Panaji: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Goa have the potential to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, cutting 8,000–10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually through targeted efficiency measures, according to a comprehensive audit conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar’s Centre of Research for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization (CREED).
The initiative, carried out in partnership with Goa’s Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, assessed energy and water consumption patterns in approximately 300 local industrial units, uncovering inefficiencies that have long gone unnoticed. The audit reports, designed to be investment-grade, provide detailed guidance on corrective measures, process optimisations, and technology upgrades.
Objectives and Methodology
The audit is part of the Resource Efficiency and Decarbonization Measures Program (RAMP), under which IIT Ropar seeks to combine advanced research with practical, on-ground interventions. According to Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, the initiative is aimed at helping MSMEs become more cost-efficient, resource-conscious, and future-ready.
CREED coordinator Manigandan S explained that the audit methodology is practical, transformative, and designed for immediate application. “We focus on solutions that industries can implement immediately while preparing them for long-term sustainability. The response from Goa’s MSMEs has been extremely encouraging,” he said.
The audits map energy and water consumption, fuel usage, and operational inefficiencies, allowing industrial units to identify areas for high-impact, low-investment improvements. Many units are able to implement changes within days of the assessment, resulting in measurable environmental and economic benefits.
Impact on Carbon Emissions
If the recommended interventions are fully implemented, the projected CO2 reductions are substantial:
- The savings are equivalent to offsetting emissions from 1,600 to 2,000 passenger cars annually, based on the US Environmental Protection Agency benchmark of 5 tonnes of CO2 per vehicle per year.
- Alternatively, the reductions could correspond to the CO2 absorption capacity of 360,000 to 450,000 mature trees, using the standard estimate of 22 kg of CO2 absorbed per tree per year.
These figures highlight the potential of industrial energy efficiency programs not only to lower operational costs but also to contribute meaningfully to broader climate change mitigation efforts.
Addressing Long-Standing Industrial Challenges
The audits revealed long-standing operational inefficiencies, including:
- Excessive fuel and electricity consumption
- Inefficient water management
- Use of outdated or poorly maintained machinery
By addressing these issues, MSMEs can achieve improved resource utilization, lower energy bills, and reduced environmental impact.
Officials involved in the project noted that many units could implement immediate corrective actions without requiring large capital investments. For instance, optimizing boiler operations, retrofitting lighting systems, repairing water leaks, and enhancing production scheduling were among the low-cost measures that could generate significant CO2 savings.
Broader Implications and National Context
The CREED audit in Goa follows similar projects in other Indian states, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana. In Punjab, the Centre’s initiatives have already proposed more than 49,000 tonnes of CO2 reductions annually, demonstrating the effectiveness of this model in achieving scalable, measurable climate benefits.
The program aligns with India’s broader goals of industrial decarbonization, energy efficiency, and climate resilience, supporting the government’s Net Zero by 2070 target and efforts to reduce the environmental impact of industrial activity.
Experts emphasize that MSMEs, which constitute a significant portion of India’s industrial base, have untapped potential for sustainability improvements. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and process optimizations, these units not only reduce emissions but also enhance competitiveness and profitability in a resource-constrained economy.
Industry Response
Goa’s MSMEs have responded positively to the CREED audits, with many recognizing the dual economic and environmental benefits of the proposed measures. Several industrial units have already begun implementing simple energy-saving techniques, such as upgrading to LED lighting, improving insulation, and enhancing water recycling processes.
According to Manigandan S, the Centre’s approach ensures that the recommendations are practical, cost-effective, and sustainable, enabling enterprises to balance immediate operational needs with long-term environmental objectives.
Looking Ahead
The CREED-Goa partnership sets a benchmark for industrial decarbonization in India, demonstrating how targeted audits, scientific research, and actionable interventions can transform the performance of MSMEs.
IIT Ropar plans to continue monitoring and supporting these industries, providing guidance on implementation, performance tracking, and scaling successful interventions to other sectors. This model could potentially be replicated across India, amplifying the impact of energy efficiency programs and contributing significantly to national CO2 reduction targets.
Conclusion
The IIT Ropar audit underscores the critical role of MSMEs in achieving industrial sustainability in India. By implementing the recommendations from the CREED audits, Goa’s small and medium enterprises can achieve annual CO2 reductions of 8,000–10,000 tonnes, the equivalent of removing thousands of cars from the roads or planting hundreds of thousands of trees.
Beyond environmental benefits, the program offers cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and long-term resilience for businesses. As India continues its journey toward industrial decarbonization, initiatives like the CREED-Goa audit highlight the power of combining research, policy, and on-ground action to achieve measurable results.
With continued engagement, monitoring, and collaboration between research institutions and industry, Goa’s MSMEs can emerge as leaders in sustainable industrial practices, serving as a model for the rest of the country.
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