“Green theme and Green productivity”

“Agenda 21 addresses the pressing problems of today and also aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the next century. It reflects a global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment cooperation. Its successful implementation is first and foremost the responsibility of Governments. National strategies, plans, policies and processes are crucial in achieving this. International cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts. In this context, the United Nations system has a key role to play. Other international, regional and sub-regional organizations are also called upon to contribute to this effort. “

The preamble of 1992 Rio Earth summit was the first cooperative initiative of 172 countries towards any visible action against climate change and environment. The 27 principles envisage a world coming together for a single cause. The positive side of the argument was it was benefit for all to agree to the initiative rather disagree the proposal.

A generation has passed , the future predicted during pre 21^st century of today’s world is still no where near, we have spent the last 19 years debating about the responsibility of developed nations and developing nations, the world has not yet charted a clear plan of action to create a sustainable environment. The top down approach seems to be unsuitable for this magnanimous problem.

The Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2011, an annual event by TERI is one of the notable local action towards global challenge, essentially a developing country initiative that stands on the ground of technological, economical ,social and political co-operation.

A similar initiative of focus on “green productivity” has been a new approach in the manufacturing sector .Green Productivity is the well-rounded socio-economic development that emphasizes on sustainable improvement in the quality of human life with minimum or no damage to the environment. It is the combined application of appropriate productivity and environmental management tools, techniques and technologies that reduce the environmental impact of an organization’s activities, products and services while enhancing profitability and competitive advantage.

The challenges of shifting to a pathway of sustainable development embracing the energy & environmental issues are substantial. Improvements in energy management and pollution-reduction technologies will offset some of the problems associated with projected future growth in population. Therefore, Green productivity was launched with the prime objectives to address the issues of increasing profitability, improvement in health and safety, making quality products, promotion of  environmental protection,  regulatory compliance, building up company’s image and raise employees morale which will subsequently lead to holistic growth and development.

----------------------------------------------

Striking a balance between environment and development is of prime importance for a vibrant economy like India - Abhilash Mohapatra wishes to understand different factors involved in the same.