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Who we are
Concept
of sustainable development
Nodal
activities
Who we are
As part of the ongoing ENVIS project, the
SDNP (Sustainable Development Networking Programme) Node on
Renewable Energy and Environment has been re-established at
TERI during
2005-06 so as to develop a repository of sustainale energy
information along with SDNP-India, which operates under the
Ministry
of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India,
for achieving sustainable development in India. The SDNP project
is funded by the
ICEF, Canada.
Concept of sustainable development
Sustainable development means seeking economic
growth and social development while having concern for the
environment. In other words sustainable development means
carefully controlling our use of energy, new raw materials,
cutting down on pollution and waste and encouraging recycling
of used materials protecting fragile eco-systems; and sharing
more fairly between different social groups and between present
and future generations.
Sustainable development provides the guidelines
on economic growth, social development and environmental protection.
Technological cooperation and the growth of indigenous capacities
at the grassroot level and in the hierarchy of super-structures
are integral to that design and its implementation, particularly
in the context of the problems of poverty, disease, and ignorance.
Sustainable development is one of the most important needs
of our time. The principle of environmental integration in
policy formulation is a fundamental consideration in any sustainable
energy action programme. Sustainability is the central concept,
which must emphasize economic, social and environmental development.
Sustainable energy use means meeting the energy requirements
of the people, at the same time conserving resources for the
benefit of future generations. Development of sustainable
energy focuses on environment-friendly energy sources and
technologies that can be sustained for a long period keeping
the issues concerning society, the environment and the economy
in mind.
The search for alternative approaches to
energy needs to be expanded in developing countries, such
as India, to include efficient use of energy as well as development
of renewable energy. Implementing a sustainable development
based on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources implies
identifying sustainable patterns for lifestyle, consumption
and production. On the basis of this, one can set up new targets
and supporting strategies in a cooperation between people,
policymakers and energy planners.
Increased energy input from renewable sources
is required for the sustainable and qualitative growth of
developing economies and habitat. It has also been realized
that renewable energy sources maintain the balance in the
ecosystem so adequate protection should be taken while exploiting
this options. It is therefore, necessary to develop cost-effective
renewable energy technologies.
Sustainability objectives should be set
for the strategic sectors of the economy for encouraging long-term
growth and competitiveness within a quality environment. Sustainable
energy development programmes should
- ensure security of energy supply for supporting economic
and social development while protecting the environment
- enhance generation efficiency and use of renewables
- encourage and promote energy conservation
- control and minimize GHG emissions
- maintain the quality of air
- increase employment and export opportunities in energy
industry, thus leading to economic development and
- ensure that enough energy services are available
for the future.
Efficient use of energy means using improved
equipment or better controls, thus saving a lot of money today
for a sustainable future tomorrow. Using renewable energy
sources such as solar power, wind energy, photovoltaic cells
also helps reduce GHG emissions. It may be emphasized here
that investment on R&D today is necessary for a clean
environment and sustainable energy scenario tomorrow.
Nodal activities
The objective of this Node is to develop
a repository of renewable energy information in India. The
node is also to establish linkages with other such nodes and
also with SDNP-India. The Node at TERI is also to provide
information help to its nodal Centre, SDNP-India at MoEF.
Following are the major activities the
SDNP Node at TERI is presently handling
- Developing and maintaining a SDNP nodal
web site on Energy and Environment
- Establish linkages with SDNP-India and other SDNP nodal
centres
- Collecting information on emerging issues, convetion and
treaties, news on sustainable energy technologies, related
policies, case studies and publications, etc.
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