Sustainable urban habitat: industry has to take the lead

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: The title says it all. An exploration of sustainability in the provision of basic urban services in Indian cities, is true to its name. Brought out by The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) in partnership with Sustainable Urbanism International and Arghyam, and with support from Rohini and Nandan Nilekani, the report not only highlights the state of affairs in cities, but also makes recommendations for making cities sustainable. Focusing on sectors like buildings, water, solid waste management, transport and power, the report also makes a case for engaging the private sector either on its own or through public-private partnerships (PPPs) in developing sustainable cities.

For example, corporates have a big role in the construction and maintenance of sustainable buildings. It also offers them strategic business opportunities. Companies can begin with themselves by converting their offices and residences into green buildings. Small, but institutionalised steps like annual water and energy audits would subsequently help in maintaining sustainability. It’s important because buildings consume 30-40 % of the global energy use and emit 24% of world CO2 emissions. About 90% of the energy is used for heating, cooling, lighting and other applications. Construction and material manufacture account for only 10% of the energy used. Improved energy efficiency measures alone can help reduce 30% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Whether it’s industry or transport, all the sectors offer scope for emission reduction.

Similarly, having a preferential policy for purchasing green products would go a long way. Besides, manufacturers can produce resource efficient products, particularly electrical appliances. It’s desirable for companies to test, certify and label their products. Financial institutions can come out with innovating green products. MNCs can facilitate transfer of clean technology. More importantly, corporates and public-private organisations have a role in creating a market for greener products and technologies.

Referring to water, the report recommends laying down institutional mechanisms for PPPs in executing services contracts like billing and collection, management contracts like water treatment and mapping of distribution network. Similarly, in solid waste management, the private sector’s role has been underlined in service improvement and better cost recovery. It calls for capacity building of local bodies to enable them to appreciate the issues regarding processing facilities and landfills before they enter into contracts with the private sector. In fact, they have to be informed not only legally, but also technically.