Simran Talwar
Macquarie University
Simran is a doctoral candidate at Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM), and her research interests lie in the Circular Economy (CE), with a focus on fast industrialising nations/economies. She has also recently submitted her Master of Research thesis entitled "A macro investigation into the evidence for circular economy initiatives in India: National policy, key indicators and future implications", at Macquarie University Sydney. Simran's doctoral research is dedicated to exploring progress of CE initiatives in Indian industry; specifically, cases of industrial symbiosis, 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in India's manufacturing sector, and accomplishments in electronic-waste recovery and management. She is also developing a line of inquiry into the role of renewables in contributing to India's energy security, and as a strategic means of decoupling the impact of intensive industrialization from dependence on virgin energy sources. Through comparative analyses of global CE progress, Simran's research aims to develop a framework for CE implementation distinct to fast industrialising nations, acknowledging their need for rapid uptake of materials and energy in the midst of geopolitical limits to resources availability.Read more about her research at http://www.mq.edu.au/research-impact/2017/01/04/a-circular-economy-the-case-for-india/#.WUoR5TN7Gu6.Connect with Simran on simran.talwar@mq.edu.au.
This is an exploratory macro assessment of India’s Circular Economy(CE) advancement. Using time series data, a quantitative framework for India’s materials use, industrial energy and emissions landscape is graphically presented and contrasted with major industrial nations. Five scientific measures were developed: The first three measures evaluate the intensity levels of India’s GDP – Material Consumption and Intensity(i); Energy Intensity(ii); Emissions Intensity(iii). The next two indicators assess progress in Municipal Solid Waste–MSW(iv); and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle–3Rs(v).
Most CE research has focused on the developed world; among developing nations, China has been the object of widespread scholarly analysis. In contrast, Indian studies on the dynamics of CE adoption are limited in number and scope. India ranked as the seventh largest global economy with 6.9% growth rate in 2015, making it one of only two developing nations within the top eight. The country’s future growth is pitched to be intrinsically linked to its manufacturing sector, targeting 25% share of GDP by 2025. Given India’s pursuit of rigorous industrialization, this study offers a nationwide perspective of resource efficiency trends, with the objective of addressing the ongoing dichotomy of resource security and eco-environment balance.
Longitudinal trend analyses using Material Flow Accounting(MFA) signify decline in India’s Material Intensity(MI) over three decades, ranking second after China in 2010. While declining MI is generally indicative of improved resource efficiency, for fast-growing nations a lowered MI can be ascribed to steady rise in GDP. Instead, a counter trend is observed with augmented material use owing to GDP increase. India’s per capita material consumption has increased from 2.44 tonnes in 1980 to 4.15 tonnes in 2010. Although the nation’s per capita consumption of materials was one-fourth of China (17.73 tonnes) and one-fifth of the USA (21.03 tonnes), the surge in the last decade implies growing dependence on materials.
India’s Energy Intensity has declined, combined with greater adoption of renewables. Despite lowered intensity of energy use, India remains the third largest consumer, with 6% share, after China (22%) and the USA (16%). India’s commercial energy needs remain high, particularly in key manufacturing, transport, mining and industrial sectors. Aggregate CO2 emissions have increased 64% during 2003–2012, exhibiting the highest rise after China, with the EU, the USA and Australia experiencing a decline. India’s per capita emissions of 1.14 tonnes CO2 equivalent were among the lowest, almost one-quarter that of China, as well as the world average, during 2003–2012, and 1/16th that of the USA.
MSW requires urgent attention in India’s waste management; lack of funding, limited manpower, slow waste-to-energy progress were found to be significant inhibitors. Evidence of progress in 3Rs is limited, with few reported cases of industry implementation. Overall, results of the study highlight the urgency needed in implementing absolute decoupling strategies, through the implementation of long-term frameworks like CE. Further investigation of micro (industrial park/individual firm) performance in industrial symbioses and CE is proposed, to complement the present study in enabling holistic understanding of CE-linked implementation and future opportunities in Indian industry.
• Industrial ecology in developing countries , • Socio-economic metabolism and material flow analysis , • Circular economy
