In the latest episode of Tamara Perspectives, Shruti Shibulal, CEO of Tamara Leisure Experiences, engages in a compelling conversation with Arjun P. Gupta, the CEO of Smart Joules, about the role of smart energy in India’s future. Their discussion explores the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and business, particularly how energy efficiency is not just an environmental necessity, but a smart business move that can unlock vast economic potential.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, this thought-provoking coversation delves into the powerful role businesses, particularly in the energy sector, are playing in driving sustainability through innovation.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, this thought-provoking coversation delves into the powerful role businesses, particularly in the energy sector, are playing in driving sustainability through innovation.
The Need for Urgency in Sustainability
One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the urgency required to address energy consumption. Arjun, who has built his career on energy efficiency, emphasised the need to act quickly and at scale.
“We have all the sustainability problems in the world right here in India. We need local solutions, and we need thousands of entrepreneurs to help solve them.” – Arjun P. GuptaArjun believes that the energy crisis cannot be tackled by a handful of successful entrepreneurs; rather, it requires a massive collective effort. His company, Smart Joules, focuses on driving energy savings through scalable solutions, making it clear that these issues are critical for India’s economic future.
“At Tamara, we believe in providing not just responsible stays but memorable experiences for our guests. Similarly, when it comes to energy, it’s about providing a seamless, sustainable experience without compromising comfort or quality.” – Shruti Shibulal
The Shift from Incremental to Transformational Change
Arjun and Shruti discussed the slow-moving nature of the energy industry and how change in this space typically happens incrementally. However, Arjun’s approach has been to apply urgency and challenge the status quo.
“Scaling isn’t just about numbers. It’s about scaling people, scaling solutions, and ensuring that these solutions improve lives.” – Arjun P. GuptaThis approach is particularly relevant in industries like healthcare and hospitality, where energy efficiency directly impacts the comfort and well-being of patients and guests. Arjun shared how energy systems in hospitals and hotels must be not just efficient but precise—for example, maintaining the right temperature and humidity in operating rooms to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
“We are not selling the trek, necessarily. What we are selling is the memory, the experience of being there.” – Shruti ShibulalShruti emphasised that the key to success in hospitality, like in the energy sector, is about the experience—ensuring that every guest’s experience is seamless, just as Arjun works to make every energy solution smooth and efficient for his clients.
Innovation at the Core: Technology’s Role in Scaling Sustainability
A recurring theme in the conversation was the role of technology in scaling sustainability. Both Arjun and Shruti acknowledged that without technology, scaling sustainability efforts would be impossible. Arjun’s company has embraced IoT, AI, and automation to optimise energy consumption across buildings, making energy savings not only easier but smarter.
“It’s not just about energy savings—it’s about making energy solutions smarter, faster, and more accurate. Technology allows us to predict issues before they happen, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.” – Arjun P. GuptaArjun discussed how technology like AI helps diagnose issues in real-time, allowing for quicker resolutions and maintaining the high quality of service, which is especially crucial in industries like healthcare and hospitality. By implementing these technologies, Smart Joules has been able to ensure that energy savings don’t come at the cost of comfort, which is a key differentiator in the market.
Empowering the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders
A particularly inspiring aspect of the conversation was the vision for the future that Arjun and Shruti share. They both believe in the power of education and mentorship to drive the next generation of sustainability entrepreneurs. Arjun’s “Climate Ninjas” programme is a fantastic example of how we can inspire young minds to take up careers in climate technology.
“We’re creating a community of entrepreneurs who will lead the future of sustainability. Through mentorship and education, we’re ensuring that the next generation has the skills and passion to tackle climate challenges head-on.” – Arjun P. GuptaAt Tamara, Shruti’s focus on sustainability education through programmes like Responsible Hoteliers of Tomorrow echoes Arjun’s belief in building a foundation of knowledge and action early on. These initiatives aim to equip future leaders with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to make sustainable decisions throughout their careers.
“It’s about setting a foundation where students, as future leaders, understand that sustainability isn’t a challenge—it’s an opportunity to innovate.” – Shruti Shibulal
Collaboration Over Competition
Both Arjun and Shruti stressed the importance of collaboration over competition when it comes to solving the world’s sustainability challenges. Arjun’s creation of the Sustainability Mafia—a community of like-minded sustainability entrepreneurs—is an embodiment of this collaborative spirit. The network allows entrepreneurs to share resources, exchange ideas, and work together to scale sustainable solutions.
“The ecosystem is what is required. We need to create a community where the best minds come together to solve the biggest problems.” – Arjun P. GuptaShruti echoed these sentiments, highlighting that collaboration within the hospitality industry and beyond is crucial to making significant strides in sustainability. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and challenges, businesses can drive collective change.
The Road Ahead: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
As the conversation drew to a close, it was clear that energy efficiency and sustainability are not just trends or regulatory requirements—they are integral to the future of business. Both Shruti and Arjun emphasised that the real challenge is not in the technical solutions but in the mindset shift that is needed across industries. Businesses must begin to see sustainability as a core value, not just a side initiative.
“Sustainability isn’t about filling quotas—it’s about reshaping how we operate, how we do business, and how we view our impact on the world.” – Shruti ShibulalThe discussion also highlighted that transparency, data-driven decisions, and consistent communication are key to fostering this mindset. By measuring and benchmarking sustainability metrics, businesses can make informed decisions and track their progress effectively.
Key Takeaways:
- Energy efficiency is not just a social responsibility but a smart business strategy that can lead to cost savings and long-term profitability.
- Technology plays a pivotal role in scaling sustainability efforts, and industries must embrace innovations like AI and IoT to drive efficiency.
- Collaboration among businesses, entrepreneurs, and sectors is crucial to creating scalable and impactful solutions for sustainability challenges.
- Education and mentorship programmes, such as Climate Ninjas and Responsible Hoteliers of Tomorrow, are helping cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders.
- Measuring and benchmarking sustainability metrics is essential for businesses to track progress and improve over time.