Opening
Anand Pathak:
Hello and good evening everyone. Welcome to Two Degrees Talks, where we discuss ideas, innovations, and individuals driving real impact toward a net-zero carbon footprint.
I’m your host, Anand Pathak, CEO and Founder of Fitsol.
Today, I’m joined by someone very special — Mr. Vinod Thusu, currently Head of Sustainability and Engineering at Cabel India. Prior to this, Vinod has close to three decades of experience in engineering and sustainability, including over 31 years at Hero MotoCorp, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers.
In this conversation, we’ll dive into real, on-ground examples of how emissions can actually be reduced — beyond strategy and buzzwords. Vinod, welcome to the show. We’re very excited to have you.
Vinod Thusu:
Thank you so much, Anand. It’s a privilege to speak with you, as always.
What Keeps Sustainability Exciting?
Anand Pathak:
You’ve spent nearly three decades in this space. What still keeps you excited about sustainability?
Vinod Thusu:
If we talk about sustainability as a subject, it is infinite — boundaryless. No one can say, “I’ve done XYZ and I’m done.”
What keeps me moving is this infinite nature — the continuous improvement needed to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and to make life better for everyone.
Entering Sustainability Before It Was “Popular”
Anand Pathak:
When you started your career, sustainability wasn’t even a mainstream topic. How did you enter this field?
Vinod Thusu:
After spending close to 33 years in plant operations, I realised how central energy is to sustainability.
If you look at sustainability from a 360-degree perspective, energy sits at the epicentre. Carrying operational experience from maintenance, utilities, and engineering, I felt sustainability was the right space to apply practical, implementable ideas — not just strategy.
That’s what inspired my move into sustainability in 2023.
Role at Cabel India
Anand Pathak:
Tell us about your current role at Cabel India and the impact you’re creating.
Vinod Thusu:
Cabel is a Spanish engineering company headquartered in Valencia. Our expertise spans:
- Energy-efficient painting and surface treatment technologies
- Environmental engineering solutions through our group company, E2Tech
We work extensively on:
- Thermal oxidation technologies (RTO, CTO, catalytic oxidation)
- VOC, NOx, SOx, and PM emissions reduction
- Clean room solutions
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems
These technologies help industries reduce emissions while improving operational efficiency.
Personal Journey
Anand Pathak:
Let’s take a step back. Where did your journey begin?
Vinod Thusu:
I was born and raised in Srinagar, Kashmir. I completed my schooling there and later studied Production Engineering at Pune University, graduating in 1991.
I worked with:
- Haldia Petrochemicals
- Indian Railways (Kharagpur workshops)
- Oil & Gas sector
I then joined Hero MotoCorp (earlier Hero Honda) and spent over three decades there before moving to Cabel India in 2025.
On the personal front, I live with my parents, my wife (a senior administrative officer with the Government of India), and my daughter, who is pursuing a Master’s in Economics at the National University of Singapore.
Defining Moment in Sustainability
Anand Pathak:
Was there a moment when sustainability truly felt “right” to you?
Vinod Thusu:
A defining moment was when India achieved 500 GW of renewable and non-fossil fuel capacity in 2025, five years ahead of its target.
That milestone showed we are moving in the right direction — not just as individuals, but as a nation.
Energy Efficiency: The Real Lever
Anand Pathak:
You often stress energy efficiency. Why is it so critical?
Vinod Thusu:
Energy efficiency is the backbone of net-zero strategy. A holistic approach has three elements:
- Capacity utilisation
- Process controls & retrofits
- Technology interventions
Many believe replacing motors equals energy efficiency. That’s incorrect. We must shift from equipment-level efficiency to system-level efficiency.
Simple actions — like optimising AC temperature set points or reducing compressed air pressure — can save massive energy without capital investment.
Why Capacity Utilisation Matters
Vinod Thusu:
If a plant designed for 7,500 vehicles produces only 3,000, fixed energy consumption remains almost the same. This worsens energy efficiency and increases emissions.
Optimising production scheduling, avoiding part-load operations, and minimising idle running are among the biggest emission-reduction opportunities.
Scope 2 Emissions & Supplier Engagement
Anand Pathak:
Many OEMs are now focusing on supplier Scope 2 emissions. Your thoughts?
Vinod Thusu:
Improving internal efficiency directly reduces Scope 2 emissions from grid electricity — and indirectly impacts Scope 1 as well.
Energy optimisation is one of the fastest and most cost-effective levers for supplier decarbonisation.
Why Carbon Is So Critical
Vinod Thusu:
Carbon emissions today occur at 1.3 million kilograms per second globally.
The real issue isn’t just volume — it’s carbon’s legacy. Carbon remains in the atmosphere for nearly 300 years, creating long-term greenhouse effects. That’s why carbon reduction is non-negotiable.
Carbon Sequestration: Last, Not First
Anand Pathak:
What’s your view on carbon sequestration?
Vinod Thusu:
Sequestration should address residual emissions only — about 10%.
The priority must be:
- Energy efficiency
- Energy transition
- Then sequestration
Urban tree planting is not true sequestration. Real carbon sinks require dense forest ecosystems. Climate change itself is now reducing forests’ ability to absorb carbon — a worrying signal.
Rapid Fire Round
Net-zero by 2070 for India — realistic?
Vinod Thusu: Optimistic, but achievable with massive energy transition.
EV or hydrogen mobility?
Hydrogen — specifically green hydrogen.
Most overused sustainability buzzword?
Carbon neutral.
Biggest misconception about carbon neutrality?
Buying offsets without decarbonising operations.
Book recommendation?
Climate Change 2100: Survive or Thrive by Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki.
Company you admire for sustainability?
Schneider Electric.
Tea or coffee?
Tea.
Closing Thoughts
Anand Pathak:
Thank you, Vinod. This conversation truly highlighted the importance of practical, on-ground sustainability action.
Vinod Thusu:
Thank you, Anand. It was a pleasure. Looking forward to many more such discussions.