In an exclusive interview with ET Edge Insights, Dr. Sunit Tyagi talks about environmental issues, net zero and sustainability
Many organisations are actively pursuing net-zero emissions goals as part of global efforts to address climate change. However, achieving global net-zero emissions is a complex and ambitious goal that involves overcoming various hurdles and challenges. Overcoming these hurdles requires collaboration among governments, industries, civil society, and individuals. It involves a mix of technological innovation, policy adjustments, financial investments, and societal shifts.
Dr. Sunit Tyagi, MD, and founder of InSolare Energy, discusses the global net zero challenges and solutions, net zero technology, fostering a culture of sustainability, and more with ET Edge Insights.
Could you begin by describing InSolare Energy’s net zero initiatives, given the widespread drive for sustainability?
InSolare Energy positions itself as a solution provider, offering engineering services with a distinct emphasis on creating, innovating, and implementing net zero solutions. Our goal is to establish ourselves as the ultimate destination for a diverse range of enterprises, including companies, MSMEs, and other commercial and industrial clients, seeking a comprehensive net zero partnership. Our approach involves tailoring solutions that align with their specific business objectives, enabling them to pursue their net-zero aspirations while also enjoying financial ease and profitability.
While your venture is commendable, you must have encountered significant challenges. Could you outline the hurdles faced during net zero implementation and share potential solutions you envision for overcoming them?
Firstly, if we do not adopt net zero, the challenges would be far worse. Currently, global net zero hurdles can be grouped into three areas. First, technology is in its infancy, with diverse approaches being tested. Second, the financial side of transitioning to net zero demands profitability and returns. The third challenge is a lack of ambition, deferring efforts, and perpetuating delay. Lack of ambition is hindering progress, even though net zero goals spanning from 2050 to 2070 may seem distant. Though I might not witness outcomes, the consequences of delay will affect many in the future.
Is there any technology you think needs to be embraced, particularly when talking about achieving net zero initiatives?
Three technological aspects need attention. Firstly, emission reduction is pivotal. Pollutants like carbon from fossil fuels must decrease—renewable sources like solar, wind, and nuclear offer accessible solutions here. Renewables are initially cost-effective, yet storage becomes expensive due to their intermittent nature. Still, embracing renewables is a primary step. Secondly, adaptation technology addresses floods, heatwaves, and other extremes. Developing resilient environments, factories, and setups requires added investment, but feasible solutions exist. Enhancing structures like buildings and malls is viable. However, the most challenging technology revolves around carbon removal to undo historical pollution. These methods are early-stage and costly. Relying solely on them can foster complacency in emissions. Instead, prioritising emission reduction is wiser.
Do you enforce specific employee responsibilities or follow a clear step-by-step vision to foster a culture of sustainability in your organisation?
In our renewable energy domain and pursuit of net zero, our employees inherently prioritise sustainability. We further nurture this commitment by encouraging innovative solutions. A core cultural value centres around innovation, particularly providing uninterrupted, financially viable energy for clients. Moreover, a deep respect for nature is ingrained—our plants adhere to stringent environmental guidelines for construction, safety, disposal, and other aspects. This approach is backed by hydrographic studies and an overall heightened awareness among every employee.
How do you see your role as a leader in this project, and is there any advice for those aiming to lead similar sustainability initiatives?
Serving as a role model entail embracing lifestyle changes and adopting forward-looking technologies. This shift acknowledges the greater value beyond immediate profits, such as the impact on communities and the long-term viability of projects spanning decades. Leaders must align with sustainability, climate change, and net zero objectives, considering the larger, enduring impact instead of short-term gains.
