Development Alternatives
Society for Development Alternatives
New Delhi, India
About
Founded in 1982, Development Alternatives is a ngo headquartered in New Delhi, India with approximately 500-1000 employees specializing in Solar, Biomass, Hydrogen.
Development Alternatives is the world's first social enterprise dedicated to sustainable development, established in 1982. It is a research and action organization delivering socially equitable, environmentally sound, and economically scalable development outcomes. The organization's green technology innovations span renewable energy (including biomass gasification and solar micro-grids through TARAurja), habitat development (earth architecture, brick-making technologies), water management (water purification systems), and waste-to-wealth initiatives. Development Alternatives operates through multiple social enterprises and programs including TARA (Technology and Action for Rural Advancement), Indian Micro Enterprises Development Foundation (IMEDF), and Radio Bundelkhand. The organization has reduced poverty and rejuvenated natural ecosystems in backward regions of India, creating sustainable livelihoods for over one million people and empowering more than six million individuals. Its work focuses on three impact areas: Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Restoration, Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy, and Livelihood Security and Inclusive Entrepreneurship.
Headquarters
New Delhi, India
Founded
1982
Employees
500-1000
Company Type
NGO
Business Models
Value Chain
Industry Memberships
Green Economy Coalition, IUCN Commission on Environmental Economic and Social Policy, IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, IUCN Commission on Education and Communication
Products
TARAurja
DESI Power
Jal-TARA Filter
TARA MCR Technology
TARA Balram Mudblock Press
TARA BrickMek
TARA Eco-Kiln Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln
TARA Fly Ash Brick Technology
LC3 Green Cement
TARA Aqua Check Vials
Jal-TARA Water Testing Kit
TARA Soil Testing Kit
Pawan-TARA
TARA Chulha
TARA Handmade Paper
TARA Loom
TARA Akshar
Projects
TARAgram Livelihood Resource Centre
DESI Power Plant
Check Dams in Bundelkhand
Radio Bundelkhand
TARAurja Mini-Grids
Certifications & Awards
Certifications
Scientific & Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) Certification
Awards
Zayed International Prize for the Environment
UN Sasakawa Environment Prize
OBE Award
Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej Environment Award
Great Himalayan Star Award
Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Medal
Commonwealth Educational Media Centre Asia Award
Sustainable Environment Award
Narain Dutt Award for the Conservation of Nature
Commonwealth Education Award