TRANSDISCIPLINARY PROJECT CENTRIC LEARNING

This study investigates the potential for Beema Bamboo Charcoal to serve as a sustainable end-use coal option in India's energy market, in which coal serves as the dominant source of electricity generation (65%) at significant environmental cost.Beema Charcoal, as a product of a renewable bio-material (bamboo) that grows at rapid pace (4-5 years to full maturation), boasts compelling benefits to the environment (70% lower CO emissions when burned) and energy efficiency (4,500 kcal/kg).Our core mission is to offer an energy solution that is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable and competitively priced.The strategic business model incorporates responsible bamboo cultivation and innovative production techniques that significantly reduce carbon emissions.Although Beema Charcoal is emerging industrially due to cost savings and pressure from regulatory bodies, it is lagging behind on the household front.Our exploration of the potential market for Beema Charcoal shows the younger generation (aged 18-30 years) and female buyers are the most interested in purchasing sustainable alternativesalbeit, with higher price sensitivity (45.4% willing to pay a premium).Social media campaigns and, increasingly, environmentally certified products influence more consumer willingness to purchase sustainable products (e.g.FSC, ISO 14001, etc.).The research identifies supply chain challenges and quality standardization as critical issues that must be addressed through marketing contracts and pricing mechanisms in the consideration of sales and purchasing.Furthermore, these issues can develop through strategic pricing mechanisms, eco-branding collaborations, as well as public sector funding and incentives (e.g.National Bamboo Mission).With a projected three-year net profit of 23.33% across potential revenue from fees (based on industry, retail and carbon credits), Beema Charcoal is positioned to take a lead role in changing India's energy mix and achieving climate goals, however this potential is reliant on coordinated policy and programme support.