Que: Given India’s long-term net-zero commitments, how does TERI support the transition to clean energy through its focus on energy efficiency and renewable technologies?

Ans: TERI, founded 50 years ago with a vision for sustainability and environmental stewardship, has been at the forefront of addressing global challenges like climate change. Over the decades, its work has spanned into critical areas such as energy transitions, advanced biofuels, and sustainability across sectors like agriculture, transportation, buildings, forestry, and water resources. As India progresses towards its long-term net-zero commitments, TERI plays a pivotal role by offering policy guidance, cutting-edge technological solutions, and implementation strategies that promote both energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption.

At the heart of TERI’s mission is the goal to expand access to clean energy for all, drive a just transition towards renewable energy pathways, and enhance energy efficiency across industries, public utilities, and buildings. The institute also prioritises the efficient use of key materials like iron, steel, and cement, and preserving vital ecosystem services. Through advancements in biofuel technologies, solutions for clean air, sustainable urban development, and building resilience to climate change, TERI is dedicated to shaping a greener future.

TERI employs a multi-dimensional approach to achieving these goals through policy advisory, technical research and technology innovation. Its policy advisory work involves interdisciplinary research and analysis, development of financing and business models, and capacity building among policymakers, academics, and youth. By engaging directly with key decision-makers and communities, TERI helps shape effective policies for a sustainable future. On the technological front, TERI is deeply involved in developing and demonstrating new technologies through pilot projects, and scaling them for large-scale production and commercialisation.

Que: TERI has a strong focus on improving industrial energy efficiency. Could you share insights on the impact of your initiatives in this sector and the role that industries play in contributing to India’s carbon reduction efforts?

Ans: At TERI, enhancing industrial energy efficiency is central to our mission of advancing India’s carbon reduction goals. As the Director of the Sustainable Buildings Division and Deputy CEO-cum-Secretary of the GRIHA Council, my role is to drive energy efficiency within the built environment sector.

Our Sustainable Buildings Division spearheads this initiative with a comprehensive range of services, including energy and water audits, research, and performance optimisation. We advocate for policy reforms and develop innovative, cost-effective solutions that embed sustainability into every phase of building—from design to demolition. Our collaborations include working with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) on advanced building materials and partnering with the Glazing Society of India to identify energy-efficient glass solutions for affordable housing. We are also involved with the FYP Trust on circular economy frameworks for the built environment in Asia and the World Bank on the national framework for the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP).

A key achievement of our efforts is the NABL-accredited Center of Excellence, established with Mahindra. This facility provides advanced testing for building materials and supports cutting-edge research into next-generation solutions for energy efficiency.

The GRIHA Council plays a crucial role in assessing and validating the green impacts of construction projects. Our rating systems address a wide range of projects—new and existing buildings, small developments, affordable housing, schools, and interiors. We evaluate material usage, water management, construction practices, and more, offering certifications for Net Zero, Decarbonisation, and Water Positivity. As our tagline says, “What gets measured, gets managed.” We provide industry stakeholders with actionable insights to enhance their environmental efficiency. Notable rated projects include the Bharat Mandapam, the new Parliament building, the new Nalanda University campus, and upcoming Lighthouse projects under PMAY.

With a robust client base and a proven track record of successful projects, TERI and GRIHA are well-positioned to drive significant improvements in energy efficiency. We actively disseminate our expertise through summits, workshops, training sessions, and publications. We encourage all industry stakeholders to partner with us and leverage our comprehensive approach to enhance their energy efficiency and contribute to India’s carbon reduction and net-zero targets. By aligning with our initiatives, they can effectively reduce their carbon footprint and support a sustainable future, in line with the Prime Minister's vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047”. 

Que: With the trend of green architecture focused on carbon reduction, how does GRIHA contribute to India’s 2070 net-zero target?

Ans: Considering India’s commitment to carbon-neutrality by 2070, the Decarbonizing Habitats Programme was launched to assess the carbon emissions of operational buildings. It evaluates the impact of projects to promote energy-positive, water-positive, net-zero waste, and net-zero transport emissions outcomes, while also incorporating a qualitative analysis of social and lifestyle factors.

Another significant initiative of GRIHA Council is its Jan Awas Nirman (JAN) GRIHA Certification. It is a pioneering certification and business model to assess the impact of self-built, affordable residential buildings which has been a long-standing persistent challenge faced by the industry. This involved integrating green building requisites into the operational models of Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and upskilling their existing workforce through necessary training to gather relevant data. It assesses the energy, water consumptions; and the overall carbon footprint of individual households.

To cater to another industry-demand, the GRIHA for Interior Spaces certification was launched to assess the footprint of internal built spaces, taking into aspects that come under the purview of the occupants, resulting in assessment of the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of those spaces.

Through these initiatives, GRIHA Council continuously aligns its activities with national climate commitments, ensuring that the impacts assessed through GRIHA-evaluated projects contribute meaningfully to India’s overall carbon reduction goals.

Que: Women’s leadership in the sustainable energy sector is crucial for innovation and inclusive growth. As a prominent leader in this space, what challenges and opportunities do you see for women in the sector?

Ans: Inclusivity is at the heart of sustainable growth, and women’s leadership is pivotal in driving innovation and advancing progress within the sustainable energy sector. Despite the significant challenges women face—ranging from gender discrimination to societal expectations—the landscape in India is experiencing a positive shift. As a leader in this field, I have seen first-hand the move towards gender-balanced teams, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusivity to not only in our organisation but also in the field overall.

Diverse representation enriches problem-solving by integrating a wide range of perspectives, leading to more balanced and effective solutions for sustainability challenges. The sector benefits greatly from the variety of insights and approaches that come with a diverse team, which is essential for addressing complex sustainability issues.

However, the challenges within the sustainability sector go beyond gender disparities. The field is evolving rapidly, requiring professionals to continuously upskill and adapt. This dynamic environment presents both challenges and opportunities. Embracing ongoing learning and development is crucial for long-term success and for making meaningful contributions towards achieving a carbon-neutral, net-zero future.

As we navigate this ever-changing landscape, it is clear that the ability to adapt and grow is vital. The integration of diverse perspectives and the commitment to lifelong learning will ensure that the sector continues to advance, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all.