Sustainability and development are two intertwined concepts that are central to India’s growth story. As the world’s most populous country in the world, India faces the daunting task of balancing economic progress with environmental preservation and social equity. In this blog post, we will explore why the issue of sustainability is crucial for India’s development and delve into the nation’s progress in this arena.
In the words of Ms. Shaina Ganapathy, Head of Community Outreach, Embassy Group, “Sustainability should be the cornerstone of India’s development journey. For a country with so much diversity, both culturally and ecologically, our path to holistic development is complex but hinges on the preservation of our natural resources, the well-being of our people, and the resilience of our communities.
“Becoming the fifth largest global economy, India has taken significant steps towards driving sustainable development with buy-in from governments, NGOs, and other civil society organizations, corporates, and local administrative bodies. A recent report showed that we are currently the third-largest producer of renewable energy in the world, with 42% of our installed capacity coming from clean and sustainable options. However, there is enormous scope to ensure that the benefits are equitable, reaching every corner of this vast nation. We must seize the multitude of opportunities presented across various fronts, including a further transition to renewables, harnessing cutting-edge technologies, shifting to eco-friendly agricultural practices, and more.
“To optimise our limited resources, organisations sharing similar visions, objectives, and priorities should collaborate to promote economic and societal advantages, reduce our environmental footprint, and achieve net-zero targets. Through their network and reach, governments understand the needs on the ground and will be able to support scaling operations, while corporates bring with them innovation, best practices, and funds. NGOs have a crucial role in community engagement and bring with them a wealth of experience in implementation.
“In this global era, India’s commitment to sustainability is not just a national responsibility but a testament to our role as stewards of the Earth. It is vital that we bridge the gap between public and private to accelerate and finally achieve an inclusive and green future.”
The topic of sustainability is essential for development as it captures the very core of responsible development. It acknowledges the limited nature of the resources we depend on, such as energy, water, and biodiversity.
These resources might not be around for future generations if they are not used responsibly. In essence, dwindling resources could ultimately impede a nation’s progress. Due to its massive population and resource needs, India has a particularly acute need for sustainability.
According to Mr Nasir Shaikh, Group CEO- The Lexicon Group of Companies, Educrack, Easy Recruit Plus,
“Sustainability stands as a pivotal cornerstone for India’s development, resonating deeply with our vision for the future. As Leaders, it is imperative that we understand and champion this cause. The multifaceted reasons underpinning the significance of sustainability in India are as follows:
“First and foremost, India, as a growing economic powerhouse, grapples with the immense challenge of balancing development with the conservation of natural resources. With a burgeoning population and a surging economy, the thirst for resources such as water, energy, and land is insatiable. To safeguard our nation’s progress, it is paramount that we use these resources judiciously, for any recklessness in their usage could culminate in depletion, posing a substantial risk to our economic growth and developmental goals.
“Secondly, our nation finds itself in the crosshairs of climate change, a reality that cannot be ignored. The adverse effects of climate change are already manifesting in disrupted agriculture, precarious water supplies, and the vulnerability of coastal communities. Sustainability is our best armor against the impending repercussions of climate change, and it is the only way to secure our nation’s future against the increasing menace of climatic shifts.
“Moreover, embracing sustainable development principles promises to enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. Remember we have the largest youth population in the world and it is critical that they harness the resources wisely and are forward-thinking in their approach. It stands as an effective means to alleviate poverty, bolster public health, and stimulate job creation. For instance, investments in renewable energy not only curtail air pollution but also open doors to new opportunities within the clean energy sector.
“By taking these steps, India can forge a path toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for our nation and its people. As the leader of our organization, I firmly believe that sustainability is not merely a choice but an imperative, one that will define our legacy and secure a brighter tomorrow for India.”
According to, Dr. Malini Saba—a self-made businesswoman, environmentalist, psychologist, philanthropist, food book author, human rights activist, and global advocate for women and girls – “By promoting a balance between economic growth, social advancement, environmental preservation, and climate resilience, sustainability has a huge impact on India’s development. This holistic approach is essential for the development of the country and for guaranteeing a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
“Economically, sustainable practices encourage new ideas and environmentally friendly technologies, spurring expansion in vital areas like renewable energy and the environment. In addition to boosting the economy, this also creates job opportunities, combats poverty, and raises living standards.
“In terms of the environment and climate, sustainability places a strong emphasis on resource management that is ethical and responsible. For the preservation of our environment and to fight climate change, it is crucial to reduce pollution, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adopt eco-friendly waste management practices, and preserve various ecosystems. These initiatives immediately improve the overall quality of life, public health, and our capacity to adjust to climate change.
“Socially speaking, sustainability seeks to promote inclusive growth by guaranteeing fair access to resources and opportunities. This strategy places a strong emphasis on gender equality, healthcare, and education in order to empower local people and promote a more equitable and climate-resilient society.
“A sustainable and climate-resilient environment depends on promoting sustainable agriculture and responsible consumption. Achieving sustainable agricultural practices that are less impacted by the effects of climate change requires boosting local, organic produce, reducing food waste, and supporting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, sustainable agricultural practices support food security, a crucial component of socioeconomic advancement.
“In conclusion, sustainability is not only a choice but also a requirement for India’s development. By balancing economic expansion, social advancement, environmental protection, and climatic resilience, it is consistent with the ideals and goals of the country. A future that is inclusive, equitable, and affluent is made possible by adopting sustainability as a guiding principle. This also protects our valuable natural resources and lessens the effects of climate change.”
India has made significant strides in its pursuit of sustainability, recognizing that it is a necessary precursor to development. A prime example of this is the Swachh Bharat Mission, a nationwide sanitation and cleanliness campaign launched in 2014. It seeks to eliminate open defecation and improve overall sanitation, addressing one of the most fundamental aspects of human development – access to clean and safe sanitation facilities.
Furthermore, the Green Skill Development Program, an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, aims to equip millions of young Indians with skills that are compatible with environmental preservation and sustainable practices. It is a testament to India’s commitment to fostering not only economic development but also a greener and more sustainable workforce.
The Namami Gange Program is another shining example of India’s dedication to environmental preservation. This ambitious project is aimed at rejuvenating the Ganges, one of the world’s most sacred and polluted rivers. By taking proactive measures to cleanse and conserve this vital waterway, India addresses a complex nexus of environmental, cultural, and health-related issues.
The initiative known as the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) understands the significance of regenerating forests and vegetation. It solicits funding from businesses and supports conservation and afforestation initiatives, ensuring that the environmental effects of economic growth are minimized.
The National Mission for Green India is a broad endeavor to support biodiversity preservation and responsible resource management. India is aiming to achieve a more balanced and sustainable economic trajectory by incorporating environmental factors into development planning.
Additionally, India has instituted national river conservation programs that aim to protect and rejuvenate vital river systems, and various schemes that focus on the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems. These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to sustainability and its desire to preserve its environmental heritage.
India has deliberately synchronized its development plan with these international standards ever since the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the UN in 2015. The SDGs cover a wide range of goals, including ending poverty and promoting gender equality as well as tackling climate change and improving both land- and underwater life.
When asked about the impact of SDG’s role in Indian businesses, Mr. Prashant Sinha, Head of Marketing, WIKA India said, “Sustainability plays a crucial role in fostering long-term economic growth and responsible resource management. This is particularly important in a rapidly industrializing environment, where the efficient use of resources, adoption of renewable energy, waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices are essential components of holistic sustainable development. Such practices reduce environmental impact and lead to lower operational costs, increased productivity, and ultimately contribute to economic growth.
“Sustainability is a continuous process that involves conscious efforts to minimize environmental degradation, ensuring the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations. It is both an ethical responsibility and an integral part of an organization’s ethos. Sustainable practices not only align an organization with environmental consciousness but also attract socially conscious consumers, promoting an environmentally-conscious future.
“WIKA, as a socially and environmentally responsible organization, has firmly embedded sustainable corporate management into its core values. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the company’s integrated management system and sustainability impact management, which encompasses environmental, social, governance (ESG), and economic aspects. WIKA actively aligns itself with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has embraced automation and product upgrades to reduce environmental impact. A roadmap is in place to transform manufacturing processes into IoT-enabled automated solutions, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing wastage, and making eco-friendly decisions.
“To achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), WIKA has implemented various measures across the organization. This includes wastewater treatment facilities to ensure proper disposal, investment in solar and renewable energy at its plants in four Indian cities, and the installation of solar panels to significantly reduce energy consumption, saving over 6.4 million kWh since 2013 and continuing to make progress.
“WIKA emphasizes continuous improvement through KAIZEN in production and administration, with its facilities and subsidiaries internationally certified according to ISO 14001 environmental management standards. The organization conducts an annual departmental environmental program to motivate employees to be environmentally conscious and contribute to sustainability goals.
“Furthermore, WIKA’s commitment to sustainability extends throughout its value chain, from vendor management to the sourcing of raw materials. The principles of green manufacturing are ingrained in the organization’s practices, reinforcing its dedication to sustainability.
“It is true that sustainability is vital for development from an Indian perspective, as it ensures responsible resource management, reduces environmental impact, and promotes long-term economic growth. WIKA actively encourages sustainable practices throughout its operations and plans to reduce ‘Net Zero Emissions’, aiming to attain the reduced targeted percentage within this year that the government plans to achieve by 2030. The company also aligns its goals with global sustainability initiatives and strives to reduce its carbon footprint, making it a beacon of sustainability in a rapidly developing industrial landscape.”
India has embraced the SDGs as a guiding framework for its national development strategy. These objectives serve as a road map for equitable and sustainable development that considers factors affecting the economy, society, and environment. India’s participation in the SDGs demonstrates its dedication to progress on all fronts.
In the words of, Ms. Shreya Ghodawat, Sustainability Strategist & CEO, Sustainable Guides – “The relationship between sustainability and development in India is a complex and dynamic one, that requires a holistic and inclusive approach. Sustainability can enhance development by protecting environmental services, natural resources, and social capital. Development can also contribute to sustainability by improving the quality of life and human capabilities. However, sustainability and development can also conflict with each other in India, as they may have different goals, priorities, and trade-offs.
“Therefore, India needs to adopt innovative and integrated policies and practices that are context-specific, participatory, adaptive, and transformative. Inclusion is crucial for driving development and sustainability in India, as it can foster social cohesion, economic empowerment, and environmental justice.
“By including the diverse voices and needs of the people, especially the marginalized and vulnerable groups, in the decision-making and implementation processes, India can create more effective and equitable policies and practices that can address the complex and dynamic challenges and opportunities of sustainability and development. Inclusion can also promote innovation and creativity, as it can encourage collaboration and learning from different perspectives and experiences. Therefore, inclusion is not only a moral duty but also a strategic advantage for India’s sustainability and development”.
Sustainability and technology in India are increasingly intertwined, driving innovative solutions to address environmental and societal challenges. With a burgeoning tech ecosystem, India is making strides in clean energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.
Advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, are transforming the energy landscape. Additionally, digital platforms and data-driven solutions are optimizing resource utilization, promoting eco-friendly practices, and enabling inclusive development. This synergy between sustainability and technology is vital for India’s progress towards a greener and more resilient future.
“Sustainability is intricately linked to economic growth. By adopting sustainable practices, India can ensure that economic development is not only rapid but also consistent over the long term. India’s goal to become a net zero nation by 2070 is a clear step towards achieving this.
“Further, there is a very strong correlation between energy efficiency and sustainability; India is on the way to excelling in the first, in an effort to build up to the latter. There is an increasing focus on undertaking energy-efficient means at all levels, including the HVAC&R industry, be it for commercial, residential, or industrial. We understand this in a practical way, as we have made conscious efforts to make our manufacturing practices increasingly more sustainable and green. Our Desiccant Rotors International’s (DRI) facility in Manesar has been recognized as a Platinum Certified Green Factory Building, complying with the guidelines of multiple green building certification agencies.
“As the Pahwa Group always strives to stay ahead of the technology curve, it has the vision to gauge the needs of the industry way ahead of the time. Likewise, the Group has previously come up with Low Dew Point Dehumidifiers (LDP) to enable the manufacturing of Li-ion batteries in the shortest lead time that too in the most energy-efficient way. At the same time, the P95°x especially engineered for the pharmaceutical industry efficiently contributes to a huge energy saving of more than 30%. By enabling energy conservation the solutions help in a great way to address the rising concern around depleting the state of natural resources.
“New technologies are leading the change in achieving sustainability. On our level, we have constantly looked at leveraging the advanced developments in adsorption technologies which have allowed us to offer quality air solutions that aim to conserve substantial energy at every step of the process. This combined focus on sustainability and growth has led us to become the pioneers in dehumidification and other quality air solutions-related businesses. The group is currently working on amping up our efforts with the Air Water Generator (AWG) and Carbon Capture technology, which aims to considerably move the sustainability” – Mr Varun Pahwa, President, Desiccant Rotors International (DRI)
Sustainability in business goes beyond profit to include ethical practices, resource conservation, and community well-being. It takes into account environmental, social, and economic implications. It prioritizes social responsibility while minimizing waste, energy use, and emissions.
This ethically sound decision connects with principles and provides long-term advantages like cost savings and improved brand reputation.
● In Indian business, sustainability focuses on the effects on the environment, society, and economy.
● Government regulations encourage reporting on sustainability and ethical business conduct.
● Investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy cut costs and emissions.
● Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including environmental, healthcare, and educational programs, are required by the Companies Act.
● Energy-efficient manufacturing and environmentally friendly procedures like using electric vehicles are gaining popularity.
● Businesses place a high value on moral behavior while maintaining good ties with stakeholders.
● Adopting sustainability has long-term advantages, such as reduced costs, improved brand reputation, and elevated consumer loyalty.
● It’s a smart choice for modern enterprises to align with ethical values and sustainable practices.
The active engagement of several stakeholders is one of the distinguishing characteristics of India’s approach to sustainability and development. This includes local governments, corporations, non-governmental organizations, and communities. Addressing the intricate and linked concerns of sustainability requires such cooperation.
India understands that achieving sustainability involves the combined efforts of society as a whole, not just the government. It promotes innovation, collaborative decision-making, and public participation, representing a democratic and diverse approach to sustainability.
In conclusion, the issue of sustainability is not merely an abstract concept; it is integral to India’s development story. The efficient utilization of resources, the preservation of natural ecosystems, and the pursuit of economic growth must all be balanced to ensure a sustainable future.
India’s proactive initiatives, such as the Swachch Bharat mission, green skill development programs, and river conservation efforts, exemplify its commitment to this cause. By embracing the Sustainable Development Goals and engaging a wide range of stakeholders, India is forging a path towards holistic and sustainable development. It is a journey that recognizes that true progress must be built on the foundation of environmental and social responsibility, ensuring that the resources and opportunities of today are available to future generations.
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