| Green Business : Check Emission and Grow! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ It is now reasonably certain that accumulation of manmade carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is responsible for climate change. As the Indian and Chinese economies continue to grow at 8-10% per annum, the concern is to keep a look out for means to check carbon emissions. Fortunately, this confluence of global concerns has created a perfect storm for decision makers and policy makers to examine certain strategic choices. These forces include: n Price volatility of conventional energy sources; such as oil, natural gas and coal. n Increased concern over peak oil, with the notion that production of oil will decline in the near future. n Increased national and energy security issues. The general consensus is, quite simply, increasing efficiency of coal-based energy production and higher energy productivity through clean technologies in key sectors of the economy such as transportation, agriculture, steel and fertilizers. This view is in line with global trends where clean technologies have become the largest venture investment category after information technology, software, biotechnology and communications. The changing economic landscape is spawning a host of new industries: CNG vehicles, co-generation systems, wind power and green buildings with a potential to reduce emissions by 30% while maintaining steady growth. Similar initiatives are also evident in the SME sector. ICICI Bank has recently announced a Rs. 100 crore SME fund for investments in clean technology towards innovation and development of green businesses in India. Clean technology comprises diverse products, services and processes that harness renewable materials and energy sources, reduce the use of scarce natural resources and reduce or eliminate pollution and wastes. The principal categories of green businesses with technology examples, include: Materials n Industrial Waste Utilization n Recycled Materials n Bio-fuels Water n Micro Irrigation Systems n Small Scale Desalination n Biological Water Filtration Energy n Energy Efficiency n Micro Turbines n Small-scale Hydro Buildings n Green Buildings n Green Air Conditioners n Lighting & Appliances The industry body, FICCI has proposed a five-pronged strategy to develop green businesses in the SME sector. It proposes plugging of technology gaps with indigenous efforts, providing low-cost financing to small units and access new markets and information on new products and technologies with provision of institutional support for training and skill development. The body has also issued a call to committed NGOs and industry associations, consultants and service providers to assist in the creation of a new capacity. And, in doing so, it will help deal with some of our society’s pressing environmental, political and social challenges, global warming, national security and economic well being. q
Arun Kumar akumar@devalt.org Back to Contents |