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ECOSTP’s philosophy is notably built on the 3C model — Co-create, Co-execute, and Co-evolve. This approach reflects a collaborative ethos, drawing inspiration from the disciplined collective system observed in ant colonies. Biomimicry serves as a central theme, guiding the organization's commitment to co-creation, shared execution, and continuous evolution in its projects. They deliver in collaboration with their clients—developing and maintaining enduring relationships which are built on a foundation of integrity, trust and competence. ECOSTP listen and seek to understand clients’ underlying interests and co-create the sewage treatment solution.
ECOSTP’s unique patented technology treats sewage in a decentralized, self-sustainable way in underground chambers without power, chemicals or human intervention. A well-defined and collaborative approach to delivering solutions, particularly in the field of sewage treatment.
1. Execution Philosophy: 3C Model (Co-create, Co-execute, Co-evolve)
• Co-create: Involving clients in the development of solutions, emphasizing collaboration from the start.
• Co-execute: Collaborative execution of projects with clients, suggesting a partnership throughout the implementation process.
• Co-evolve: A commitment to ongoing improvement and adaptation, suggesting a dynamic, evolving relationship with clients.
2. Client Collaboration:
• Emphasis on developing and maintaining enduring relationships.
• Foundation of integrity, trust, and competence in client relationships.
• Actively listening to and understanding clients' underlying interests.
3. Lean Six Sigma Approach:
• Mistake-proofing Discipline: Integrating Lean Six Sigma principles to ensure a high level of quality and efficiency in the implementation process.
• Sustainable Implementation: Aligning the implementation approach with sustainability goals.
4. DIY ECOSTP Kit:
• Providing a solution for change-makers globally through a do-it-yourself kit.
• Easy-to-understand Lego model designs for simplicity and clarity.
• Detailed, step-by-step unitized work instructions for flawless execution.
• Utilizing locally available materials and labor for sustainability.
5. Low Carbon Footprint:
• Emphasizing environmental responsibility through a commitment to a low carbon footprint.
The organization's focus on collaboration, sustainability, and a structured approach to execution with the 3C model and Lean Six Sigma principles seems to be a comprehensive strategy. The DIY ECOSTP Kit also appears to empower individuals globally to contribute to sewage treatment solutions with minimal environmental impact. This combination of collaborative, sustainable, and efficient practices is likely to be attractive to clients and change-makers alike.
In the vicinity of Bangalore, close to Varthur Lake, the founder Mr. Tharun Kumar found himself confronted with the recurring challenge of the lake catching fire during the latest incident, which endured for a lengthy 14 hours. The root cause of this issue lay in the substantial daily influx of 400 million liters of sewage into the lake.
Living in close proximity to Varthur Lake, he couldn't remain indifferent to the environmental catastrophe unfolding before his eyes. What struck him even more deeply was the realization that even the community he lived in was unwittingly contributing to the problem by dumping sewage into the lake. The root cause of this ecological disaster, he discovered, lay in the outdated sewage treatment technology prevalent at the time—a technology dating back to 1914. This obsolete technology relied on blowing air through fecal matter using high-powered motors, a process that was not only energy-intensive but also far from sustainable.
Driven by a practical curiosity, Mr. Kumar questioned the reliance on century-old technology when nature had been effectively treating water for billions of years. This exploration led to the discovery that nature employed separate tanks and anaerobic bacteria for water treatment, presenting a more sustainable alternative to the prevailing aerobic bacteria-based methods.
This realization laid the foundation for an innovative approach—an eco-friendly sewage treatment technology requiring zero power and zero chemicals. Motivated by nature's efficiency, the founder and the team aimed to address the Varthur Lake crisis and revolutionize wastewater management practices globally.
From the environmental challenges surrounding Varthur Lake emerged not just a call for action but an opportunity for innovation. This narrative underscores a commitment to sustainability, leveraging nature-inspired solutions to address contemporary wastewater management challenges.
ECOSTP measures the impact based on 3 metrics:
ELECTRICITY: Idea behind calculating electricity savings was that; ECOSTP does not consume any electricity while a conventional STP would consume electricity so the difference between the electricity consumed by a conventional STP vs ECOSTP is Electricity consumed by using conventional method subtracting zero (which is the electricity consumed by ECOSTP) is the total electricity saved by somebody opting for ECOSTP
Electricity consumption when using conventional electricity - used for machines in STP.
COAL: The Amount of Coal saved is The Amount of Coal consumed to produce the electricity needed to run the conventional STP- Zero (As ECOSTP does not consume any electricity)
CO2: CO2 Saved by opting for ECOSTP is the Amount of CO2 produced by Opting for conventional method- Zero (Which is the amount produced by ECOSTP)
Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3)
Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
ECOSTP provide the technology license - they call it the ECOSTP DIY Kit and the STP is constructed by the client by following certain instructions using locally available materials. Though the execution is done by clients ECOSTP take the ownership and ensure the STP is constructed flawlessly so that it lasts for generations. According to Mr. Tharun, CEO and founder of ECOSTP, their business is profitable, which is a great thing considering the line of business they are in. STP is a must for all commercial buildings if not residential. ECOSTP aims to install their technology in largely commercial buildings and institutions.
Not only they are working towards treating sewage responsibly, they have goals cultivate this technology as a good business, and hence contributing to economic growth. They have 200+ clients in about 24 states of India which proves that this technology of treating sewage is not only environmentally friendly but also has a business acumen.
As per Mr. Tharun, ECOSTP is not only a technology that is being used to treat sewage, but also a step towards changing conventional things that are in front of our eyes every time. Sewage has been a problem since ancient times. Time and again people have tried to change the approach to handling sewage, but no breakthrough was noticed. ECOSTP takes care of the environment in many ways. The most observable is by treating the wastewater and not letting it drain into any water body as it is. Secondly, ECOSTP uses no electricity and no chemicals, again benefiting the environment in numerous indirect ways. Although Mr. Tharun claims that the water treated from his STP can be further filtered to make it portable (fit for drinking), it is the mindset of the people he is concerned about. Will you drink a glass of water if I tell you it has originated from your washroom? Maybe not.
Some of the social impact which ECOSTP is planning to make is providing space for recreational activities. They have already executed projects in which playgrounds were built over the STP set up, because why not? Kids don’t have to worry about sewage they need to play. In times when space is a scared resource, I think Mr. Tharun’s plans for his company are quite diverse. I hope it pans out well.
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ECOSTP, a waste water treatment technology makes use of gravity and other natural gifts unlike pumps/blowers used in conventional treatment plants. As a result, the ECOSTP is cost effective, has lower operational and maintenance expenses, and can be designed to suit existing land use planning. Unlike conventional plants, the space above the ECOSTP can be used for parking lots, playgrounds, landscaping, etc. The treated water adheres to all PCB norms.
