Press Release
‘TN Leads in Renewable Energy, Time to Realise Solar Rooftop Potential’: Experts On Strategies to Increase Uptake of Solar Energy in Chennai
This research project, led by CBalance with support from CAG, aims to create and test practical cool roof solutions featuring reflective and insulating materials to minimize heat absorption through roofs, help lower indoor temperatures, and reduce heat stress in vulnerable households, especially those without cement (RCC) roofs. The goal is to use sustainable, locally available materials to protect vulnerable people from extreme heat.
Report prepared by
Vamsi Sankar Kapilavai (Programme Lead, Environment & Climate Action, CAG)
Acknowledgements
The new policy aims to make it difficult for car buyers who don’t have parking space to park their vehicle. This initiative is designed to decrease the number of vehicles on the road and optimise the use of valuable public land. Share your thoughts on this in the comments section below.
Downcycling turns plastic waste into lower-quality products, offering only a temporary fix. It delays disposal but doesn’t solve the plastic crisis. We need real circular solution, not downgraded recycling. #PlasticCrisis #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #ZeroWaste
On this International Day of Families, let's focus on building urban infrastructure that caters to vulnerable road users such as senior citizens. Let's build roads and public infrastructure that will allow senior citizens to be more independent and confident.
Cyber Crime Is Real – Stay Ahead, Stay Safe!
Whether it’s a tempting investment, or a risky online game, don’t fall for digital traps. Protect yourself. Keep your children especially safe. #CyberCrimePrevention #StayCyberSafe #OnlineFraud #InvestmentScams #GamingSafety #DigitalAwareness #ThinkBeforeYouClick
CAG has submitted its concerns regarding the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in food packaging to the Honourable Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). In its submission, CAG has urged the authorities to immediately reconsider and suspend the approval of rPET, as an objection to FSSAI's approval of the same.
The UN Global Road Safety Week advocates for safer streets for walking and cycling. Pedestrians and cyclists make up one fourth of all road traffic fatalities. Promoting safe walking and cycling not only contributes to the environment and public health, but also ensures access to mobility for people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
CAG, in collaboration with ASAR Social Impact Advisors Pvt Ltd, has initiated this project with the overall objective of enabling energy transition in Tamil Nadu. This project aims to promote and facilitate a better adoption of convergence among government departments and other key stakeholders to enable an integrated approach to resolve issues of energy transition in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu, a highly industrialised and urbanised Indian state, faces a growing energy demand and rising GHG emissions. Key challenges include:
1. A fragmented approach across government departments, creating silos and impeding coordinated climate action.
2. Low adoption of decentralised energy systems like rooftop solar, particularly in Chennai, which accounts for 25% of the state's energy demand but contributes just 6% to its rooftop solar capacity.
3. MSMEs contribute significantly to the state's industrial output and emissions due to their reliance on fossil fuels.
4. The health sector and rural Panchayats represent untapped opportunities for energy transition through institutional collaboration and local governance models.