The interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Engineering Centre (ESSENCE) at IIT Palakkad was established to bring science, technology, and policy-making together to develop and demonstrate sustainable solutions for pressing socio-enviro-technical problems. Climate change is the greatest threat that humanity and life on earth is facing now. Mitigating climate change would require multifaceted efforts including transition to a low-carbon economy while ensuring food, water, and energy security and a clean environment for the growing population. India has already begun working on a long-term action plan to achieve the net zero carbon emission target by 2070. ESSENCE at IIT Palakkad is organising a symposium on sustainability to explore the role of science and technology in helping India achieve its pledged goal of net zero by 2070. This event will also mark the successful completion of the first year of ESSENCE since its foundation.