What is ZERI
Nirmala Nair, 2004
Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI) is a global network of creative minds, seeking solutions to the ever increasing problems of the world. The common vision shared by each and every member of the ZERI family is to seek sustainable solutions inspired by nature’s design principles. Innovative solutions are constantly designed by the ZERI teams drawn from many walks of life and expertise.
ZERI is committed to working towards a new paradigm shift
ZERI is contributing towards the creation of a global consciousness rooted in the search for practical solutions based on sustainable natural systems. The search for sustainability must be based on the acceptance of the interconnectedness of global issues. Unless we see the connections from the microscopic cellular scale to the supra global, each affecting the other in subtle yet profound ways, it is impossible to search for appropriate solutions.
ZERI believes in working with many problems simultaneously. This approach not only facilitates the synergy of multiple solutions, but also requires different organizational approaches. Institutions are challenged to think ‘out of the box’, facilitating inter-departmental operations. More-over, our solutions are constantly evolving, continually shaped by changing contexts. This approach brings real transformation, often in unexpected ways.
ZERI seeks sustainable solutions that are practical, affordable as well as informative
Sustainable solutions must be based on what is locally available. ZERI believes in building on local expertise and culture. ZERI respects the need for quick results. The needs of the marginalized majority are urgent. They cannot wait while poverty alleviation programmes are constantly being redesigned, yet remain unable to deliver.
ZERI believes in challenging the dominant mind set rooted in the scarcity principle and poverty consciousness
A narrow technological approach to addressing poverty issues is unlikely to be successful. Instead, communities need to be enabled to work with nature’s design principles being able to value their own richness and of their environment; communities need to experience projects that demonstrate that wealth of opportunities working with true diversity can generate livelihood for all.
ZERI believes in building a new kind of leadership
Current notions of leadership are based on power and control. Going beyond this means focusing on creating a future generation, working with young minds believing in ‘impossible dreams’. Stimulating creativity and innovation, ZERI believes in affirming the creative potential of each individual and their unique contribution towards the development of themselves and their communities. True diversity thus allows each one to appreciate his or her uniqueness while celebrating the inter-connectedness of all. Making sense of this interconnectedness, with the backing of scientific knowledge, paves the way for real development to take place within the community, eco-system and the broader living environment.
ZERI ways of learning
ZERI believes that working in harmony with nature does not mean abandoning science or becoming an escapist. While science is the key driver to ZERI, it is the fun part of demystifying science and making a culture of enquiry possible for younger minds that has led to the creation of an extensive ZERI educational component through the format of using fairy tales.
ZERI explores the deep science that informs the workings of nature through fun filled stories; and thus paves the way towards the creation of a new breed of scientists working with nature as opposed to working against nature. For ZERI the real investment lies in the creation of a present and future generation which is assured of sustainable livelihoods. ZERI considers this more meaningful than focusing on the relatively narrow discourse of ‘triple bottom lines’.
ZERI Projects
The nature of ZERI projects varies from pure industrial projects, to community based initiatives, to business related enterprises, to government and bilateral and UN aided co-operation. Some projects are small, some are struggling. But ZERI learns from failures. And some of our projects have turned into ‘mega’ projects.
ZERI has a total of fifty projects world wide. It is aided by a number of leading scientists, spread across a hundred or so countries, making their services available, together with pioneering research done on behalf of ZERI research foundation.
For more details regarding ZERI global as well as ZERI country projects please visit www.ZERI.org
