Energy abundance through technologies like nuclear fusion is the key to breaking our dependence on fossil fuels. Fusion, unlike fission, offers an almost limitless, clean energy source without the waste. Coupled with advancements in renewables and grid-scale storage solutions, the future of energy can be both green and abundant. ICfS is actively exploring these innovations to drive global adoption.
Aswe face an unprecedented environmental crisis, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. This series seeks to spotlight the innovative minds and passionate advocates who are leading the charge in environmental conservation and sustainable practices. We aim to explore the most effective strategies, breakthrough technologies, and transformative policies that are shaping a more sustainable future for our planet. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sachin Nandha.
Sachin Nandha is a Trustee and Director at the International Centre for Sustainability (ICfS), based out of the City of London. He is also a trustee of Earth Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic fund that looks to support research and scholarship. He is an author and has his first book being published by Penguin in March 2025.
Thank you so much for joining us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
Igrew up as a working-class boy in Leicester, raised by immigrant parents who instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and an appreciation for discipline and living within one’s means. At the age of 15, my world shifted when I lost my older brother, an event that profoundly shaped my perspective on life and deepened my interest in philosophy and challenging societal norms. This introspection eventually guided my academic path, leading me to study Philosophy at Nottingham University, where I honed my critical thinking skills and developed a lifelong passion for understanding complex ideas.
Following my education, I embarked on a 12-year career in private equity, where I gained extensive experience in the investment world. I became a Partner in 2015, a milestone that reflected my ability to navigate high-stakes environments and deliver results. Despite my professional success, I felt a growing need for purpose beyond profit. This realisation inspired me to leverage my expertise and network to focus on bridging India and the West while championing sustainability as a driver of progress, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from that?
Early in my career, I was assigned to work with a medium-sized aerospace company that manufactured military transparencies — the Perspex used in fighter aircraft. The business was in trouble, hemorrhaging cash due to an unacceptably high fail rate in its manufacturing process. The biggest issue lay in the canopy formation stage, where massive sheets of Perspex were heated in ovens the size of houses and bent into shape. Even the slightest imperfection — a snapped polymer, a microscopic crack — would result in the entire piece being scrapped.
The engineers and executives were baffled. They had analyzed every technical aspect of the process but couldn’t pinpoint the cause of the problem. I was sent in by my senior partner to investigate and report back to the board, which owned a majority stake in the company.
What I discovered wasn’t what anyone expected. Despite the firm’s earnest attempts to solve the issue, the company’s culture felt stuck in the 1980s, steeped in a rigid hierarchy and a clear divide between the engineers and the factory floor staff. The engineers rarely ventured onto the shop floor, and there was little dialogue or trust between the two groups.
When I shared this observation over coffee with my senior partner, he encouraged me to break protocol and spend time with the factory staff. So I did. For several days, I observed everything — how they worked, how they interacted, and even their daily routines. That’s when I noticed something unusual.
Every morning, the tea lady arrived at 10:00 a.m., offering snacks, including cold pies. At lunchtime, the oven operators would discreetly lift the massive oven doors just slightly — barely enough to avoid triggering the alarms — to warm their pies. The pies came out perfectly hot, and the operators seemed content.
At first, this seemed harmless enough. But I began to wonder if these seemingly insignificant actions were affecting the manufacturing process. When I reported my findings, the engineers dismissed the idea outright, claiming that the brief temperature differential wouldn’t be enough to cause polymers to snap. But I couldn’t shake the feeling they were wrong.
With the reluctant support of the CEO and CFO, I initiated a study. We installed sensors to detect any tampering with the ovens during the heating process and bought microwaves for the shop floor staff to ensure their pies could be warmed without using the production equipment.
The results were transformative. The scrap rate plummeted from 40% to just 5%, saving the company millions of pounds.
This experience taught me lessons I carry to this day. First, empathy and understanding people’s behaviors are as crucial as technical knowledge. Second, rigid hierarchies and “us versus them” attitudes stifle innovation and problem-solving. Finally, lateral thinking — seeing beyond the obvious and connecting dots others might miss — can lead to solutions that transform businesses.
It wasn’t just about fixing a process; it was about fostering trust, breaking down silos, and demonstrating the immense value of collaboration and communication.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Empathy
Empathy has been a cornerstone of my leadership style, enabling me to align diverse motivations with organisational goals. When I was a private equity partner leading a mergers and acquisitions strategy to build a dental chain, I quickly realized that focusing solely on increasing shareholder value would not be sustainable in the long term. To ensure the success of the venture, we had to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders.
This meant understanding and addressing the priorities of the dental professionals we employed — creating a work environment where they felt valued and supported — while maintaining a patient-centric approach that prioritised care and trust. Only after these elements were firmly in place could we focus on profitability. By fostering an empathetic approach, we not only enhanced stakeholder satisfaction but also created a more sustainable and profitable business model. This experience reinforced that empathy isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a powerful strategy for long-term success.
2. Visionary Thinking
The ability to see the bigger picture and anticipate trends has been pivotal to my success. For example, while leading initiatives at the International Centre for Sustainability (ICfS), I focused on the intersection of India’s emerging geopolitical influence and sustainability. By championing the concept of bridging the priorities of people, planet, and profit, I’ve been able to position ICfS as a key thought leader in the field. This vision not only guides our work but also inspires stakeholders to think beyond immediate challenges and collaborate on long-term solutions.
3.Resilience
Resilience has shaped both my personal and professional journey. Losing my older brother at 15 was a deeply formative experience, forcing me to confront challenges head-on and develop an inner strength to persevere. Later, during my private equity career, I faced high-pressure situations that required tough decisions and long hours. One particularly challenging deal involved restructuring a distressed company where emotions ran high among both staff and stakeholders. Staying calm, focused, and committed to finding a solution allowed me to guide the process to a successful outcome, proving that resilience isn’t just about enduring difficulties but about finding clarity and resolve in the face of them.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that might help people?
Yes, several projects excite me, but one that stands out is tackling the UK’s persistent shortage of qualified Maths teachers. This issue has plagued every government for decades, with little success. The problem has reached a critical point, with the UK slipping in international rankings for technical engineering and data science — a direct consequence of this education gap.
At the International Centre for Sustainability (ICfS), we’re working on a bold solution through a collaborative approach with India. India has an abundance of talented mathematicians who struggle to find well-paying jobs. We asked ourselves: why can’t these Indian Maths teachers help solve our problem? The barriers were clear — policy restrictions in UK schools, differences in cultural and socioeconomic understanding, and the challenge of aligning with the British curriculum.
But we believe all of this is solvable. We’ve launched a pilot program involving 200 students who are below average in Maths. These students are paired with trained Indian Maths tutors who are specifically equipped to teach British children within the UK curriculum. Our hypothesis is that these students will outperform their peers by 3–5% in end-of-year Maths tests on average.
If the pilot succeeds, there’s potential for the UK Department for Education to scale this to 2,000 children over five years. And if that works? We may have cracked the problem once and for all. It’s a win-win-win: UK schools gain skilled teachers, students and parents see improved outcomes, and Indian Maths tutors gain meaningful, well-paying jobs.
This is what I do now — take on real-world problems that others say are insurmountable and try to solve them. At the very least, we give it our best shot!
What pivotal moment led you to dedicate your career to sustainability, and how has that shaped your approach to environmental challenges?
The pivotal moment that set me on the path to sustainability occurred during a transformative trip to India in my twenties. For four months, I travelled extensively, reconnecting with my ancestral roots and experiencing firsthand the interplay between tradition and modernity. What struck me most was the stark juxtaposition of natural beauty — majestic forests, serene rivers — and the environmental degradation caused by rapid urbanization and industrialization. It was clear to me that the cost of progress, as it was being pursued, was unsustainable.
This experience planted the seed for my dedication to sustainability. It shaped my belief that solutions must harmonise the priorities of people, planet, and profit. Later, during my career in private equity, I saw firsthand how businesses could drive innovation and growth while being mindful of their social and environmental responsibilities. These realisations inspired me to pivot my career, founding the International Centre for Sustainability to champion sustainable practices through research, education, and policy advocacy.
My approach to environmental challenges today is shaped by the belief that collaboration is key. Whether it’s partnering with governments, businesses, or communities, I focus on building bridges that enable actionable, scalable solutions. Sustainability is not just about preserving the planet — it’s about creating systems where people thrive while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Could you describe a groundbreaking project or initiative you’ve been involved in that significantly contributed to sustainability?
One of the most groundbreaking initiatives I’ve been involved in is our collaboration at the International Centre for Sustainability (ICfS) to tackle the issue of water scarcity in India’s agricultural sector. Agriculture accounts for nearly 80% of India’s water usage, and inefficiencies in irrigation have led to both environmental strain and economic hardship for farmers.
We spearheaded a pilot program introducing precision irrigation technology in partnership with Indian start-ups and global sustainability leaders. By combining advanced drip irrigation systems with AI-powered water management tools, the project allowed farmers to use 40% less water while increasing crop yields by 20%.
The impact was transformative — not only did it reduce the strain on regional water resources, but it also improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers, many of whom were trapped in cycles of debt due to poor harvests. The project demonstrated that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.
This initiative is now being scaled up to reach thousands of farmers across several Indian states. It stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a focus on holistic outcomes that benefit people, the planet, and profit alike.
How do you navigate the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation in your sustainability strategies?
Navigating the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation is a challenge, but I firmly believe they are not opposing forces. My approach focuses on aligning incentives to create win-win outcomes for businesses and the environment.
For instance, one of our projects involved working with a major manufacturing firm to adopt circular economy practices. By shifting from a traditional linear model of “take, make, waste” to a more sustainable framework of recycling and reusing materials, we helped the company significantly reduce its carbon footprint while unlocking new revenue streams from recycled products. The key was demonstrating that sustainability is not just an ethical responsibility but also a strategic advantage that drives innovation and profitability.
This approach requires constant dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders — from policymakers to business leaders and local communities. It’s about finding shared priorities and crafting strategies that benefit all parties. Economic growth must come with resilience, and true resilience is impossible without environmental stewardship.
My mantra is simple: growth and sustainability aren’t rivals — they are partners in creating long-term value.
What emerging technologies or innovations do you believe hold the most promise for advancing sustainability and why?
The technologies I believe hold the most promise for advancing sustainability are at the cutting edge of science and innovation. Three in particular stand out:
- Quantum Computing:
Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize our approach to problem-solving, taking AI and data analysis to the next level. Its immense computational power can tackle highly complex sustainability challenges, such as optimizing global energy grids, modeling climate change impacts with unprecedented accuracy, or advancing materials science to develop sustainable alternatives. Quantum computing will allow us to make decisions faster and smarter, unlocking efficiencies we can only dream of today. - Energy Abundance Through Nuclear Fusion:
The pursuit of energy abundance through nuclear fusion represents a breakthrough that could redefine sustainability. Unlike nuclear fission, which comes with waste and safety challenges, fusion replicates the process that powers the sun, offering an almost limitless, clean, and safe energy source. If we achieve scalable fusion technology, we could meet the world’s energy demands without harming the environment, ushering in a new era of growth powered by clean energy. - Biotechnology and Seamless Human-Tech Interfaces:
Biotechnology is transforming the way humans and technology interact, making the interface more seamless and natural. Imagine sensors embedded in human physiology that monitor health in real-time, or wearable tech that optimizes energy consumption at a personal level. These innovations have applications not just in health but also in sustainability — improving how we use resources, reducing waste, and creating systems that are adaptive and responsive to our needs.
Together, these technologies represent a paradigm shift in how we think about sustainability. They combine to tackle the root causes of environmental challenges while enabling an unprecedented leap in human capability and innovation.
Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Top Strategies for a Cleaner Planet”?
- Redefine Personhood for Nature
One transformative strategy is granting personhood to nonhuman life, such as forests, rivers, and animals. This concept, akin to legal recognition for corporations, ensures these entities have rights and representation under the law. For example, the Whanganui River in New Zealand was granted legal personhood in 2017, empowering its Maori guardians to protect it as an equal stakeholder. Imagine if this approach were applied globally — forests would no longer be exploited purely as resources but nurtured as partners in our collective future. - Embrace Circular Economy Practices
Shifting from a linear economy to a circular one is critical. Instead of “take, make, and waste,” resources are reused, recycled, or repurposed to minimize waste. At ICfS, we partnered with a manufacturing firm to implement a circular model for their materials. By recycling production byproducts into usable components, we reduced their carbon footprint and added new revenue streams. It’s a clear example of how sustainability and profitability can align. - Invest in Education and Training
Knowledge is a catalyst for change. A project I’m particularly proud of at ICfS involves addressing the UK’s shortage of qualified Maths teachers by training Indian mathematicians to teach British students. By creating cross-border education pipelines, we’re solving an immediate problem while building long-term capacity for innovation and problem-solving — a foundation for a cleaner, smarter future. - Prioritize Renewable Energy and Innovation
Energy abundance through technologies like nuclear fusion is the key to breaking our dependence on fossil fuels. Fusion, unlike fission, offers an almost limitless, clean energy source without the waste. Coupled with advancements in renewables and grid-scale storage solutions, the future of energy can be both green and abundant. ICfS is actively exploring these innovations to drive global adoption. - Reimagine Urban Spaces
Cities must be at the forefront of sustainability efforts. Incorporating green roofs, urban forests, and smart water management can make cities cleaner and more resilient. For example, Singapore has successfully integrated greenery into its urban planning, reducing heat islands and improving air quality. At ICfS, we are studying ways to replicate these models in rapidly urbanising regions like India, creating blueprints for sustainable cities.
In your view, what are the key steps individuals, communities, and governments need to take to achieve a more sustainable future?
Individuals:
The most impactful step an individual can take is to go vegan — or at the very least, vegetarian. Research by experts like Dr. Sailesh Rao has shown that adopting plant-based diets is a game changer for sustainability. The livestock industry is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water scarcity. By reducing or eliminating animal-based products, individuals can drastically reduce their carbon footprint while promoting better land and water use. This isn’t just a lifestyle change; it’s a moral and environmental imperative. Beyond diet, individuals can amplify their impact by supporting eco-friendly initiatives, reducing waste, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize sustainability.
Communities:
Communities have the power to drive transformative change through collective action. One of the most effective ways to make an impact is by changing the world with your wallet — becoming conscious consumers who support sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly businesses. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to build.
Beyond consumption, communities can self-organize to take up grassroots initiatives that directly benefit the environment. Planting trees in neighbourhoods, cleaning up local rivers, and creating urban green spaces can not only improve the local ecosystem but also bring people together, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. These small, localised actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others and contributing to global change.
Governments:
Governments are rarely the source of innovation or dynamic change — history teaches us this lesson repeatedly. True innovation and the drive for change come from people and communities. The government’s role should be to get out of the way, removing unnecessary barriers while being wise enough to empower and enable local communities.
This means creating policies that decentralise decision-making and allow grassroots initiatives to flourish. Governments should focus on providing the right frameworks — whether through funding, infrastructure, or regulatory support — so that individuals and communities can lead the charge. For instance, enabling renewable energy adoption at the local level or incentivising community-led sustainability projects often yields far better results than top-down mandates. Governments must embrace the role of enablers, not controllers, for meaningful progress to happen.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I could start a movement, it would be a global initiative to redefine our relationship with nature by granting legal personhood to forests, rivers, and other nonhuman entities. Much like corporations are granted personhood under the law, this would give ecosystems rights, representation, and protections that prevent their exploitation. Imagine a world where a forest could have legal standing to sue against deforestation, or a river could demand restoration after being polluted. This paradigm shift would force us to consider the environment not as a resource to be exploited but as an equal stakeholder in our shared future.
Equally critical to this movement would be advocating for a global shift toward plant-based living. Going vegan is one of the most impactful decisions we can make for the planet. The livestock industry is a leading contributor to deforestation, water scarcity, and greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting plant-based diets, we not only address environmental challenges but also create a healthier, more ethical food system.
This dual approach — legal personhood for nature and widespread veganism — would inspire local communities, policymakers, and businesses to rethink how they engage with the natural world. Together, these steps could create a system where environmental sustainability is woven into the fabric of our laws, economies, and lifestyles — a true partnership between humanity and nature.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
You can follow me on LinkedIn — and follow the International Centre for Sustainability
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
