The term “cleantech” was popularized in the early 2000s during the rise of venture capital investments in green technologies. While no single individual is credited with coining the term, it became widely recognized as a way to describe environmentally friendly innovations and sustainable business solutions.
Cleantech is driven by the ongoing transition to a carbon-neutral economy. This shift, in turn, is propelled by:
- International Agreements:
- Frameworks like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) established by countries to meet international climate goals.
- Regional and Local Regulations:
- Policies aimed at directly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in economies, such as implementing climate projects or setting emission quotas.
- Initiatives in industries where the primary goal may not be emission reduction, but the outcome supports it—for instance, waste recycling and renewable energy.
- Voluntary Initiatives:
- Corporate responsibility standards and programs that companies adopt voluntarily to align with sustainable practices. Examples include joining the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to set measurable climate goals, adhering to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for transparent environmental reporting, and implementing ISO 14001 standards for effective environmental management systems.
This portal currently highlights projects related to climate action and is organized into the following categories:
- Climate Projects: Highlighting initiatives that directly address emissions reduction, removal, or avoidance in the form of voluntary climate projects. Additionally, a dedicated page is available for exploring outcomes of such projects in the form of carbon tokens.
- Waste Recycling: Focusing on innovative solutions for managing and repurposing waste.
- EVs and Infrastructure: Exploring advancements in EVs and the supporting ecosystems.
These categories are expected to expand as new projects are explored. Stay connected with us on social media.