As EPIC India proudly marks a monumental 10-year journey, this photo essay vividly showcases ten pivotal moments that have defined our trajectory. Each milestone underscores EPIC India’s unwavering commitment to transforming environmental and policy landscapes across the nation. From forging powerful partnerships with more than 10 state governments to launching groundbreaking initiatives—such as the world’s first pollution market for particulate matter and India’s pioneering star rating program for industrial emissions—these photographs embody the strength of collaboration, the power of innovation, and our relentless pursuit of progress. Join us in celebrating a decade of decisive, research-driven action toward a more sustainable future for India.
In 2017, the Government of Odisha partnered with the University of Chicago Trust to advance research and pilot projects in energy, environment, health, and water & sanitation across the state. The agreement, signed in the presence of then-Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, laid the foundation for future impactful collaboration between EPIC researchers and Govt of Odisha.
On World Environment Day 2017, India’s first Star Rating Program for industries was launched in the presence of then-Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. The initiative, aimed at enhancing emissions disclosure by rating industries, was led by a team of researchers from EPIC in collaboration with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and other research partners.
Launched in 2017, the Legislators Program brings together UChicago experts and Indian policymakers to exchange knowledge on shaping effective energy and environmental policies. Through its four editions (seen in the photo are lawmakers from the 2018 Cohort along with EPIC team members), the program has facilitated critical dialogues aimed at addressing India’s pressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable solutions.
In 2018, Odisha became the first state to use Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) data to rate industries, launching the innovative Star Rating Program. This pioneering initiative launched by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and led by EPIC researchers promoted greater transparency and accountability, driving efforts for cleaner air across the state.
In 2019, Jharkhand became the third state in the country to launch a Star Rating Program to enhance industrial emissions monitoring across the state of Jharkhand. Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board collaborated with EPIC researchers in rolling out this pathbreaking scheme.
In 2019, then Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani joined EPIC Director Michael Greenstone and Senior Fellow Anant Sudarshan for the launch of the world’s first-ever particulate pollution market—a historic step in addressing air pollution through an Emissions Trading Scheme in Surat.
In 2019, EPIC Director Michael Greenstone joined MP Gaurav Gogoi and other experts to launch a Hindi version of Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) making crucial air quality data more accessible to a broader audience across India. AQLI is a first-of-its-kind tool that showed why: reducing this kind of pollution allows people to live longer and healthier lives.
In May 2022, then Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel joined EPIC Director Michael Greenstone, and Dr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of Gujarat’s Industries and Mines Department to announce plans for implementing a cap-and-trade market for carbon emissions from large sources in Gujarat.
In 2022, EPIC India hosted a workshop in Gujarat with Members of Parliament to explore pollution markets as a solution to air pollution. The session focused on emissions trading as a market-based approach to reduce pollution more efficiently, advancing India’s efforts toward cleaner air.
In 2023, on the sidelines of a public consultation focused on reducing vehicular pollution in Delhi, EPIC India and the Transport Department of Delhi signed an agreement paving the way for collaborative efforts to address Delhi’s vehicular air pollution challenges.