From 'Not My Problem' to Nurturing a Greener Future

Newsletter October 2023

Monthly Highlights

VK:e environmental Certified as GreenCo Facilitator

We are thrilled to announce that Vk:e has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a certified GreenCo facilitator. This prestigious certification is a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability and our dedication to assisting organisations in implementing the GreenCo Rating System. The GreenCo Facilitators program, initiated by CII-Godrej GBC, aims to strengthen the "GreenCo Movement" in the country by enlisting experienced industry professionals and independent consultants who excel in the field of environmental sustainability. Kanchan Prasanna Sidhaye, Shrikant Bapat and Vilas Kulkarni from the Vk:e team are among the first few in Pune to receive this certification.

VK:e Featured Projects

M- Agile, Baner, Awarded IGBC Platinum Certification

M- Agile, Baner, by Malpani Group, has achieved PLATINUM rating under the IGBC New Building Final certification system. The building has been designed in such a way that more than 75% of the regularly occupied spaces are getting natural daylight. A 272 kWp solar photovoltaic system has been installed on the roof, catering to 41% of annual lighting energy consumption. An on-site organic waste composter machine, of capacity 1000 kgs/day, has been provided to treat 99% of the wet waste generated by the occupants. Sustainable building materials have been used in the construction which were sourced locally and have a recycled content. Treated fresh air units have been provided for all regularly occupied spaces. Use of water during construction was minimised by making use of admixtures in concrete and by making use of AAC block adhesives which help to avoid curing. Water meters are installed to monitor the water consumption of applications like flushing and municipal water supply.

What's Trending

How Green is Your Company?

At the heart of green finance, there is a fundamental need to establish green rating and green credit information systems.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has developed a GreenCo rating system which is a voluntary program that aims to assess and improve the environmental performance of Indian companies. It evaluates how a company manages its environmental impact, such as its energy consumption, carbon emissions, water usage, waste management, and adherence to environmental regulations and governing policies.

GreenCo ratings can be seen as a subset of ESG reporting which provide comprehensive information on their performance in all three ESG areas. As of February 2023, over 900 companies in India are working on GreenCo ratings, of which 479 units have been rated, including several leading private sector companies, PSUs, and SMEs. The first 350 GreenCo rated companies have reported reduction of 3.03 million tons of CO2 equivalent and a savings of Rs. 3379 crores in annual recurring savings over and above the environmental benefits.

This rating system opens doors to improved legal compliance, competitiveness, and access to sustainable financing. Stakeholders benefit from the increased transparency, reduced risks, and the ability to support environmentally responsible businesses. Participation in the CII GreenCo rating system not only enhances a company's reputation with customers, employees, and the public but also facilitates access to green or sustainable financing options, such as green bonds or loans. In this way, the GreenCo rating system plays a pivotal role in promoting corporate sustainability and responsible business practices, aligning the interests of companies, investors, and society at large.

Hit reply to know how VK:e environmental can help your company get GreenCo rated!

From the Editor's Desk

"Not My Problem," says Everyone

In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the phrase "Not My Problem" has become all too familiar. This attitude has been a stumbling block on the path to sustainable change.

But in light of the Green Credit Programme recently notified by the Indian government, this attitude could cost you in the future. The draft Green Credit Programme aims to incentivise the voluntary adoption of environment-friendly practices by individuals, industries, and local bodies. It aligns with the larger vision of the Prime Minister's Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) and the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, highlighting the importance of managing limited water resources. One of the identified sectors is water, which can generate green credits through activities like water conservation, water harvesting, and water use efficiency, including treatment and reuse of wastewater. Green Credits can be bought and sold on a proposed domestic trading platform, similar to carbon credits.

For individuals, the Green Credit Programme means they can earn incentives for their contributions to environmental sustainability. The program will incentivize voluntary eco-friendly practices, such as air pollution reduction, mangrove conservation and restoration, eco-mark labeling, and sustainable building and infrastructure. If individuals engage in such activities, they can earn Green Credits, which can be sold on the domestic trading platform.

Let's change the conversation from "Not My Problem" to "Our Responsibility." Every sustainable choice we make, every energy-efficient building we construct, and every eco-conscious decision we embrace contributes to a healthier, more resilient planet.

Draft methodology for Water Harvesting based green credit

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