Sustainability Is Not Just About Preservation, But About Regeneration: Vivek Tripathi, CEO, Olive Gaea

Formed with a clear objective, Olive Gaea was established to help businesses incorporate sustainability into their operations while achieving profitability, as stated by Vivek Tripathi, CEO and Founder, Olive Gaea, during an interview with ResponsibleUs. He further added that sustainability has often been seen as an add-on, but Olive Gaea is about proving it as the core for long-term success. By creating a platform that gives actionable insights to empower businesses in achieving their sustainable development goals and effectively addressing climate change. He said, "The company's goal is not only to preserve what's left but also to foster actions that regenerate and improve environmental health.

Read interview excerpts:

What inspired the creation of your AI carbon footprint management platform, and in what way is it different from any others?
The necessity to change sustainability management from a reactive to a proactive, data-driven process gave rise to our platform. Businesses have historically relied on consultants to develop plans based on out-of-date data, frequently providing them with reports that don't result in immediate action. We saw this need and used artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to give companies real-time information about their carbon footprint, facilitating prompt and efficient decision-making.

Our emphasis on actionable insights rather than merely compliance is what makes us unique. Although many platforms are designed to meet regulatory reporting requirements, ours goes one step further by seeing chances for companies to lower expenses and emissions at the same time. By redefining sustainability as a commercial opportunity as opposed to a requirement for compliance, this strategy guarantees a more engaging and impactful solution.

Do you issue ISO 14001 Certification?
Our platform is designed to be compliant with the ISO 14001 standard and provide the most accurate GHG reporting. We do not grant certificates ourselves but work in close cooperation with independent accredited third-party auditors who verify our reports against ISO standards.

Do you offer full-service support, from assessments to implementation?
We offer a comprehensive four-step process that includes: Initial Assessment: Evaluating the current state of emissions and sustainability practices. Strategy Development: Crafting tailored decarbonization roadmaps. Implementation: Supporting businesses in executing their sustainability strategies. Certification and Reporting: Ensuring all actions are documented and certified by independent third parties. This end-to-end approach ensures that businesses not only comply with standards but also make meaningful progress toward their sustainability goals.

This must be done through an application of something, right?
Yes, we have a (Sustainability as a Service) SaaS platform called Zero by Olive. This platform automates and streamlines the entire process. Tasks that would traditionally take months with consulting or other manual methods are completed in a matter of weeks. This technological leverage is the key advantage we provide, ensuring efficiency and precision in achieving sustainability goals.

Are you doing this only for clean tech, or does it cover the entire system? Is it focused only on carbon emissions or the whole ESG spectrum?
Initially, our platform focused solely on greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon emissions. However, as we worked with organizations, we realized that they require a more comprehensive approach. Beyond opportunities for implementation, they also need final deliverables like detailed reporting. To address this, we developed a module within the platform that generates reports aligned with various global frameworks such as BRSR, CDP, TCFD, and GRI. This ensures that organizations have both actionable insights and compliance-ready documentation.

Recently, KPMG announced a platform for sustainability reporting. Is your platform similar?
No, it’s quite different. To clarify, we are not advisors but system providers. While platforms like those from KPMG may focus on traditional advisory models, we offer technology that makes the process far more efficient and cost-effective. In fact, we have collaborated with several firms, including those related to KPMG, where our platform has been included in their proposals. Our focus is on enabling organizations to achieve sustainability outcomes faster and with fewer resources than conventional methods.

Have you worked with supply chain management companies? Managing emissions across supply chains seems complex due to potential double counting. How do you handle this?
We have worked with several large supply chain and retailing companies. Supply chain emissions, especially Scope 3, are inherently complex to manage because they are indirect and not under the control of the organization. For example, emissions from raw material production or logistics fall under this category. We help companies identify emission hotspots in their value chains, explore alternative suppliers, and streamline logistics. Regarding double counting, while it’s a valid concern, it’s not necessarily problematic. If both the supplier and the buyer reduce their emissions, the cumulative impact is beneficial to the global climate. Moreover, tackling Scope 3 emissions often leads to efficiency and cost savings, like reducing transportation emissions by sourcing materials locally.

Olive has helped mitigate 4.9 million tons of GHG emissions and offset 70,619 tons. Can you share specific examples?
The mitigation figure of 4.9 million tons comes from strategies we’ve provided to organizations and cities, enabling them to implement initiatives that reduce their emissions by this amount collectively. For example, we’ve guided businesses in optimizing their energy use, switching to renewable sources, and redesigning supply chains to lower their carbon footprints. As for the offsets, well, some emissions are not avoidable. For instance, manufacturers dependent on specific components may have no immediate alternative to reduce associated emissions. In such cases, we invest in carbon-saving projects  on behalf of the client to offset their unavoidable emissions. In this way, offsets contribute to our clients' wider sustainability goals and help with the greater challenge of climate.

Your work aligns with SDG 13, focusing on climate action. How do you integrate global frameworks like the Paris Agreement into your strategies?
Our strategies are deeply aligned with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement. This agreement provides a clear target to halve emissions by 2030 compared to 2009 levels. To support businesses in this direction, we use methodologies from authoritative bodies like the IPCC and initiatives like SBTi (Science-Based Targets initiative). For example, if an organisation is in the automotive sector, SBTi offers guidance on what targets they should set to remain aligned with the global 2030 goals. Our platform incorporates these methodologies, allowing businesses to seamlessly integrate them into their operations. This ensures that their decarbonization strategies are both scientifically sound and actionable.

How do you deal with manufacturing companies, given their significant waste generation? Also, what role does BFSI play?
Manufacturing companies often deal with substantial waste generation, which impacts their environmental footprint. We help these organizations assess their waste streams, identify opportunities to minimize waste, and adopt circular economy principles. For instance, by redesigning processes or sourcing alternative materials, manufacturers can significantly reduce waste while enhancing efficiency.

As for BFSI, their contribution isn’t in direct emissions but in the financial support they provide to other sectors. Financial institutions play a critical role in deciding where capital is allocated. Traditionally, investments were guided by maximizing ROI without considering environmental impacts. Today, we encourage banks to evaluate the carbon footprint of their investments. For example, funding a solar power project instead of a coal-based one, even if the ROI is slightly lower, aligns with global climate goals. By shifting their focus, BFSI institutions can drive significant change in reducing emissions across industries.

How does the banking sector influence emissions reduction, and why is it under scrutiny?
The banking sector is expected to be in the vanguard in reducing emissions through financing projects and companies with low emissions. It operates on the principle of "where the funds go," which determines whether investments add to or reduce emissions. This is why the sector is under significant oversight, with regulators and stakeholders closely monitoring investment decisions. The focus is on ensuring that financial support drives emission reductions rather than exacerbating the problem.

How do you address waste generation in the manufacturing sector?
For the manufacturing sector, we tackle waste generation and emissions through several approaches. First, we evaluate the sources of waste and emissions during the production cycle. This includes assessing waste treatment methods and identifying alternatives, such as recycling or adopting better waste management practices, to minimize emissions. A step ahead involves life cycle assessment (LCA) of manufacturing processes. We break down the production cycle into stages—from raw material procurement to processing, product finishing, transportation, and usage. At each stage, we optimize resource consumption, aiming to reduce both waste and emissions. Our work with companies in sectors like metal mining and petrochemicals has been instrumental in achieving significant environmental benefits.

Can you elaborate on your work with the real estate sector, particularly regarding construction waste and emissions?
In the real estate sector, emissions predominantly occur during the construction phase and the production of materials like cement, aluminum, and glass. Cement production, for instance, is heavily carbon intensive. Our tool offers options to reduce emissions, such as incorporating more clinkers into cement, which can cut emissions by 10-12%. For raw materials used in construction, we help companies identify ways to optimize their use and reduce associated emissions. Regarding construction waste, we encourage repurposing it into other construction activities, if not directly into buildings. Recycling and upcycling waste effectively divert it from landfills, creating a circular approach that reduces environmental impact. We have applied these strategies while working with clients like Sobha Developers and other major players in the sector.

How do you ensure companies across these sectors implement sustainable practices effectively?
Across sectors, our approach combines advanced tools and actionable strategies. For emissions, we provide assessments and tools to identify hotspots and implement reduction measures. For waste management, we advocate for alternatives like recycling, upcycling, and better treatment options. Our life cycle assessments and comprehensive evaluations empower companies to make data-driven decisions that align with sustainability goals while optimizing costs and resources.

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