Sustainability News and Press Releases from SPIE and the Central Bank of the Netherlands

SPIE promotes sustainability in IT in Switzerland and renovates the central bank of the Netherlands with a pioneering sustainability project. The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly practices in its operations. The project is expected to be completed by 2025, with a focus on reducing energy consumption and waste.

India's recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have emerged as a significant catalyst for the country's green transition, aligning with its ambitious Net Zero 2070 goal. The strategic reduction in tax rates on renewable energy technologies, waste management services, biodegradable products, and green transportation aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy, promote eco-friendly manufacturing, and strengthen waste treatment infrastructure. These changes are part of India's broader sustainability initiatives, including Viksit Bharat 2047 and the LiFE movement, reinforcing its commitment to the Paris Agreement.

Renewable Energy & Climate Strategy

The GST reforms include a reduction in the tax rate on renewable energy devices from 12% to 5%. This reduction will directly decrease the capital costs of solar panels, photovoltaic (PV) cells, wind turbines, and related devices, enhancing the viability of solar and wind projects. Consequently, lower tariffs for end consumers are expected, making renewable energy more affordable and accessible. The installed capacity of solar energy in India has increased more than 42 times, from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 119.54 GW as of July 2025, demonstrating the country's commitment to renewable energy Factsheet Details:^[1].

Waste Management & Pollution Control

The GST rate on services provided by Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) has been reduced from 12% to 5%. This reduction will motivate industries to adopt centralized waste treatment methods, leading to a cleaner environment and supporting sustainable development in industrial areas. As of August 2025, there are 222 CETPs operating across India, with 53 designed to achieve Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) .

Plastic Alternatives & Biodegradable Materials

The GST on biodegradable bags has been reduced from 18% to 5%, making them more affordable and encouraging consumers and retailers to move away from single-use plastics. This supports India's adherence to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2022, and promotes investment in research and development of bio-polymers and compostable materials .

Green Mobility & Sustainable Transport

The GST rate on buses with a seating capacity of 10 or more persons has been reduced from 28% to 18%, and similarly, the rate on commercial goods vehicles (trucks, delivery vans, etc.) has been reduced from 28% to 18%. These reductions will spur demand for green mobility solutions, reducing congestion and pollution. The changes will also promote fleet expansion and modernization, phasing out older vehicles and lowering emissions .

Conclusion

The GST rationalization is a major push towards advancing India's climate goals by making renewable energy, waste management, biodegradable products, and green mobility more affordable and accessible. By cutting costs, encouraging domestic manufacturing, and supporting sustainable industries, these changes will accelerate the adoption of clean energy and pollution control solutions. In doing so, it reinforces India's commitments under the Paris Agreement and lays the foundation for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

References
Factsheet Details:^[1] https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?ModuleId=16&NoteId=149292&id=149292
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2146355
https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=159541
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2163555