Photo 1. Group photo of the participants.
Rajgir, India, 17 – 19 September 2025 — The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in collaboration with the Government of India, conducted the EAS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policy and Program – Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) from Wednesday to Friday, 17–19 September 2025, at Nalanda University, Rajgir, India.
The workshop gathered policymakers, experts, and practitioners from across the East Asia Summit region to exchange experiences, policies, and best practices on advancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles. The workshop opened with welcome remarks from Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University; Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma, Director General of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS); and Shri Jiwesh Nandan, Distinguished Fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Each underscored the importance of regional knowledge exchange and collaborative policymaking to drive the transition toward sustainable energy futures.
Special remarks were delivered by Professor Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, who highlighted the critical role of academic and cultural linkages in advancing the LiFE philosophy. The keynote address was delivered by Periasamy Kumaran, Secretary (EAST), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among EAS countries, particularly through knowledge-driven initiatives such as the LiFE framework that align individual behaviour, policy innovation, and sustainability goals.
The first session, held the day after, explored how energy-intensive industries can transition toward low-carbon and resource-efficient operations across the EAS region. Together, the panel underscored that decarbonising industries requires not only technological innovation but also enabling regulatory frameworks, market incentives, and regional cooperation to scale up success stories across sectors.
- Sugandha Jayaswal, Senior Manager of Tata Steel Ltd., India, discussed how Tata Steel is implementing a phased decarbonisation strategy with climate action as a core business priority, transitioning from scrap recycling and renewable energy adoption by 2025, to expansion of cleaner fuels by 2030, and ultimately targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 through hydrogen-based steelmaking and advanced low-carbon technologies.
- Lovish Ahuja, Chief Sustainability Officer, Dalmia Cement Ltd., India, highlighted Dalmia Bharat Limited efforts to decarbonise its cement industry, which successfully reduced cement production emissions through clinker optimisation, low-carbon blended cement, and renewable energy adoption. The company's roadmap to net-zero includes CCUS technologies, 100% renewable electricity and fossil-free thermal energy, electric and biofuel mobility, and leveraging climate finance through green grants and carbon credits to scale decarbonization efforts.
- Debajit Das, National Project Coordinator of India, UNIDO, outlined how India's industrial decarbonisation requires a strategic mix of policy support, technology innovation, finance mobilisation, and capacity building across large industries and MSMEs. While progress has been made through renewable energy expansion, the Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) scheme, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, absolute emissions continue rising. Urgent action targeting both MSMEs and large industries as twin engines can enable India to peak emissions by 2030, achieve 30-50% reduction by 2050, and reach net-zero by 2070.
- Aditya Chunekar, Fellow, Prayas Energy Group, India, emphasised more on the PAT scheme, along with carbon credit trading scheme. Further, he presented India's Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) mandates that designated consumers, including electricity distribution companies and entities with captive power plants, meet minimum renewable energy targets set by the Ministry of Power. Compliance is tracked through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), though market mechanisms remain limited.
The second session examined how behavioural change and social norms can accelerate the transition to sustainable consumption patterns, in line with the LiFE philosophy. The discussion reaffirmed that fostering sustainable lifestyles requires combining evidence-based policy with cultural relevance, education, and inclusive participation to make behavioural change sustainable and scalable.
- Dr Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, Senior Research Fellow, ERIA presented how India’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative addresses the climate crisis by shifting from macro-level policy to micro-level behavioural change, promoting conscious resource utilisation over "use and dispose" mentality. Rooted in ancient Indian and ASEAN conservation principles, LiFE modernises traditional wisdom to create a global movement of "pro-planet people" that demonstrates sustainable living benefits both individuals and the environment without requiring sacrifice.
- Professor Seeta K. Prabhu, Visiting Professor, Institute for Human Development discussed that the LiFE framework integrates development, environmental, and climate objectives by driving behavioural transformation in consumption and production patterns, addressing demand-side resource use through ethical values that prioritise nurturing nature over exploitation. Central to this approach is embedding circular economy principles across economic systems while responsibly leveraging data and digital technology while recognising that local communities are essential for achieving holistic sustainability goals.
- Dr Sabyasachi Saha, Associate Professor, RIS, highlighted the urgent need for a new development paradigm that moves beyond growth defined by consumption and extraction toward one centred on equity, sustainability, and responsible lifestyles. It emphasised the importance of embedding LiFE principles into governance and institutional frameworks, redefining progress beyond GDP, and fostering social enterprises, financial innovation, and technology transfer to scale sustainable living.
- Rio Jon Piter Silitonga, Senior Officer, ASEAN Centre for Energy shared how behavioural change plays a crucial role in driving energy efficiency, with evidence showing that conscious consumer actions can cut energy demand by up to 25%. ASEAN’s significant drop in energy intensity during 2020 and its continued decline thereafter underscored the collective impact of awareness, education, and better planning in shaping more sustainable energy consumption patterns across the region.
- Dr Pracha Khamphakdi, Associate Dean of Engineering, Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand showcased the innovative approach to integrating sustainability into campus life through smart technologies. From IoT-based farms to smart buildings that regulate lighting and air-conditioning, the university demonstrated how digital innovation can transform daily operations and promote sustainable living. The discussion highlighted that technology, when combined with behavioural change and supportive policies, can create new opportunities for climate action.
The third session showcased ASEAN Member States’ achievements in implementing energy efficiency policies and programmes. Speakers shared national policy updates, success stories, and ongoing challenges in implementing EE&C initiatives at the national level.
- Lim Chin Seang, Director, Infrastructure and Sustainability, Defence Collective, Singapore underscored the Singapore Discovery Centre’s transformation into a model of sustainable innovation. Through a multi-year effort integrating solar deployment, energy-efficient cooling systems, and IoT-based monitoring, the centre achieved BCA Green Mark Platinum Positive Energy status in 2024. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative’s education programmes and community partnerships have embedded behavioural change, illustrating how public engagement can complement technology to drive a low-carbon future.
- Renuga Subramanam, Assistant Director, Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Malaysia highlighted the country’s approach to advancing energy efficiency under its National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) 2016-2025. Focusing on electricity use across end-sectors, the plan aims to cut energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen sustainability. Through initiatives promoting high-efficiency appliances, industrial and building energy audits, and the enforcement of minimum energy performance standards, Malaysia is driving measurable progress toward its targets of saving over 52,000 GWh of electricity over ten years.
- Ratchaphak Tantisanghirun, Engineer, Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Thailand presented current initiatives, particularly on Thailand’s Taxonomy, a national framework that classifies environmentally sustainable economic activities to guide investments toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. By prioritising key sectors such as energy, transport, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and waste management, the taxonomy supports Thailand’s transition toward sustainable growth and decarbonisation.
- Channarith VEI, Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodia emphasised that energy efficiency is a national priority under Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy, serving as a pillar of sustainable growth and low‑carbon development. With electricity demand rising rapidly, Cambodia is advancing a major energy transition—targeting 70% renewable generation by 2030 and a 19% reduction in energy consumption. Guided by the National Energy Efficiency Policy (2022–2030), the Cambodian SDGs (2016–2030), and the Power Development Plan (2022–2040), the government is implementing cross‑sector measures such as minimum energy performance standards, building energy codes, transport electrification, and modernized public services. These initiatives aim to strengthen energy security, foster innovation, and support Cambodia’s transformation toward an upper‑middle‑income economy by 2029.
- Sachai Saykhammoun, Senior Researcher, Renewable Energy and New Energy Research Centre, Institute for Industry, Commerce and Energy, Ministry of Industry and Commerce (IICE), Lao PDR highlighted Lao PDR’s strong push for clean cooking as part of its broader energy efficiency agenda. Through the establishment of a stove testing laboratory by IICE and ARMI, the country aims to set clear standards and evaluate the performance of clean cookstoves. Supported by the Renewable Energy Development Strategy, Laos is advancing improved biomass and modern gasifier stoves, promoting electric cooking, and leveraging carbon finance and results-based financing to scale clean cooking solutions.
- Professor Đặng Thai Binh, Director of Vietnam Centre for the Advanced Study of India, Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies reflected Vietnam’s policy framework for advancing energy efficiency across key sectors. Supported by national legislation, the country has established annual energy efficiency plans, mandatory audits, and labelling programmes alongside technical regulations and standards. These initiatives span industries implementing audits and energy management systems, buildings adopting green standards through envelope and lighting efficiency, and the transport sector, where fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles are being introduced.
The afternoon continued with a Special Presentation titled “Building a Sustainable Future: The Nalanda Net-Zero Campus Experience” by the Infrastructure Team of Nalanda University, followed by a guided tour of its sustainability features. Delegates witnessed firsthand how the university integrates renewable energy, efficient architecture, and resource management, serving as a living example of sustainable campus design. The fourth session, conducted on 19 September 2025, broadened the discussion by highlighting global perspectives and best practices from non-ASEAN EAS countries. The session highlighted how global collaboration can inform policy adaptation and technology innovation across the EAS region.
- Professor Sooncheul Lee, Professor, BUFS, Republic of Korea featured a presentation in advancing Korea-India collaboration in the energy sector, noting that existing cooperation remains limited between the two countries. The discussion proposed establishing a high-level energy dialogue to strengthen policy coordination and foster joint technology development, particularly in solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery ecosystems. Speakers also suggested initiating pilot projects supported by public funds or multilateral agencies as a practical starting point to translate this partnership into tangible outcomes.
- Dr Pavitra Srinivasan, Senior Manager, Industry Programme, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, USA underscored that as operational emissions fall in net-zero buildings, embodied carbon, already 11% of global GHGs, has become a critical challenge for climate goals. Reducing these emissions demands lifecycle approaches across design, materials, and construction, supported by innovation and skilled human engagement. She also stressed the need for regional collaboration and innovation hubs to scale technology and ensure equitable, cost-effective decarbonisation across ASEAN’s building and industrial sectors.
- Dr Patrick Crittenden, Director, Sustainable Business Group Pty Ltd., Australia shared Australia’s coordinated framework for accelerating energy efficiency across sectors. National and state governments align policy and implementation, while institutions like the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Australian Renewable Energy Agency drive investment and innovation. Supported by regulators, research bodies, and industry associations, this collaborative system links policy, finance, and technology to advance a low-carbon, efficient economy.
The final session focused on advancing regional collaboration and institutional capacity for energy efficiency and sustainability. Speakers explored collaborative approaches to policy harmonisation, technical training, and shared investment mechanisms to accelerate implementation.
- Dr Chandra Bhushan, President, iFOREST, India emphasised that achieving climate goals requires moving beyond conventional technical and policy solutions to integrate behavioral transformation at individual and community levels. He highlighted India's Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative as a critical framework that recognises how everyday choices in transportation, consumption, and housing significantly impact energy use and emissions. Dr. Bhushan argued that sustainable energy policies must actively promote lifestyle changes and foster a culture of conservation, making individuals and communities active partners in climate action rather than passive recipients of technological interventions. He stressed that policy-makers should design integrated approaches that combine regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, and behavioral change mechanisms to create holistic pathways toward energy efficiency and sustainability, acknowledging that transforming consumption patterns and establishing ingrained sustainable habits are as essential as infrastructure development in meeting regional and global climate commitments.
- Senthil Kumar, Senior Follow, TERI, India discussed discussed TERI's comprehensive contributions to advancing energy efficiency through multi-dimensional research, policy advisory, and implementation support. He highlighted TERI's work in developing energy efficiency frameworks for industrial sectors, promoting sustainable building practices through green building certifications and net-zero initiatives, and advancing clean energy transitions including renewable integration and electric mobility. He emphasised TERI's role in capacity building through training programmes for energy managers and auditors, technology demonstration projects, and policy research that informs national energy efficiency regulations. He also underscored TERI's experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships and creating knowledge platforms that offer valuable lessons and replicable models for regional collaboration in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability across South and Southeast Asia.
- Dr Sabyasachi Saha, Associate Professor, RIS, India reflected on the critical importance of capacity building for policymakers, regulators, and industry actors to adopt best practices and scale implementation in emerging economies. Speakers connected technical measures with behavioral transformation through India's LiFE framework and shared successful financing mechanisms, regulatory innovations, and partnership models for regional replication. The session underscored the need for cross-sector partnerships, knowledge-sharing platforms, and holistic approaches combining technical solutions with lifestyle transformation to achieve sustainability goals.
- Rio Jon Piter Silitonga, Senior Officer, ASEAN Centre for Energy highlighted ACE's comprehensive regional collaboration strategies including facilitating knowledge exchange through the EE&C Sub-Sector Network, implementing capacity building programmes such as SAEMAS and PEEB, and advancing policy harmonisation initiatives like MEPS for industrial equipment aligned with APAEC targets. He emphasised opportunities for mutual learning exchanges and academic research collaboration, particularly incorporating behavioural change principles from India's LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) programme that complement ASEAN's approach to mainstreaming sustainability through policy, education, and community engagement. He noted expanded collaboration opportunities in harmonising energy efficiency standards and labelling, pursuing efficiency in transport and industrial sectors, and leveraging partnerships with international organisations including IKI, AFD, and GCF. He also highlighted the potential for living laboratory demonstrations such as net-zero campus initiatives and sectoral efficiency roadmaps that provide natural entry points for cross-regional cooperation, ultimately strengthening institutional capabilities and accelerating ASEAN's transition toward sustainable, low-carbon development.
The session concluded with consensus on the need for sustained multi-country collaboration to enhance capacity-building and foster region-wide energy efficiency networks.
