ITC Limited redefines corporate sustainability. Its Sustainability 2.0 ambitions blend bold targets with real results.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): ITC Limited stands as a beacon of sustainability in India. Its Sustainability 2.0 ambitions, outlined in the 2024 Sustainability Report, showcase a forward-thinking approach. This strategy tackles climate change, water security, and livelihoods head-on. Led by Chairman Sanjiv Puri, ITC proves that business success and social good can align. The company’s bold goals reflect its commitment to a sustainable future, Sustainability Report 2024 revealed.
Ambitious Targets, Tangible Results
Sustainability 2.0 sets aggressive targets for 2030. ITC achieved 50% of its total energy from renewable sources by 2024—six years early. It’s on track for 100% grid electricity from renewables, hitting 52% in FY 2023-24. Specific water consumption dropped significantly: 34% in Branded Packaged Foods and 27% in FMCG Cigarettes since 2018-19. The goal? A 40% reduction by 2030. ITC’s rainwater harvesting potential reached four times its net water use, nearing the 5X target.
Climate and Energy Leadership
ITC slashes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with purpose. It aims for a 50% reduction in specific GHG emissions by 2030. Progress is strong: 43% down in Packaged Foods and 25% in Paperboards since 2018-19. Energy use per production unit fell too—25% in Foods and 11% in Paperboards. The target is a 30% cut. Social and farm forestry spans 1.16 million acres, inching toward 1.5 million, enhancing carbon sequestration.
Water and Waste Innovation
Water security is a priority. ITC’s Watershed Development covers 1.63 million acres, targeting 2.2 million by 2030. It built 32,400 water harvesting structures, aiming for 50,000, with a storage potential of 54.26 million kiloliters. Seven sites earned AWS Platinum certification, with more in progress. On waste, ITC sustains plastic neutrality since 2021-22. Over 99% of its packaging is recyclable or compostable, nearing the 100% goal for 2028.
Empowering Farmers and Communities
ITC’s climate-smart agriculture spans 2.79 million acres, targeting 4 million by 2030. It supports 6,755 climate-smart villages, aiming for 10,000. Biodiversity efforts cover 0.47 million acres, with a 1 million-acre goal. The Mission Sunehra Kal program uplifts 6 million livelihoods, striving for 10 million. These initiatives bolster resilience and sustainability across agri-value chains.
A Competitive, Purpose-Driven Model
ITC embeds sustainability into its core. Its triple bottom line—economic, environmental, and social—drives competitiveness. Innovations like ITCMAARS empower farmers with tech. Achievements like plastic neutrality and renewable energy leadership showcase impact. ITC’s efforts align with national priorities and UN SDGs, earning global recognition—‘A’ in CDP Water and a spot in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
Looking Ahead
ITC’s Sustainability 2.0 ambitions are a call to action. It scales climate resilience, water stewardship, and inclusive growth. By 2035, all high-risk sites will be AWS-certified. Digital tools and sustainable products will expand. ITC’s credo, “Nation First: Sab Saath Badhein,” fuels this vision. It’s a journey of trust, innovation, and collective progress.
(India CSR)
