Workshop on “Understanding and Achieving Net Zero Emission by Reducing Carbon Footprint” 

Chandigarh, February 18, 2025: DST-Centre for Policy Research (CPR), Panjab University, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, and the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Govt. of Punjab, today organised a one-day workshop on “Understanding and Achieving Net Zero Emission by Reducing Carbon Footprint” at Panjab University, Chandigarh. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about net zero emissions, provide guidance, and suggest strategies for climate resilience.

T.C. Nautiyal, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, DoFW, Chandigarh, was the chief guest for the event. He mentioned various alternative materials, such as algae, that should be researched to reduce the carbon footprint. He encouraged participants to focus on R&D to develop non-plastic-based materials and urged Panjab University to accelerate its efforts and emerge as a leader in renewable energy in Chandigarh. He emphasized that it is our duty to provide a healthy and environmentally sustainable life to the next generation and encouraged the audience to take action by adopting alternative solutions for transportation and avoiding synthetic textiles to reduce their environmental footprint.

Addressing the function, PU Registrar Prof. Yajvender Pal Verma gave insights into reducing carbon emissions. He interlinked energy and the environment and highlighted the need to increase production in line with the consumption rate of India's population. He encouraged innovation in reducing carbon footprints by exploring alternative solutions and suggested that India follow practices such as the EU's credit system to motivate consumers to switch to renewable energy sources for daily use. He also highlighted that relevant policies and guidelines, such as RPO, would play a crucial role in slowing the pace of climate change. He mentioned that Panjab University is actively participating in reducing carbon emissions by engaging in activities like solar power generation, plastic reuse, and reduction, among others.

The guests of honor for the event were Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director, PSCST, Chandigarh, and Dr. Kulbir Singh Bath, Joint Director, PSCST, Chandigarh. Er. Pritpal Singh, an enabler of climate change policy, highlighted various issues contributing to increasing carbon emissions, such as transportation and urbanization, which burden the economy and cause irreversible effects, such as extremely hot conditions and persistent episodes of rainfall. He stressed the need to reduce direct and indirect emissions by charting action plans and referred to the Punjab Climate Action Plan. He mentioned various initiatives taken by Punjab to achieve net zero emissions.

Dr. Vivek Trivedi, Social Development Officer, MC, Chandigarh, delivered the keynote lecture on sustainable cities and communities. He provided insights into actions each citizen can take to reduce carbon footprints, such as using bicycles, promoting reuse, and practicing waste segregation. He emphasized that societal contributions can accelerate sustainability efforts and asserted that policies and guidelines are key factors in driving change.

Er. Maganbir Singh, Principal Scientific Officer, PSCST, Chandigarh, and Dr. Har Amrit Singh Sandhu, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, gave expert lectures on various practices that can strengthen approaches to fostering climate resilience.

Earlier, Prof. Kashmir Singh, Coordinator, DST-CPR, PU, welcomed all the dignitaries and highlighted the initiatives of the DST-CPR, PU for accelerating sustainable development by providing recommendations to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and uplift the socio-economic stature. He stressed that it is our collective duty to contribute towards climate adaptation initiatives.

Prof. Desh Deepak Singh, Chairperson, Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, gave the welcome address. He encouraged students to view the event as a regular curriculum class, enriched by eminent speakers. He motivated the students by emphasizing that biotechnology and renewable energy are the future research areas to pursue. This workshop would credit their knowledge and channel their expertise towards contributing to sustainable development.

A hands-on training session was provided by Dr. Girish Sapra, Founder & CEO of GreenBrigade Private Limited and Startup Mentor, who offered expert insights and an engaging learning experience through an interactive session. This session explored the crucial role each stakeholder plays in the transition to a sustainable future.

The event witnessed the engagement of more than 100 participants from different regions.