Article

Innovative Industries Approach to Asia-Pacific Journal of Management

Research and Innovation

Control Emissions, Waste Waters 8(2) 193203

2012 Asia-Pacific
Institute of Management
and Waste Generation towards SAGE Publications
Los Angeles, London,
Achieving Sustainable Ecological New Delhi, Singapore,
Washington DC
Development DOI: 10.1177/2319510X1200800211
http://apjmri.sagepub.com

H.N. Singh

Abstract
Thereare global poverty and rising income inequities on the one hand, and the widespread destruction of the environment on the
other. Global economic models pursued over the last two centuries have been premised on a single dimensional pursuit of material
wealth creation with utter disregard for sustainability, leaving a deferred social cost burden on future generations. At one level, the
unjust distribution of wealth has created a vulnerable society. At another level, the apathy towards replenishing natural capital has led
to widespread degeneration of the environment, destroying life-nurturing ecosystems. These challenges are further aggravated by the
onset of global warming, exposing the planet to incomparable peril. Indian industries have been realising the impact of excessive carbon
emission, unabated usage of water and high volume ofoutput ofnon-recyclable products. Government initiatives, draft discussions and
enactmentof lawhave made little impact on industries in general to abide by pollution control. We have to move from the control
paradigm to the conserve paradigm. In the last two decades, industries have started taking initiatives, while some examples existed
much before the laws were enforced. Sustainability, pollution control, CSR and ethics initiativeshave to be made a part ofthe annual
reportfor all listed companies. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other corporate institutions have played a vital role
in strengthening this initiative. This article deals with such sustainable developmentissues and CSR initiatives being taken by premier
corporate entities of repute, and further challenges that we face in the competitive world.

Keywords
Carbon emission, clean energy, sustainable development, water wastage, waste generation

Introduction forms of carbon (coal, wood, kerosene, petrol, diesel, etc.)

The major challenge to sustainable development comes
from population increase and industrialisation. We know
that by the middle of this century three billion people will be
added to the six and half billion people existing today on our
planet. There are a set of problems such as climate change
due to global warming, excess carbon emissions, energy
poverty and depleting water reserve, etc., which must be
tackled without delay. However, the urgency is missing
today. This failure is on two fronts. First, for an ethical soci-
ety, there is a need to have environmentally sustainable strat-
egies for business, and second, to have economic equity for
the masses. Society, customers and all stakeholders want a
pollution-free environment, compelling industries to change
the way they have been manufacturing. Industries, therefore,
must look for clean technology embracing clean energy. The
traditional energy sources are burning fossil fuel, that is, all
which soon must be replaced by renewable energy resourced
from air, water, light, human waste, animal waste and bio-
waste (also known as clean energy). The greatest challenge
for industry is how to recycle used products. If an industry is
able to devise such a method it will benefit immensely from
cutting down its input cost of material.
Objective
The main aim of this study is to get an overall picture of
carbon emissions, water wastage and wastage increase, and
the practices to overcome all of them. This article looks
into the sorts of decision-making methods and tools
reported in literature and those already in practice. It is
aimed that the findings will lead to new research settings
together with directions for future research.

H.N. Singh, Professor and Programme Coordinator, PGDM, IMS, Noida, and Research Scholar, Management (SCM), IGNOU, India.
E-mail: corporaterelations.hn.ims@gmail.com
194 H.N. Singh
We go about our objectives by first reviewing referred
journal articles pertaining to carbon emissions, water
wastage and waste generation, reasons for the same, and
tools and methods that can be used to reduce them so that
there is sustained development. The process of control
of air, water and other wastes is of three phases. First,
we develop an understanding of such pollutants. Next, we
find reasons for the same. This leads to formulation of
decision criteria (checklists and guidelines) to assess the
impact. After the assessment, we need to find the tech-
niques and methods to correct and control the impact.
Finally, we have to establish the framework to benchmark
such controls.
Literature Review
According to Mahatma Gandhi, The earth, the water, the
air, and the land are not an inheritance from our forefathers
but on loan from our children. So we have to hand over to
them at least as it was handed over to us.1
In February 2009, The Energy and Resources Institute
(TERI) organised a summit on Sustainable Development,
where one of the key speakers was Thomas Friedman, a
highly acclaimed New York Times columnist. He brought
out the basic assumption of his recent work Hot, Flat and
Crowded: Why the World Needs a Green Revolution
How We Can Renew our Global Future. It was empha-
sised why it is necessary to understand carbon emissions,
water wastage and waste generation, and the work done in
each area.
Carbon emission is the carbon footprint calculated
by measuring the CO2 equivalent emissions from its
premises, company-owned vehicles, business travel and
waste to landfill (Patel, 2006). It can also be understood
as a technique for identifying and measuring the indi-
vidual greenhouse gas emissions from each activity
within a supply chain process step and the framework
for attributing these to each output product will refer to
this as the products carbon footprint (Carbon Trust, 2007,
p. 4).
The demand on biocapacity required to sequester
(through photosynthesis) the carbon dioxide (CO2) emis-
sions from fossil fuel combustion (GFN, 2007; see also
text).
A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon
dioxide emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels. In
the case of a business organisation, it is the amount of CO2
emitted either directly or indirectly as a result of its everyday
operations. It also might reflect the fossil energy represented
in a product or commodity reaching market. (Grub & Ellis,
2007)
Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203
Some articles, however, discuss the implications of pre-
cise wording. Geoffrey Hammond (2007) writes: The
property that is often referred to as a carbon footprint is
actually a carbon weight of kilograms or tonnes per per-
son or activity. Hammond argues that those who favour
precision in such matters should perhaps campaign for it to
be called carbon weight.
Carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), methane
and three groups of fluorinated gases (CFCs) are the
major greenhouse gases and the subject of the Kyoto
Protocol, which came into force in 2005. Although CFCs
are greenhouse gases, they are regulated by the Montreal
Protocol, which was motivated by CFCs contribution to
ozone depletion rather than their contribution to global
warming.
On 7 December 2009, the United States Environmental
Protection Agency released its final findings on green-
house gases, declaring that greenhouse gases (GHGs)
threaten the public health and welfare of the American peo-
ple.2 The finding applied to the same six key well-mixed
greenhouse gases named in the Kyoto Protocol: carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, HFCs, perfluorocarbons
and sulphur hexafluoride.
Research Methodology
1. The research methodology adopted is based on sec-
ondary data available with institutions, govern-
ments, national and international bodies, websites,
literature, Acts, protocols.
2. Collection of secondary data was done by finding
and studying reasons for carbon emissions, water
wastage and material wastage, and devising two
methods each for their control.
3. Finally, a framework was developed to benchmark
such controls.
Conceptual Framework
Carbon Emission
A greenhouse gas is a gas in an atmosphere that
absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared
range. This process is the fundamental cause of the green-
house effect. The primary greenhouse gases in the earths
atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide and ozone. Greenhouse gases greatly affect
the temperature of the earth; without them, the earths sur-
face would be on average about 33C (59F) colder than at
present.
Since the beginning of industrialisation, the burning
of fossil fuels has contributed to the increase in carbon
Sustainable Ecological Development 195

dioxide in the atmosphere from 280 to 390 ppm, despite Table 1. Percentage Contribution of CO2 Emission from Fossil
the uptake of a large portion of the emissions through vari- Fuels
ous natural sinks involved in the carbon cycle. Carbon Seven Main Fossil Fuel Contribution
dioxide emissions (popularly called carbon emissions) Combustion Sources (%)
come from combustion of carbonaceous fuels such as coal, (i) Liquid fuels (e.g., petrol, diesel, kerosene) 36
oil, natural gas and wood. CO2 is a product of ideal, stoi-
(ii) Solid fuels (e.g., coal) 35
chiometric combustion of carbon, although few combus-
tion processes are ideal, and burning coal for example, also (iii) Gaseous fuels (e.g., LNG, CNG) 20
produces carbon monoxide (CO). Since 2000, fossil fuel (iv) Cement and steel production 3
related carbon emissions have equalled or exceeded the (v) Flaring gas industrially and at wells < 1
IPCCs A2 scenario, except for small dips during two glo- (vi) Non-fuel hydrocarbons < 1
bal recessions in the twenty-first century. Since carbon
(vii) International bunker fuels of transport 4
emissions are part of greenhouse gases, the same needs not included in national inventories
more understanding.
Source: www.wikimediacommons.com (retrieved on 9 April 2012).
Greenhouse Gases
Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases are
determined by the balance between sources (emissions of The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks
the gas from human activities and natural systems) and the major greenhouse gas contributing end-user sectors in
sinks (the removal of the gas from the atmosphere by con- the following order: industrial, transportation, residential,
version to a different chemical compound). The proportion commercial and agricultural. Major sources of an individ-
of an emission (for example, CO2) remaining in the atmos- uals greenhouse gas include home heating and cooling,
phere after a specified time is the air-borne fraction (AF). electricity consumption, industry and transportation.
More precisely, the annual AF is the ratio of the atmos- Corresponding conservation measures are improving home
pheric CO2 increase in a given year to that years total building insulation, installing geothermal heat pumps and
emissions, and it calculates that of the average 9.1 PgC y1 CFLs, and choosing energy efficient transportation sys-
of total anthropogenic emissions from 2000 to 2006, tems. Details are provided in Figure 1.
the AF was 0.45. For CO2 the AF over the last 50 years
(19562006) has been increasing at the rate of 0.25 0.21
per cent per year.
Figure 1. Global Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions in
The main sources of greenhouse gases (including car- 2000
bon emissions) due to human activity are as follows:
Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector
Industrial
1. Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to processes
16.8%
higher carbon dioxide concentrations in the air. Land Power stations
21.3%
use change (mainly deforestation in the tropics)
Transportation fuels
account for up to one-third of the total anthropo- 14.0% Waste disposal
genic CO2 emissions. and treatment
2. Livestock-centric fermentation and manure manage- 3.4%
ment, paddy farming, land use and wetland changes, Agricultural
12.5% Land use and
byproducts 10.0%
CNG/LNG pipeline losses, and covered vented biomass burning
landfill emissions leading to higher atmospheric Fossil fuel retrieval, 10.3% Residential, commercial,
methane concentrations. 11.3% and other sources
processing, and distribution
3. Use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigeration 29.5% 40.0% 62.0%
20.6%
systems, and use of CFCs and halons in fire protec-
1.1%
tion systems and manufacturing processes. 8.4% 4.8% 1.5%
2.3%
4. Agricultural activities, including the use of fertilis- 19.2% 9.1% 29.6%
6.6% 5.9%
12.9% 18.1% 26.0%
ers, which lead to higher NOx concentrations. Carbon Dioxide Methane Nitrous Oxide
(72% of total) (18% of total) (9% of total)

The seven sources of CO2 (carbon emissions) from fos- Source: www.wikimediacommons.com (retrieved on 9 April 2012).
sil fuel combustion are presented in Table 1 (with percent- Note: G
 lobal anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are broken down
age contributions for 20002006). into eight different sectors for the year 2000.

Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203

196 H.N. Singh
Water Wastages
Water Wastage in the Home
People waste water in their houses, hotels and public places
without realising it. We are so accustomed to have 24
hours water supply to meet all of our needs from cooking,
cleaning, drinking, etc., that we forget that we do not have
an indefinite supply of water.
Blackwater
Blackwater is a term dating to the 1970s, used to describe
wastewater containing faecal matter and urine. It is
also known as brown water, foul water or sewerage. It is
distinct from grey water or silage, the residues of washing
processes. Wastewater from sewerage systems must be
treated to recover water. Also, effluent disposal of factory
wastewater must be treated to recover usable water.
Waste Generation
The waste generation usually relates to materials produced
by human activity, and waste management is generally
undertaken to reduce their effect on health and environ-
ment. Waste management is a distinct practice of resource
recovery, which focuses on delaying the rate of consump-
tion of natural resources. The management of wastes treats
all materials such as solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive
substances, and tries to reduce the harmful environmental
impacts of each through different methods.
Plastic Waste Management Issues
It is estimated that approximately 45 per cent post-
consumer plastic waste by weight of municipal solid waste
(MSW) is generated in India. The plastic waste generation
is more, that is, 6 to 9 per cent in the US, Europe and other
developed countries due to their consumption habits. As
per data available on MSW, approximately 4,000 to 5,000
tonnes per day of post-consumer plastic waste is generated;
however, pre-consumer waste or scrap is directly utilised
in the industry itself. The plastic waste constitutes two
major categories of plastics: (a) thermoplastics, and
(b) thermoset plastics. Thermoplastics constitute 80 per
cent and thermoset constitutes approximately 20 per cent
of the total post-consumer plastic waste. Thermoplastics
are recyclable plastics which include polyethylene tereph-
thalate (PET), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE),
polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), etc.; however, ther-
moset plastics contain alkyd, epoxy, ester, melamine
formaldehyde, phenolic formaldehyde, silicon, urea for-
maldehyde, polyurethane, metallised and multilayer plas-
tics, etc. The major problem in plastic waste management
is of collection, segregation and disposal. At present,
Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203
plastic waste disposal is done through unorganised sectors,
that is, ragpickers and kabariwalas. More importantly, the
collection, segregation and to an extent, disposal is carried
out through unscientific methods which create environ-
mental problems as well as being an eyesore.
Electronic Wastes
Electronic wastes (e-wastes) comprises of wastes gener-
ated from used electronic devices and household appli-
ances which are not fit for their original intended use and
are destined for recovery, recycling or disposal. Such
wastes encompass a wide range of electrical and electronic
devices such as computers, hand-held cellular phones, per-
sonal stereos, including large household appliances such as
refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. E-wastes contain over
1,000 different substances, many of which are toxic and
potentially hazardous to environment and human health,
if they are not handled in an environmentally sound
manner. Composition of e-waste is very diverse and differs
in products across different categories. Broadly, it consists
of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, glass, wood
and plywood, printed circuit boards, concrete and
ceramics, rubber and other items. Iron and steel constitutes
about 50 per cent of the e-waste, followed by plastics
(21 per cent), non-ferrous metals (13 per cent) and other
constituents. Non-ferrous metals consist of metals like
copper, aluminium and precious metals, for example,
silver, gold, platinum, palladium, etc. The presence of
elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium,
hexavalent chromium and flame retardants beyond thresh-
old quantities in e-waste classifies them as hazardous
waste.
The e-waste inventory that installed base in India for the
year 2005 has been estimated to be 146,180 tonnes. This is
expected to exceed 800,000 tonnes by 2012. There is a lack
of authentic and comprehensive data on e-waste availabil-
ity for domestic generation of e-waste and the various State
Pollution Control Boards have initiated the exercise to col-
lect data on e-waste generation.
Under Rule 3, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
of the Government of India, e-waste is defined as Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment including all compo-
nents, sub assemblies and their fractions except batteries
falling under Schedule 1, Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of
these rules.
Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the
fastest growing waste streams in the world. The increasing
market penetration in developing countries, replacement
market in developed countries and high obsolescence rate
make e-waste as one of the fastest growing waste streams.
Environmental issues and trade associated with e-waste at
local, trans-boundary and international levels have driven
many countries to introduce interventions.
Sustainable Ecological Development 197
Identification of Requirements
To control carbon emission, water wastage, waste genera-
tion, the requirements are identified as presented in the fol-
lowing paragraphs.
Carbon Emissions
Impact of Gas on Climate Sensitivity
Each gas contribution to the greenhouse effect is affected
by the characteristics of the gas, its abundance and any
indirect effects it may cause. For example, on a molecule-
for-molecule basis the direct radioactive effect of methane
is about 72 times stronger than carbon dioxide over a
20-year time frame, but it is present in much smaller con-
centrations so that its total direct radioactive effect is
smaller. On the other hand, in addition to its direct radioac-
tive impact, methane has a large indirect radioactive effect
because it contributes to ozone formation. Shindell et al.
(2005) argue that the contribution to climate change from
methane is at least double the previous estimates as a result
of this effect. When these gases are ranked by their direct
contribution to the greenhouse effect, the most important
are those set out in Table 2.
Global Warming Potential
The global warming potential (GWP) depends on both the
efficiency of the molecule as a greenhouse gas and its
atmospheric lifetime. GWP is measured relative to the
same mass of CO2 and evaluated for a specific timescale.
Thus, if a gas has a highly radioactive but also a short life-
time, it will have a large GWP on a 20-year scale but a
small one on a 100-year scale. Conversely, if a molecule
has a longer atmospheric lifetime than CO2, its GWP will
increase with the timescale considered.
CO2 has a variable atmospheric lifetime, and cannot
be specified precisely. While more than half of the CO2
emitted is currently removed from the atmosphere within a
century, some fraction (about 20 per cent) of emitted CO2
remains in the atmosphere for many thousands of years.
Carbon dioxide is defined to have a GWP of 1 over all time
periods.
Table 2. Greenhouse Gases Contribution to Greenhouse
Effect
Gas Contribution (%)
1. Water vapour H2O 3672
2. Carbon dioxide CO2 926
3. Methane CH4 49
4. Ozone O3 37
Source: www.wikipedia.com (retreived on 9 April 2012); Kiehl and
Trenberth (1997).
Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203
Water WastageImpact on Environment
Efficient water utilisation has become an imperative as
environmental reserves are depleting. The government is
imposing additional cess for using ground water. Private as
well as public sectors are making an all-out effort to recy-
cle water from all water wastage processes. The CPCB has
released control measures; guidelines, which if not adhered
to, fines are imposed.
Wastage GenerationsImpact on
Environment
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy
(NEP) and to address sustainable development concerns,
there is a need to facilitate the recovery and/or reuse of use-
ful materials from waste generated from a process and/or
from the use of any material, thereby reducing the wastes
destined for final disposal and to ensure the environmen-
tally sound management of all materials.
The growth of e-waste has significant economic and
social impacts. The increase of electrical and electronic
products, consumption rates and higher obsolescence rate
leads to higher generation of e-waste. The increasing obso-
lescence rate of electronic products also adds to the huge
import of used electronics products.
Outline of Process of
Control Methods
The following paragraphs outline the methods to control
carbon emission, water wastage, solid wastes.
Control of Carbon Emission
CO and CO2 emissions are controlled by adopting the
following:
1. Clean technology for using petrol or diesel in
transport.
2. Using renewable energy with almost zero emissions
for power generation.
3. Reusing energy (co-generation).
4. Increase in efficiency of energy-producing devices.
Control of Wastage of Water
Water wastage is controlled by the following:
1. Sparingly using water.
2. Treatment of used water.
3. Recycling of water.
198 H.N. Singh
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India has
carried out a series of studies on the performance of
sewage treatment plants (STPs) in different parts of the
country to evaluate their performance. The findings
revealed that a majority of the treatment plants are based
on primary settling followed by activated sludge process
(PS+ASP) technology (with anaerobic digesters for
sludge), oxidation pond or waste stabilisation pond (OP or
WSP) technology and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket
(UASB) followed by polishing pond (UASB+PP) technol-
ogy. Findings have also revealed that most of the STPs are
not being utilised to the full capacity due to various
reasons.
It has been found that low capital and low operational
cost sewage treatment methods such as OP or WSP tech-
nology and low operational cost sewage treatment method
such as UASB+PP technology are quite effective in bio-
chemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal as well as
removal of faecal coli (FC) forms. Overall efficiency of
STPs based on these low-cost technologies in terms of
BOD and FC removal can be further improved if effluent
suspended solids (SS) are controlled by improvement in
final outlet structures. These technologies are best suited
for towns and small cities.
In such situations where sewage of a large city is dis-
charged into a receiving water body having insufficient
dilution and/or requires to be maintained at high bacterio-
logical quality, the conventional sewage treatment schemes
based on (PS+ASP) technology need augmentation with
tertiary treatment units for further removal of BOD and
FC. Low-cost tertiary treatment method such as a series of
polishing ponds is the best option for tertiary treatment.
However, if land availability is a constraint then other terti-
ary treatment options such as coagulant aided flocculation
+ tertiary sedimentation (TS), TS + filtration, TS + chlo-
rination may be adopted.
More bacteria
Organic material +
Bacteria + Oxygen
CO2 + H2O + Stabilised residual
 (1)
Control of Solid Waste
Solid waste is controlled by the following:
1. Recycling of used materials.
2. Repair and reuse of existing materials.
3. Reducing material content in all usage by redesign-
ing new eco-friendly materials.
4. Material usage reduction by innovative techno-
logy.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203
The CPCB has formulated broad guidelines as reference
for the management, handling and disposal of e-wastes, and
as minimum practice required to be followed in the man-
agement of e-wastes. However, the specific methods of
treatment and disposal for specific wastes need to be worked
out according to the hazard/risk potential of the waste under
question. The state departments of environment or State
Pollution Control Board may prescribe more stringent
norms as deemed necessary. These guidelines apply to all
those who handle e-wastes, which includes generators, col-
lectors, transporters, dismantlers, recyclers and stakehold-
ers of e-wastes irrespective of their scale of operation.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an environment
protection strategy that makes the producer responsible for
the entire life cycle of the product, especially for take back,
recycle and final disposal of the product. Thus, the produc-
ers responsibility is extended to the post-consumer stage
of the products life cycle. This needs to be included in the
legislative framework.
EPR is mandatory in production of electronic and elec-
trical equipments, where it allows producers of all elec-
tronic and electrical equipments to levy an appropriate
standardised fee on the product at the point of sale, to facil-
itate the operation of the buyback system. The rate list
should be made available to the customer. The producers
shall take the responsibility for collection of the end-of-use
equipment through facilitating the establishment of a com-
mon collection point and suitable storage infrastructure.
Publicprivate partnership (PPP) models may also be con-
sidered for the same. The producers of all electronic and
electrical equipments may provide the following informa-
tion along with the products:
1. Enlisting of hazardous constituents present in the
equipment.
2. A detailed booklet on the handling of the equipment
in case of accidental breakage or damage.
3. A booklet containing instructions on dos and donts.
4. Details on the disposal of the end of use of the
product.
5. List of collection centres or organisations for the
deposition of the equipment after use giving contact
details such as address, telephone numbers, 24-hour
helpline and e-mail.
6. Facilitate pick-up services.
There is an increasing trend in the reduction in use of
hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other toxic and
Sustainable Ecological Development 199
hazardous substances for which safe substitutes have been
found. Many countries have adopted the Restriction of
Hazardous Substances Directive (ROHS) regulations in
the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipments.
Analysis of Present Research
Control and Reduction of Carbon Emissions
Each one of us has a carbon footprint that we leave on the
planet as we go about our daily lives and it is time to start
thinking about how we can start minimising the one we
leave behind. A few good habits and a few simple steps that
all of us can take at home can go a long way in reducing
carbon emissions and ultimately, slow down (if not halt)
rapid climate change.
While using electrical appliances and gadgets, use
only when needed, and make sure to switch off when
not in use. Do not leave appliances on the standby
mode. Even that consumes power. Unplug chargers
when not in use. While buying new appliances, go
for smart technologies. Surprisingly, they work out
to be better than normal appliances in most cases.
For example, CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs con-
sume 80 per cent less energy than regular bulbs and
last much longer. Use solar energy wherever possi-
ble. Set your air conditioning thermostat to a com-
fortable temperature. Avoid the use of an electronic
dryer for clothes, especially if you are from a warm
country like India! Check and purchase a product
with a good energy consumption rating. The govern-
ment of India (GoI) has introduced star rating sys-
tems for major electrical appliances.
Transport is good for us, the local community and
the planet. So make it a point to walk whenever pos-
sible and avoid using vehicles. Just think about the
amount of fuel and carbon emissions we end up sav-
ing. For slightly longer distances, consider cycling.
Use public transport. It is cheaper and cleaner than
private transport. And in the case of most metropoli-
tan cities, it is increasingly faster as well. Carpool is
one of the best ways to manage travel efficiently.
Switch off the engine of car when not required. Idling
is a big contributor to carbon emissions. Make sure
that cars tyres are adequately inflated. This contrib-
utes to optimum efficiency. Pollution control checks
must be done on a regular basis for private vehicles.
Take responsibility for keeping own vehicle emis-
sions down to an acceptable level. Compliance with
global and local environmental standards while buy-
ing a new vehicle can make a lot of difference.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203
Offsetting of footprint is important. Honestly, if we
live an urban life today, then contribution to global
warming is inevitable. Following the above meas-
ures can help reduce the emissions, but at the end of
the day, the urban areas will still end up contributing
a lot to global warming. The best one can do to make
significant cuts to ones carbon footprint is offset. A
number of organisations working towards carbon
reduction and management offer ways to contribute
and offset with carbon credits earned through some
other means. In our case, the work we do with rural
villages vulnerable to climate change and cutting
emissions through technologies like the Chulika bio-
mass cook stove can earn carbon credits, make major
carbon emission cuts, offset a part of own footprint
and better the lives of these villages. Taking some of
these little steps, we find that not only do we leave a
lighter footprint on the planet and its strained
resources but we also feel better knowing we have
actually done something about a problem most will
only complain about but eventually ignore.
Alternate Energy Sources: (a) Biogas Technology,
which converts biological waste into energy, is an
excellent alternative for cooking fuel especially in
areas where wood and coal are scarce and expensive.
Cow manure and small-scale biogas digesters pro-
vide a sustainable source of power all-year round
improving lives, livelihoods and health in the devel-
oping world. Biogas digesters consist of one or more
airtight reservoirs into which cow dung and organic
waste are placed. Small-scale digesters for house-
hold use are commonly made of concrete, bricks,
metal, fibreglass or plastic. They are easy to make,
operate and maintain and the by-product is a useful
fertiliser, which generates income for farmers.
A decade of experience with modern biomass
technologies for thermal, motive power and electric-
ity generation applications exists in India. Gasifier
technology has penetrated the applications such as
village electrification, captive power generation and
process heat generation in industries producing bio-
mass waste. Over 1,600 gasifier systems, having a
total capacity of 16 MW, have generated 42 million
Kilo Watt hours (kWh) of electricity, replacing 8.8
million litres of oil annually (CMIE, 1996). An
important aspect of small gasifier technology in
India is the development of local manufacturing
base. The large-sized gasifier-based power technolo-
gies are at R&D and pilot demonstration stage. The
thrust of the biomass power programme is now on
grid-connected megawatt scale power generation,
with multiple biomass materials such as rice straw,
200 H.N. Singh
rice husk, bagasse, wood waste, wood, wild bushes
and paper mill waste. Nearly 55 MW of grid-
connected biomass power capacity is commissioned
and another 90 MW capacity is under construction.
Enhanced scale has improved economics as well
as the technology of biomass power generation.
Technology improvement is also derived from joint
ventures by Indian firms with leading international
manufacturers of turbines and electronic governors.
(b) Small Scale Wind Energy: Rural communities
often do not have access to the national grid. Wind
powered micro-grids are suited to low-density rural
areas and can be effective in meeting local social and
economic needs. Low-cost wind turbines with the
capacity to produce between 50W and 1,000W are
simple products that can be manufactured locally,
assembled and maintained with local expertise and
resources. As demand for energy grows and power
rationing becomes a daily issue for millions due to
scarcity of supply, the private sector is well posi-
tioned to develop local energy systems.
(c) Solar Technologies: Technologies such as
photo voltaic (SPV) home systems, portable lamps
and solar mobile phone charging systems use solar
power to provide affordable electrical energy to
isolated communities. Solar batteries can charge
through the day using the suns rays and provide
hours of light after dark. In most rural places in the
developing world, there is no electrical supply at
night to light up homes, streets, schools and hospital.
Children cannot see to learn and adults cannot
be productive. Solar power can also be used to run
other pieces of equipment such as computers and
refrigerators.
Water Waste Controls
Technological Options for Treatment of
Municipal Wastewater
There is a large variety of treatment techniques designed to
remove pollutants from wastewater, that is, separate wastes
from water. In one sense, all wastewater treatment proc-
esses can be considered separation processes. There are
physical, chemical and biological separation processes.
Sedimentation and screening are examples of physical
processes. Coagulation, ion exchange and pH adjustment
are typical chemical processes, while various forms of
biological digestion belong to the category of biological
processes. In the biological processes living organisms,
and in the physical and chemical processes, physical and
chemical properties, utilised for waste separation metabo-
lises organic wastes.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203
Treatment of sewage is accomplished by adopting vari-
ous treatment schemes, each incorporating one or several
different treatment units such as screens, grit chambers,
plain sedimentation, chemical precipitation, trickling filter,
activated sludge, anaerobic digestion, upflow anaerobic
sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, waste stabilisation pond
and maturation pond.
Water Wastage Consumption Controls
India faces a turbulent water future. Home to over 17 per
cent of the global population and having access to less than
4 per cent of its fresh water resources, Indias water scarcity
is likely to worsen over the years. A few simple tips on how
to reduce water wastage are as follows: (a) Check leakage
of taps, pipes, dishwashers, geysers, storage tanks which
can cause over few thousand litres of water per month to be
wasted. The repairing will save a lot of money and environ-
ment will also be saved. (b) In the factories, achieving the
lowest specific water consumption (water used per unit of
production) through conservation, audit and benchmarking.
This is possible through rigorous implementation of ISO
14001 systems. Zero water dischargeIf the above two
methods of treating and recycling all wastewater and pollu-
tion water by ETP plants and stopping wastage of water are
achieved, we not only reduce fresh water intake but also
prevent pollution of fresh water resources.
Solid Waste Controls
Waste management in India is an area of serious concern,
with significant proportions of waste being disposed through
land filling and dumping. Most landfills and dumping sites
are serious health hazards to people living in the neighbour-
hood and can also cause soil and water contamination.
Reuse and Energy from Waste
Recycling must be practised wherever possible. Old clothes
and similar articles can be reused or handed over to some-
body else instead of disposing them. Increasingly, organic
methods of waste disposal like vermicompost are fast gain-
ing popularity in cities. Organic, human and animal waste
are being used for energy generation.
Recycle Process
All family members, especially children, must be made to
realise how important the issue of climate change has
become today. Therefore, there is a need to reorganise
whole recycling process and in this context, the CPCB has
enlightened this issue to a extent by developing a new recy-
cling technique as well as developed innovative technolo-
gies for disposal of plastics waste such as utilisation of
plastic waste in road construction and re-engineering the
recycling process. Environmentally sound e-waste treat-
ment technology was identified at three levels. The first
Sustainable Ecological Development 201
level included decontamination, dismantling and segrega-
tion. The second level included shredding and four special
treatment processes like electromagnetic separation, Eddy
current separation, cathode ray tubes (CRT) breaking and
treatment and density separation using water. The third
level of treatment included recovery of metals and disposal
of hazardous e-waste fractions including plastics with
flame retardants, CFCs, capacitors, mercury, lead and other
items. All the three levels of e-waste treatment are based on
material flow. The material flows from the first level to the
third level of treatment. Each level of treatment consists of
unit operations, where e-waste is treated and the output of
the first level of treatment serves as the input to the second
level of treatment. After the third level treatment, the resi-
dues are disposed of either in treatment, storage and dis-
posal facility (TSDF) for hazardous waste management or
incinerated. The efficiency of operations at the first and
second levels determines the quantity of residues going to
TSDF or incineration.
The establishment of e-waste recycling and treat-
ment facility are to be in line with the existing guidelines/
best practices/requirements in India for establishing and
operating recycling and treatment and disposal facilities
for hazardous wastes. Such facilities are to be set up in the
organised sector. However, the activities presently operating
in the informal sector need to be upgraded to provide a sup-
port system for the integrated facility. This would enable to
bring the non-formal sector in the main stream of the activity
and facilitate to ensure environmental compliances.
The procedures for setting up and management of
e-waste facility shall include licences from all appropriate
governing authorities such as environmental clearance,
recycler registration from the Central Pollution Control
Board under hazardous waste (HW) rules, obtaining of
consents under the Water Act, Air Act and authorisation
from the State Pollution Control Board.
Findings and Conclusions
From the literature review we developed the conceptual
framework, and from there we reach our findings. To explain
our findings, making a framework, we take two examples
each for control and reducing the impact of the following:
1. Carbon emissions
2. Water wastage
3. Waste generation
Carbon Emissions
To decrease the impact of carbon emissions and thus con-
trol the carbon footprint, the framework is as follows:
Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203
1. Reduction in use, and thereby conservation of
energy in routine life, be it in office or on the
move.
2. Installation of new and renewable energy sources
(for example, wind, solar, biomass, biogas) in place
of conventional energy, thus earning carbon credits.
At present the renewable energy cost may be higher
which can be offset with carbon credits.
3. Methanol production, algae cultivation, bioethanol
and biobutanol are future carbon reducing energy
sources to further lessen the burden on earth by
lesser CO2 emissions using latest green technology.
Water Wastage Controls
Two methods that form part of the framework developed in
this article are as follows:
1. Sewerage water recovery: Recommendations of
CPCB has been explained in detail and must be fol-
lowed by all municipal corporations and societies.
2. Water wastage controls: Small tips, explained in the
earlier section, will do wonders if implemented.
Wastage Generation
The framework that we formulate here includes recom-
mendations of the CPCB, which must be implemented by
all states including voluntary organisations, for the dis-
posal and recycling of all types of waste. Two types of
wastages discussed are as follows:
1. Reuse of solid waste, energy generation from
human, animal and bio wastes.
2. Recycling of all metals and non-metals, and plastics
with virgin to reproduce materials.
We can conclude on the basis of the above two
examples each in case of controls of carbon emissions,
water wastage and waste generation that the standard prac-
tices of their assessment and controls, as narrated in
the conceptual framework, are being followed by practi-
tioners, corporate entities and society, towards sustain-
able growth.
Recommendations
In addition to the framework established, followed by
practices for carbon emission control, water wastage
control and waste control, the recommendations are as
follows:
202 H.N. Singh
Carbon Emission Management
With adoption of wind energy, biomass energy, solar
photo voltaic energy, etc., for clean technology, the frame-
work for alternate, renewable energy adoption is estab-
lished. With this route, carbon emissions will definitely
come down making organisations eligible for carbon
credits under the clean development mechanism (CDM)
of the Kyoto Protocol, resulting in substantial cost
savings. However, rich and industrialised nations like the
US and those in western Europe have already used up
many times their share of natural resources, leaving little
for the newly industrialising economies. The fact that the
US today is the only country, other than Afghanistan, and a
couple of very poor African countries, among the signato-
ries to the Protocol, that has failed to ratify it, tells its own
story.
Water Wastage Management
It is mandatory to exercise control in usage of water intelli-
gently so that wastage is minimum. It is like good culture at
home and at work, too. CPCB of India is actively involved
and has shown the way ahead by its extensive work on STPs,
as detailed earlier in the section on outline of processes.
Adopting and ensuring these measures by social organisa-
tions, non-government organisations (NGOs), associations
of industries, apart from regulatory authorities, is necessary
to secure the future of coming generations.
Waste Management
None of the existing environmental laws has any direct ref-
erence to electronic waste or refer to its handling as hazard-
ous in nature. However, several provisions of these laws
may apply to various aspects of electronic wastes. Since
e-waste or its constituents fall under the category of haz-
ardous and non-hazardous waste, they can be covered
under the purview of The Hazardous Waste Management
Rules, 2003, formulated by the CPCB in India.
Regarding the concept of EPR, as we see earlier in the
section on outline of processes, we can see that though
awareness has been created, future challenge lies in trans-
lating these concerns of all humankind, and every other life
form, into enforceable legislation.
It will be pertinent here to mention that a few companies
such as ITC and Tata have done exemplary work in
reducing these emissions and wastages. These companies
are proud to be carbon positive, water positive and solid
waste-recycle positive. They have achieved over 30 per
cent of their dependence on renewable energy. Corporate
entities like ITC, Tata and Infosys have internalised good
environmental practices and no instances of statutory
Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation, 8, 2 (2012): 193203
infringements have been recorded across all businesses.
Progress has also been recorded on key aspects such as
reduction in net carbon intensity (increase in turnover and
profits and further increase in sequestration over emis-
sions), increase in rainwater harvesting potential created
and improved waste recycling. To be acceptable trading
partners in economic growth globally, there are few mini-
mum norms to be followed, which have been summed up
for further strengthening the existing framework of sus-
tainability and corporate social responsibility. We may
quotein this regard ITCsfocuses on the following aspects
in its drive to continuously improve environmental per-
formance. Moving beyond statutory compliancewith
respect to emissions, effluents and waste. A low carbon
growth pathreduce specific energy consumption,
increase contribution from renewable energy sources and
increase carbon sequestration (Sustainability Report,
Annexure of chairmans speech, 2011, p. 1).
The Government of Indias Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy is leading the initiative by achieving
over 19,000 MW (11 per cent) of non-renewable energy
(NRE) power out of 180,000 MW of total power in India in
less than two decades.
Limitations of Study
1. Data for environment control for sustainability that
is available in the public domain has been used for
research work. However, not many corporate enti-
ties, even when listed on stock exchanges, are seri-
ous in implementation of sustainable development,
hence sustainability data related to environment are
scarce in public domain.
2. The subject is vast, yet to keep our study focussed
only three thrust areas have been explored.
Scope for Further Study
Guidelines from CPCB and CII have been used for the
purpose of the study. Other institutions like the Tata Energy
Research Institute (TERI), TERI University, Millennium
Development Goals (MDG) of United Nations may also be
included for the purpose of guidelines and references, so
that the scope of a comprehensive study, on the control and
reduction of use of materials, water and other natural
resources, is enhanced.
Notes
1. Mahatma Gandhi and environment protection by Anupama
Kaushik (p. 1), interpreted from Swaraj by Mahatma
Gandhi. (Retrieved from www.gandhifoundation.org)
Sustainable Ecological Development 203
2. EPA: Greenhouse gases threaten public health and the envi-
ronment/science overwhelmingly shows greenhouse gas
concentrations at unprecedented levels due to human activity
(release date: 12 July 2009, p. 1). (Retrieved 9 April 2012,
from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html)
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