Dr S.S. Garg has over 28 years of experience in the fields of environment and social safeguards (ESS), ESG and sustainability. He is currently general manager and head of department for the environment and social management unit at c. His key responsibilities include discussions with developers regarding compliance with environmental and social due diligence reports, and providing suggestions on various safeguard-related policy documents of the Indian government and multilateral financial institutions (MFIs). He also works on creating inputs on ESS issues during loan negotiations with various MFIs and development finance institutions, as well as reviewing and fact-finding missions for MFIs. Additionally, he periodically updates the ESS framework, and conducts periodic stakeholder workshops to create awareness about IIFCL’s ESSF. During his tenure at IIFCL, he has worked om multiple international assignments. Regarding the strategic priorities for India with respect to renewable energy development, he says, “the IEEFA and Climate Energy Finance have estimated that India will attain 405 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. In my opinion, in order to meet the net zero goal, it is important to focus on four key areas. First, promoting solar, wind, hydro and green hydrogen, and building ancillary markets. Second, building enhanced evacuation infrastructure. Third, investing in digitalisation. Fourth, developing battery storage solutions.”
Optimistic by nature, Dr Garg believes in sustainability, green finance, a go-green lifestyle, and building a team spirit. He likes to read and watch television when not engaged in research work in the fields of ESG and sustainability. He wishes for the entire world to go green, and is striving towards zero pollution. He believes it is critical to contribute to the 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) initiative. He wants to do his part in achieving zero carbon goals and contributing to long-term sustainability.
Dr Garg has a postgraduate degree and a doctorate in environmental sciences, along with an MBA degree and a diploma in industrial safety. He is an NRBPT-approved lead auditor for ISO 14001, an IRCA-approved lead auditor for OHSAS 18001 and an NBQP-accredited lead auditor for ISO 9001. He has had extensive exposure to over 35 comprehensive rapid environmental impact assessment and environment management plan studies, and has done due diligence studies for about 60 infrastructure projects across different sectors. He has also published many research papers in leading journals.
