Ahmedabad: The average Amdavadi generates approximately 700 grams of waste daily, contributing to a total of 5,200 tonnes of solid waste each day, as per data from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). Notably, around 38% of this waste, equating to 1,976 tonnes, ends up in landfill sites. According to a calculation by a student from CEPT University, each resident contributes about ₹1,793 towards the disposal of this substantial waste volume. However, a pioneering initiative aims to transform this financial burden into a lucrative opportunity for the city.
A student at CEPT University’s Faculty of Planning, has developed a toolkit and a dashboard to calculate carbon credits for Ahmedabad. Guided by Professor and faculty member, project seeks to leverage waste management to generate revenue for the city. This initiative forms part of the broader ‘A’bad 2041’ project, which aims to integrate the city’s dynamics for future development.
“The project is part of the initiative to assimilate the city’s dynamics for A’bad 2041. At present, it covers AMC and AUDA. Some of the topics taken up at our City Infrastructure Planning (CIP) studio pertaining to the city include social infrastructure, blue-green infrastructure and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene). The students have collected data and made projections along with possible solutions,” said an official involved in the project.
Carbon credits represent certificates or permits to emit greenhouse gases equivalent to one metric tonne of carbon dioxide. These credits can be traded, allowing cities and businesses to offset their carbon emissions. Ahmedabad’s current landfill practices result in approximately 1.43 lakh tonnes of CO2 equivalent units. By composting waste and reducing emissions, the city could gain carbon credits for around 47,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent units, potentially earning ₹1.97 crore. Furthermore, by saving 59,400 tonnes of CO2 equivalent units through energy generation, Ahmedabad could earn an additional ₹2.5 crore in carbon credits.
This innovative approach underscores the potential for waste management to serve as a significant revenue stream for cities. The more waste Ahmedabad processes, the more carbon credits it can earn, transforming waste from a costly problem into a valuable asset.
The project’s success would hinge on comprehensive data collection and accurate projections. By focusing on efficient waste processing techniques, Ahmedabad could set a precedent for other cities aiming to monetise their waste management efforts. This would not only alleviate the financial burden on residents but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As urban populations continue to grow, innovative solutions like these become increasingly vital. Ahmedabad’s initiative to turn waste into wealth through carbon credits demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban management and environmental stewardship. If successful, this model could be replicated in other cities, fostering a more sustainable and economically viable future.
