Tag Sustainable Development

New Delhi: This week, at the much-anticipated National Sustainability Symposium hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the United Nations called on Indian businesses to take the helm in driving global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), asserting that “the business sector is not only vital but perhaps the linchpin in this entire effort.”

HG Shombi Sharp, the UN’s Resident Coordinator in India, emphasized that governments and international institutions alone lack the capacity to achieve the SDGs by the 2030 deadline.

“No government or multilateral organization has the sheer financial firepower to generate the needed jobs, construct the necessary infrastructure, or supply affordable goods and services at the scale that’s required. This is where businesses enter the picture. If business interests align with SDG objectives, we’re looking at the potential for unlocking a whopping $12 trillion in new opportunities,” Sharp explained at the Summit in Tuesday.

Touting India’s turbocharged economic ascent, Sharp hailed the nation as “a beacon of hope,” remarking that India could be on track to become the planet’s third-largest economy by 2030. But he was quick to point out that this economic rise must be environmentally sound. “India’s audacious goal of reaching 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 hinges on a tight-knit collaboration between the government and private enterprises,” he noted.

Sharp also commended India’s trailblazing efforts in climate action, citing initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, both aimed at empowering developing countries to confront the escalating dangers posed by climate change. He spotlighted India’s breakthroughs in sustainable textiles, its green economic momentum, and the adoption of circular economy practices within its business framework.

The UN official highlighted the urgent need to nurture a workforce fit for India’s impending green transformation, pointing out that nearly one million young people are joining the labor pool each month. He emphasized the need to weave sustainability into the very fabric of Indian business operations, from supply chains to CSR initiatives, noting how India’s Companies Act 2013 had spurred a significant uptick in CSR activities.

“Pursuing sustainable development isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s smart business. India is carving out a role as a global leader in eco-innovation, and the partnership between businesses and the state will be a game-changer in shaping what comes next,” Sharp said.

Adding his voice to the discourse, Naresh Tyagi, chairman of the ICC and Chief Sustainability Officer at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, remarked, “Sustainability must become the heartbeat of our operations, ingrained in the DNA of our business. With India’s resolute focus on the circular economy and renewable energy, we are poised to reap vast economic rewards. But this endeavor demands teamwork, bold thinking, and unified action. Together, we can secure a sustainable future not just for India, but for the whole world.”

Ahmedabad, 25 July 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, has significantly transformed the Marwar Mundwa region through its extensive CSR initiatives focused on sustainable development, water management, and community empowerment.

Ambuja Cements has introduced 3,194 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems (RRWHS) with a combined capacity of 51,377 cubic meters, drastically improving water availability for residents. Women and children no longer need to travel long distances to fetch water, enhancing their health, education, and overall quality of life. The CSR arm of Ambuja Cements also supported the construction of 137 farm ponds, providing a water storage capacity of 234,836 cubic meters, and facilitated installation of drip irrigation systems across 588.79 hectares of farmland. These efforts have resulted in a 30% reduction in water usage, enabling farmers to cultivate multiple crops and harvests per year, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and economic stability.

Through its biomass initiative, Ambuja Cements helped establish a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) through which the farmer members can sell waste husk as biomass to the company, generating additional income. Despite challenges like rainfall dependency, the FPO has supplied 45,115.53 MT of biomass to date. The CSR arm has also facilitated the setting up of 70 self-help groups (SHGs) with 787 women members, who collectively amassed a corpus of ₹84.82 lakh. These women engaged in diverse income-generating activities, including agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, and handicrafts, promoting financial independence and better futures for their families. This effort includes the establishment of ‘Maru Shree Vikas Samiti,’ a federation which markets traditional spices and products, improving economic integration and market access.

Ambuja Cements renovated the dilapidated Mahatma Gandhi English Medium School in Inana village, creating an ideal learning environment. The transformation included repairing roofs and floors, building new toilets, upgrading electrical systems, and beautifying the campus with plants and vibrant classroom walls. This initiative has encouraged more students to attend school and has been recognised by school authorities for its impact on promoting high-quality education.

An impact assessment study revealed that over 80% of residents no longer face acute water shortages due to Ambuja Cements’ interventions. The introduction of micro-irrigation techniques has led to a 70% reduction in water usage, saving farmers up to ₹ 700 per bigha of cultivated land. About 94% of respondents reported improved livelihoods from farming and other sources thanks to the CSR initiatives. These efforts have contributed to sustainable groundwater recharge, enhanced soil moisture, reduced erosion, and improved biodiversity.

Through its comprehensive CSR initiatives, Ambuja Cements has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable water resource management, economic empowerment, and community development. The CSR arm of Ambuja Cements continues to strive for a resilient future, preserving vital water resources and promoting inclusive growth through advanced techniques and facilitating sustainable livelihoods.