The Climate Group recently announced Infosys joining a global platform for major companies committed to 100% renewable power. As part of its commitment to RE100, Infosys aims to become carbon neutral by 2018. The company is already working to reduce its per capita electricity consumption by 50 per cent from its 2007- 2008 levels and source all its electricity from renewable resources by 2018.
Ramadas Kamath, executive VP and head – Infrastructure and Sustainability, Infosys, said: “We are working towards building a clean energy future. Expanding the share of renewables is key to addressing the chronic energy crisis our country is facing today. By taking the first step towards hundred per cent renewables, we want to lead the way in creating a sustainable future and bring about an energy transformation in India.”
During fiscal year 2015, Infosys met 29 percent of its electricity needs – about 72.08 million units – for its locations across India through green power. During the same period, Infosys generated over 2911 MWh of electricity through its onsite solar PV installations across India.
Krishnan Pallassana, executive director, The Climate Group India, said: “We are delighted to welcome an innovative and forward thinking organization such as Infosys into the campaign. We need more companies that are willing to set
bold targets and demonstrate the business case for renewable power. India plays a crucial role in sealing a global climate deal and could benefit the most from investing into a low-carbon future, which can generate sustainable and consistent energy for all.”
Damandeep Singh, CDP India Director, said: “Infosys has been a pioneer in embedding sustainability into their business practices and is a leading example of how long-term vision can save company money. RE100 is a perfect fit for this global IT bellwether company.”
RE100 was launched at Climate Week NYC on September 22, 2014. Seventeen companies have now joined the campaign and made a public commitment to become 100% renewable, including founding members IKEA and Swiss Re. As the campaign spreads in India, it is expected that more Indian companies will switch to renewable power and demonstrate the huge opportunity that exists in India’s growing clean economy.
First IT Company to Adopt G4 Reporting
Earlier, Infosys was the first information technology company globally to publish its sustainability report based on the latest Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 comprehensive framework. GRI is the most widely respected sustainability reporting framework, worldwide.
A company press note said its integrated reporting framework provides synergy between its economic, social and environmental strategies, action plans, and desired outcomes. This has significantly helped Infosys achieve its sustainability goals.
Since the first reporting year, Infosys reduced its per capita electricity and fresh water consumption by about 44 percent and 35 percent respectively as of FY 2014. Infosys recently won a gold award at the prestigious Ashden Awards in London, considered the Green Oscars for its achievements in building energy efficiency.
Infosys Foundation continues to engage with over 372 engineering colleges through Campus Connect, its flagship industry-academia partnership program. The company’s sustainability efforts have been recognized at various national and international forums.
