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Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India's Path Through COP30 and Carbon Innovation
As the world prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in 2025, the urgency of climate action has never been greater. The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Synthesis Report (2023) confirmed what climate scientists have long warned - global warming is accelerating, and the world must act swiftly and cohesively to stay within the 1.5°C threshold. Against this backdrop, COP30 represents not only a critical inflection point for global negotiations but also a pivotal opportunity for India to fast-track its climate ambition through robust carbon markets and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as digitally verified carbon offsets. This World Environment Day, as we reflect on environmental stewardship, it is essential to examine how India can shape and benefit from these evolving global mechanisms. India has historically walked a tightrope between development imperatives and environmental responsibility. However, the past few years have seen a definitive shift. India remains one of the few major economies whose emissions trajectory is broadly aligned with its fair share under the Paris Agreement, despite its lower historical emissions and ongoing development needs. According to Climate Action Tracker (2024), India's climate policies are more ambitious relative to its capabilities than many high-income nations, and its renewable energy targets are among the most aggressive globally. India's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, supported by intermediary milestones such as 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, reflects both ambition and pragmatism. One of the most significant instruments in this strategy is the development of a national carbon market. In July 2023, India formally launched the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), governed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. This compliance carbon market builds upon the successes of the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, but unlike PAT, the CCTS opens the door for trading emission reduction certificates beyond the power and industrial sectors. The policy framework under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, integrates voluntary and compliance markets under a unified structure. Experts estimate that India's carbon market could unlock a $200 billion opportunity by 2030, combining domestic growth with environmental integrity. Sectors like steel, cement, transport, and even agriculture are expected to come under its ambit, allowing Indian industries to earn credits by exceeding efficiency norms and trade them within a national or international carbon market. While carbon pricing is still nascent in India, the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) has acknowledged the country's proactive steps as exemplary among developing nations. This approach, experts argue, not only supports emissions reduction but offers Indian companies a competitive edge in a carbon-constrained global economy, particularly once the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) fully comes into force by 2026. The credibility of carbon markets hinges not merely on the volume of credits traded, but on their integrity, traceability, and impact. Traditional Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) mechanisms are often paper-heavy, delayed, and susceptible to manipulation. In this context, Digitally Verified Carbon Offsets (DVCOs) are emerging as a transformative solution. DVCOs use blockchain, satellite imagery, remote sensing, and machine learning to validate emissions reductions in real time. This dramatically reduces verification costs and enhances transparency, making it easier for buyers to trust the offsets they purchase. The World Bank and other organizations highlight that digital MRV systems can significantly streamline the measurement, reporting, and verification processes, leading to increased efficiency and reduced transaction costs. For instance, the World Bank notes that digital technologies can help reduce the cost and time to emission reduction credit issuance, enabling more efficient verification and the move toward real-time generation of carbon credits. India is already demonstrating leadership in this domain. In January 2025, Google announced a landmark partnership with Indian start-up Varaha, which uses mobile-enabled MRV tools and remote sensing to convert agricultural waste into biochar - a stable form of carbon that also improves soil fertility. This project is anticipated to sequester up to 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030 while supporting thousands of smallholder farmers. This model exemplifies the co-benefits of digitally verified offsets: environmental impact, economic upliftment, and technological empowerment. Such solutions are scalable across sectors - be it afforestation, renewable energy, or waste management, and can serve as India's flagship offerings in global voluntary carbon markets. Platforms such as Earthlink by Earthood are, therefore, pioneering efforts being made in India to enable real-time and digital certification of emission reductions, ensuring that Indian offsets meet the high-integrity standards required under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Earthood's innovative approaches provide the capability to leapfrog legacy verification bottlenecks. The climate agenda at COP30 will largely hinge on the operationalisation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, particularly Article 6.2 and 6.4, which govern the framework for international carbon trading and the Sustainable Development Mechanism respectively. At COP29 in Dubai, countries achieved consensus on establishing a registry and tracking system for international carbon transactions, thus setting the stage for concrete market activities under Article 6 by the time COP30 convenes in Brazil. India, as a major emitter and a developing economy, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping these dialogues. Aligning India's domestic carbon market with Article 6 mechanisms could unlock access to global finance, particularly through Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). These allow countries or companies to buy high-quality credits from India to offset their own emissions, thereby channeling funding into Indian climate projects, especially those involving rural communities, biodiversity preservation, or green infrastructure. Moreover, India's presidency of the G20 in 2023 and continued participation in coalitions such as the International Solar Alliance and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) underscore its diplomatic clout in climate matters. India must also seize the opportunity to press for climate finance reform at COP30. While developed nations agreed to mobilise $100 billion annually by 2020, a promise largely unmet - projections suggest that developing countries will need at least $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to meet their climate goals. India can lead the call for improved financial flows, concessional loans, and blended finance instruments, ensuring that carbon markets do not replicate historic inequities. The journey from intention to impact must be paved with transparency, innovation, and collaboration. Digitally verified carbon markets offer precisely this promise--of making emissions reductions verifiable, financeable and scalable. For India, they offer not only a pathway to meet its net-zero commitment, but also a chance to become a global provider of credible, high-integrity climate solutions. In the decade that defines the future of the planet, India must not just participate - it must lead! This article is authored by Tuhin A. Sinha, national spokesperson, BJP and Kaviraj Singh, executive director and CEO, Earthood.
Hans India
a day ago
- General
- Hans India
TGSPDCL CMD pitches for sustainable energy practices
Hyderabad: On the eve of World Environment Day, TGSPDCL Chairman and Managing Director Musharraf Faruqui appealed to people to adapt energy saving, sustainable practices. The official asserted that conserving energy is an important way to reduce strain on the environment. 'Replacing incandescent or CFL bulbs with LED lights will reduce electricity consumption by 75-80 per cent. Set ceiling fans to optimal speeds and air conditioners with temperatures between 24-26°C, as recommended by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), and clean filters monthly to reduce energy use,' he said. He suggested the use of BEE Star-Rated Appliances with high-star ratings, such as for refrigerators, ACs, and washing machines, which are designed to consume less electricity. 'Installing solar water heaters or rooftop solar panels will reduce reliance on grid electricity. Enabling power-saving settings on computers, TVs, and other electronics is especially relevant in urban areas with high gadget usage,' he added.
Hans India
3 days ago
- General
- Hans India
BEE calls on govt to champion energy efficient initiatives
Hyderabad: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has formally urged the Telangana Government to commemorate the forthcoming World Environment Day on June 5 with a focused emphasis on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the broader objectives of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). In a letter addressed to the state government, BEE Secretary Milind Deore called upon the Energy department to undertake a series of key initiatives aimed at promoting energy efficiency. These include encouraging the widespread use of 5-Star Rated Energy-Efficient Appliances, particularly air conditioners, refrigerators, and ceiling fans, which are crucial for significantly reducing electricity consumption and associated costs. The BEE's recommendations also encompass actively campaigning for maintaining air conditioner settings at 24°C or higher, fostering behaviour-based energy-saving practices such as switching off lights and appliances when not in use, maximising the use of natural light and ventilation, and transitioning to LED lighting and other energy-efficient alternatives. Furthermore, the Bureau suggested conducting public awareness drives to educate consumers on choosing energy-efficient products certified by BEE's Star Labelling Programme.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Five-star energy-efficient appliance could reduce electricity demand by several billion kWh annually: BEE
Ahead of the World Environment Day on June 5, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) detailed the amount of electricity that can be saved by using five-star rated energy-efficient appliances, maintaining air conditioner settings at 24°C or higher and other methods. The BEE, under the Ministry of Power, called upon all State Designated Agencies (SDAs) across India to commemorate the forthcoming World Environment Day with a focused emphasis on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the broader objectives of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The SDAs, including Telangana, were urged to promote the initiative to use five-star rated energy-efficient appliances, especially air conditioners, refrigerators, and ceiling fans, which significantly reduce electricity consumption and costs. This could reduce electricity demand by several billion kWh annually, as per a press release from BEE. AC at 24°C 'Actively campaign for maintaining air conditioner settings at 24°C or higher, as part of BEE's ongoing energy efficiency drive in commercial and residential sectors. Setting ACs at 24°C alone can result in substantial energy savings across millions of households,' it added. Behavior-based energy-saving practices Some of the behavior-based energy-saving practices that were suggested include maximizing the use of natural light and ventilation; switching off lights and appliances when not in use and shifting to LED lights and other energy-efficient alternatives. 'Behavioral changes and conscious consumption can collectively contribute to a 22.5 billion kWh energy saving, as projected under Mission LiFE,' as per the press release. It has also recommended using solar water heaters and cookers to reduce dependence on conventional fuels, CNG/electric vehicles and bicycles for short distances and adopt water conservation techniques and eco-friendly building practices.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
BEE urges Andhra Pradesh to use World Environment Day to promote energy conservation
Visakhapatnam: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Union ministry of power, has called upon Andhra Pradesh to commemorate the forthcoming on Thursday, June 5, with a focus on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the broader objectives of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For those unfamiliar, Mission LiFE was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. In this connection, BEE secretary Milind Deore has addressed a letter to all state designated agencies (SDAs), noting that Mission LiFE advocates responsible consumption, climate-positive actions, and sustainable lifestyles. "A central component of this initiative is promoting practices that reduce energy demand and carbon footprints, which directly supports India's long-term environmental and economic goals," said Deore. "As part of BEE's energy efficiency drive in both commercial and residential sectors, SDAs are urged to actively campaign for maintaining air conditioner temperature settings at 24°C or higher. They should also encourage behaviour-based energy-saving practices such as switching off lights and appliances when not in use, maximising the use of natural light and ventilation, and shifting to LED lighting and other energy-efficient alternatives," added Deore. Proactive SDAs, including the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM), are encouraged to implement several key initiatives to promote energy efficiency. According to A Chandra Shekhara Reddy, media adviser – southern states/UTs, BEE, these include advocating the widespread use of five-star rated energy-efficient appliances—particularly air conditioners, refrigerators, and ceiling fans, which significantly reduce electricity consumption and costs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Public awareness drives should be conducted to help consumers identify and choose energy-efficient products certified under BEE's Star Labelling Programme. Collaboration with state environment departments and local institutions is essential to disseminate information about Mission LiFE's 75 non-disruptive lifestyle changes, with energy efficiency as a central theme. "Illustrating the potential impact, simply setting air conditioners at 24°C can lead to substantial energy savings across millions of households. Promoting five-star rated appliances could reduce electricity demand by several billion kilowatt-hours (kWh). Behavioural changes and conscious consumption are projected to contribute to a saving of 22.5 billion kWh under Mission LiFE. BEE also recommends the use of solar water heaters and cookers to lessen dependence on conventional fuels, the adoption of CNG or electric vehicles and bicycles for short distances, and the implementation of water conservation measures and eco-friendly building practices," said Chandra Shekhara Reddy. Visakhapatnam: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Union ministry of power, has called upon Andhra Pradesh to commemorate the forthcoming World Environment Day on Thursday, June 5, with a focus on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the broader objectives of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). For those unfamiliar, Mission LiFE was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. In this connection, BEE secretary Milind Deore has addressed a letter to all state designated agencies (SDAs), noting that Mission LiFE advocates responsible consumption, climate-positive actions, and sustainable lifestyles. "A central component of this initiative is promoting practices that reduce energy demand and carbon footprints, which directly supports India's long-term environmental and economic goals," said Deore. "As part of BEE's energy efficiency drive in both commercial and residential sectors, SDAs are urged to actively campaign for maintaining air conditioner temperature settings at 24°C or higher. They should also encourage behaviour-based energy-saving practices such as switching off lights and appliances when not in use, maximising the use of natural light and ventilation, and shifting to LED lighting and other energy-efficient alternatives," added Deore. Proactive SDAs, including the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM), are encouraged to implement several key initiatives to promote energy efficiency. According to A Chandra Shekhara Reddy, media adviser – southern states/UTs, BEE, these include advocating the widespread use of five-star rated energy-efficient appliances—particularly air conditioners, refrigerators, and ceiling fans, which significantly reduce electricity consumption and costs. Public awareness drives should be conducted to help consumers identify and choose energy-efficient products certified under BEE's Star Labelling Programme. Collaboration with state environment departments and local institutions is essential to disseminate information about Mission LiFE's 75 non-disruptive lifestyle changes, with energy efficiency as a central theme. "Illustrating the potential impact, simply setting air conditioners at 24°C can lead to substantial energy savings across millions of households. Promoting five-star rated appliances could reduce electricity demand by several billion kilowatt-hours (kWh). Behavioural changes and conscious consumption are projected to contribute to a saving of 22.5 billion kWh under Mission LiFE. BEE also recommends the use of solar water heaters and cookers to lessen dependence on conventional fuels, the adoption of CNG or electric vehicles and bicycles for short distances, and the implementation of water conservation measures and eco-friendly building practices," said Chandra Shekhara Reddy.
