Encouraged by the success of the earlier three editions, CII Jharkhand in association with UN Global Compact Network India and Citizens Foundation organised the fourth edition of its annual flagship initiative, Green Conclave with the theme of Realising Sustainable Develop-ment Goals today over virtual platform. Against this backdrop, the 4th Green Conclave deliberated on some important environment sustainability issues in India. The forum highlighted and tried to address some immediate gaps where policy intervention can help accelerate implementation of a circular economy, promote resource efficiency and help create a climate resilient Indian Industry.
It was discussed during the conclave that in a circular economy, maximising utility of natural resources (resource efficiency) and retaining value along the life cycle of products are both goals of the private and Government sectors and are seen as strategies to boost competitiveness. These would occur through changes in product/process design, strongly supported by innovation, new business models and technology. Businesses need to understand that resource efficiency should be a core strategy in every sector. Especially in the manufacturing sector, resource efficiency is necessary to stay competitive, to reduce import dependency, create value from closing material cycles, and reduce negative environmental impacts associated with the primary production of materials. Organizations are already facing various challenges like rising fuel and energy prices, rising cost of resources, low yield and high wastage, lack of technology knowhow, etc. It is necessary that resource efficiency is made an integral part of climate policy.
Addressing the conclave Sandeep Shrivastava, senior vice president-corporate environment & sustainability, Aditya Birla Group stated that Industrialization is inevitable for the development of a nation, however, we should not develop at the cost of the environment. Mr Shrivastava affirmed that Industry should focus on using the waste generated by itself as inputs for production. He said that waste management is not only essential from a public welfare perspective but can also contribute to the economic growth if the recycling industry is promoted alongside eco-industrial production. He emphasized on the fact that it is not waste until it is wasted.
Sanjay Sabherwal, Chairman, CII Jharkhand State Council & Managing Director, Metaldyne Industries Ltd said that Industry should see undertaking green initiatives as an opportunity rather than additional cost. Green Industrialization offers huge opportunities for entrepreneurship development. Creating green industries that provide different types of environmental goods and services and contribute towards reducing negative environmental impacts is crucial at this juncture of globalization. He opined that consciousness and commitment towards environmental sustainability is more important than mere compliance to government norms. He opined that now as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) move from pledges to practice, a much wider and better-informed deliberation is needed around how business and governments can add the most value for purposeful shift towards inclusive growth.
