INDIACSR News Network
MUMBAI: HCC has become the first Indian company to become a signatory of ‘WASH’ – a global programme by Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). WASH – which stands for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – ensures a corporate institution’s commitment to provide appropriate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene to all employees across all premises under company control.
The WBCSD pledge for access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene at the workplace, together with guiding implementation principles, was launched during the World Water Week in Stockholm on Thursday, September 5, 2013. The day saw the Council launching the manifesto for WASH as well.
By becoming the first and only Indian signatory company so far, HCC reiterates its commitment towards its large, diverse workforce. The WASH pledge will remain in force over the next three years.
HCC is a strong believer in implementing strategic processes for sustainable development that put people right at the centre of attention and subsequent development. Through effective planning, investments and actions, responsible corporates such as HCC define a society’s joint economic, social and ecological goals.
HCC is acknowledged for its business model that enables responsible, equitable growth – decoupled from environmental impact.
Due to its active participation in such initiatives and sheer commitment, HCC is now recognised as one of the key player in the world of water conservation in the infrastructure sector.
HCC began to focus on water conservation as a consequence of its concerns about the business risks posed by two types of shortage – physical scarcity, where there is not sufficient water to meet demand, and economic scarcity, where communities lack the infrastructure and/or financial capacity to access the water they require.
Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman and Managing Director, HCC became the first Asian signatory to endorse the United Nations’ CEO Water Mandate. HCC has demonstrated its water consciousness and commitment to water conservation by implementing a series of rigorous and improved water management practices at its project sites. HCC has also promoted the advocacy of actions and measures at various national and international forums towards the optimum utilization of water. During FY 2012-13, HCC had achieved 39% water use efficiency at its direct operations.
In recognition of its Sustainability Practices, HCC was accorded the distinction of being the only Indian company to be featured amongst ten global company case studies in a Climate Report issued by the United Nations’ Global Compact at the Rio+20 conferences in Brazil in June 2012. HCC was also adjudged for `Best Social Investment Strategy’ by the World CSR Congress and accorded the ‘Civic Award for Social Development’ by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. HCC’s Sustainability reporting for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 have been consecutively categorized by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) with Application Level Check A+.
