CSR : Godrej Consumer Products handholds Mumbai’s iconic St. Xavier’s School to harness solar energy

MUMBAI: Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) commissioned a 35kW solar rooftop plant at St. Xavier’s High School in Fort area of Mumbai as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. With estimated generation of about 53000 kWh, this noteworthy initiative will assist the well-known educational institution to become more environmental friendly and also shave off about Rs 3.5 lakhs from its annual energy bills.

This initiative is in line of the Godrej Group’s sustainability strategy of ‘Good & Green’ that aims to create a more inclusive and greener India. As part Good & Green, renewable energy is one of its key environmental goals. The company has a relentless focus on productivity and environmental sustainability and over 50% of the energy used at Godrej Industries is from renewable sources. In addition, the company is also installing renewable energy ecosystems in rural communities and educational institutes. It aims to address the shortfall of energy supply through renewable energy sources and spread awareness on cleaner sources of power.

Speaking about the initiative, Adi Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Group said, “As a group, we have always actively championed the cause of social responsibility. According to our vision for 2020, we aim to be 10 times our current size in 2010. But for us, it is also essential that we remain a good corporate citizen besides achieving robust financial performance. Giving back to communities remains important and this project is a step forward.”

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Nadir Godrej, Managing Director, Godrej Industries Limited said, “Our sustainability vision and goals spur us to make investments both on social and environmental imperatives. The chosen approach will allow us to assist in building a greener and more inclusive India through adoption of shared value approach. I am delighted to extend our support to St. Xavier’s School since it will enable this well-known educational institution to harness solar energy and reduce bills at the same time. This is a small initiative but remains integral to the overall goal of energy conservation.”

Dr. Vikas Goswami, Head Sustainability, Godrej Industries Limited and Associated Companies said, “Environmental sustainability is an integral part of our business. Besides our manufacturing facilities, we are also working closely with communities and education institutes to adopt eco-friendly measures of operations. We have already worked with 25 schools and colleges in Mumbai for processing their waste and diverting it from landfills. Now, we are installing rooftop solar power plants that will help provide a clean source of energy. GCPL’s association with St. Xavier’s is to equip the school with a renewable means of power source and provide a working example to students on green sources of energy.”

Principal Sharmila Sunny, St. Xavier’s High School said, “It is a Landmark achievement for the school where by we are actively supporting the Global endeavour to use renewable resources and save energy wastage… a proud moment for all Xavierites as our very own alumni have spear-headed this initiative for their Alma Mater..they have put into practice what we teach.”

Fr. Francis Swamy, St. Xavier’s High School said, “We sincerely thank Godrej Group for installing solar rooftop plant at our school under their CSR project. This plant will not only help us in preserving the environment but also contribute in reducing energy bills. It will also help us to tackle the shortfall of energy supply through usage of renewable energy.”

The company has a comprehensive CSR policy that outlines programmes and projects undertaken to create a positive impact on stakeholders. They have a CSR committee in place to review, monitor and provide strategic inputs on sustainability efforts. Over the years, GCPL has aligned initiatives with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Government of India’s social development programmes, and the needs of our local communities to deliver high-impact programmes.