Rajneesh Sareen Joins Jury for Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards 2026

The Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards have established themselves as a premier platform celebrating individuals, businesses, and institutions committed to building a sustainable future. With environmental consciousness becoming increasingly vital, the awards aim to recognize changemakers whose efforts are driving measurable impact across various sectors.

A notable addition to this year’s distinguished jury panel is Rajneesh Sareen, Programme Director for the Sustainable Buildings and Habitat Programme at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Sareen’s work focuses on practical solutions for energy-efficient buildings and smart water management, addressing the critical question of how to maintain livability in rapidly expanding cities amidst a warming planet.

Sareen’s expertise in urban sustainability makes him a valuable voice on the jury. His presence ensures that the ideas celebrated at the awards are not only ambitious but also scalable, measurable, and capable of driving real-world change. A trained professional from the prestigious School of Planning and Architecture, Sareen brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked with organizations such as the British High Commission, the US Embassy, WWF-India, and IRG Systems South Asia before joining CSE.

An IEMA-certified advanced environmental systems auditor, Sareen is deeply involved in decoding carbon footprints, advocating for green construction, and addressing the challenges posed by construction waste. His work underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices in the face of rapid urbanization.

Joining Sareen on the jury panel are other distinguished experts, including Blossom Kochhar, a clean beauty advocate; Bhupinder Bhalla, IAS and former Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Peepal Baba, Founder of Give Me Trees Trust; and renowned designer and sustainability advocate Ritu Beri. Together, the jury represents a diverse cross-section of leaders driving India’s sustainability agenda.

The Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards encourage entrepreneurs to demonstrate that profitability and sustainability can coexist. The initiative highlights businesses and individuals creating tangible environmental impact, rather than merely engaging in green branding. This year’s awards feature nominations across 25 categories, including EcoTech & Climate Innovation, Sustainable Mobility & EV Ecosystem, Circular Economy & Recycling, Water Conservation & Management, Sustainable Fashion & Textiles, Women-Led Green Enterprises, and Youth-Led Climate Action. Large organizations undertaking enterprise-wide sustainability transformations and individuals with long-standing contributions to environmental leadership will also be recognized.

Entries for the awards undergo rigorous evaluation by the expert jury, which assesses the uniqueness of innovations, the strength of business models, scalability, and measurable impact on society and the planet. The awards serve as a benchmark for identifying and honoring those who are truly advancing the sustainability agenda.