Switch to solar,will be cost-effective : Gadkari to MSMEs

Mar 3, 2021 | Business, Environment

Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Minister for Road Transport & HighwaysShri Nitin Gadkari  has invited MSMEs to avail concessional debt finance to install rooftop solar for business efficiency. Rooftop Solar, he said, offers an excellent value proposition to MSMEs by significantly bringing down cost of electricity consumption, which on an average, is up to one-fifth of their operations cost.

Addressing a programme promoting awareness about rooftop solar (RTS) among MSMEs today, Shri Gadkari said, “I believe there is a strong business case for MSMEs to install rooftop solar and achieve significant savings to achieve the cost-competitiveness. I am confident that MSMEs will stand together in generating and consuming solar power using their rooftops.”

The programme, inaugurated virtually by the Minister, was held in the presence  of Sh. B.B. Swain, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Sh. Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Sh. Junaid Ahmad, Country Director India, World Bank; and Sh. Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India.

Sh Gadkari, further added that, “A large amount (average INR 8 and higher per unit) is being paid by the MSMEs for power consumption, which contributes to up to one fifth of the overall production costs. To assist MSMEs in implementing rooftop solar projects, the Ministry is working with the World Bank on a credit guarantee program to make financing accessible to unrated MSMEs. Considering the rates of solar power from large utility power plants have come down to a record INR 1.99/kWh, MSMEs must leverage this opportunity to bring down their energy expenses.”The Minister also highlighted that rooftop solar contributes in economic recovery as it employs more people than any other renewable energy.

Emphasising the importance of creating an awareness and large-scale adoption of rooftop solar for MSMEs, Shri B.B. Swain, Secretary,said, “More than ever, MSMEs need low-cost power to optimise their production costs, recoup losses due to COVID and remain competitive both in national and international markets. The procurement of low-cost solar power and generating solar power as prosumers from rooftop solar are two timely and beneficial options for MSMEs. The Ministry is geared up to facilitate measures to empower the MSMEs to become one of the top priorities for a resilient India.”

The World Bank – SBI’s $625 million has supported India’s significant Rooftop Solar roll out. Sh. Junaid Ahmad, Country Director India, World Bank, addressing the gatheringsaid that, “The World Bank is committed to the cause of MSMEs and an investment in this industry will aid India’s aim to become ‘Atmanirbhar’ or ‘self-reliant’. By facilitating MSMEs to decarbonise their power consumption in a sustainable manner, India can achieve a twin objective of greening the economy and uplifting MSMEs to become highly competitive by reducing its power costs.”

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India, said, “The idea is to really educate MSMEs about the benefit of adopting solar rooftop and achieving cost-competitiveness. We are thankful to the World Bank in accelerating this initiative and investing in India’s renewable energy journey. It is an investment for building up the economy and the more we invest, the more we will reap the fruits going forward. When it comes to small ticket loans, co-lending is perhaps the way forward and that is how we would like to support our smaller SMEs.”

The MSME sector, through SBI’s current rooftop solar (RTS) lending portfolio can leverage concessional debt and fulfil India’s ambitious target for large scale implementation of rooftop solar. The World Bank is working with the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, to bring in a credit guarantee mechanism catering to lending to MSMEs who would like to reduce their energy expenses in the long term by investing in rooftop solar.

Background : In 2016, The World Bank launched the ‘Solar Rooftop Financing Program’ being implemented by the State Bank of India (SBI).With a view to addressing the issues on the debt side and to give a fillip to the sector, SBI has availed a $625 million line of credit from World Bank specifically, for financing RTS projects across the country through its identified branches. A countrywide customized financial product has been developed by SBI which covers 75% of the project financing requirement along with other favourable terms such as repayment period, moratorium, and security.

Waste King removes 180 sacks of waste after roadside litter-pick

Mar 2, 2021 | Environment

Waste King, the environmentally friendly waste collection and recycling services specialist, has collaborated with its near neighbour and competitor company, Camiers Waste Management, to clear up litter from the verges and hedgerows of roads close to both companies’ headquarters, in Long Marston, near Tring, Hertfordshire.

With the lockdown – brought about by restrictions relating to the coronavirus pandemic – producing a drastic reduction in traffic on the area’s roads allied to local road closures, Edward Frazier, the landlord of the Industrial Estate where both Waste King and Camiers are based, had the idea to de-clutter the area. So, to carry out this good deed to benefit the whole community, he enlisted the help of the professionals nearby.

With other local businesses supplying some of their employees to help clean up the area, under the oversight of Waste King and Camiers, the short, sharp litter-picking campaign produced 180 black sacks full of items ranging from fast-food packaging and cans to more bulky items such as car tyres and even toilets.

Glenn Currie, Waste King’s Managing Director, said, “In the end, we had to use Waste King’s biggest truck to take away 40 cubic yards of waste. As is our company policy, all of this rubbish was recycled safely, thus reducing the harmful effects on the environment.”

Andy Cattigan, Waste King’s Operations Director, commented, “Glenn and I started Waste King some 14 years ago because we wanted to ‘do something for the environment’, so we were grateful when Mr Frazier asked us to help with the roadside clean-up around Long Marston. Thankfully, the local environment now contains a lot less rubbish – and, as spring begins, that will help nature, not just plants and animals but humans too, to flourish.”

 

About Waste King Ltd

A specialist collections, clearance and recycling company, Waste King serves the domestic and commercial markets. It focuses not only on providing a friendly, efficient, cost-effective service but also one which is environmentally friendly. Waste King offsets its carbon footprint by using various technologies including GPS tracking systems to minimise the mileage its vehicles travel, which also reduces these vehicles’ fuel usage. Waste King’s uniformed, Environment Agency-licensed staff take time to ensure that the maximum amount of waste can be recycled and that all the waste it collects is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Waste King was formed, in 2007, by Glenn Currie and Andy Cattigan, who had experience in sales and IT respectively and were keen to ‘do something to help the environment’.

Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve Collaborates to Restore Mangrove Forests in Seruyan

Mar 2, 2021 | Business, Environment

As 2021 starts, the media continues to carry horrific stories of ongoing environmental abuse. We can no longer deny that the climate crisis is real, but somehow we manage to do just that. ‘Extinction: The Facts’ is a BBC Earth documentary, in which Sir David Attenborough explores how the loss of biodiversity has consequences for us all. He mentions the impact of global warming and the resulting climate crisis that has led to a loss or change of three-quarters of the world’s terrestrial surface. Sadly, the cause is human greed, our purchasing habits are killing off our natural resources.

There is so much we can do to help prevent further destruction. Mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation is something we feel can have an enormous impact on the environment and the people who depend on the health of the sea. Not only does this kind of forest store more carbon than normal forests, but it also protects a marine habitat that is vital to the oceans and the communities who live off the sea. The carbon in a mangrove forest is also called ‘blue carbon’.

The main challenge faced by mangrove ecosystems is that they are dwindling, this is a result of their destruction due to land development and community fish breeding ponds where the natural rhythms of nature are not respected. Population growth, especially in coastal areas, has resulted in changes in land use and excessive utilization of natural resources, thus mangrove forests have quickly diminished or have been severely damaged.

Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, Tanjung Puting National Park and Seruyan District Government are in collaboration with the community in replanting 30,000 mangrove seedlings (Rhyzophora sp) in Tanjung Siamuk Beach, Sungai Undang Village, Seruyan District. The planting ceremony was held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

“Sungai Undang village was chosen because 80% of the people are fishermen as well as fishpond farmers.

The problem with fishponds has become critical in that it has led to mangrove forest destruction,” said Budi Suriansyah, Head of Management Section II of Tanjung Puting National Park who was directly involved in our mangrove recovery initiative.

The process of restoring mangrove ecosystems by involving the community has become especially important, it gives us an opportunity to build awareness of the value in maintaining the balance of the natural environment. Gerakan Masyarakat Bersatu, the local community group of Sungai Undang Village, was formed to create mangrove nurseries and conduct the necessary planting and monitoring. It is important that this type of initiative is managed in a sustainable way as this will ensure its success.

“Community involvement starts from designing, implementing, evaluating, and finding solutions. It is hoped that this process will increase the confidence and responsibility of community members and show that together we should be able to overcome some of the most important environmental problems,” Murlan Dameria Pane, Head of Tanjung Puting National Park said.

Chairman of Gerakan Masyarakat Bersatu Sungai Undang Village, Agung Yulianto at the planting site stated, “Some people still look at this planting activity solely as a means of income, however a side effect of this initiative is that it is helping to develop a sense of ownership and a desire to preserve the biodiversity in our homeland.”

The Seruyan mangrove forest area is located in Seruyan Hilir and Seruyan Hilir Timur sub-districts, which is just South of the working area of Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve and Tanjung Puting National Park. The loss of mangrove forest density in the Seruyan has become the main concern for all parties who have collaborated in this program, because if left alone, the result will be devastating. Not to mention that the loss of this rich ecosystem means a loss in the natural resources that support livelihoods of community people.
This replanting effort is expected to have a broad ecological impact on the environment and on the economic status of the surrounding communities.

“Now there is a special group that restores the beach with mangrove planting activities that help in preventing abrasion,” said The Head of Sungai Undang Village Eka Puspita Sari proudly.

In addition, this activity also provides opportunities to increase revenue from the construction of permeable dams, collecting seeds, filling polybags, nurseries, planting, monitoring and maintenance.

Community women are also able to generate an income by making “bronjong“, large natural cages that protect the planted seedlings.

Bronjongs are made of split bamboo, 30 cm in diameter and 60-70cm high. The bamboo is bound together to form baskets which are filled with silt and the young seedlings are planted inside. The plants attach themselves firmly in the baskets which help them withstand the crashing waves. Using this method means that the seedlings are also not easily uprooted and have a greater chance of survival.

“Small but important, activities such as planting trees around the house or through tree adoption programs, are small steps that can have a large impact on the sustainability of life. The mangrove planting program in Seruyan, is expected to be one of the most impactful contributions we can make in mitigating the climate crisis,” said Rimba Raya Executive Director Sylviana (Sylvi) Andhella.

The pace of climate change can be slowed by continuing to collaborate with all parties in designing sustainable-environmentally friendly-programs.

The challenges of replanting during this pandemic can be overcome by strictly following the arranged schedule, ensuring that tasks are evenly distributed and also by complying with the health protocols suggested by the government. The restrictions did not dampen the spirit of all teams involved in our mangrove ecosystem restoration efforts in Seruyan District, Central Kalimantan.
Head of the Environment Office of Seruyan Regency, Priyo Widagdo representing Head of Seruyan District said, “Seruyan District supports and really appreciates this restoration activity as mangrove ecosystems, especially on the Seruyan coastal area, are at a severe and critical stage. The mandate from Head of Seruyan District in restoring mangroves, is that it will not go well without the support and participation of the community and the institutions that must care about mangrove restoration. We must succeed in this activity and hope we will improve it in the future.“

The coverage of the mangrove planting activities can be seen on the Infinite Earth YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV8jmvGrV6M

Editor’s Note:
Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve develops livelihood programs in surrounding villages (addressing all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals) to provide education, employment and hope for the future. The project is also the world’s largest privately funded orangutan sanctuary and is an Ecosystem Restoration project aimed at restoring and maintaining peat swamp forest ecosystems that are important habitats for orangutans and other IUCN Red Listed endangered wildlife. The project acts as the main buffer zone along the Tanjung Puting National Park in Seruyan District and follows ecological, economic, and social management principles. Visit https://rimba-raya.com

The Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve, an InfiniteEARTH Project, is one of the largest REDD+ projects in the world, protecting nearly 65,000 hectares of peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo and avoiding more than 130 million tons of carbon emissions. It is a living example of an economically viable alternative to deforestation. Visit https://infinite-earth.com

Rimba Raya Conservation as the field implementer, empowers the community to be involved in maintaining and preserving peat swamp forest ecosystems with the following approach: Empowered Communities, Healthy Forests, Maintained Climate, and supporting the achievement of the SDG targets in the assisted villages of the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve.

Rimba Raya Duty
“By protecting forests, we take care of all the life that is in them and contribute to the balance of the global climate. We empower the community to be involved in maintaining peat swamp forests. Together we love the earth enough to prevent further destruction.” Djonni Andhella, President Director of PT. Rimba Raya Conservation.

Macro Picture on CSR in India – Direct Implementation Vs Implementing Partner

Mar 1, 2021 | Business, Education, Environment

Companies in India have adopted different methodologies in planning and implementing their mandated CSR interventions, within the ambit of the CSR law. Two broad trends have emerged – the first being partnering with an external not-for-profit implementation agency and the second being direct implementation through own registered corporate foundation. 

The Current Trend

Direct implementation through foundations has been gaining in popularity, yet a majority of companies still rely on non-profits to carry out their CSR programmes. A recent EY Report found that Corporate India’s dependence on third party vendors or specialists, to lead and execute these programs, has in fact increased over time. A Samhita Report found that 24% of the companies they surveyed, had their own foundation, 52% had dedicated CSR departments and 43% of all CSR funds in the last four years were spent through supporting NGOs with grants. This trend of increasing partnerships is a welcome trend, and a clear sign of recognising the strength of partnerships and collaborations, thus advancing SDG Goal 17-Partnerships for goals. Many companies also follow a Hybrid model for their CSR programs – directly implementing flagship or key programs through their foundations, and funding other programs through partnerships with external CSR agencies.   

How do companies decide which route to adopt?

The decision to adopt a certain mechanism appears to be based on several factors, but two decision variables stand out as significant: 

Thematic Expertise:

    • When companies do have expertise in a certain area, they may prefer to execute projects on their own – this has been most commonly observed in skill training and creating a pool of skilled manpower for the industry sector in which the company operates. On the other hand an implementing partner may be preferred option when the CSR activities are not directly related to their business, or the corporate lacks expertise in a the selected thematic area. Implementing agencies is the more suitable model for their presence in the target geographies, local connections and knowledge based experience in executing social projects which a company may typically lack. 

The Size of their CSR Corpus:

    • Companies with large funds usually prefer to set up a foundation, as it gives them more control over how the money is spent. One of the recurring challenges for companies to carry out CSR activities, has been identification of suitable implementing agencies. Companies have been finding it difficult to ascertain the track record and capacity of a

CSR implementing agency

    to undertake CSR activities to their satisfaction. If a large number of implementing agencies are necessitated due to the size of the corpus, companies may opt to implement some key flagship programs through their own foundations

Click the link below for more info:
https://www.ambujacementfoundation.org/partner/csr-implementation-agency

The Pandemic’s impact on CSR Implementation

The outbreak of Covid 19 has led to companies pivoting, not just their CSR priorities, but the implementation methodologies as well, to address the more pertinent social issues caused by the pandemic.

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has provided corporates the opportunity to expand their CSR footprint and engage with newer sectors and beneficiaries. The Government’s PM-CARES Fund witnessed monumental support from corporates. Additionally, many companies also contributed significantly to the programs and relief efforts of NGO’s and partnered with local authorities of respective state governments to donate medical/food supplies and scale other initiatives to cater to the needs of local communities. Some corporates have also creatively deployed funds towards initiatives aligned with unconventional areas of relief such as promoting mental health during the lockdown and harnessing communications technology to create awareness about preventative measures.

Future Trends

Going forward newer implementation models are likely to emerge, whereby public and private sources of capital come together and develop ingenious methods to ensure that capital flow to the social sector is unhindered and capital is utilised effectively to generate a lasting impact for the community. 

A potential trend is Social Compact companies (SICs) or For profit ventures for a social cause, that could also function as implementing agencies for CSR, receive CSR funds as capital, generate employment and access funds from the proposed Social Capital Exchange when it is functional. 

Tech Mahindra Recognized as Supplier Engagement Leader for Environmental Action

Feb 20, 2021 | Environment, Tech

Tech Mahindra Recognized as Supplier Engagement Leader for Environmental Action

Amongst the top 9 Indian companies to secure a position in the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP) Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) 2020

Mumbai – February 18, 2021: Tech Mahindra, a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting and business reengineering services and solutions announced today that it has been recognized as a supplier engagement leader for environmental action. Tech Mahindra is amongst the top 9 Indian companies to secure a position in the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP) Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) 2020.

Tech Mahindra is one of the only 7 % companies assessed for supplier engagement on climate change, by CDP. Recognized for its actions and strategies to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate business risks of climate change, Tech Mahindra’s performance has been assessed on governance, targets, scope 3 emissions, and value chain engagement.

Sandeep Chandna, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tech Mahindra, said, “Driven by a clear purpose of creating a sustainable business, Tech Mahindra takes concerted efforts to optimize efficiency across the environmental framework of the company and its value chain. The recognition in the CDP Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) 2020, is indeed a testimony of our sustained efforts towards achieving a green economy, clean energy, and optimum use of resources.”

Data is drawn from over 8,000+ companies at all stages of the value chain who disclosed through CDP in 2020 and finds a combined US$120 billion of increased costs within the next five years from environmental risks caused by climate change, deforestation and water related impacts. This extensive data was then independently evaluated by Climate Disclosure Project (CDP), an international NGO that drives sustainable economies. The Global Supplier List developed is based on CDP’s assessment of environmental sustainability of these global companies demonstrating a superior approach to climate change mitigation.

Sonya Bhonsle, Global Head of Value Chains, CDP, said, “Companies’ emissions don’t end at the factory door. In fact, CDP data shows a company’s supply chain emissions are over 11.4 times greater than its direct emissions on average. Meaningful corporate climate action means engaging with suppliers to reduce emissions across the value chain. Despite the challenges from COVID-19, in 2020 nearly 400 companies achieved a place on CDP’s Supplier Engagement Leaderboard. Congratulations to these companies – as a Supplier Engagement Leaders, they are driving the transition towards the net-zero sustainable economy”.

Tech Mahindra has taken ambitious emission targets, approved by the SBTi (Science-based Targets Initiative) to reduce its absolute scopes 1 and 2 GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions 22% by 2030 and 50% by 2050 from baseline year 2016. The company has joined Business Ambition for 1.5°C to hold a rise in global temperature below 1.5°C and has also taken a target to increase its renewable energy to 50% by 2025. Tech Mahindra is also working closely with partners and customers to help them increase energy savings, digitize and automate operations and create collaborative work environments addressing the need for sustainable practices. This includes solutions like Micro Grid as a Service, Smart city solutions, Smart grid, Smart Data Hubs, Smart Street light, Smart bin, Smart Energy Management, and Smart metering and analytics.

About Tech Mahindra  

Tech Mahindra offers innovative and customer-centric digital experiences, enabling enterprises, associates and the society to Rise. We are a USD 5.2 billion organization with 121,900+ professionals across 90 countries helping 997 global customers, including Fortune 500 companies. We are focused on leveraging next-generation technologies including 5G, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and more, to enable end to end digital transformation for global customers.  Tech Mahindra is one of the fastest growing brands and amongst the top 15 IT service providers globally. Tech Mahindra has consistently emerged as a leader in sustainability and is recognized amongst the ‘2021 Global 100 Most sustainable corporations in the World’ by Corporate Knights. With the NXT.NOW framework, Tech Mahindra aims to enhance ‘Human Centric Experience’ for our ecosystem and drive collaborative disruption with synergies arising from a robust portfolio of companies. We aim at delivering tomorrow’s experiences today, and believe that the ‘Future is Now’. 

We are part of the Mahindra Group, a USD 19.4 billion federation of companies that enables people to rise through innovative mobility solutions, driving rural prosperity, enhancing urban living, nurturing new businesses and fostering communities. It enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, information technology, financial services and vacation ownership in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume.  It also enjoys a strong presence in renewable energy, agribusiness, logistics and real estate development.  Headquartered in India, Mahindra employs over 2,56,000 people across 100 countries. 

 

Ripu Daman Bevli launches the new campaign – ‘Ride For Change’ – A 7500 KMs zero emission zero waste Ride across the country

Feb 17, 2021 | Entertainment, Environment, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Sports

After the massive success of the ‘Run to Make India Litter Free’ campaign in collaboration with RElan, Ripu is all set to launch his new campaign ‘Ride For Change’ starting from 14th February 2021. Garima Avtar, Indian Rally Driver flagged off the event and shared her experience about road safety.

As a build-up to the unprecedented ‘Ride For Change’ campaign, a Pre-Event was held where Ripu undertook an inter-city ride from Delhi to Gurgaon with the mission to promote sustainability and fitness. The first of these rides started from India gate, Rajpath Lawns at 7.15 am and culminated at 9 am Gurgaon Leisure Valley Huda parking gate.

He was joined by 100-150 cyclists from Delhi NCR in the event. At the flag-off point, cyclists stressed on the importance of road safety. Ripu along with the cyclists did the Trash workout and took the Litter Free India pledge. 

The cyclists were joined by Gurugram residents at 9 am. Ripu led the audience into a Trash Workout and they finished the day with the Litter Free India pledge.

According to Ripu Daman Bevli, Plogman of India, “Cycling should not just be limited to a morning activity. I want more people to join our noble cause of promoting sustainability. During the campaign, I want people across India to participate and choose cycling for selecting smaller routes. 

He further added, “We also want to spread a message to the Government to adopt measures that will ensure safety for cyclists”.

Garima Avtar said “Cycling helps to reduce the carbon footprint. It’s the most healthier mode of transport. We need to spread more awareness on road safety. On a daily basis, there are more than 400 deaths which can be avoided by educating people about road safety. We did an all Women car rally where we drove from Amritsar to Kanyakumari which is about 2500 KMs approximately to spread awareness about road safety. I am glad that Ripu has taken this initiative to educate people on road safety.’  

The main ‘Ride For Change’ campaign will be launched on 15th August 2021 from Delhi and will cover the Golden Quadrilateral route connecting Delhi – Mumbai – Bengaluru – Chennai – Kolkata. Ripu will be covering 70+ cities. In all major cities, his team will be organizing Cyclothons, Plogging drives, and Trash workout workshops. The participation will come from schools, colleges, corporates, local communities, Municipal corporations, etc.

The campaign will be a self-supported solo cycle ride By Ripu Daman. It would be a 7500 KMs cycle ride across the country to promote fitness and sustainability in the post-corona world. Through the course of this campaign, Ripu will be promoting the following messages.

Zero emissions – How citizens can help reduce their carbon footprint Zero waste – He will be on a Plastic

Upvaas

    FIT India – As a FIT India Ambassador, promoting fitness throughout the country Cycling Culture – Raising awareness and petitioning for safe cycling lanes in major cities across the country. Human Spirit – A timely reminder that we need to build back better and greener post the pandemic. And that the human spirit is capable of it.

About Ripu Daman Bevli

Ripu Daman Bevli is an environmentalist, social activist. He is known as the Plogman of India. He has been featured in Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat program as a guest. He has been honored with the title “FIT India Ambassador” and has been inducted into the GK books as the Plogging Ambassador of India.

For more information, please contact:

Abhay – 8158060926

Sakshi – 9971465188