As the world celebrates World Earth Day, the global industry stands at a crossroads of transformation and collective action towards sustainability. Inspired by commitments from industry leaders like Honeywell, Ascendion, and Schneider Electric, a narrative of progress emerges—one driven by innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a net-zero future.
From Honeywell’s pioneering efforts in carbon neutrality to Ascendion’s embrace of technology for sustainable solutions and Schneider Electric’s advocacy for renewable energy adoption, these stories exemplify the profound impact of industry-driven initiatives on our journey towards environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.
Ranjit Kulkarni – GM, Energy and Sustainability Solutions, Honeywell India stated, “In April 2021, Honeywell committed to become carbon neutral in our operations and facilities by 2035 through a combination of further investment in energy savings projects, conversion to renewable energy sources, completing capital improvement projects at our sites and in our fleet of company vehicles, and by utilizing credible carbon credits, if needed.
Our commitment to carbon neutrality is a continuation of our sustainability efforts since 2004. Sustainability starts with efficiency. This means efficiency in selecting the right resources and processes, utilizing these resources with frugality to minimize waste and once used recycling them back to the same value again. For several decades, Honeywell has created technology that lowers emissions and reduces the industrial carbon footprint. From converting any waste bio stocks into green diesel and jet fuel to carbon capture, Honeywell UOP molecular management is enabling our customers to make the same petrochemicals with almost 50% less feed and the lowest carbon footprint which is a step towards decarbonizing.
In the recent past, Honeywell has launched several “Make in India” initiatives that enable emissions reduction and target carbon emissions and sustainable development outcomes. For example, to combat carbon emissions from buildings, we launched the Made-in-India Honeywell Carbon and Energy Management Solution, which was engineered in India. This solution helps building owners and operators reduce the environmental impact of buildings while also optimizing indoor air quality to support occupant well-being. Our pioneering Ethanol-to-Jet technology, developed at Honeywell India Technology Centre, is revolutionizing the global aviation industry by converting ethanol to sustainable aviation fuel, reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels for India’s growing aviation sector.
As green hydrogen is a critical part of India’s energy strategy, Honeywell’s Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier technology enables safe, cost-effective exports of green hydrogen, stimulating the hydrogen economy needed to meet India’s target of 5 million metric tons annual production by 2030. Advanced biofuels like SAF produced from agricultural waste and waste oils are central to realizing the government’s ‘waste-to-wealth’ mission. They reduce CO2 emissions, air pollution, and crude imports while raising incomes for farmers and waste aggregators. This virtuous cycle reflects Honeywell’s innovation process – ensuring prosperity for both people and the planet while catalyzing green job growth.
As India builds vital infrastructure over the next decades, Honeywell is invested in increasing our positive environmental handprint through flexible, future-ready solutions. Our Battery Energy Storage integration enhances renewable adoption while reducing impact. At Honeywell, we relentlessly work towards innovation, to create flexible, future-forward, and sustainable solutions that address the challenges of an ever-changing world”.
The journey towards carbon neutrality exemplifies Honeywell’s dedication to sustainability, aligning with global efforts to reduce industrial carbon footprints and embrace renewable solutions.
Nikhil Pathak, VP – Digital Energy and Power Products, Schneider Electric, Greater India says “India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. As a step in that direction, the country meets 50 percent of its electricity requirements through renewable energy, which is the highest among G20 countries. It plans to reduce the intensity of emissions in its GDP by 33–35% by 2030 and also looks at achieving about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy while also creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.”
“Rising energy consumption and increased temperatures delineate the growing need for strategic intervention that hinges on carbon neutrality, equitable usage of resources, and charting a balance for a progressive future. India has set ambitious sustainability goals, and achieving them will require a collaborative effort from businesses and governments and a multi-pronged approach. We are witnessing a paradigm shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind and a growing focus on energy efficiency across sectors. Large-scale grid modernization is essential to integrate these new renewable sources effectively. Furthermore, fostering a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem for renewable energy technologies will ensure affordability and create new jobs. Promoting sustainable practices across industries, from manufacturing to agriculture, is crucial. This can be achieved by incentivizing energy-efficient processes and promoting investment in green infrastructure.
Further, ‘Partnerships of the Future’ will play a key role in achieving the net-zero target, while Electricity 4.0 will power possibilities in creating a blueprint for a decarbonized, decentralized, more electric, digital, and sustainable world. Organizations will have to focus on what needs to be done to be more resilient, boost productivity, and harness innovation to further the sustainability agenda. A more digital and electric ecosystem will help us achieve sustainability goals, drive innovation, and empower individuals, businesses, and the global economy.”
Schneider Electric’s vision aligns with India’s ambitious sustainability goals, emphasizing the transformative role of renewable energy and innovative grid solutions in shaping a sustainable tomorrow.
Priyanka Jain, Lead – Platform Engineering Ascendion, underscores technology’s role: “Technology has been a big boon in aiding sustainability and supporting its goals. For example, with UPI payments and e-statements, the BFSI sector has been completely revolutionized. Technology here has saved several paper trails in receipts and printed statements, as well as time and effort savings. And as technology transcends operational barriers, more and more apps are adopting virtual wallets – enabling us to step out of our homes, truly cashless. Even investment banking and stock trading has become paperless, thanks to technology.”
Adding, “On the B2B side, cloud storage technology has significantly reduced the usage of physical data centres and the coolants used. Better recycling methods have enabled proper hardware waste management in recent years – while we have a long way to go, it’s a good start.
It is important for all companies and governments to commit financially to sustainable methods of operations. Only then, will we make strides towards the net zero emissions goal of 2070.”
According to her, “ Ascendion believes in small acts that lead to big impact. That’s why, with our initiatives such as hosting global recycling drives for the safe disposal of e-waste and promoting sustainable products at work, we have contributed towards energy conservation without compromising on effective technological progress. I truly hope that everyone’s sustainability efforts mirror India’s focus on climate goals, working towards reducing the negative repercussions of technological and economic progress. Thus, the collaborative mindsets of both businesses and the government come into play to create a more climate-friendly society that promotes sustainable growth.”
The integration of technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also drives sustainable practices essential for achieving long-term environmental goals.