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Development Alternatives

Society for Development Alternatives

New Delhi, India

SolarBiomassHydrogenEnergy StorageNGO
Founded 1982500-1000 employees

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.

sustainable developmentrenewable energysocial enterprisebiomass gasificationsolar energywater managementhabitat developmentwaste-to-wealthlivelihood creationclimate resiliencecircular economyrural development

Headquarters

New Delhi, India

Founded

1982

Employees

500-1000

Company Type

NGO

Business Models

B2BB2CCo-op

Value Chain

R&DManufacturingDevelopmentEngineeringConstructionO&MConsultingCommunity Engagement

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

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