Kochi, Kerala, Jan 30: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) successfully hosted a one-day seminar titled “Driving Kerala’s Sustainable Future: The Role of Industries in Decarbonization and Environmental Stewardship” at Holiday Inn, Kochi. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, sustainability practitioners, and financial institutions to deliberate on climate action, industrial decarbonization, ESG integration, green finance, and innovation-driven sustainable development, with a focus on Kerala’s low-carbon growth and climate resilience.
Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Secretary General, PHDCCI, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting India’s growing influence in global economic and sustainability landscapes. He cited India’s Free Trade Agreements with Oman, the UK, UAE, and the European Union as opportunities for sustainable growth and underscored Kerala’s leadership in green initiatives, referencing Cochin International Airport as a benchmark for renewable energy integration.
Dr. P. B. Boss, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Kerala Chapter, emphasized Kerala’s potential as a green industrial state and the Chamber’s role as a bridge between policy formulation and long-term industrial vision. Mr. John Simon, Managing Director, JSF Holding, highlighted Kerala’s ecological strengths and core principles of sustainability. Dr. N. M. Sharafudeen, Chairman, Indo Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce, addressed the urgency of climate action, noting the state’s aspiration to emerge as solar-powered and climate-conscious.
The Guest of Honour, Shri S. Suhas, IAS, Chairman, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), joined virtually and highlighted CIAL’s journey as a global sustainability model through renewable energy, AI, and digital technologies. Shri Sanjay Kumar, Director (Systems), Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), addressed sustainable urban infrastructure, focusing on green buildings and low-carbon public transport initiatives.
The seminar featured three technical sessions:
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Technical Session I, moderated by Dr. Ravi Verma, NIT Calicut, focused on climate vulnerability, ESG frameworks, community-driven adaptation, decentralized renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and transition of ESG to regulated performance metrics.
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Technical Session II, moderated by Dr. Tarun Gupta, IIT Kanpur, covered climate science, emission reduction pathways, carbon credit implementation, and financial enablers for renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects.
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Technical Session III, moderated by Dr. Athira P. S., NUALS Kochi, highlighted the role of academia, policy, and innovation in advancing sustainability, green patents, ESG reporting, green hydrogen, and strengthened industry–academia collaboration.
The seminar concluded with a networking lunch and a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Mithilesh Kumar, Senior Secretary and Head, Kerala Chapter, PHDCCI. The event was coordinated by Mr. Mohit Kumar, Senior Assistant Secretary, ensuring seamless execution and effective stakeholder engagement.
The seminar underscored collaborative pathways for accelerating Kerala’s transition towards a sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon economy, reinforcing PHDCCI’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.