Interview

CHAIRMAN & MD | EKI ENERGY SERVICES LTD

MR. MANISH DABKARA

Q. EKI Energy is a global leader in Carbon Credit Development and Supply. Could you walk us through the remarkable journey of your brand and how you have achieved this leadership position?

EKI’s journey to becoming a global leader in Carbon Credit Development and Supply is a story of dedication, innovation, and vision. Founded in 2008, EKI started with a deep focus on climate change and carbon offset solutions, and over the years, expanded its operations to 17 countries, serving 3,500+ clients across 40+ nations. The company’s expertise spans sustainability services, net-zero strategies, and carbon asset management, with global standards such as CDM, VCS, and Gold Standard guiding its projects.

In 2022, EKI committed to achieving net-zero by 2030 and aims to mobilize 1 billion credits by 2027. EKI’s clean cooking initiative, recognized globally, and its partnerships, including a joint venture with Shell, have further strengthened its impact. Notable milestones like listing the first plastic project from India with Verra and launching a Rs. 1000 crores Climate Impact Fund underscore its innovative approach. The company’s consistent focus on community-driven projects, naturebased solutions, and maintaining the highest industry standards have propelled it to the forefront of the global carbon market.

EKI also has a number of subsidiaries and associations that take care of other operations along the lines. These include:

GHG Reduction Technologies: It is a subsidiary of EKI that takes care of the research and manufacturing operations for our innovative climate friendly products, like Oorja Improved Cookstove, Oorja Biogas, indoor solar cooking device - Surya Nutan, gravity-based water filter, Eco Neer, bio briquettes, and more.

EKI Power Trading: It is a dynamic and innovative company dedicated to revolutionizing the energy trading sector. With a focus on trading in electricity, renewable energy certificates, carbon credits, and other related products, EPTPL is committed to driving sustainable energy solutions and contributing to a greener future. The company has an inter-state power trading license granted by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) under the Indian Ministry of Power under Section 14 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (36 of 2003), with CERC license no. - 107/Trading Licence/2023/ CERC.

WOCE Solutions: Founded in May 2022, the company offers a blend of consulting (WOCE Consulting) and technology (WOCE LABS) solutions that include defining sustainability strategy and roadmaps and regulatory compliance solutions, sustainability education and training, as well as a platform and product suite for sustainability measurement (scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reporting), analytics, and performance tracking.

Amrut Nature Solutions: This subsidiary of EKI focuses on implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS) across India. The joint venture with Netherlandsbased Shell Group, supports biodiversity conservation through sustainable farming, forestation, wetland, and grassland restoration. It also offers consultancy services to develop NBS projects that generate carbon credits for global markets.

 Galaxy Certifications Services: At Galaxy Certification Services Private Limited, we are the driving force behind businesses’ pursuit of excellence, sustainability, and compliance. With a legacy of unwavering dedication, we have established ourselves as industry leaders in the realms of certification, inspection, and sustainability solutions.

Q.Can you elaborate on EKI Energy’s offerings in sustainability and Net Zero services, and how they support businesses in their environmental goals? 

Sustainability and Net Zero Services:

AA1000 AS assurance providers by Accountability

Globally best provider of verification and assurance services for environmental risk accounting and appropriate management – GHG inventory, Sustainability reports, CDP Disclosure, Neutrality statements.

Climate Change Services

We offer a world-class bouquet of comprehensive solutions that are climate positive. This includes strategic consultations and end-to-end offerings that can empower businesses in their climate ambition(s) and net-zero goals.

• Climate change mitigation & adaptation

• Climate Policy development & target setting

• GHG Accounting / Carbon Foot printing for Corporates, Companies, Projects, Products, Events

• GHG Scope 3 emission inventory services

• GHG Portfolio emissions inventory for Financial Institutions

• Carbon Neutrality Services • Carbon-neutral product offerings

• Net zero Services

• Decarbonization roadmap for energy intensive sectors

• Technical support for CDP Disclosure

• Technical support for TCFD disclosure

• Climate risk assessment with scenario mapping (Qualitative & Quantitative)

• Technical support for Science Based Target setting (SBTi) & Target validation

• SBTi Net Zero standard & Target validation

• ISO 14064 implementation

Sustainability and ESG services

We offer strategic solutions for sustainability and ESG mandates with a step-by-step guide to enable businesses to future-proof their climate action roadmap.

• Sustainability strategy and road map development

• Policy development & target setting

• Stakeholder engagement and materiality assessment

• ESG rating improvements

• Sustainability Reporting (Advisory on corporate reporting based GRI framework, Business Responsibility & Sustainability reporting (BRSR), Integrated Reporting (IR) based on framework, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)/ Integrated reporting, TCFD & SASB)

• Verification and assurance services

Sustainable supply chain services

No climate initiative can be complete without the successful implementation of sustainable practices across operations. We enable organizations in an efficient management of their supply chain for emission reduction.

• Sustainable Sourcing

• Green Vendor evaluation, management & engagement

• Supply chain emission reductions

• Customer engagement

• Green Logistics & Packaging

Green certification & resource efficiency services

We champion International standards of green credentials and certifications through customized green rating programs and guidelines for enhanced resource efficiency.

• Green Company ratings

• Green Product ratings

• Green Building ratings

• Net Zero certifications

• Water foot printing & Waste audit

• Life Cycle assessment

• Airport Carbon accreditation (ACA)

• ISO 14001 & 50001 implementation

How will it help businesses in their environment goals:

• Tailored Solutions: EKI works closely with businesses to understand their unique needs and develop customized solutions.

• Global Expertise: EKI’s team of experts has extensive knowledge of sustainability and climate change regulations, standards, and best practices.

• Comprehensive Approach: EKI offers a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing both carbon emissions reduction and positive environmental impact.

• Measurable Results: They provide businesses with clear metrics and reporting to track progress towards their environmental goals.

Q.Please provide insights into the unique aspects of EKI’s Offsets Portfolio Management Services and how these services contribute to achieving carbon neutrality for your clients.

EKI’s Offsets Portfolio Management Services has a comprehensive approach to achieving carbon neutrality. It includes end-to-end management of carbon projects, from development and accreditation to carbon credit investment and trading. EKI’s portfolio includes a diverse range of project types, ensuring flexibility for clients.

By offering tailored solutions and supporting sustainable development, EKI helps businesses effectively offset their emissions. EKI’s expertise in project development, accreditation, and portfolio management makes it a valuable partner for organizations seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

Whether a company is looking to offset its emissions, support sustainable development, or enhance your environmental reputation, EKI Energy’s Offsets Portfolio Management Services has 360 degrees solutions you need.

Q.What have been some of the major milestones EKI Energy has achieved over the past five years?

1. We have consistently been, by volume, among the top 3 carbon credit companies globally

2. We are one of the largest promoters of clean cooking integrated with carbon finance globally

3. The first-ever improved biomass cookstove project registered and verified in Asia under VERRA’s SD VISta

4. MoUs with Europe and Azerbaijan-based FARI Solutions, Ghana-based conglomerate Jospong Group of Companies, expanding our footprints globally

5. Started clean cooking initiative, manufacturing and deploying our own improved cookstoves, IOCLdeveloped indoor solar cooking device, ‘Surya Nutan’, gravity-based water filter - Eco Neer, started biogas projects for promoting sustainable agriculture, bio briquettes manufacturing plant for the production of environment-friendly alternative to wood as a fuel.

6. Listed among Fortune Next 500 Companies, 2 years in a row

7. Partnered with Bursa Malaysia

8. 3000+ Clients in 40+ Nations

9. 1000+ projects executed and counting

10. 500+ employees and growing

11. 180+million credits monetized as on date

Q. Looking ahead to 2024, what are the top three technological advancements we can expect from EKI Energy?

EKI is not a technology developer. Its expertise lies in carbon project development, carbon project procedures, and monetization of environmental derivatives/carbon derivatives. It is in line with helping state-of-theart technologies that contribute to climate action, in getting green finance.

EKI is looking forward to hold hands with novel technology developers in the space of carbon removal, bio engineering carbon capture and storage (BECCS), Hydrogen and its derivatives, and sustainable aviation fuel, etc. to help them in acquiring green finance through carbon market participation/ESG-based green bonds. We are also making strides in the clean cooking sector by making the distribution of improved cookstoves commercially viable and a self-sustained initiative. This was done with development and production of improved cookstoves and also state-of-the-art indoor solar cooking device, called Surya Nutan, in association with IOCL.

Q.Could you tell us more about your key projects and the prominent clients you are currently serving?

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Vitol, Macquarie Group Ltd, Zomato, Nestle, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, KEC International Ltd, SIDBI, Indraprastha Gas Ltd, International Water Management Institute ,Adani Group, SembCorp, Shapoorji Pallonji Group

Q.EKI Energy is contributing to India’s ambitious target of achieving 280 GW solar energy capacity by 2030. Can you share how your company is supporting this mission?

EKI has played a big role in India’s renewable energy growth by enabling a significant portion of the country’s renewable energy projects through carbon finance. As one of the largest contributors to renewable energy (RE) projects, EKI has facilitated RE development by providing essential carbon finance. The company continues to support India’s ambitious 280 GW solar energy target by backing emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and electric vehicles (EVs), helping them develop carbon projects and access green finance, further driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Q.What is the core philosophy behind EKI Group, and could you explain the meaning and vision behind your tagline, “Steering the Planet to Net Zero”?

The core philosophy of EKI Group is centered around sustainability and global leadership in carbon management solutions. With our largest chunk of services focused on carbon offsets, project development related to that, and its overall management, we understand that sudden decarbonization is not practical and eventually there will be some level of emissions. This is why our goal, our vision, our mission all is focused on making our planet’s emissions net zero. Along with this, we do not just participate in the journey to a net-zero planet, but we are leading from the front and steering the planet to this crucial, nonoptional goal.

EKI’s focus is on helping organizations reduce their carbon footprints and transition towards a more climate-resilient future. The tagline “Steering the Planet to Net Zero” reflects EKI’s commitment to driving the world toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. It signifies the company’s vision to lead efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting clean energy solutions, and fostering environmental responsibility. Through innovative carbon management strategies, EKI aims to contribute to a sustainable, carbon-neutral global economy