National Workshop: Unlocking finance to support
climate and clean air solutions in India
8-9 August 2024
Venue: Tamarind Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India
Registration: https://lowcarbon.earth/pages/event.html

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 2019.1 Exposure to air pollution can lead tostroke, diabetes, heart diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases 2 –all of which could severely affectquality of life.
Cost-effective solutions to address air pollution exist and have been identified to address the major
sources of air pollution. While contribution of each source may vary depending on location, fossil fuelemissions 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. In Asia Pacific, report Air Pollution in Asia Pacific: Science Based Solutions by UNEP’s Asia Pacific
Clean Air Partnership (APCAP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) have identified 25 policy
and technological solutions to address the five key sectors contributing to air pollution in Asia Pacific. 3
Despite these multiple benefits, clean air interventions and other air quality management elements havenot been financed to their full potential. Based on UNEP’s analysis, a lack of resources has led to alimited uptake of measures to reduce emissions of pollutants across key economic sectors; an inability toinvest in data analysis; and a lack of enforcement and implementation capacity 4. There were similarfindings 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 thescale of the problem. It emphasizes that financing clean air actions should be seen as an investment for
health, social and economic benefits.
Climate finance is one large untapped source of funding that can deliver cleaner air and a healthierenvironment. Unfortunately, only 2 per cent of international public climate finance intentionally tackles air
pollution5, which is the share of funding that contributes to achieving the Paris Agreement. One example
of such a mechanism that could be explored to achieve co-benefits is Japan’s Joint Crediting Mechanism(JCM). The JCM is a bilateral or multilateral framework designed to promote international cooperation ingreenhouse gas emissions reduction projects. It enables developed countries to cooperate with
developing countries in implementing emission reduction projects and to share resulting emission
reductions as "joint credits."
Promising action and innovative technology and industry solutions are on the rise to address this healthand environmental risk. Engagement of the industry and private sector will be critical for innovation andtransformative action. This will help shift public and private investments towards less polluting practices
1World Bank. 2022. The Global Health Cost of PM2.5 Air Pollution: A Case for Action Beyond 2021. International Development inFocus. Washington, DC: World Bank.
2 Key Messages of the 2022 International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
3https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/26861
4 UNEP (2021). Actions on Air Quality: A Global Summary of Policies and Programmes to Reduce Air Pollution
5 Clean Air Fund, 2023. State of Global Air Quality Funding 2023. https://www.cleanairfund.org/resource/state-of-global-air-qualityfunding-2023/

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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) andhas collected potential project ideas focusing on mitigation of air pollutant and GHG emissions (seebox 1). The potential ideas include technological intervention, R&D measures, process modifications,energy efficiency measures etc. from various industry representatives.
OBJECTIVES• To facilitate identifying sector specific innovation and customized solutions: Encouraging
different industries to propose ideas on new technologies, processes, and solutions that caneffectively reduce emissions. Different industries face different challenges when it comes toemissions reduction. The EOIs help identify and prioritize solutions that are tailored to thespecific needs and circumstances of the concerned industry. The EOIs received shall be collated
to have a diverse range of perspectives, leading to a broader pool of potential solutions.
• To support the development of bankable projects: To guide participants in developing bankableproject proposals that are both economically and socially viable, with a focus on addressing air
pollution from industries.
• To understand funding schemes: To enhance understanding of various funding mechanisms andexplore an enabling environment necessary to secure the funding.
• To foster collaboration: Encouraging participation from various sectors shall foster collaborationand partnerships. This can involve collaboration between industries, research institutions,
government agencies, and other stakeholders, leading to more comprehensive and effective
solutions.
Box 1. Initial project ideas from stakeholder consultations
To obtain relevant project ideas NPC has undertaken stakeholder consultations with following sectors:i.

Chlor alkali

iv.

Iron and steelii.

Cementv.

Textileiii.

Pulp & papervi.

Fertilizer

Some of the project ideas obtained from the stakeholder consultations include:• Cost effective technology for conversion of small and medium scale coal based DRI plants
to Gas based [Small scale < 0.05 MTPA; Medium scale (>0.05 MTPA and <0.15MTPA)]• Alternative reducing agent in place of carbon in sponge iron manufacturing• Appropriate technology to replace thermal energy consumed in sponge iron manufacturing
and steel industry by renewable energy• Appropriate technology for conversion of very old fertilizer (Urea) plants having undergone
maximum energy conservation into a hybrid mode utilizing green hydrogen• Appropriate technology for conversion of complex fertilizer manufacturing units with noaccess to waste heat recovery into renewable energy based plants• Improved membrane technology for Chlor Alkali manufacturing plants• Technology for high pressure (8-9 Kg) steam oven
• Waste Heat recovery system for HCl furnaces• Energy efficient technology for caustic lye evaporation• Installation of energy efficient equipment including pumps, chillers. Boilers etc.
• Installation of waste heat recovery systems• Installation of solar PV system / roof top solar plants• Installation of heat exchangers

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National Workshop on
Unlocking finance to support climate and clean air solutions in India
8-9 August 2024
Tamarind Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India
DAY 1 (8 August 2024)
Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Nikita, Deputy Director, Environment & Climate Action Group, National
Productivity Council
Time
9.00 –
9.30
9.30 –
9.40

AgendaRegistration
Welcome Address & Opening Remarks• Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan, IAS, Director General, National Productivity Council (NPC)
NPC’s Mission has been to contribute to the sustainable, inclusive socioeconomic development of thecountry by enhancing productivity. Mitigating air pollution to achieve net-zero carbon emissions
through sustainable development involves adopting renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency,
promoting green infrastructure, and implementing circular economy practices. These measures reduce
emissions, improve air quality, and support sustainable economic growth, balancing environmental
protection with societal needs.

9.30 –
9.50

Inaugural Address/Remarks• Mr. Mozaharul Alam, Officer-in-Charge, UNEP India Country Office and Regional Coordinatorfor 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) (online)
UNEP’s Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP), supported by the Ministry of Environment of Japan,
and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC),developed of an integrated air quality and climate
assessment called “Air Pollution in the Asia Pacific: Science-based Solutions” which identifies a
portfolio of 25 clean air measures that if implemented, could substantially improve air quality anddeliver benefits for climate. The Government of Japan leads the efforts for mitigating air pollution withco-benefits of GHG emission reduction.

9.50 –
10.20

Tea Break10.20 – Address by Chief Guest• Mr. Kamran Rizvi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries
10.35
India's action plan includes the National Clean Air Programme, expanding renewable energy, promoting
electric vehicles, enhancing energy efficiency, afforestation, waste management, and stringent industry
regulations. Committed to reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, India aims for net-zero carbon
emissions by 2070.

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, a.i.

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Time

AgendaThe Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP), initiated by UNEP, aims to improve air quality acrossthe Asia-Pacific region. By fostering regional cooperation, sharing best practices, and promoting
sustainable policies and technologies, APCAP addresses air pollution challenges, enhancing publichealth and supporting global climate goals. Developing bankable projects for air pollution reduction
involves identifying feasible initiatives such as renewable energy adoption, clean transportation, andwaste management. These projects require robust financial models, stakeholder engagement, and risk
assessments to attract investment and ensure effective implementation, leading to tangible
improvements in air quality and public health.

11.00 – Co-benefits approach: Air pollution and climate change• Mr. Yoshinori Momose, Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Office of International Carbon Market,
11.30
Ministry of the Environment, Japan (online)• Ms. Yumi Yasuda, Environment Management Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

MOEJ is promoting the co-benefit approach on air pollution and climate change to many countries
including India by introducing Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM). Introducing appropriate Japanesetechnology to India is a “key” for this bilateral cooperation.

11.30 –
12.30

Panel Discussion: Air pollution, its sources, and solutions
Moderator: Mr. Shailesh Vickram Singh, Founder and Director, Massive Earth Foundation
Panellists• Mr. Ved Prakash Mishra, Director, Hazardous Substances Management Division, Ministry ofEnvironment, Forest and Climate Change• Professor Mayank Kumar, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi• Mr. Dinesh Kulkarni, Bharat Kisan Sangh (online)• Mr. Bhavay Sharma, Senior Program Manager- Air Quality, WRI
Air pollution in India stems from vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, andagricultural residue burning. Rapid urbanization and population growth worsen the issue, leading tosevere health impacts. Addressing this requires stricter regulations, cleaner energy adoption, andincreased public awareness to reduce pollution and protect health.

12.30 – State of Air Quality and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in India• Dr. Prashant Gargava, Director, National Clean Air Programme, Ministry of Environment, Forest and13.00
Climate Change

Air Quality Action 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

In 2021, UNEP together with partners launched the Air Quality Action Forum (AQAF) - a groundbreaking
platform bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors, including the corporate sector, expert
institutions, international development agencies, philanthropic organizations, and the UN system, tosupport the Government of India in its efforts to improve air quality and management. The AQAF aims
to collectively address the challenges posed by air pollution and pave the way towards a cleaner,
healthier future. In 2023, CERCA and UNEP developed an assessment of the challenges and needs formore effective air quality management in India focusing on Science, Technology, Capacity building andOutreach activities, Finance, and Policy.

13.00 –
14.00
14.00 –
15.30

Lunch Break
Panel Discussion: Understanding potential project ideas on climate and clean air mitigation
measures in various industrial sectors

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Time

AgendaModerator: Dr. Shukla Pal, Director, Environment & Climate Action Group, NPC
Panellists:•
Dr. Ashwani Kumar Dixit, Scientist – F, Central Pulp & Paper Research Institute (CPPRI) (paper
and pulp)•
Dr. S.K Chaturvedi, Joint Director and Head of Center, National Council for Cement andBuilding Materials (NCCBM) (Cement)•
Mr. Manish Goswami, Chief (Technical), Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) (fertilizer)•
Mr. Deependra Kashiva, Director General, Sponge Iron Manufacturer India (SIMA) (iron andsteel)•
Mr. Hitesh Panchasara and Dr. Ved Prakash, Operational Excellence, Technology Unit, Atul
Ltd, Gujarat (Chlor Alkali and Specialty Chemicals)•
Ms. Jyoti Gaba, Reliance Industries Limited (Chemical)
To attain clean air and net-zero carbon emissions in Indian industry, essential infrastructure andtechnologies include renewable energy integration, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, carbon
capture and storage systems, waste-to-energy facilities, and sustainable transportation solutions.
Additionally, investing in green infrastructure, such as green buildings and eco-friendly manufacturing
practices, is crucial. These measures can mitigate emissions, enhance air quality, and promotesustainable industrial development aligned with climate goals.

15.30 –
16.00
16.00 –
17.00

Tea BreakPanel 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.
Panellists•
Mr. Vikas Bhatia, ESG Head Varun Beverage•
Ms. Pamela Tikku, Vice President & Head - Auto Group Public Affairs, Mahindra Group•
Mr. Prasanna Singh, Managing Editor, Saur Energy International (TBC)•
Mr. Kartik Kilachand, Executive Chairman & CoFounder, IITians Influencing India's
Transformation•
Mr. Anuj Duggal, Head of Sustainability/ESG, NASSCOM
The panel discussion featuring corporate CSR and policy experts will address how to engage
corporations in air pollution and GHG emission mitigation efforts. These specialists will discuss
effective strategies for integrating environmental initiatives into corporate social responsibility
programs and policy frameworks. The session will explore successful case studies, regulatory
incentives, and the impact of corporate involvement on sustainability goals.

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DAY 2 (9 August 2024)
Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Nikita, Deputy Director, Environment & Climate Action Group, National
Productivity Council
Time
9.00 –
9.30
9.30 –
11.00

AgendaRegistration
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
Panellists• Mr. Jagdish Singh, AD Agriculture, Government of Punjab (online)• Mr. J P Choudhary, JD Agricultural Engineering, Government of Uttar Pradesh (online)• Mr. Karan Dhillon, Bharti Kissan Union, Sidhupur, Punjab (farmers union)• Mr. Raspinder Singh Grewal, Kheti Virasat Mission, Ludhiana, Punjab (sustainable agriculture)• Ms. Rupsi Garg, Kheti Virasat Mission, Punjab (organic cotton initiative)• Mr. Sukhmeet Singh, CEO, A2P Energy Private Ltd., Chandigarh, Punjab (bio-fuel initiative)
Implementing sustainable farming practices like agroforestry and organic farming, alongsideconservation agriculture techniques, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health.
Additionally, utilizing agricultural waste for biogas production can mitigate methane emissions, while
promoting renewable energy sources for cooking and heating in rural areas. As innovative solutions forcrop residue management emerge and develop, it is also important to address the dilemma of
economic viability and environmental sustainability of agriculture more holistically.

11.00 –
11.30
11.30 –
13.00

Tea BreakSession: Data Matters – Atmospheric Environment Network
Moderator: Dr. Mukesh Sharma, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
Panellists• Dr. Sachiko Hayashida, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN)• Dr. Akie Yuba, Asian Center for Air Pollution (ACAP)• Mr. Takeshi Kobayashi, Japan Environment Technology Association (JETA) (online)• Mr. Hiroki Hashimoto, Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd. (online)
As research on the impact of air pollution on our lives progress, there is a concurrent need to takefurther measures. There is now a question raised on how precisely we know our air quality, and how
accurate data is necessary in obtaining all pertinent information. In this session, we aim to introduce
the concept of efficient air quality data collection, regarding the concept of developing an air quality
monitoring network including low-cost sensors.

13.00 –
14.00
14.00 –
15.30

Lunch BreakSession: Life Matters: Unlocking finance by introducing multiple benefit approach
Moderator: Dr. Archana Walia, India Director Clean Air Asia (CAA)•

Dr. Kamal Vatta, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)

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Time

Agenda• Ms. Jihyun Lee, Senior Programme Management Officer, United Nations Environment•••

Programme (UNEP)
Dr. Enkhtsetseg Shinee, Coordinator, Air Quality, Energy and Health, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre
for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region (online)
Dr. Swati Chauhn, Advisor Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance & Policy Analysis(AIGGPA) (online)
Ms. Yumi Yasuda, Deputy Director Ministry of the Environment, Japan

By hearing from multiple agencies, including the relevant funding organizations, it aims to offer
representatives of government agencies, related industry groups, local governments, privatecompanies, and others who seek technical cooperation, an opportunity to brainstorm and support
developed collaborative efforts.

Session: Technology Matters – Available technology solutions
Moderator: Ms. Yumi Yasuda, Deputy Director Ministry of the Environment, Japan

•
•
•
•

Dr. Sachiko Hayashida, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN)
Mr. Masahiro Nochi, System Engineering Service Co., Ltd
Dr. Minoru Fujii, The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)
Dr. Remi Chandran, Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC)

By introducing examples of technologies related to air pollution and climate change countermeasuresin especially South Asia, it aims to provide business matching opportunities: "issues to be solved" and"solutions that can be provided".

15.30 –
16.00

Donor landscape for addressing air pollution
Moderator: Mr. Vikas Arora, Chief Investment Officer, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN)
Panellists• Mr. Girish Aivalli, CEO, Impact Investors Council• Ms. Mugdha Jain, Country Lead, India for Clean Air Fund
• Mr. L M Singh, MD India, Vital Strategies
Startups in India offer innovative solutions to tackle air pollution and achieve net-zero carbon
emissions. Leveraging technology and entrepreneurship, these ventures focus on renewable energy,
clean transportation, waste management, and green infrastructure. Supported by diverse funding
sources, startups play a crucial role in driving sustainable development and environmental
stewardship.

16.00 –
16.15
16.15 –
16.45

Tea Break
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
Panellists•
Mr. Akshay Singhal, Founder and CEO, Log9•
Mr. Amit Kekare, Head of eMobility, Siemens•
Mr. Guru Inder Mohan Singh, Founder & CEO, Carbon Circle•
Mr. Raghav Arora, Founder & CTO, Statiq

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Time

Agenda••Mr. Kapil Sharma, COO, Evera
Mr. Yogiraj Gogia, Senior Director, Battery Smart

The panel discussion will bring together startup founders to address the critical question: What will ittake to solve air pollution? These entrepreneurs will share their innovative approaches and solutions
aimed at combating air pollution. The session will explore the challenges and opportunities they face,
the role of technology, and the potential for impactful partnerships.

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
Panellists•
Ms. Ruchira Shukla, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Synapses•
Mr. Koushik Rajagopalan, Director, IFU•
Ms. Vinutha Raju, Vice President of Investment, Climate Angels•
Ms. Pratibha Jain, Head of Strategy & Group General Counsel, Everstone GroupThe panel discussion featuring investors will focus on the investment opportunities in air pollution and
GHG emission mitigation solutions. These experts will discuss the growing market for environmental
technologies, the criteria for funding innovative projects, and the potential returns on investment. The
session will highlight successful case studies and explore the future landscape of sustainable
investment.

17.30 –
18.00

Showcase: Featuring selected startups working to address air pollution

18.00 –
18.15

Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks

19.00

Cocktail and networking dinner (by invitation)

•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

Strawcture
Dharaksha
ActiveBuildings
ArSta Eco

Ms. Mihoko Nagai, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan to India
Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India
Representative from CPCB
Mr. Sh. Khanendra D. Bhardwaj, Regional Director & Head, Regional Directorate – Delhi, NPC

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