“We Are The Fastest Growing, But We Should Be Growing Even Faster”

NADIR B. GODREJ, Chairperson, Godrej Industries Group; Chairperson & MD, Godrej Industries; and Chair- man, Godrej Agrovet, in conversation with BW Business- world’s Group Editorial Director Noor Fathima Warsia on accelerating India’s growth, scaling clean energy, and why climate action cannot wait

- 

You've long advocated for environmental sustainability, and you are also co-chair of the Godrej Good & Green Governing Council. Could you walk us through how this programme evolved, and what measurable outcomes you've seen?

Sustainability, both environmental and social, is very important for our group. In 2010, we started our ‘Good and Green’ programme, where we had Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) even before it became compulsory. Once CSR became mandatory, the ‘Good and Green’ team took on responsibility for those commitments as well. Environment and training were a big focus, apart from reducing our carbon footprint, water use and solid waste.

Today, most of our businesses use 60-70 per cent green energy, some from solar and wind, but primarily from biomass. Several units run biomass-based cogeneration systems, which are particularly effective as we require both thermal energy and electricity. In addition, many of our businesses are several times water positive. As part of our CSR, we undertake watershed projects that are low-cost, highly beneficial to local communities, and help conserve water. The trees that grow in these watershed areas also contribute to carbon sequestration.

Two big pillars in our carbon emissions journey have been energy efficiency and green energy. Before ‘Good and Green’, we weren't even focusing on energy efficiency, and yet these projects had huge returns. So, by becoming environmentally conscious, we saved money.