THE FINAL WORD... ...an interview with Sanjeev Kanchan


Welcome to the latest instalment of the Final Word, where AET hands over its final page to one of the leading lights in our industry to tell their story. In this edition, we’re speaking to Sanjeev Kanchan, currently of iFOREST.


Please introduce yourself


I’m Sanjeev K Kanchan, an environmental professional with nearly two decades of experience spanning research, policy advocacy, consulting, and industry engagement. I’ve worked across non-profit and corporate sectors, partnering with global organisations such as USAID, UNDP, the US Department of State (USDoS), and UNEP. Currently, as Director of ESG & Industry at the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST, India), I lead initiatives in industrial decarbonisation, emissions monitoring, and ESG integration—through research, policy development, implementation support, and capacity building.


How and why did you get into the environmental industry?


My journey into the environmental field was somewhat emergent, but it quickly became a true passion. My first professional experience and my colleagues at the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, nurtured a researcher into an environmentalist and shaped my approach to environment, technology, sustainability, governance, and equitable development. Over time, the challenges and successes I encountered reinforced my conviction that technology, policy, and behavioural change must converge to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. I entered this field to be part of that convergence—to make environmental solutions practical, data-driven, and inclusive.


Where do you see the industry going in the next five/10 years?


Over the past decade, the environmental industry has seen rapid evolution, and in the next 5–10 years, I see it becoming a highly data-driven, technology-integrated ecosystem. Innovations like AI, continuous monitoring systems, blockchain for traceability, and ESG-linked financing will transform compliance and governance. In India, especially, the industry will play a greater role in greening hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and fertilisers through low-carbon technologies, efficiency improvements, and circular economy models. The integration of ESG, decarbonisation, technology, and lifecycle assessments into practical policies will drive competitiveness and accountability. Ultimately, sustainability will shift from a compliance requirement to a strategic business enabler, guiding long-term growth and innovation.


What’s your strangest story since entering the industry?


There have been many striking experiences in my journey, but one that stands out was visiting a poorly managed power plant in Jharkhand. I was shocked by the level of pollution, openly unattended and affecting the surrounding community. I also witnessed how a few ill-motivated individuals and negligent industries can strain relations with local communities, and how systemic gaps in government oversight can derail initiatives meant to improve environmental governance. Experiences like these were eye-opening—they showed me the real-world challenges in this field and strengthened my commitment to contributing meaningfully to society and nature.


What’s your favourite professional experience?


My favourite professional experience was conceptualising and launching India’s first international conference and exhibition on Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems, CEM India. It brought together technology providers, regulators, industries, and experts from around the world on a single platform. Seeing it evolve into a recurring global dialogue— and being involved with CEM Europe, CEM Middle East, and UNEP partnerships alongside it—was incredibly fulfilling. It reinforced how knowledge exchange can drive meaningful environmental governance reform.


The challenges we face—from pollution and climate change to the social and economic disruptions they cause—require collective action.


Why do you love working in the industry?


What excites me about this industry is that it allows me to turn passion into meaningful impact. The field is constantly evolving, with new technologies, policies, and ideas that keep me intellectually engaged and always learning. Most importantly, it gives me the chance to contribute to something larger than myself—protecting the planet for future generations and giving back to both nature and society.


What are your professional hopes for the future?


I aspire to give back to nature and society by driving meaningful environmental change. In the near term, I focus on advancing India’s industrial decarbonisation and ESG transformation. Over the long term, I aim to establish a Centre of Excellence for decarbonisation, credible emissions monitoring, and ESG research—leveraging data and policy to create measurable impact.


As Gandhi said, ‘The earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.’ This guides my belief that sustainability is both a professional mission and a moral responsibility.


What do you get up to away from your professional life?


As William Shakespeare beautifully captured in ‘The Seven Ages of Man,’ our interests beyond work evolve with time and experience. For me, this evolution has deepened my appreciation for learning and exploration. I enjoy traveling, writing, photography, and spending time in nature— activities that help me reconnect with the world I wish to make better. I also find great fulfilment in mentoring and supporting others in their personal and professional journeys, sharing the lessons life and experience have taught me.


Are there any equipment recommendations you can make and why?


In my work in environment and sustainability, I’ve extensively engaged with technologies for pollution monitoring and control—tools that have a direct impact on environmental quality and public health. In the context of India, the success of any technology depends not only on its accuracy and credibility but also on affordability and ease of use. Having worked closely with real-time monitoring systems, I strongly believe there is a need for indigenous innovations that are credible, verifiable, user-friendly, and cost-effective—technologies that enhance transparency and accountability. I also aim to contribute to building a robust quality assurance ecosystem and credible data disclosure mechanisms to strengthen environmental governance across the country.


Anything else you’d like to add?


Environmental protection is no longer a standalone pursuit—it is central to the balance between planet, people, and profit. The challenges we face—from pollution and climate change to the social and economic disruptions they cause—require collective action. What’s needed today is greater public awareness, cross-sector collaboration, and affordable, scalable innovations that embed sustainability into every aspect


of development. I consider it a privilege to contribute as an enabler in this global transition and to help shape a more sustainable


and equitable future.


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