India is a major emitter of greenhouse gas and home to some of the world’s most polluted cities. Pollution from industries, commercial practices and vehicles threaten citizens’ health and national treasures such as the Taj Mahal.

USAID’s Trade in Environmental Services and Technologies/Clean Technologies Initiative (TEST/CTI) has long promoted the voluntary adoption of environmental management systems and clean, climate-friendly technologies to help mitigate India’s pollution. Past TEST/CTI efforts financed demonstration projects to Indian industry on the advantages of using internationally recognized environment management systems.

TEST/CTI now focuses on reducing the pollution in the Taj Trapezium Zone that damages the Taj Mahal and threatens the welfare of residents. The initiative helps industries adopt environmentally friendly production methods that reduce harmful emissions. The program also provides technical assistance in solid waste management, improved transport management, and waste-water treatment to municipalities and stakeholders in the Taj Trapezium Zone.

TEST/CTI also develops private-public alliances to advance energy and environmental activities such as promoting green businesses, financing renewable energy projects, and improving environmental law compliance by small and medium industries. The use of public-private alliances has forged successful projects such as the Green Business Center (GBC), a fully functional and environmentally certified office building that showcases green technologies and helps Indian businesses and industries become more energy efficient. The GBC provides a concrete example to business leaders of how strategic design and the use of clean, climate-friendly technologies can save money, make buildings and industries more efficient, and benefit surrounding communities.