‘Youth can be the catalyst in making India energy efficient’

An alumnus of Apeejay School, Noida, Puneet Mittal is a dynamic professional who has spent over a decade contributing to the domain of energy efficiency, climate change and sustainability. In the following interview, he shares more about his vision, life journey and experiences. Read edited excerpts.    

Do tell us about your educational background.

I started my schooling with Apeejay School, Noida, and spent close to 12 years there. However, I had to take a transfer in class 10. Post the completion of my schooling, I pursued engineering in Applied Electronics and Instrumentations till 2008. Then I went for a Master’s degree to specialise in Energy Systems from UPES, Dehradun.

Post that, I entered the job market and took up a couple of roles for a few years. Then I pursued a degree in Management from IIM, Lucknow which concluded in 2018. As part of my career, I have worked in various organisations mostly not-for-profit, such as Confederation of Indian Industry, U.S. Green Building Council, just to mention a few.

Why did you choose a course in Energy Systems during college? Will it be correct if we call you an environmentalist?

I was keen to take up something niche which can eventually develop into a field of global importance. A qualification in Energy Systems allowed me to know more about power systems, energy, fuel and the environment. At that time, I was fortunate to have received the necessary guidance and training from mentors and peers. The course has surely given me an edge above the rest.

In a career spanning about 12 years, I have been an active advocate of themes like climate change, sustainability and energy efficiency. I have forged several partnerships and collaborations and been part of national and international forums. But, I wouldn’t call myself an environmentalist simply due to the generic nature of the term.

While you were in college, was there enough awareness about sustainability?

In those days, concepts such as sustainability, energy efficiency and green buildings were lesser known. So, we used to work on projects to spread awareness. Later on, I was privileged to be part of several councils and roundtables where my voice was heard. Eventually, these themes have gained global prominence.

Could you detail out your role at UNICEF?

In 2020, I got an opportunity to be part of UNICEF. I began with its YuWaah project which caters to areas such as education, skill-development and entrepreneurship for the youth. It seeks partnership from the young population of the nation to work on missions of national importance. In the same year, I worked on an Emergency Response System called ‘Young Warrior’. It was an initiative to combat Covid-19 requirements. I led the drive with my team members.

Besides, I was also associated with ‘Learning Passport’ – an initiative to advance children’s right to education by reaching places with intermittent or no internet connectivity and communities where students lack access to quality digital educational materials. I am glad to mention that Apeejay School, Noida was also a part of this programme.

Then in 2022, I took up a transition within UNICEF to the Partnerships team at the India Country Office. Currently, I am looking into the Public Private Sector collaborations and Resource Mobilisation. To name a project that I am presently working on is a nutrition-based programme that is creating awareness on healthy eating practices at the workplace amongst 300 million people.

Given your stint based on green buildings, where do you think India stands as against South Asia and the rest of the world?

India has been a frontrunner in the green building movement. The movement was started in 2003 and received a major impetus when CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre Building in Hyderabad became the first green building in India which was awarded with the prestigious and the much covered LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum rating by the US Green Building Council. It also became the world’s greenest Building in 2003.

Currently, India ranks number three amongst top ten countries and regions for LEED Green Building as per the year 2021. I won’t be surprised if in the coming future we surpass Mainland China to become number one. Over a period of time, the necessary skills, resources and knowledge has increased manifold in the country. We have done exceptionally well.

India’s architecture is well-known for its beauty and grandeur. But do you think it needs aid? Are our buildings secure and sustainable?

We have a rich architecture, culture and values. It is showcased in our ancient monuments and other places of historical importance. I feel that we have many learnings to pick from our predecessors which can be relevant even today.

However, as a country we have a big commitment towards our environment and every citizen must work for it. Zero carbon emissions is our collective goal and we should proactively make it a reality. To further this, every consumer should be more aware about energy efficiency, electric vehicles and low-carbon emitting technologies since these will make a big difference to our nation’s targets.

According to you, what should the work look like by 2070?

In the last 10 to 12 years, we have put immense efforts to use modernised technologies to help our environment. If we continue in the said direction, the world of 2070 can have a person stepping out of an eco-friendly home in an electrical vehicle to reach a green office.

Since you have work experience based in Asia-Pacific and the Middle- East, what techniques can India borrow from these countries to help its environment?

We have enough resources, skills and talent to be self-sufficient. However, we need to create, innovate, re-think and re-imagine to bring the change. We can be inspired from the rest of the world in the domain of technical know-how.

Please list a few small initiatives that can help us go a long way.

I strongly believe that youth can be the catalyst to create a significant impact. When a child learns about the environment and sustainable methods, s/he has the influence to challenge and transform citizens. Together, we can work to conserve natural resources and it can begin with something as small as not over-ordering in a restaurant. It is time we think about what we ‘really’ need and if there is something that can be reduced, recycled or re-used, we shouldn’t think again.

We are a ‘youthful’ country. What message would you share with students?

I encourage students to think innovatively, no matter what they do. They should understand their rights, raise their voice when required and contribute to their immediate environment and the country at large.

Your memories of Apeejay School, Noida. Any life lessons picked in the school that are helping you?

I have innumerable memories of the school. But I wish to mention about the teachers who taught me basic values such as mutual respect, teamwork and honesty at a young age. I am eternally grateful for that. Apeejay laid a strong foundation for me. It has definitely shaped up my career in many ways.

An interesting anecdote I would like to share is once my class teacher, Ms. Manjari Rattan, saw me casually playing my fingers on the desks of the classroom. Soon, she had the idea to make me learn tabla in school. In no time, I found that I was not only good at it but I performed in all the morning assemblies and school functions. The skill also made me popular. *laughs* I think it was remarkable on her part to identify that!