grow for solutions that reduce energy, emissions and operational costs. This premier lab is an important element in our strategy to remain at the forefront of digital and AI solutions that create positive impact for our customers and the world.”

The new BrainBox AI Lab serves as a hub for rigorous research, collaboration, and real-world testing to set new standards within the industry and beyond. This network of AI experts within Trane Technologies will continue to advance autonomous control systems, predictive models, and algorithms aimed at reducing emissions through smarter energy use. The BrainBox AI Lab will also focus on evolving fields of study, including agentic AI and the application of physics-informed neural networks, enabling total digital transformation for the built environment.

“AI is accelerating at a pace few could have imagined, unlocking extraordinary opportunities to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges,” said Jean-Simon Venne, President at BrainBox AI and Head of the AI Lab. “Our responsibility is not just to innovate quickly, but to also ensure that it is being done wisely and sustainably. The BrainBox AI Lab will define what is next for AI within the industry.”

Leveraging a multidisciplinary team of technical experts including software engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, machine learning developers and AI engineers, this AI Lab will be guided by the following principles:Product Creation: Turning breakthrough ideas and discoveries into ready-to-use products and applications – moving past the concept phase and into real-world impact.

• Research & Development: Teaming up with world-class researchers and universities to push scientific discovery and shape the future of AI in energy management.
• Ethics & Guardrails: Embedding ethical and responsible AI principles and safeguards into how we design, develop, and deploy our solutions.
• Sustainability: Creating AI technologies that support energy optimization and reduction of global carbon emissions in support of Trane Technologies’ ambitious 2030 Sustainability Commitments.

Trane Technologies acquired BrainBox AI in January 2025 amid fast-growing demand for sustainable, autonomous building solutions, bringing industry-leading autonomous HVAC controls and generative AI building technologies to more customers. The companies previously teamed up for more than two years, combining BrainBox AI’s leading artificial intelligence technology with Trane Technologies’ advanced building management and digital capabilities.

For more information, visit Trane Technologies BrainBox AI Lab.

'Samudra Prachet’ Sets Sail: Goa Shipyard’s Indigenous PCV Enhances India’s Oil Spill Response and Maritime Sustainability

In a significant stride toward maritime environmental preparedness and defence indigenisation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) welcomed Samudra Prachet, the second and final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Launched at GSL’s Vasco shipyard, the vessel marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to bolster coastal pollution response capabilities with homegrown technology.

A Technological Guardian of the Seas

Samudra Prachet is engineered to tackle marine pollution emergencies, particularly oil spills within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). With a length of 114.5 metres, a breadth of 16.5 metres, and a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, the vessel will be manned by 14 officers and 115 sailors.

• Two side-sweeping arms for collecting oil spills while underway
• Advanced radar systems for real-time detection of oil slicks
• Integrated pollution response systems capable of:
  • Recovering oil across the full viscosity spectrum
  • Pumping in contaminated water
  • Analysing and separating pollutants
  • Storing recovered oil in dedicated onboard tanks

Built with 72% Indigenous Content

The vessel boasts 72% indigenous content, reflecting substantial contributions from Indian MSMEs and local industries. This aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a net exporter of defence technologies.

 
Chairman & Managing Director of GSL, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, praised the team’s dedication and highlighted the vessel’s role in advancing India’s maritime environmental infrastructure. “This platform is a testament to our shipbuilding excellence and commitment to national capability-building,” he said.

Strategic and Economic Impact

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani, emphasized the strategic importance of PCVs in maritime security. “Pollution Control Vessels like Samudra Prachet are pivotal in safeguarding India’s marine ecosystems and responding to pollution emergencies,” he stated during the launch ceremony substantial employment in Goa:

Stimulated skill development

Strengthened the local shipbuilding ecosystem

Supported MSMEs engaged in marine production activities

A Twin Legacy

Samudra Prachet follows the launch of its sister vessel, Samudra Pratap, which was unveiled on August 29, 2024, and is nearing delivery. Together, these vessels significantly enhance the ICG’s operational readiness and environmental surveillance capabilities.

Why the 2013 Uttarakhand Floods Must Be Remembered

Increasing number of disasters in the region  

On June 16, 2013, Uttarakhand witnessed one of the most devastating disasters in its history. Unprecedented rainfall, measuring 385.1mm - over 440% above the normal for the onset of the monsoon - triggered catastrophic floods and landslides. The deluge, intensified by a cloudburst and a glacial lake outburst flood, caused the Chorabari Lake near Kedarnath to overflow, unleashing torrents of water and debris downstream. The disaster claimed over 6,000 lives, stranded more than 100,000 pilgrims and tourists, and obliterated infrastructure across the state.

The immediate response involved massive rescue operations. The Indian Army launched Operation Surya Hope, deploying over 10,000 troops, while the Indian Air Force initiated Operation Rahat, which became one of the largest civilian rescue missions by air, evacuating nearly 20,000 people and delivering essential supplies. Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster exposed significant shortcomings in preparedness and early warning systems. Although the India Meteorological Department had issued alerts, communication breakdowns and a lack of coordinated action led to delayed evacuations and increased casualties.

A school in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, rebuilt as part of SEEDS’ post-disaster recovery efforts following the 2013 floods. Along with safety-focused infrastructure adapted to the hilly terrain, SEEDS has also conducted mock drills to help students prepare for emergencies.

Amid this chaos, civil society efforts helped plug the gaps. Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), one of the first responders, focused on urgent unmet needs - supporting women’s privacy in overcrowded shelters and helping families who had dry rations but no means to cook them. Over 190 of the most vulnerable families in Rudraprayag received family tents and utensil kits. Makeshift schooling was enabled with temporary tents and cooking provisions for mid-day meals.

Students outside a newly rebuilt school in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Reconstructed by SEEDS in the aftermath of the 2013 floods, the facility is designed to be climate-resilient and safe for children in this high-risk seismic and landslide-prone zone.

With many schools either damaged or reduced to rubble, children’s education was severely disrupted - leaving students without safe spaces to learn or gather. In the months that followed, the organisation went on to rebuild 18 schools across Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, using earthquake-resilient, lightweight materials that doubled as safe spaces and community hubs. The effort also included disaster preparedness training for over 2,000 students and residents, laying the groundwork for a more informed and resilient response in future emergencies.

While these efforts brought some stability to pockets of the affected region, the broader picture across Uttarakhand was far more sobering. The state’s tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure was shattered. Roads, schools, health centres, and water supply lines had to be rebuilt from scratch. The psychological toll on survivors, especially those who lost entire families, still lingers.

An evacuation plan being installed at Rajkiya Ucchatar Prathmik Vidyalaya, Karokhi, Ganganagar, Rudraprayag - one of the schools reconstructed by SEEDS after the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, with support from Ambuja Cement Foundation.

Long-term effects extended beyond physical loss. For months, communities faced food shortages and lack of healthcare. Livelihoods dependent on tourism took years to recover. Many survivors left the hills entirely, their ancestral homes abandoned. For a while, Kedarnath became a symbol of resilience - but also a grim reminder of the consequences of ignoring environmental limits.

The 2013 tragedy was a national wake-up call. There was a noticeable shift in how disasters were managed - more satellite monitoring, improved coordination between agencies, and the setting up of early warning systems in vulnerable regions. Looking back over the past 12 years, these steps represent meaningful progress. Yet, the increasing frequency of disasters in Uttarakhand signals that long-term, community-based resilience is still a work in progress.

This has become clear through recurring climate-related disasters. In 2021, a glacier broke off in Chamoli, unleashing a sudden surge in the Rishi Ganga river, destroying hydropower projects and claiming over 200 lives. In 2023, Joshimath made headlines for land subsidence - homes cracking open, roads warping, and families being evacuated.

In 2024, heavy rainfall triggered landslides across several regions, including Tingad village in Tehri district, where over 35 homes were destroyed and two schools deemed unsafe. SEEDS, which has been active in Uttarakhand since the 2013 floods, supported efforts to ensure children could continue learning. Working with local communities, they helped set up temporary classrooms on donated land, with basic sanitation and clean drinking water facilities. It was a small but necessary step toward restoring normalcy as families began to rebuild.

In fact, Uttarakhand’s history of disasters goes back decades. In 1970, a cloudburst over the Alaknanda Valley caused massive floods that wiped out villages and altered river courses. In 1998, a landslide in Malpa buried an entire village, killing over 200 people including several pilgrims. In 2012, just a year before Kedarnath, cloudbursts caused flash floods that disrupted the Char Dham Yatra and claimed several lives. Each time, warnings were issued. Each time, the state returned to business as usual once the water receded.

Uttarakhand sits in a seismically active, ecologically fragile zone. Yet, construction continues on precarious slopes, forests make way for highways, and rivers are redirected for energy. Climate change only intensifies these risks - melting glaciers, short spells of heavy rain, and unseasonal heat are now common. Despite clear patterns, these disasters are often labelled ‘low’ or ‘medium’ impact events, downplaying the long-term consequences.

What happened in June 2013 was not an anomaly. It was a warning. And unless we treat it as such - changing how we build, how we prepare, and how we respect the Himalayas - it will not be the last.

Quest Global and ING Honoured with The Asset Triple A Award for Sustainable Finance 2025

Quest Global, a leading global engineering services firm, today announced that it has been recognized with The Asset Triple A Award for Sustainable Finance 2025 in South Asia, in partnership with ING, in the category of “Best Sustainability-Linked Loan – Engineering Services.”

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Quest Global is the first engineering services company to have achieved this milestone. This prestigious award celebrates the innovative integration of sustainability into Quest Global's financial strategy.

The award acknowledges Quest Global's and ING's pioneering approach to embedding sustainability within the company's financing framework, a practice that remains relatively uncommon in the outsourced engineering services sector. The developed sustainability-linked loan (SLL) features a balanced discount and penalty mechanism, strategically designed to incentivize Quest Global to achieve significant advancements in its sustainability objectives through enhanced EcoVadis assessment scores.

"We are deeply honoured to receive this distinguished award from The Asset," stated Rajendra Shreemal, Chief Financial Officer, Quest Global. "This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability in our business and financial strategy. Our collaboration with ING has been pivotal in crafting a sustainable financing solution. We would like to extend our gratitude to ING for their expertise in structuring this deal and identifying a sustainability-linked loan opportunity with our banking partners."

"We’re proud to showcase ING’s structuring expertise through innovative solutions like this sustainability-linked loan. It underscores our commitment to supporting clients across sectors, including engineering services, in embedding sustainability into their core strategies. We’re honoured that this collaboration is being recognised as a benchmark for impactful financing in the region,” said Michelle Kong, Head of Sector Coverage for ING Asia Pacific.

The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance recognize organizations across Asia that actively contribute to and exemplify the burgeoning landscape of sustainable finance. The "Best Deals for Sustainable Finance" category, nominated by participating banks, recognizes transactions that champion sustainable finance across diverse financial instruments, with a focus on their environmental and social contributions as defined by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With this prestigious award, Quest Global and ING reaffirm their commitment to leading the way in sustainable finance and driving positive change within the engineering services industry.

Nature-based Innovation to Tackle Heat

Bihar, like many other states in India, has been witnessing record-breaking temperatures in recent years. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Buxar recorded a staggering 47.2°C in June 2024. As extreme heat events become more frequent, solutions like cool shelters offer a lifeline to vulnerable communities struggling to cope with rising temperatures.

At the Bihar Diwas 2025, inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on March 22, 2025 a unique innovation aimed at tackling the intensifying heatwaves in the state was showcased. A fibre from Rajasthan - the Magra fibre - was used as insulation for a cool shelter. The story of this pastoral wool fibre traces back to SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) and its contribution to the India Humanitarian Hub initiative, which aims to build climate resilience through local innovation. As part of this effort, Urmul, in collaboration with Samakhya Sustainable Alternatives, repurposed discarded sheep wool by combining indigenous knowledge with technological inputs.

SEED's Climate-resilient Shelters for Local Communities

SEED's Climate-resilient Shelters for Local Communities

The aim was to create solutions that support self-reliance, sustainability, and fit within the social systems of local communities. Today, Magra’s regenerative pastoral fibres offer an effective and eco-friendly option for thermal and acoustic insulation.

SEEDS has been developing and refining cool shelters over the years, experimenting with sustainable materials and structural adaptations to improve their effectiveness against extreme heat. In 2023, the organisation piloted a series of bamboo shelters across Delhi, offering much-needed respite to the city’s most heat-exposed populations - rickshaw pullers, rag pickers, and construction workers. Constructed primarily using eco-friendly bamboo, these shelters leveraged the material’s natural cooling properties to create breathable, shaded spaces in urban heat islands.

 

Climate Resilient & Disaster prone housing structure

The impact of the latest iteration of the cool shelter that used this Magra fibre in Patna was evident. On March 25, 2025 when the outside temperature reached 44 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside the shelter remained 38 degrees Celsius, marking a notable reduction of 5 to 6 degrees Celsius.

The SEEDS stall at Bihar Diwas attracted considerable attention from government officials, scientific experts, and representatives from leading organizations. Among the key dignitaries who visited the stall were the Honorable Governor of Bihar Arif Mohammad Khan, Vice Chairman of Bihar State Disaster Management Authority Uday Kant Mishra and other members of BSDMA, Narendra Kumar Singh and Koshal Kishor Mishra.

District Magistrate of Patna Sri Chandrashekhar, along with Scientific Officers from Bihar Mausam Seva Kendra Dr. S. Neethu and Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mishra, also took keen interest in the initiative.

“We should spread the word as much as possible for such innovations. It should reach the villages and be made available to them, as it can provide relief from extreme heat,” said Uday Kant Mishra, Vice Chairman of BSDMA.

Expanding the reach of cool shelters, making them accessible to more communities across India is important as another hot summer lies ahead. As Bihar and other states brace for another sweltering summer, the role of sustainable, low-cost cooling solutions is increasingly crucial.

SEEDS is proud recipient of the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 and Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Award 2021 by Government of India.

UP Rolls Out India’s 1st Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy, Eyes ₹3,000 Cr Investment

Uttar Pradesh is making a bold move with its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Manufacturing Promotion Policy-2025, the first of its kind in India. This initiative aims to convert agricultural waste-like sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and wheat straw-into bio-jet fuel, creating new revenue streams for farmers while advancing India's green aviation goals.

The policy is expected to attract ₹3,000 crore in investments, with over 18 companies expressing interest in setting up SAF production units in the state. It also offers capital subsidies, state GST reimbursements, land waivers, and interest subsidies to incentivize industry participation.

The policy offers capital subsidies, GST reimbursements, and land waivers to attract private players.

Beyond economic benefits, this policy aligns with India's climate commitments, helping reduce carbon emissions and promoting energy security. With Uttar Pradesh's strong logistics infrastructure, including five international airports, the state is positioning itself as a hub for SAF production.

This could be a game-changer for India's aviation sector.

India's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) policy is ambitious, but it differs from global approaches in key ways. While India leverages agricultural waste like sugarcane bagasse and rice husk, making it cost-effective and farmer-friendly, The EU and UK have blending mandates requiring airlines to use SAF, but these have led to high costs due to supply chain inefficiencies.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warns that SAF production is too low globally, covering just 0.7% of airline fuel needs. India accounts for ~2.5% of global aviation fuel demand, with significant room for SAF expansion.

While India focuses on bio-based SAF, global efforts also explore hydrogen fuel and electric aircraft, though these technologies are still in early stages.

India's SAF policy is incentive-driven, aiming to build a domestic SAF industry before enforcing mandates. In contrast, Europe has strict SAF blending rules, but high costs have slowed adoption. Meanwhile, global aviation bodies like IATA push for policy reforms to make SAF more accessible.

Siemens and London Varsity's Innovative Use of River Thames to Save 258 Tons of Carbon Emissions Annually

The River Thames is one of the most iconic rivers in the world, flowing through southern England, including the heart of London. Stretching approximately 346 kilometers (215 miles), it is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom after the River Severn.

A new innovative initiative by University of East London (UEL) in partnership with Siemens Smart Infrastructure is using the river Thames' heat for projects for the University of East London's net-zero campus highlight its role in combating climate change.

The River Thames serves as a heat source due to its stable water temperature, which remains relatively constant throughout the year. This stability makes it an excellent candidate for heat exchange systems like Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs), which extracts energy from the water and turns it into heat, even when the water temperature is lower than the air temperature

Even at low temperatures, water contains thermal energy. The River Thames, being a large body of water, stores significant amounts of this energy.

Taking a significant step toward sustainability, the University of East London (UEL) is harnessing the River Thames to power its net-zero campus. In collaboration with Siemens, UEL is installing a state-of-the-art Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) at its Docklands Campus.

This innovative system will replace traditional gas boilers, significantly reducing carbon emissions by 258 tons annually.

The Innovative System

The WSHP system uses submerged pipes in a closed-loop system to extract the natural heat from the river. The heat is then transferred to a refrigerant, which amplifies it through a compression cycle.

The amplified heat is used to warm buildings, while the cooled water is returned to the river without disrupting its ecosystem.

The WSHP uses a closed-loop system to extract natural heat from the River Thames without disrupting the river's ecosystem. This project aligns with UEL's goal of achieving the lowest carbon emissions per student in the UK by 2026 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2030.

Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to save the university over £500,000 annually (approximately US $645,000 and  ~ INR ₹ 5.62 crore) in utility costs and has already inspired green employability programs, internships, and research opportunities. It also supports the Mayor of London's vision for a sustainable and greener city.

The new WSHP is set to be the largest fitted at any university in the UK and will power the university’s Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability buildings, replacing existing gas boilers.

This innovative use of the river Thames not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also supports sustainability goals, as seen in projects like the University of East London's net-zero campus initiative

What technology does the Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) use?

Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs) utilize advanced heat exchange technology to provide efficient heating and cooling. Here's how they work:

1. Heat Exchange Process: WSHPs extract heat from a water source, such as a river, lake, or well, using a closed-loop system. This system circulates water through a heat exchanger, where heat is absorbed or released depending on the heating or cooling needs.
2. Refrigeration Cycle: The pump uses a refrigerant to amplify the heat transfer process. This cycle allows the system to efficiently move heat from the water source to the building or vice versa.
3. Energy Efficiency: By leveraging the stable thermal properties of water, WSHPs achieve higher energy efficiency compared to air-source systems, especially in colder climates.
4. Environmental Benefits: These systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels, significantly lowering carbon emissions and contributing to sustainability.

This innovative technology is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, making it a popular choice for modern heating and cooling solutions.

India Emerges As Green Leader With the Lowest Per Capita CO2 Emissions Among the G20 Nations

India has emerged as a green leader among the G20 nations, boasting the lowest per capita CO2 emissions. With this, India is setting am example of sustainable development.

In 2023, India's per capita CO2 emissions were around 2.1 metric tons per person, compared to much higher figures in countries like Saudi Arabia, which had the highest per capita emissions at over 17 metric tons per person.

 

China had the highest CO2 emissions among G20 countries, while Argentina had the lowest. India's per capita emissions were the lowest among the G20 nations, highlighting its efforts in maintaining a lower carbon footprint.

India's achievement is largely due to the country's agrarian economy and relatively low per capita energy consumption compared to many developed nations. Despite being the most populous G20 country, India's efforts in deploying renewable energy and maintaining lower emissions have been commendable.

The latest International Energy Agency (IEA) report on CO2 emissions provides a comprehensive analysis of global emissions in 2023.

Global Emissions CO2 emissions reached a new record high in 2023, with an increase of 1.1%, increasing 410 million tonnes (Mt) to reach a new record high of 37.4 billion tonnes (Gt). This was driven by weather effects and continued reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nevertheless, the growth in clean energy technologies, such as renewables, electric vehicles, and heat pumps, helped limit the rise in global emissions.

Emissions from energy combustion increased, while emissions from industrial processes decreased.

Between 2019 and 2023, total energy-related emissions increased around 900 Mt. Without the growing deployment of five key clean energy technologies since 2019 - solar PV, wind, nuclear, heat pumps, and electric cars - the emissions growth would have been three times larger.

AMD and Fujitsu Partner to Create Energy-Efficient Computing Platforms and Accelerate Open-Source AI Initiatives

On November 1, 2024, AMD and Fujitsu announced a strategic partnership to develop more sustainable computing infrastructure aimed at accelerating open-source Al initiatives.

The partnership aims for Sustainable Computing by focusing on creating energy-efficient computing platforms that combine Fujitsu's next-generation Arm-based FUJITSU-MONAKA processors with AMD's Instinct™ accelerators.

Further for accelerating Open-Source Artificial Intelligence (Al), the collaboration aims to advance the development of open-source Al software optimized for these new computing platforms. This will help expand the ecosystem and promote the societal implementation of Al. Engineering, Ecosystems, and Business: The partnership will focus

Additionally, the partnership will focus on three strategic areas – engineering innovative computing platforms, fostering an open-source ecosystem, and expanding business opportunities globally.

Fujitsu and AMD plan to jointly develop these computing platforms by 2027, offering more sustainable options in both hardware and software.

This collaboration is expected to bring together Fujitsu's advanced CPU technology and AMD's GPU technology to create a more sustainable and efficient Al/HPC platform ecosystem.

Fujitsu and AMD will also collaborate on marketing and co-creation with customers to offer these AI computing platforms globally. In addition, to expand AI use cases and promote the societal implementation of AI, based on the computing infrastructure of FUJITSU-MONAKA and AMD Instinct accelerators, both companies will collaborate to build an open and more sustainable AI/HPC platform ecosystem, including a joint customer center.

Through this collaboration, Fujitsu and AMD are bringing their respective world-leading technologies together and will promote open-source AI initiatives by offering more sustainable options in both hardware and software that can be utilized by many companies.

Soon Farmers Can Sell Carbon Credits, to Industries, Earned from Adopting Sustainable Agricultural Practices

The initiative to provide carbon credits to farmers in eight states is a groundbreaking effort to promote sustainable agriculture

Soon, Farmers in eight states will be financially rewarded for adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as low tillage, direct-seeded rice (DSR), nitrogen management, and crop residue management.

The initiative to provide carbon credits to farmers is actually limited to eight specific states in India: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

This program aims to incentivize environmentally friendly farming and help farmers earn additional income through carbon credits.

The private company involved in this particular carbon credit program for farmers is Grow Indigo. It's a joint venture between Mahyco, an Indian seed company, and Indigo Ag, a US-based agriculture technology company. Grow Indigo is responsible for enrolling farmers, managing carbon credit projects, and ensuring that the credits are generated and sold according to the Verra certification standards.

How It Works

Farmers will be rewarded for adopting sustainable practices such as low tillage, direct-seeded rice (DSR), nitrogen management, and crop residue management. These practices help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health.

Financial Rewards: The carbon credits earned by farmers can be sold to industries, such as aviation, mining, and fertilizer manufacturing, which need to offset their carbon footprints. Approximately 75% of the revenue from the sale of carbon credits will flow back to the farmers.

Third-Party Audit: The carbon credits are certified by Verra, a global voluntary greenhouse gas reduction program, ensuring that the credits are legitimate and verifiable.

Based on the certification by Verra, the carbon credits will be awarded to farmers in the next couple of months. This certification ensures that the carbon credits are legitimate and verifiable, providing farmers with a reliable way to earn additional income through sustainable agricultural practices

Impact: The program aims to benefit small and marginal farmers by providing them with an additional source of income while promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.

Grow Indigo has enrolled 80,000 farmers in Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana covering diverse crops in over 40,000 hectare in various carbon programme.

This initiative is a significant step towards making agriculture more sustainable and helping farmers earn extra income through carbon credits.

To recall, earlier this month IndianWeb2 reported that India is gearing up for its first carbon credit sale, with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) playing a crucial role.

In July this year, the Agriculture Ministry has developed the framework for promoting the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) in the agricultural sector to encourage small and marginal farmers to get carbon credit benefits.Introducing carbon markets to farmers can accelerate the acceptance of eco-friendly agriculture practices while enhancing their income.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (under the Ministry of Power) is also involved in developing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.

Zoho's Sridhar Vembu To Co-Chair Oversee Committee for 3 AI CoEs

Dharmendra Pradhan to Announce 3 AI-CoE on Healthcare, Agriculture and Sustainable Cities on 15 Oct.'24

Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, will be announcing three AI Centres of Excellence (CoE) focused on Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities on 15th October 2024 in New Delhi.

To realize the vision of "Viksit Bharat," these three CoEs for Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be led by top educational institutions, in consortium with industry partners and startups. They will conduct interdisciplinary research, develop cutting-edge applications, and create scalable solutions in these three areas. This initiative aims to galvanize an effective AI ecosystem and nurture quality human resources in these critical fields.

To oversee the implementation of this initiative, an industry heavy Apex Committee has been constituted, co-chaired by Dr. Sridhar Vembu, Founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation.

As part of the vision to "Make AI in India and Make AI work for India," the establishment of these centres was announced under Para 60 of the Budget Announcement for 2023-24. In alignment with this, the Government has approved the creation of the three AI Centres of Excellence, with a total financial outlay of Rs. 990.00 Cr over the period of FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.

Shri K.Sanjay Murthy, Secretary/HE will grace the occasion, along with Directors of IITs, Heads of higher educational institutions (HEIs), industry leaders, start-up founders and senior officials from various ministries of the Government of India.

4 Indian NGOs Selected Among 14 for Grants from Google.org Supported Sustainability Fund

Four Indian Non-profit organizations (NGOs) have been selected by a Google-backed fund for their AI-driven climate solutions. These organizations are part of the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0, which is supported by a $5 million grant from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google. 

The selected organizations are:

1. INREM Foundation: Developing AI-enabled open digital solutions for community access to water contamination data.

2. CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF): Using machine learning and satellite imagery to protect lakes and their carbon sink function.

3. Institute for Financial Management and Research (WELL Labs): Creating advanced models for village-level water security insights.

4. Gujarat Mahila Housing Sewa Trust (MHT): Developing an AI-powered model to identify urban heat islands and suggest community-centric solutions.

This initiative aims to foster technology- and AI-driven solutions to address critical environmental and social challenges.

The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund is a significant initiative aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Initiated by Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) and supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0's current fund amount is $5 million i.e. for the second round (Seed Fund 2.0).

The fund aims to support innovative, technology-driven solutions that tackle pressing climate and sustainability challenges. It focuses on Renewable energy and decarbonization, Climate adaptation, Waste management and circular economy, Air quality, Water preservation, and Biodiversity protection.

The fund aims to help vulnerable and underserved communities in the Asia-Pacific region adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Tata Steel, Welspun Corp Become 1st Indian Co.s to Produce ERW Pipes for Pure Hydrogen Gas Transportation

Tata Steel and Welspun Corp have achieved a significant milestone by developing Hydrogen-compliant API X65 grade pipes. These pipes successfully surpassed critical sour service and fracture qualification tests for transporting 100% pure gaseous hydrogen under high pressure (100 bar) at RINA, Italy.

Tata Steel becomes the first Indian steel mill to produce hot-rolled steel for hydrogen transportation, while Welspun Corp is the first Indian pipe mill to produce Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) pipes for this purpose. This achievement aligns with India's green hydrogen policy and encourages the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.

ERW pipes are made by forming a flat strip of steel into a cylindrical shape and welding the edges together using electric resistance. The process involves passing an electric current through the edges, which generates heat and fuses them. This results in a seamless joint.

It was in 2022 when Tata Steel and Welspun Corp entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop hydrogen-compliant API grade pipes through the ERW Pipe route. Tata Steel supplied hot-rolled coils for the project from its Kalinganagar plant in Odisha, while Welspun Corp manufactured ERW pipes. This strategic partnership aims to promote the usage of green hydrogen and contribute to a net-zero economy by 2070.

Last year in June, Tata Steel partnered with SMS group to implement the pioneering Paul Wurth Coke Oven Gas (COG) Injection Technology at their Blast Furnace in Meramandali, Odisha.

Last year Tata Steel initiated a trial, the first-of-its-kind globally, at its Jamshedpur Works, injecting a record-high quantity of hydrogen gas directly into one of its Blast Furnaces. Other initiatives include trials of continuous Coal Bed Methane (CBM) injection, operation of a 5-tonnes-per-day (TPD) industrial plant for carbon capture and utilisation since September 2021, increasing scrap charge in our blast furnaces and efforts to reduce freshwater consumption, develop sustainable supply chains and embrace circular economy principles.

Panasonic's New eSignCard is a Sustainable Alternative to Table-Top Paper Placards That Can Be Updated Wirelessly via Smartphones

Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), a leading diversified technology company, launched the eSignCard – a fully integrated digital tent card display system. The innovative solution by Panasonic’s System Solutions Division (SSD) allows businesses, irrespective of their size, to deploy eSignCards that can be updated with information wirelessly in real-time through a centralized cloud-based system accessible from smartphones.

The battery-operated eSignCard leverages Panasonic’s strategic alliance with E Ink, an ePaper technology that consumes low energy. The eSignCard solution has a wide range of applications, including replacing workstation name tags in corporate offices, educational institutes, and hospitals; displaying event agendas in conference rooms and hotel banquets; highlighting special discounts in retail stores; and presenting offers and menus in cafes and restaurants, among other uses.

Commenting on the launch, Vijay Wadhawan, Director, System Solutions Division, Panasonic Life Solutions India said, “As the need for agile technology among small as well as large businesses and institutions takes centre-stage, innovative displays and communication solutions have become pivotal. Businesses are increasingly adopting the concept of a paperless workspace where technology is being used to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. At Panasonic, we look to deliver best-in-class customer experience, with sustainable and efficient solutions. Our eSignCard is an easy-to-use solution that allows multiple layers of access through secure servers and cloud-based systems that make communicating information to multiple customers and users possible with a single click and in real time. Our long-standing collaboration with E Ink, on eSignCard and previously on Room book Plus and Electronic Shelf Labels, has helped us develop a solution that reduces energy consumption and offers a paper-like display.”

“Our ePaper technology is at the heart of the eSignCard and provides a blue-light-free reflective display that mimics the natural appearance of paper while consuming minimal power,” said JM Hung, Vice President of E Ink Holdings. “Our ongoing collaboration is a commitment to creating products that not only enhance the user experience but also offer environmental benefits. The eSignCard is a shared vision of a more efficient future, where technology serves as a bridge to a sustainable world.”

Panasonic India’s System Solutions Division (SSD) develops and delivers new-age solutions which are aligned to the enterprise needs, fully utilizing the interconnectivity of Panasonic networked products. SSD is a key business driver of technology solutions for government and commercial enterprises of all sizes. The division offers unified business communications, and mobile computing, as well as solutions for security and public safety, retail point-of-sale, industrial automation, and professional audio and visual systems.

To summarize the benefits of the eSignCard solution:

• Utilizes E Ink technology, enabling a paper-like look and low power consumption
• Features sleek table-top design in standard 4.2”, 7.5” and 11.6” sizes, with options for single side and dual side screens
• Available in matt metal and wood finish frame, with an option to customize
• Remote content management, with an option to schedule information/images
• Reduces operational costs and manual efforts
• Sustainable alternative to printing multiple paper placards

About Panasonic Group:

Founded in 1918, and today a global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, industry, communications, and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022 with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company and eight companies positioned under its umbrella. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 8,496.4 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2024. To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: https://holdings.panasonic/global/ Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) is a subsidiary of Panasonic Holding Corporation (PHD). To learn more about the PLSIND, please visit: https://www.panasonic.com/in/

E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT's Media Lab, provides an ideal display medium for applications spanning eReaders and eNotes, retail, home, hospital, transportation, logistics, and more, enabling customers to put displays in locations previously impossible. E Ink's electrophoretic display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its low power displays enable customers to reach their sustainability goals, and E Ink has pledged using 100% renewable energy in 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. E Ink has been recognized for their efforts by receiving, validation from Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and is listed in both the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Indexes. Listed in Taiwan's Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world's largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information please visit www.eink.com

Tata Communications Raises $250 Mn Sustainability Loans from DBS, ANZ, EDC

Tata Communications has secured a 5-year, $250 million sustainability-linked loan (SLL) from DBS Bank, ANZ, and Export Development Canada (EDC). This pioneering move aligns with Tata Communications' commitment to sustainability. The loan's interest rate margin will adjust based on the company's progress toward carbon emission reduction targets.

The loan is of a five-year tenor, and is called as a sustainability-linked loan (SLL), wherein progress on carbon emission targets will determine the costs, according to a statement.

By linking funding to environmental goals, Tata Communications aims to be Net Zero across its global operations by 2035. This innovative financing model sets a benchmark for other companies to integrate sustainability into their financial strategies.

Tata Communications aims to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions across its global operations by 2035. This ambitious goal reflects the company's commitment to sustainability and aligns with the recently secured $250 million sustainability-linked loan. By linking funding to environmental performance, Tata Communications is taking proactive steps toward a greener future

The loan is a sustainability-linked loan, which means the interest rate margin adjusts based on the company's progress toward specific sustainability targets. As Tata Communications makes progress in reducing its carbon footprint, the interest rate on the loan may decrease. Conversely, if the company falls short of its goals, the interest rate could increase.

This financing model sets a benchmark for other companies, encouraging them to integrate sustainability into their financial strategies.

The adoption of sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) is a growing trend among companies, where they are held financially accountable for their environmental impact. Stora Enso, Indorama Ventures, DSM, and Solvay are few of the industrial companies that have also embraced sustainability-linked loans. By linking funding to environmental performance, they incentivize short-term carbon emission reduction targets, aligning their financial strategies with long-term sustainability commitments.

SLLs help reduce emissions and drive significant environmental benefits as well as reshape how companies approach finance, ensuring it aligns with sustainability goals. SLLs are gaining popularity across sectors, reaching even hard-to-abate industries.

Green and sustainability-linked loans are recognized products globally, reflecting a shift from voluntary approaches to addressing climate change risks to more regulated practices.

In a nutshell, SLLs are a powerful tool for companies to integrate sustainability into their financial strategies, fostering a greener and more responsible future.

IndianOil and GPS Renewables Form Joint Venture for Sustainable Energy Solutions

In a landmark step towards fostering sustainable energy solutions in India, IndianOil, the ‘Energy of India’, has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with GPS Renewables Private Limited, one of the leading biofuels Companies in the country. This association will pave the way for the formation of a 50:50 joint venture company dedicated to advancing biofuel adoption across the country.

The agreement was signed by Mr Mainak Chakraborty, CEO & Co-Founder, GPS Renewables Pvt Ltd. and Mr Santanu Gupta, ED (Alternative Energy), IndianOil in the presence of IndianOil dignitaries Mr Sujoy Choudhury, Director (P&BD), Mr Senthil Kumar N., Director (Pipelines) with Addl. Charge of Director (Refineries) and Mr Alok Sharma, Director (R&D). Mr. V Subramaniam, Chairman of GPS Renewables was also present besides other senior officials from both the organizations.

The joint venture will focus on integrating advanced biogas technologies to convert organic waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG), a cleaner and renewable energy source. This will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. By leveraging their combined expertise, IndianOil and GPS Renewables aim to accelerate the deployment of CBG plants nationwide. These initiatives complement IndianOil’s long-term low-carbon development strategy and to achieve operational net zero by 2046, which will also help achieve net-zero target by 2070 for our Country. CBG offers numerous benefits to India and the environment. For the country, it promotes energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and supports the rural economy by creating local employment opportunities.

IndianOil is a diversified, integrated energy major with business interests encompassing the entire hydrocarbon value chain - from refining, pipeline transportation & marketing to exploration & production of crude oil & gas, petrochemicals, and alternative energy sources. IndianOil is relentlessly working on green energy pathways to catalyse India’s green transition, including emission mitigation, energy efficiency, fuel replacement and renewable energy projects.

GPS Renewables is a full-stack biofuels firm offering technology and project solutions for climate-positive biofuel projects. Starting from captive biogas plants, GPS Renewables has scaled up to set up some of the world’s largest CBG plants, including the flagship 15 TPD CBG Plant in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.