The 'Viksit Bharat' Conference hosted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) aligned perfectly with the goals of World Environment Day 2024. The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and environmental advocates to discuss and champion sustainable practices in the automobile industry with deliberations across all possible problems and solutions for the automotive industry to become greener.
Reducing Greenhouse Gases
One of the key themes at the conference was the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution, it is essential that manufacturers, sellers, and users all participate in reducing emissions. All speakers mentioned that this is a collective journey, where the responsibilities and sacrifices must be shared across all stakeholders, including manufacturers, drivers, and policymakers.
The government's commitment to making India a leader in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing is sound where the potential for India to become a global hub for manufacturing and exporting EVs would significantly reduce the country's carbon footprint. The shift to electric mobility is seen as a crucial step in achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, a goal firmly supported by SIAM.
Promoting Biofuels & Ethanol-Blended Fuels
Biofuels and ethanol-blended fuels were extensively discussed as viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Ethanol-blended fuel (E20) is now widely available across India, with many vehicles already compliant with this fuel type. The speakers stressed the importance of encouraging vehicle owners to switch to E20 and consider other alternatives like CNG and CET. Additionally, the quiet yet impactful use of biodiesel, which constitutes about 0.5% of diesel sales, was recognised as a positive step towards sustainability.
The Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil, highlighted the importance of firm collaborations in promoting biofuels. He noted the successful partnership between India and Brazil in ethanol production, showcasing ethanol's potential as a sustainable energy solution.
Recycling Initiatives
Recycling is a cornerstone sustainability efforts with much significance of proper recycling practices, particularly for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and lithium-ion batteries. Effective recycling not only reduces dependency on raw materials but also supports the circular economy. Thematic sessions at the conference discussed the potential of recycling ELVs to reduce metal scrap imports significantly by 2025.
Experts from various sectors shared insights on advanced recycling methods, including tyre recycling and plastic waste management. These discussions underscored the importance of developing a robust recycling ecosystem to support sustainable practices within the automotive industry.
Enhancing Supply Chains For Sustainability
The transformation towards sustainable mobility also involves reimagining supply chains to accommodate new fuel types and energy sources. The conference discussed the need to adapt retail fuel outlets to support diverse fuel options, including green hydrogen and biofuels. This adaptation is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition to cleaner fuels and reducing logistical costs.
Much stress to be given to the importance of creating dedicated roles, such as sustainable officers, within organisations to drive sustainability initiatives. The goal is to integrate sustainability into all aspects of the supply chain, from production to end-user, ensuring that the entire process contributes to reducing the carbon footprint.
Through discussions on reducing greenhouse gases, promoting biofuels, enhancing recycling practices, and adapting supply chains, the conference highlighted the collective efforts needed to achieve these goals. SIAM's initiatives, such as the launch of 'SIAM Speaks' on YouTube, aim to educate and engage the public, reinforcing the importance of sustainable mobility and environmental preservation.
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