National Workshop

Unlocking finance to support
climate and clean air solutions in India.

 8-9 August 2024
Tamarind Hall -India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India

Background

Polluted air is creating a health emergency. It also takes a heavy toll on the economy – with air pollution in South Asia costing 10.3 per cent of GDP, respectively, in 2019.

Cost-effective solutions to address air pollution exist and have the potential to address the major sources of air pollution. While contribution of each source may vary depending on location, fossil fuel emissions from coal burning for power and heat, transport, industrial furnaces, brick kilns, agriculture, domestic solid fuel heating, and the unregulated burning of waste are considered the main sources of air pollution.

Despite these multiple benefits, clean air interventions and other air quality management elements have not been financed to their full potential. Based on UNEP’s analysis, a lack of resources has led to a limited uptake of measures to reduce emissions of pollutants across key economic sectors; an inability to invest in data analysis; and a lack of enforcement and implementation capacity. There were similar findings in the CERCA and UNEP 2023 Needs Assessment Report for Air Quality Management in India which found funding for implementation-focused projects to improve air quality is disproportionate to the scale of the problem. It emphasizes that financing clean air actions should be seen as an investment for health, social and economic benefits.

Promising action and innovative technology and industry solutions are on the rise to address this health and environmental risk. Engagement of the industry and private sector will be critical for innovation and transformative action. This will help shift public and private investments towards less polluting practices in high impact sectors, such as energy, industry, agriculture, transport, waste, and residential sectors. The National Productivity Council (NPC) has undertaken stakeholder consultations with industry representatives from six sectors (chlor alkaki, cement, pulp & paper, iron & steel, textile, and fertilizer) and has collected potential project ideas focusing on mitigation of air pollutant and GHG emissions.

View Concept Note & Agenda: Link

Objective

The purpose of this workshop is to

To facilitate identifying sector specific innovation and customized solutions

To support the development of bankable projects

To understand funding schemes

To foster collaboration


Meet the Speakers

S. Gopalakrishnan
IAS, Director General, National Productivity Council

Shri Gopalakrishnan is a 1991 Batch Otlicer from the Indian Administrative Services (lAS) from Tamil Nadu Cadre. He has worked at state and central government in areas such as transport, HR, commerce, census, food, lT. etc.

Dr. Mushtaq Memon
Regional Coordinator, UNEP Asia Pacific Office

Dr. Memon is working with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a Regional Coordinator for Resource Efficiency in Asia Pacific Office located in Dubai/Bangkok.

Mr. Yu Kamei
Director, Environmental  Management Bureau.

Mr. Yu KAMEI has worked on climate change measures, waste management, fishery resources conservation, water pollution control, etc., in the Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan.

Shailesh Vickram Singh
Founder and Director, Massive Earth Foundation

Shailesh Vickram Singh is a venture capitalist / entrepreneur and is founder of Gomassive. Gomassive is sponsor of Climate Angels Fund which invest in easily stage startups solving climate change in India and USA.

Dr. Akie Yuba
Senior Researcher, Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP)

Dr. Yuba, a Senior Researcher at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, has a decade of experience in air quality monitoring across East Asia. She is involved in the Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network project under EANET.

Dr. Minoru Fujii
Head of System Innovation Section, NIES

Dr. Fujii, Head of System Innovation at NIES and Visiting Professor at Nagoya and The University of Tokyo, specializes in integrated waste management, circular economy, and carbon neutrality.

Hiroki Hashimoto
Asia Sales Representative  Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd.

Hiroki Hashimoto is the Asia Sales Representative for SIBATA with over 20 years of international sales experience. He's working towards promoting their Low Cost Sensor (LCS) technology across Asia.

Archana Walia
India Director, Clean Air Asia

Dr. Archana Walia, with nearly 30 years in climate change and clean energy, leads Clean Air Asia's India Program. She has held key roles at CLASP and USAID/India and holds a Ph.D. in environmental science.

Ms. Kakuko Yoshida
Global Coordinator of Chemicals & Pollution Action, UNEP

Ms. Yoshida, Global Coordinator of Chemicals & Pollution Action at UNEP, has over 25 years of experience in environmental projects across multiple continents and has facilitated over 150 consultations in 40+ countries.

Mr. Shombi Sharp
UN Resident Coordinator in India

Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India with over 25 years of experience in sustainable development. He started with CARE International and is a published author and former USAID "Policy Champion."

Ms. Yumi Yasuda
Deputy Director, Ministry of Environment, Japan

Ms. Yumi Yasuda is an expert in international development and environmental affairs with a notable track record at UN missions, JICA, and Japan's Ministry of the Environment.

Mr. Masahiro Nochi
President, System Eng Service Co., Japan

Mr. Masahiro Nochi, President of System Eng Service Co., Japan since 2021, has led VOC recovery unit installations in China, Vietnam, and Singapore and holds an Economics degree from Seikei University

Mr. Mozaharul Alam
Officer-In-Charge, UNEP India Office

Mr. Mozaharul Alam, UNEP’s Regional Coordinator for Climate Change, leads adaptation and low-carbon strategies across Asia Pacific and represents UNEP in Bhutan and Nepal.

Mr. Vikas Arora,
Chief Impact Investing Officer, AVPN

Vikas is the Chief Impact Investing Officer at AVPN, leading strategy for climate, gender, youth, and health. With 30 years in banking, he recently earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Organisation & Leadership for Social Change.

Ms. Mugdha Jain,
Country Lead, India Clean Air Fund

Mugdha Jain is the India Country Lead for the Clean Air Fund. With 20+ years in the development sector, her background includes corporate strategy, consulting, and program management. She holds degrees from BITS Pilani and IIM A.

Mr. Girish Aivalli,
CEO, Impact Investors Council (IIC)

Girish Aivalli is the CEO of Impact Investors Council (IIC). With nearly 30 years of experience in agri supply chains, banking, and development, he has led companies like Cargill, ADM, and Yes Bank.

Ms. Mikiko Tanaka,
Director, Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia, ESCAP

Ms. Mikiko Tanaka is the Director and Head of ESCAP's South and South-West Asia Office, with over 25 years of UN experience. She holds master's degrees in public policy and rural development management.

Mrs. Pamela Tikku,
VP & Head of Group Public Affairs, Mahindra & Mahindra

Mrs. Pamela Tikku is Vice President & Head of Group Public Affairs (Auto Sector) at Mahindra & Mahindra, joining. She holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, with over 32 years of automotive industry experience.

Dr. S.K. Chaturvedi,
Joint Director & Head, Cement Research at NCB

Dr. S.K. Chaturvedi is the Joint Director & Head of Cement Research at NCB. With expertise in low-carbon cements, waste utilization, and R&D, he drives innovation and sustainability in the cement industry.

Mr. Vikas Bhatia,
Executive Director of Finance and ESG/Sustainability, Varun Beverages Ltd.

Vikas Bhatia has 34 years of finance experience, including 16 years internationally across 7 countries, he has held leadership positions with US, European, and Indian MNCs

Mr. Manish Goswami,
Chief (Technical), The Fertiliser Association of India

With 26 years of experience, Manish Goswami oversees energy, environment, and safety performance at The Fertiliser Association of India. He co-authors reports and papers on energy conservation and environmental impact.

Mr. Guru Inder,
CEO, Carbon Circle

Guru Inder, CEO of Carbon Circle, creates anaerobic digestion plants for renewable natural gas. Formerly founder and COO of Amplus, focusing on renewable energy and EVs for commercial and industrial clients.

Dr. Akshay Singhal,
Founder and CEO, Log9

Dr. Akshay Singhal, Founder and CEO of Log9, holds a Ph.D. in nanotechnology from IIT Roorkee. A Forbes Under 30 honoree, he specializes in electric mobility and renewable energy storage in tropical regions.

Mr. Tejinderpal Miglani,
Partners, Climate Angels

Tejinderpal Miglani, Partner at Climate Angels, is a climate investor passionate about sustainable business. He advises companies on growth, co-founded Incedo, and was the founding CTO of Indiabulls Group. An active angel investor, he supports numerous ventures.

Ms. Rupsi Garg,
Kheti Virasat Mission, Punjab

Rupsi Garg, from Tepla, Punjab, With 3 years at CCMB and 6 years at Kheti Virasat Mission, she leads TRINJAN, reviving traditional skills and empowering women through charkha spinning and handloom weaving.

Mr. Takeshi Kobayashi,
Chairman Overseas Committee, Japan Environmental Technology Association

Takeshi Kobayashi, has been working with HORIBA since 1994. He has developed water quality measurement products and worked in the Strategy and International Sales Offices of the Process and Environmental Segment.

Mr. Yogiraj Gogia,
Senior Director Partnership, Battery Smart

Mr. Gogia is a transformational leader and sustainable energy enthusiast with experience at Battery Smart. He leverages his business acumen & technical expertise to drive innovation and growth in the EV ecosystem.

Mr. Remi Chandran,
Senior Expert, RESTEC

An expert in environmental policy with 22 years of experience in Asia and Africa, launched the Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System. He advances low-carbon technologies and waste management at NIES Japan.

Ms. Vinutha Raju,
VP of Investments and Fund Management, GoMassive Incubators

Has over 20 years of experience in investment, fund accounting, and management. Served as Director at QAI, overseeing statutory reporting and compliance. With 10+ years in business plan review and $100 million invested in 11 companies.

Mr. Yoshinori Momose ,
International Carbon Market, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Yoshinori Momose oversees chemical law revisions, pollution prevention, soil recycling, and air quality. He is the Senior Planning Officer for the Joint Crediting Mechanism in the Office of International Carbon Market.

Mr. Amit Kekare,
Head of eMobility, Siemens

Amit Kekare is a seasoned executive leading eMobility transformation in India and the Middle East. With experience at Siemens, ABB, and Adani, he holds degrees from ISB, Rensselaer, and VJTI, and an MS in Power Electronics.

Ms. Jyoti Gauba,
Reliance Industries Limited (Chemical)

Jyoti has over 20 years in the polymer industry. Currently, she works in the Sustainability Division on polymer circularity at Reliance Industries in Delhi.

Ms. Sachiko Hayashida,
Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN)

Prof. Hayashida, specializes in atmospheric sciences and satellite data analysis. She received the Horiuchi Award and led the Aakash project. She is a former president of the Remote Sensing Society of Japan.

Ms. Vasudha Madhavan,
Founder, Ostara Advisors

India's first investment bank for electric mobility and climate tech. Recognized by IESA in 2023, she previously worked at Citibank and ICICI Bank. Ostara, founded in 2015, leads in clean mobility and climate-tech fund-raising and M&A.

Mr. Deependra Kashiva,
Director General, SIMA (Iron and Steel)

Mr. Kashiva, a Metallurgy graduate with 50+ years in the steel sector. Since 2011, he has been Director General of the Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association, focusing on resource efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.

Dr. Sumit Sharma,
Programme Officer, UNEP India

Focuses on marine plastics and air pollution. Previously Director at TERI, he holds a PhD from IIT Delhi and has 22+ years of experience in environmental monitoring and air quality management.

Mr. Sukhmeet Singh,
CEO, A2P Energy Private Ltd.

Sukhmeet, tackles paddy straw burning by converting it into biofuels. Awarded globally, and featured at the UN General Assembly, he previously worked at Indian School of Business and has international experience.

Mr. Valentin Foltescu,
Programme Management Officer, UNEP India

Valentin Foltescu, Programme Management Officer at UNEP India, has been active in atmospheric environment since the 1990s. With a PhD from Gothenburg University, he has worked with EU institutions.

Ms. Jihyun Lee
Senior Programme Management Officer, UNEP

Ms. Jihyun Lee, focuses on air pollution. She led UNEP's 2023 report on air quality in Korea. With 13 years at Korea's Ministry of Environment, she contributed to fine dust management and the Korea Emission Trading Scheme.

Mr. Hitesh Panchasara,
VP of Technology and Sustainability, Atul Ltd

Hitesh Panchasara, leads ESG initiatives, focusing on GHG reduction, sustainability, and environmental impact. Certified in TBEM and Lean Six Sigma, he emphasizes continuous improvement and sustainable growth.

Dr. Ashwani Dixit,
VP of Technology and Sustainability, Atul Ltd

Dr. A.K. Dixit, Scientist F at CPPRI, has 32 years in pulp and paper research, focusing on chemical recovery and biorefinery. He’s a trained energy manager, coordinated UNIDO projects, and overseen 100+ R&D programs.

Mr. Dinesh D Kulkarni,
Bharat Kisan Sangh

Shri. Dinesh Dattatreya Kulkarni is the Organization Secretary at Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, driving key initiatives to advance farmer welfare and agricultural development in India.

Mr. Kapil Sharma,
COO, Prakriti E-mobility Pvt. Ltd.

Kapil Sharma is the COO of Prakriti E-mobility Pvt. Ltd., with a rich background including roles at Uber and Shuttl. His expertise in operations drives innovation and strategic growth in the e-mobility sector.

Mr. Mayank Kumar,
Professor, IIT Delhi

Professor Mayank Kumar is a distinguished academic at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, known for his significant contributions to research and education.

Agenda

8 august, 2024
Day 1
Time Session Details
09:00-09:30
Registration
09:30-09:40
Welcome Address & Opening Remarks

Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan, IAS, Director General, National Productivity Council (NPC)

09:40-09:50
Inaugural Address/Remarks

Mr. Mozaharul Alam, Officer-in-Charge, UNEP India Country Office and Regional Coordinator for Climate Action, UNEP Asia and the Pacific Office

Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Director, Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia, ESCAP

Mr. Yu Kamei, Director, Office for International Cooperation, Environmental Management Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MoEJ)

09:50-10:20

Tea Break

10:20-10:35
Address by Chief Guest

Mr. Kamran Rizvi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries

10:35-11:00
Introduction: Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership and developing bankable projects for air pollution reduction

Ms. Kakuko Nagatani-Yoshida, UNEP Global Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action Subprogramme / Global Coordinator for Finance and Economic Transformations Subprogramme

11:00-11:30
Co-benefits approach: Air pollution and climate change

Mr. Yoshinori Momose, Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Office of International Carbon Market, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Ms. Yumi Yasuda, Deputy Director, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

11:30-12:30
Panel Discussion : Air pollution, its sources, and solutions

Moderator: Mr. Shailesh Vickram Singh, Founder and Director, Massive Earth Foundation

Panelists*

  • 1. Mr. Ved Prakash Mishra, Director, Hazardous Substances Management Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • 2. Professor Mayank Kumar, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
  • 3. Mr. Dinesh Kulkarni, Bharat Kisan Sangh
  • 4. Mr. Bhavay Sharma, Senior Program Manager- Air Quality, WRI
12:30-13:00
State of Air Quality and National Clean Air Proqramme (NCAP) in India

Dr. Prashant Gargava, Director, National Clean Air Programme, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change


Air QualityAction Forum (AQAF): Introduction of AQAF and Findings of the Needs Assessment Report for Air Quality Management in India

Mr. Valentin Foltescu, Programme Management Officer, UNEP India Country Office

Mr. Sumit Sharma, Programme Officer, UNEP India Country Office

13:00-14:00

Lunch

14:00-15:30
Panel Discussion: Understanding potential project ideas on climate and clean air mitigation measures in various industrial sectors

Moderator: Dr. Shukla Pal, Director, Environment & Climate Action Group, NPC

Panelists:

  • 1. Dr. Ashwani Kumar Dixit, Scientist – F, Central Pulp & Paper Research Institute (CPPRI) (Paper and Pulp)
  • 2. Dr. S.K Chaturvedi, Joint Director and Head of Center, National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) (Cement)
  • 3. Mr. Manish Goswami, Chief (Technical), Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) (Fertilizer)
  • 4. Mr. Deependra Kashiva, Director General, Sponge Iron Manufacturer India (SIMA) (Iron and Steel)
  • 5. Mr. Hitesh Panchasara and Dr. Ved Prakash, Operational Excellence, Technology Unit, Atul Ltd, Gujarat (Chlor Alkali and Specialty Chemicals)
  • 6. Ms. Jyoti Gauba, Reliance Industries Limited (Chemical)
15:30-16:00

Tea Break

16:00-17:00
LowCarbon.Earth: Clean Air Innovation through Green Startups
Panel Discussion : Strengthening engagement of corporate in air pollution and GHG emission mitigation

Moderator: Mr. Tejinder Miglani,Partner - Climate Angels, Formerly CTO - Indiabulls, Co-founder Incedo Inc.

Panelists*

  • 1. Mr Vikas Bhatia, ESG Head Varun Beverage
  • 2. Ms. Pamela Tikku, Vice President & Head - Auto Group Public Affairs, Mahindra Group
  • 3. Mr. Prasanna Singh, Managing Editor, Saur Energy International (TBC)
  • 4. Mr. Kartik Kilachand, Executive Chairman & CoFounder, IITians Influencing India's Transformation
  • 5. Mr. Anuj Duggal, Head of Sustainability/ESG, NASSCOM
9 august, 2024
Day 2
Time Session Details
09:00-09:30
Registration
09:30-11:00
Session: Perspectives on solutions to address emissions from open burning of agricultural crop residues and future sustainability

Moderator: Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Director, Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia, ESCAP

Panelists

  • 1. Mr. Jagdish Singh , AD Agriculture, Government of Punjab
  • 2. Mr. J P Choudhary, JD Agricultural Engineering, Government of Uttar Pradesh
  • 3. Mr. Karan Dhillon, Bharti Kissan Union, Sidhupur, Punjab (farmers union in Punjab)
  • 4. Mr. Raspinder Singh Grewal, Kheti Virasat Mission, Ludhiana, Punjab (farmers organization promoting sustainable agriculture)
  • 5. Dr. Sukhmeet Singh, CEO, A2P Energy Private Ltd., Chandigarh, Punjab
  • 6. Ms. Rupsi Garg, Kheti Virasat Mission, Punjab (organic cotton initiative)
11:00-11:30

Tea break

11:30-13:00
Session: Data Matters – Atmospheric Environment Network

Moderator: Dr. Mukesh Sharma, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India

Panelists

  • 1. Dr. Sachiko Hayashida, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN)
  • 2. Dr. Akie Yuba, Asian Center for Air Pollution (ACAP)
  • 3. Mr. Takeshi Kobayashi, Japan Environment Technology Association (JETA)
  • 4. Mr. Hiroki Hashimoto, Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd.
13:00-14:00

Lunch

14:00-15:30
Session: Life Matters: Unlocking finance by introducing multiple benefit approach

Moderator: Dr. Archana Walia, India Director Clean Air Asia (CAA)

Panelists

  • 1. Dr. Kamal Vatta, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
  • 2. Ms. Jihyun Lee, Senior Programme Management Officer, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • 3. Dr. Enkhtsetseg Shinee, Coordinator, Air Quality, Energy and Health, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region
  • 4. Dr. Swati Chauhn, Advisor Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance & Policy Analysis (AIGGPA)
  • 5. Ms. Yumi Yasuda, Deputy Director Ministry of the Environment, Japan
Session: Technology Matters – Available technology solutions

Moderator: Ms. Yumi Yasuda, Deputy Director Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Panelists

  • 1. Dr. Sachiko Hayashida, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN)
  • 2. Mr. Masahiro Nochi, System Engineering Service Co., Ltd
  • 3. Dr. Minoru Fujii, The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)
  • 4. Dr. Remi Chandran, Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC)
15:30-16:00
Panel Discussion: Donor landscape for addressing air pollution

Moderator: Mr. Vikas Arora, Chief Impact Investing Officer, AVPN

Panelists*

  • 1. Mr. Girish Aivalli, CEO, Impact Investors Council
  • 2. Ms. Mugdha Jain, Country Lead, India for Clean Air Fund
  • 3. Mr. L M Singh, MD India and Global Head of Partnerships and Innovative Finance, Vital Strategies
16:00-16:15

Tea Break

16:15-16:45
LowCarbon.Earth: Clean Air Innovation through Green Startups
Panel Discussion: What will it take to solve air pollution?

Moderator: Ms. Vasudha Madhavan, Founder & CEO, Ostara Advisors

Panelists*

  • 1. Mr. Akshay Singhal, Founder, Log9
  • 2. Amit Kekare, Head of eMobility, Siemens
  • 3. Mr. Guru Inder Mohan Singh, Founder & CEO, Carbon Circle
  • 4. Mr. Raghav Arora, Founder & CTO, Statiq
  • 5. Mr. Kapil Sharma, COO, Evera
  • 6. Mr. Yogiraj Gogia, Senior Director, Battery Smart
16:45-17:30
LowCarbon.Earth: Clean Air Innovation through Green Startups
Panel Discussion: Investment opportunities in the domain of air pollution and GHG emission mitigation solutions

Moderator: Mr. Shailesh Vickram Singh, Founder and Director, Massive Earth Foundation

Panelists*

  • 1. Ms. Pratibha Jain, Head of Strategy & Group General Counsel, Everstone Group
  • 2. Ms. Ruchira Shukla, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Synapses
  • 3. Mr. Koushik Rajagopalan , Director, IFU
  • 4. Ms. Vinutha Raju, ClimateAngels
17:30-18:00
Showcase: Featuring selected startups working to address air pollution
  • 1. Strawcture
  • 2. Dharaksha
  • 3. ActiveBuildings
  • 4. ArSta Eco
18:00-18:15
Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks
  • 1. Ms. Mihoko Nagai, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan to India
  • 2. Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India
  • 3. Representative from CPCB
  • 4. Mr. Sh. Khanendra D. Bhardwaj, Regional Director & Head, Regional Directorate — Delhi, NPC
19:00 Onwards
Cocktail and networking dinner (by invitation)