Any business should not only have economic benefits but also have environmental and social benefits: President of India, on National Energy Conservation Day 2023 – EQ
In Short : The President of India emphasizes that businesses should not only yield economic benefits but should also contribute to environmental and social well-being. This statement aligns with the broader principles of sustainable and responsible business practices.
In Detail : President of India felicitates winners of National Energy Conservation Awards, National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards and National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation
Major credit for India’s achievements in climate action should go to BEE’s world-leading programmes: Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R. K. Singh
On the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day 2023 today, the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu addressed the function held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi and underlined the importance of energy conservation. The President also felicitated the winners of the National Energy Conservation Awards 2023, National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards 2023 and National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation 2023.
The President appreciated the award-winners and also the winning students of the painting competition, for spreading the message of energy efficiency. Addressing the gathering comprising representatives from government, industry, civil society and school children, the President said that the health and happiness of all of us lies in the conservation and good health of nature. If we make optimal utilization of the available resources, everyone’s energy and other needs will be fulfilled without unnecessary pressure on nature and Mother Earth. She stated that along with optimal utilization, all stakeholders will have to promote energy efficiency and innovation. Energy saving measures have to be used on a large scale. She highlighted that energy saving is energy production – this message is very useful. She urged all to make every possible effort to spread this message.
The President said that in the 21st century, the world community will have to remain continuously active in enhancing energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy. We have to increase the production of energy from wind, solar and small and micro hydro projects. Apart from using more renewable energy, we also have to make efforts to produce more energy from less resources. She added that we should move forward with the concept of a triple bottom line in our sustainability efforts. Any business should not only have economic benefits but also have environmental and social benefits.
The President said that India has always worked as a responsible country in the field of clean energy. But we have also been making it clear from time to time that the dependence on fossil fuel is definitely decreasing but fossil fuel based energy is also essential in our country. India is promoting clean coal technologies so that the processes of coal extraction and use become more efficient and environment friendly. It is the result of our commitment towards the environment that India has moved from 30th to 7th place in the ranking of Climate Change Performance Index in a period of ten years.
The President said that efforts like ‘Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022’ and Renewable purchase obligations will also play an important role in India’s journey to achieve the target of Nationally Determined Contributions by the year 2030. She stated that in line with ‘LiFE’ i.e. Lifestyle for Environment, India has now taken the initiative of “Green credit” which encourages environmental protection practices related to our traditions. She expressed confidence that these efforts will prove important in achieving our clean energy and environment goals.
“Major credit for India’s achievements in climate action should go to BEE’s world-leading programmes”
The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh said that dedicated efforts by industry and other stakeholders is taking forward the energy conservation movement in the country. He said that the programmes of BEE such as Perform Achieve Trade and STAR Labelling Programme have been world-leading programmes, leading to substantial reduction in carbon emissions and helping India achieve its climate action targets. “India has emerged as a leader in energy transition, which is a very important issue for the world. Climate change is a near, clear and present danger. India’s population is around 17% of world population, and yet, our contribution to legacy carbon dioxide load is just 4%. 80% of the carbon dioxide load was emitted by developed countries. India’s per capita greenhouse emissions is one third of global average. We had said at COP21 in Paris that 40% of our power capacity will be from non-fossil-fuel sources by the year 2030; we achieved this target in 2021. We had pledged that we will reduce our emissions intensity by 33% by 2030, we achieved this in 2019. A major credit for this should go to Bureau of Energy Efficiency.” The Minister added that India will have 65% of its total power capacity from non-fossil-fuels by the year 2030. We are the only major economy whose climate action is commensurate with sub-2-degrees rise in global temperature, he added.
The Minister also launched BEE’s Annual Report (2022-23) on Impact of Energy Efficiency Measures.
Union Minister of State for Power and Heavy Industries, Shri Krishan Pal said the effort of energy conservation is very important for the nation. “We need to understand that we utilize energy while ensuring protection of nature. The government has taken many initiatives to promote energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy, such as STAR Labelling Programme, Energy Conservation Building Code and Perform Achieve Trade Scheme.” Pointing out that small steps can result in big changes, the Minister appreciated all winners and exhorted everyone especially children to keep contributing towards energy conservation.
Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Pankaj Agarwal said that the observance of National Energy Conservation Day reminds us of the spirit of collective responsibility and underscores the urgency to safeguard our planet for future generations. “Nations are fervently embracing the efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, as an urgent response to the growing challenges of climate change, depletion of resources, and the dire need for ecological balance. Through exemplary leadership in fostering sustainable initiatives at multinational events like the G20 and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), India stands tall to foster dialogues, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, thereby consolidating efforts towards a greener planet. During the G-20 Presidency, India has developed a road map for doubling the global rate of energy efficiency by 2030, that includes effective policies and programmes that can be implemented across G-20 members. When we invest in energy-efficient solutions, we unlock a plethora of benefits that extend far beyond environmental conservation.”
A film titled Roshan Hota Bharat was screened on the occasion.
Director General, BEE, Shri Abhay Bakre delivered the vote of thanks.
National Energy Conservation Awards 2023
To raise awareness about energy efficiency and its conservation, the BEE, under the guidance of Ministry of Power, recognizes and encourages endeavours of industrial units, institutions, and establishments in reducing energy consumption by felicitating them with Energy Conservation Awards on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day.
A total of 63 prizes comprising 20 first prizes, 16 second prizes and 27 Certificates of Merit are being awarded under NECA 2023.
National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards (NEEIA) 2023
To recognize outstanding work and innovative minds of India in the area of Energy Efficiency, NEEIA was started in the year 2021. Applications for NEEIA 2023 were invited online, in various categories viz. Category A: Industries, Building and Transport and Category B: Students and Research Scholars.
The awards are evaluated based on Replicability, Affordability, Reliability, Impact on Energy Savings and Impact on Environment & Sustainability.
A total of 8 prizes comprising 1 first prize, 1 second prize and 6 Certificates of Recognition are being awarded under NEEIA 2023.
National Painting Competition 2023
To continually bring change in the society towards conservation and efficient use of energy, the Ministry of Power is organizing National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation since 2005. The competition is held in three stages, namely, School, State and National Levels. The Painting Competition is being organized for students of 5th, 6th and 7th Standards under Group ‘A’ and of 8th, 9th and 10th standards under Group ‘B’.
*Winners will also be awarded laptops / tablets and will also get an opportunity for study tour within India.
National Energy Conservation Day
The National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated on December 14 every year, in order to spread the message on the importance of conserving energy and to showcase the achievements of the nation in energy efficiency and conservation. The National Energy Conservation Day and the Awards are being organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under Ministry of Power, Government of India, which is mandated as per the Energy Conservation Act 2001, to regulate and promote energy efficiency and its conservation in India.
About BEE
The Government of India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on March 1, 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The mission of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy. BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations and recognises, identifies and utilises the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act. The Energy Conservation Act provides for regulatory and promotional functions.
