This young entrepreneur has built a thriving business in the field of sustainability

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Shivam Singh, a 29-year-old entrepreneur and sustainability consultant, is not just any professional in the field of environmentalism. With a background in management and training under the esteemed U.S Nobel laureate and founder of The Climate Reality Project, Mr. Al Gore, Shivam has devoted his life to creating impactful solutions that address pressing environmental challenges.

Early Life and Awakening to Environmental Challenges

‍Born and raised in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shivam Singh grew up in a place where water was abundant, and the idea of water scarcity seemed distant and irrelevant. However, this perception changed dramatically when he moved to Pune in 2012 for his graduation. In Pune, Shivam encountered the harsh reality of water scarcity for the first time—communities receiving water only once every few days—a stark contrast to his childhood experience. This eye-opening experience deeply impacted him.

During his time at Symbiosis University, Shivam participated in a college project competition on rainwater harvesting, where he led his team to victory. This project was a pivotal moment for Shivam, fueling his passion for sustainability and setting him on a path that would soon become his life's mission. The experience was further enriched by his selection for climate reality training in 2015 under U.S. Nobel Laureate Al Gore in Delhi, solidifying his commitment to environmental advocacy.

A Defining Moment: The Nagpur Train Incident‍

In 2015, Shivam had another transformative experience that further deepened his commitment to sustainability. While traveling by train through Nagpur, he witnessed a distressing scene: the train made multiple unscheduled stops because desperate villagers pulled the emergency chain to access water, as they had no other source to rely on. "Seeing crowds rush toward the train, desperately trying to fill their containers, left an indelible mark on me," Shivam shares with ImpactStories.in. This moment was a powerful reminder of the severity of India’s water crisis and ignited a deeper sense of urgency in him to find sustainable solutions.

From Awareness to Action: The Birth of a Mission‍

Inspired by his college project and the Nagpur train incident, Shivam initially focused on raising awareness about sustainability. He conducted sessions at over 200 institutions, including corporates, schools, and colleges, educating people on the importance of sustainable practices. However, Shivam quickly realized that awareness alone was not enough. Many institutions lacked the expertise to implement sustainable solutions effectively, and without proper guidance, their commitments often fell short.

Recognizing this gap, Shivam shifted his approach from merely raising awareness to providing actionable solutions. By 2017, he had transitioned into the role of a research consultant, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. He launched his consultancy firm, ExploreiT, which offered in-depth research and consultancy services to help corporations and communities tackle sustainability challenges. Subsequently, he introduced ExploreiT Nextgen Solutions, a branch focused on delivering comprehensive sustainable solutions across five key areas: Air, Water, Waste, Energy, and Biodiversity. This initiative was designed not only to raise awareness but also to execute tangible projects addressing pressing environmental issues, thus bringing his vision full circle.

Under the mentorship of Colonel Shashikant Dalvi, a retired army colonel known for his contributions to over 100 villages in Beed, Shivam began implementing rainwater harvesting systems in regions severely affected by water scarcity, such as Beed and the outskirts of Pune. These efforts began in 2018, and by 2021, Shivam's team had successfully implemented rainwater harvesting systems in 105 villages, making them tanker-free. This significant achievement earned his team a letter of appreciation from the Jilla Panchayat CEO and an invitation to Mantralaya to discuss their work with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Innovative Solutions and Unconventional Approaches

Shivam's work has been characterized by innovative approaches that go beyond traditional sustainability practices. One such initiative involved partnering with Yerwada Jail in Pune for a tree plantation project. Corporates often struggle with sustaining tree plantations due to challenges in maintenance and location selection. To address this, Shivam proposed utilizing the 200-300 acres of land available within Yerwada Jail for tree plantation. The Deputy Commissioner supported the idea, and with the help of jail inmates, Shivam's team planted सोनचाफा (Sonchafa), a popular and costly flower famous in state of Maharashtra. The inmates, who received a day off their sentence for each day they worked on the project, ensured that the trees were well-maintained. The project was a resounding success, with the first flowers blooming in March 2022. Encouraged by this success, Shivam replicated the model in other locations, eventually planting 386,000 trees with a survival rate of over 90%.

Another significant project that Shivam spearheaded was the 'Bring Back Butterflies' initiative, aimed at creating hospitable environments for butterflies in urban areas. The project, which began in Pune, quickly gained traction as butterflies started returning to these areas. The success of this initiative led to its expansion to other cities like Noida, Nagpur, and Hyderabad, with butterfly gardens being established in various locations, including Joggers Park in Viman Nagar, Air Force stations, and Symbiosis College, among others.

Overcoming Challenges and Shifting Perceptions

Shivam’s journey has not been without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles he faced was the lack of social capital and career opportunities in the sustainability sector in India. When Shivam first informed his parents about his decision to start a business in sustainability, they were concerned about the viability of such a career. The prevailing perception was that sustainability was not a profitable or secure field.

Another challenge was the age bias Shivam encountered. Being younger than most experts in the field, Shivam constantly had to prove his credentials as a subject matter expert. The expectation that authority in sustainability comes only with age was a barrier he had to overcome. However, through perseverance and consistent efforts, Shivam has now become a well-recognized figure in the field, even training under Mr. Al Gore for a second time in 2021.

Shivam’s ability to engage people of all ages in his work has been a key factor in his success. He has collaborated with senior citizen forums and other groups, broadening the reach of his initiatives and gaining valuable contributions from unexpected quarters.

Impact in Numbers: The Quantifiable Success of a Vision

Shivam’s efforts have resulted in tangible, quantifiable impacts that speak volumes about the effectiveness of his initiatives. Over the years, his projects have mobilized an impressive 300,000 interns and volunteers on the ground. Through cleanliness drives alone, Shivam's teams have removed 96,000 kilograms of waste annually—a significant achievement in the fight against environmental degradation.

In addition to waste management, Shivam’s projects have beautified over 40 walls in Pune and established 56 butterfly gardens. The tree plantation project has seen 386,000 trees planted with a survival rate exceeding 90%, while the rainwater harvesting initiatives have made 105 villages tanker-free, providing a sustainable water supply to these communities. Each year, Shivam trains up to 18,000 students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainability.

Recognition and Social Transformation story

Shivam's work has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he was recognized by the famous Earth Day non profit U.S. based organization as one of their “50 Youth Voices from Asia.” The same year, Climate Reality organization featured him as one of five Climate Warriors worldwide. His contributions have also been acknowledged by the Maharashtra government, which awarded him the Paryavaran Doop award for his efforts in the field of climate change. In 2022, UNICEF recognized Shivam as one of the leading youth voices in India.

Beyond awards and accolades, Shivam’s work has had profound social implications. In one of the villages where his team implemented rainwater harvesting, the project’s success led to a remarkable social change. A local woman approached Shivam and shared a heartfelt story that moved him deeply. She told him that because of the reliable water supply brought about by the rainwater harvesting system, families in the village had started marrying off their daughters there—a practice that had been avoided for years due to the severe water crisis. This unexpected but deeply impactful outcome underscores how sustainable solutions can transform not just the environment but also the social fabric of communities, restoring hope and dignity where it had been lost.

Vision for the Future: Building a Sustainable Movement

Looking ahead, Shivam envisions a future where more people enter the sustainability sector, not just for social impact but also for financial stability. He believes that as more corporations and individuals take on projects that contribute to a greener society, a broader movement can be built that makes a real difference.

Shivam is particularly focused on nurturing the next generation of changemakers and leaders who can align their career goals with societal impact. His message is clear:

"Sustainability is not just the responsibility of NGOs, but a viable career path that offers both personal fulfillment and societal benefits."

Shivam Singh’s journey from a management graduate to a leading figure in sustainability is a testament to the power of dedication and innovative thinking. His work has not only addressed critical environmental challenges but also inspired countless others to join the movement for a sustainable future. As he continues to push boundaries and create lasting change, Shivam’s legacy is one of hope, action, and a deep commitment to the planet and its people.