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  • India’s bioenergy initiatives can play role in land restoration: Tomar

    India’s bioenergy initiatives can play role in land restoration: Tomar

    More than 2 billion hectares of land are degraded worldwide, nearly the size of India and Russia combined, impacting global food and water supplies.

    India’s bioenergy initiatives can play a crucial role in achieving land restoration, halting desertification and building drought resilience by providing sustainable energy solutions, Madhya Pradesh state assembly speaker Narendra Singh Tomar said on Wednesday.

    Tomar said more than 2 billion hectares of land are degraded worldwide, nearly the size of India and Russia combined, impacting global food and water supplies.

    “One of the key challenges of land restoration is the effective utilization of biomass, which significantly impacts the flora and biodiversity of the region,” Tomar said at an event organised by Confederation of NGOs of Rural India.

    He said India’s consumption of energy and electricity is less than one-third of the global average despite having about 17% of the world’s population.

    The government has implemented various schemes to promote bioenergy including the National Bioenergy Programme, the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation scheme, and the GOBAR Dhan scheme, Tomar said.

    Global Cooperation Economic Forum Chairman Dileep Shanghani said the cooperative economic framework has a major role in tackling climate change and bio-economy can provide livelihood solutions.

      India is taking a leading role through campaigns like LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) that encourages responsible living in harmony with nature, said Binod Anand, secretary general of the NGO confederation.

      Land degradation affects about 3.2 billion people worldwide and could reduce global food productivity by 12% by 2040, leading to food price hikes of up to 30%, according to speakers at the event.

  • Social Stock Exchange gains traction, attracts diverse investors

    Social Stock Exchange gains traction, attracts diverse investors

    Notable examples include Bengaluru-based SGBS Unnati Foundation, Transform Rural India, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and three other organisations.

    India’s Social Stock Exchange (SSE) is gaining momentum as a platform for social enterprises and non-profit organizations (NPOs) to raise funds, attracting a growing pool of investors seeking both financial returns and social impact.

    Launched to promote inclusive growth and financial inclusion, the SSE has seen several successful listings and fund raisings.

    Notable examples include Bengaluru-based SGBS Unnati Foundation, which raised Rs 1.8 crore to train and employ government college graduates, and Transform Rural India, securing Rs 2 crore for skill development projects.

    “The SSE provides a structured way for investors to support social causes they care about,” market analyst Mahesh Kumar said. “It’s not just philanthropy; for-profit social enterprises offer potential financial returns, similar to impact investing.”

    Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and three other organizations have collectively raised Rs 8 crore, focusing on education, health, and sustainable livelihoods.

    The SSE’s rigorous listing standards, requiring regular audited reports and independent verification of social impact claims, are attracting investors. “Transparency and accountability are key,” noted Megha Shah, an impact investor. “I can track the tangible outcomes of my investments.”

    Tax benefits recommended by the SSE committee are expected to further boost investor interest, although specific rules are yet to be defined.

    While the SSE doesn’t explicitly list top-performing stocks, its growing roster of organizations spans various sectors, reflecting India’s diverse social welfare needs.

  • Adani’s Ambuja Cements bags top green awards for water, energy conservation

    Adani’s Ambuja Cements bags top green awards for water, energy conservation

    Over 85% of the product portfolio comprises blended green cement, aligning with their sustainable manufacturing practices.

    In a boost to its green credentials, Ambuja Cements, part of billionaire Gautam Adani’s diversified portfolio, has won prestigious environmental awards for its plants in Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.

    The company’s Bhatapara plant in Chhattisgarh clinched the Platinum Award at the 8th Apex India Excellence Awards for its innovative use of green energy.

    Nearly 30%of the plant’s power needs are met through solar energy and a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS). The plant also stands out for its water conservation efforts, achieving an impressive 8-times water positivity.

    Similarly, the Roorkee plant in Uttarakhand bagged the Gold Award for its exemplary water management practices. The unit has slashed its water consumption by a substantial 33%, setting a new industry benchmark.

    “These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship,” said Ajay Kapur, CEO of Adani Group’s cement business.

    He added that over 85% of their product portfolio comprises blended green cement, aligning with their sustainable manufacturing practices.

    The accolades come at a time when corporate India is under increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices. Ambuja Cements has been leading this charge, becoming 11 times water positive and 8 times plastic negative.

    As climate change concerns mount, such initiatives by major industrial players are seen as critical. Industry experts believe that Adani’s green push in its cement business could set a precedent for other sectors to follow.

  • Natural Gas firm Adani Total charts sustainable, low-carbon path

    Natural Gas firm Adani Total charts sustainable, low-carbon path

    As part of its environmental efforts, the company is prioritizing reducing carbon emissions through solarization, curbing methane leaks, promoting renewable energy like bio-compressed natural gas and electric mobility.

    Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL), a joint venture between India’s Adani Group and France’s TotalEnergies, said on Thursday that embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its business is essential for long-term value creation.

    The natural gas distributor said adhering to ESG helps build resilience, foster a sustainability-focused culture and identify opportunities while managing risks in the interests of all stakeholders.

    “In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just an option; it’s a fundamental requirement,” ATGL said in a regulatory filing.

    “Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our values, emphasising environmental stewardship, social accountability, strong governance, and economic vitality.”

    As part of its environmental efforts, the company is prioritizing reducing carbon emissions through solarization, curbing methane leaks, promoting renewable energy like bio-compressed natural gas and electric mobility.

    ATGL said it has mapped all greenhouse gas emissions and is working continuously to minimize them, including by conducting methane leak detection and repair for its networks to reduce fugitive emissions.

    On the social side, ATGL is committed to promoting health, safety, community engagement, education, diversity and inclusion, the statement said. It highlighted the Greenmosphere tree plantation initiative aimed at creating a low-carbon society.

    The company said it has developed a 10-acre biodiversity park in Ahmedabad, called the ATGL Forest, where more than 200,000 trees have been planted to create an oxygen park for the city.

    With an eye on climate change, ATGL said it is working towards low-carbon gas retail by initiating bio-gas and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with pilot studies planned for blending green hydrogen.

    “Our overarching goal is to foster lasting economic prosperity while forging a sustainable and equitable future for everyone involved,” the company said.

  • Carlsberg India brewery wins award for environmental, safety excellence

    Carlsberg India brewery wins award for environmental, safety excellence

    The award recognizes the brewery’s commitment to implementing top-class EHS policies and practices with the goal of continuous performance improvement through full team engagement.

    Carlsberg India’s brewery in Mysuru city has won a prestigious Silver Award for Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Excellence from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the leading brewer said on Thursday.

    The award recognizes the brewery’s commitment to implementing top-class EHS policies and practices with the goal of continuous performance improvement through full team engagement, the company said.

    It was one of over 5,000 applicants from various sectors for the 16th edition of the CII EHS Excellence Awards, which celebrate best practices in EHS management through rigorous onsite audits and evaluation by an independent panel.

    “We commend our colleagues at the Mysuru brewery for their relentless efforts in pursuing excellence in EHS,” said Sanjeev Gupta, Vice-President of Integrated Supply Chain at Carlsberg India.

    “This award is a testament to our commitment and continuous effort to drive our group initiative on Together Towards Zero & Beyond for creating a sustainable future for our people and planet,” he added.

    The Carlsberg Group aims to brew “For a Better Today and Tomorrow” through its sustainability program “Together Towards ZERO and Beyond”, focused on achieving zero water waste, accidents, carbon footprint and packaging waste, among other environmental, social and governance targets.

  • Tech adoption, rainwater harvesting key for water security: food and beverages sector

    Tech adoption, rainwater harvesting key for water security: food and beverages sector

    Emphasizing the shared responsibility of water stewardship, leaders from the food and beverage industry, government, and experts underscored the urgency of adopting innovative technologies, harvesting rainwater, and fostering collaborative actions to address water sustainability challenges.

    Emphasizing the shared responsibility of water stewardship, leaders from the food and beverage industry, government, and experts underscored the urgency of adopting innovative technologies, harvesting rainwater, and fostering collaborative actions to address water sustainability challenges at a conference organized by CII-Triveni Water Institute and CII Food & Agriculture Centre of Excellence.

    “Water stewardship is a shared commitment towards securing our future,” said Hina Nagarajan, Conference Chairperson and Managing Director & CEO, Diageo India, setting the tone for the two-day event attended by over 150 delegates.

    Thakur Brahmanand Singh, Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, highlighted the potential of harvested rainwater and greywater to be “gamechanger” in tackling the water crisis amid depleting groundwater resources. He urged the industry to improve specific water consumption through regular audits to determine water use efficiency.

    Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director, FSSAI, echoed similar views, stating, “Focus on harvesting rainwater could help recharge our water bodies and make use of a resource that is otherwise wasted.” Sharma also emphasized the importance of adhering to labeling requirements for packaged drinking water and announced FSSAI’s intent to merge the BIS mark requirement within its regulations to simplify processes.

    Ajay Popat, Chairman – Core group on New & Cutting-Edge technologies, CII National Committee on Water, stressed strategies like water audits, technology integration, wastewater treatment and reuse, sustainable sourcing, collaborative initiatives, and water risk assessment for effective water stewardship.

    Dr Kapil Kumar Narula, CEO & Executive Director, CII Triveni Water Institute, urged industries to be conscious of the watershed in which their plants are located and undertake measures to ensure operational sustainability, citing NITI Aayog’s water neutrality guidelines.

    The conference witnessed participation from government bodies, food processing companies, technology providers, researchers, and industry associations, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to promote sustainable water usage across the food and beverage value chain.

  • Ferrero excels in sustainability, Indian operations lead the way

    Ferrero excels in sustainability, Indian operations lead the way

    Ferrero India has emerged as a shining exemplar of sustainability, with 97.95 percent of its packaging now designed to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable.

    In a sweet boost to its sustainability endeavours, the Ferrero Group, the Italian confectionery behemoth, has rolled out its 15th Sustainability Report, unveiling remarkable progress across its green agenda.

    From bolstering supply chain transparency to nurturing eco-friendly packaging and community upliftment initiatives, the maker of beloved treats like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher has left no stone unturned.

    The report, encompassing the 2022-23 fiscal, bears testimony to Ferrero’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the environment and fostering responsible business practices.

    A noteworthy feat is the 90 percent traceability achieved in its hazelnut supply chain, marking a significant stride from the previous year’s 79 percent. This triumph was orchestrated through collaborations with farmers, suppliers, and research institutions, championing sustainable agricultural methods.

    Leveraging cutting-edge satellite mapping technology, Ferrero has also elevated its cocoa traceability to an impressive 93 percent, ensuring transparency from farm to factory. Tackling intricate challenges like deforestation and unethical labor practices, the confectionery titan has joined forces with global organizations like Save the Children and the International Labor Organization (ILO), extending support to communities in cocoa-producing regions like Ivory Coast.

    Giovanni Ferrero, the Executive Chairman, underscored the company’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, stating, “Ferrero recognizes the critical role it plays in safeguarding nature for future generations. Sustainability is embedded in our long-term strategy, guiding every strategic decision we take.

    “Further cementing its eco-conscious stride, Ferrero has elevated the proportion of its recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging to 90.7 percent, up from 88.5 percent in the previous year. Additionally, the company has achieved a remarkable 20 percent reduction in water intensity across its plants since the 2017-18 base year.

    Closer to home, Ferrero India has emerged as a shining exemplar of sustainability, with 97.95 percent of its packaging now designed to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable. The Indian arm has also orchestrated a 15 percent reduction in its plastic footprint compared to 2020-21 levels and slashed carbon emissions by an impressive 3,455 tons in 2023-24.

    Moreover, Ferrero India has installed solar panels spanning 30,000 square meters, catering to 13 percent of its factory’s energy needs and mitigating 3,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. The company’s water conservation efforts have yielded a 23% reduction in water intensity at its plant since the 2017-18 base year.

    Through its ‘Kinder Joy of Moving’ initiative, Ferrero India has engaged over 10,000 children in  Maharashtra, fostering active lifestyles and promoting physical well-being.

    As the world grapples with environmental challenges, Ferrero’s steadfast sustainability journey serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring businesses to embrace eco-conscious practices and create a greener, more responsible future.

  • USD 2 mln Rotary project to boost farmers’ income, fight climate woes

    USD 2 mln Rotary project to boost farmers’ income, fight climate woes

    Rotary members will collaborate with government agencies, experts and NGO partners to train farmers in modern techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

    In a major boost to Indian agriculture and the fight against climate change impacts, Rotary clubs have launched an ambitious USD 2 million project to improve water management and farming practices across four drought-prone states.

    The ‘Partners for Water Access and Better Harvests in India’ initiative, led by the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier, aims to make farming more resilient and lucrative for around 60,000 farmers in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra,an official statement said.

    The key goals of the project, which has received a USD 2 million (Rs 16 crore) grant from Rotary International, include:

    1. Increasing groundwater tables by 10-15% each year through water conservation measures
    2. Extending cultivable area by 20-30% by enhancing water availability for irrigation
    3. Boosting the incomes of participating farmers by an estimated 25-30%
    4. Implementing drip irrigation across 4,113 hectares and promoting plantation of native trees/crops to reduce soil erosion

    Rotary members will collaborate with government agencies, experts and NGO partners to train farmers in modern techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

    “With over half of India’s farmers dependent on rainfall, this project can be a panacea by securing water for irrigation and boosting crop yields,” said Sudhanshu Pachisia, president of the sponsoring Rotary Club of Delhi Premier.

    The mega initiative reinforces Rotary’s work of over a century in executing sustainable community projects globally worth USD 5.5 billion through its charitable foundation.

  • Nagaland ropes in Vitamin Angels for child nutrition drive

    Nagaland ropes in Vitamin Angels for child nutrition drive

    The pilot’s formative research is slated to kick off by June-July this year.

    In a bid to tackle malnutrition among children, the Nagaland government has partnered with Vitamin Angels India to roll out a special drive to provide vitamin A supplements and deworming tablets to kids under five years across three districts.

    The National Health Mission (NHM) of Nagaland signed an agreement with the non-profit organisation to undertake the nutrition intervention in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts through 2024-25, an official statement said.

    The project, extending an existing partnership, aims to strengthen nutritional interventions using an “implementation science” approach focused on community needs. An NHM-Vitamin Angels team will monitor the drive.

    Only 46 per cent of Nagaland’s children aged 9-35 months received vitamin A doses as per National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 data, much lower than the 71 per cent national average. Vitamin A boosts immunity, and its deficiency can cause blindness and increase disease susceptibility.

    “We’ve made progress in improving nutrition levels but need to do more. This pilot will help address supply-demand gaps,” said Dr Khelito Zhimomi, Joint Director at the state’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) wing.

    Vitamin Angels India’s Shruti Menon stressed the NGO’s commitment to taking services to the “last mile” aided by the state’s resolve.

    The pilot’s formative research is slated to kick off by June-July this year.

    Vitamin A is crucial for boosting immunity and its deficiency can cause blindness, increase susceptibility to diseases like measles and diarrhoea among kids. Guidelines recommend nine doses at six-month intervals for under-five children from nine months of age.

  • Hyundai Motor India gives assistive devices to disabled

    Hyundai Motor India gives assistive devices to disabled

    HMIL plans to provide a total of 684 such devices over three years to aid mobility, vision, hearing and communication of the disabled under the programme run by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

    Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has  distributed 72 technologically advanced assistive devices, including hearing aids, wheelchairs and bionic limbs, to disabled people in partnership with an NGO as part of its social initiative “Samarth by Hyundai”.

      HMIL plans to provide a total of 684 such devices over three years to aid mobility, vision, hearing and communication of the disabled under the programme run by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

      The first “Samarth Assistive Devices Conclave” hosted by HMIL saw panel discussions on enabling inclusion through assistive technology, challenges around disability in India and investment in technologies for para sports.

      “We aim to create a more inclusive society and ease the way of living for people with disabilities in India,” Tarun Garg, chief operating officer at HMIL, told the event.

      The automaker said its global vision of “Progress for Humanity” was aligned with the initiative to empower the disabled.

      Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, founder of Samarthanam Trust, said the collaboration created “an inclusive society where technology and compassion converge to enhance the lives of people with disabilities”.