As major companies across the globe seek to establish carbon-neutrality across their operations, Indian IT giant Infosys has already achieved the same. With this, Infosys has achieved the target 30 years ahead of 2050, the timeline set by the Paris Agreement.
Infosys first decided to become carbon neutral almost a decade ago, declaring a pledge towards the aim in 2011. Since then, the company has been working towards implementing environment-friendly methods across its operations. These include the power sources for the electricity consumptions in its global offices as well as the commute options offered to the Infosys employees.
It can be argued that the company reached its long sought target in 2020 due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown that resulted in a complete stop to office commute. As remote work became the new norm, the company must have saved considerable carbon points with its offices shut.
¡°Right from the first day, Infosys has recognized and fulfilled its responsibilities towards overcoming the challenges in our context. It has also taken on new responsibilities like reducing carbon emission, improving air quality, optimally using water and solar power," said N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys.
Already carbon-neutral, Infosys has now devised a new set of goals for itself, to be achieved by 2030. Called the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Vision for 2030, the goals include being carbon neutral throughout, expanding reskilling initiatives as well as creating a gender-diverse and inclusive workforce, with at least 45 percent women employees.
The reskilling initiatives, on the other hand, seek to empower 10 million-plus people with digital skills. In the process, Infosys aims to enable 80 million-plus lives with technology for good programs in e-governance, healthcare, and education.
¡°The company¡¯s ESG roadmap for 2030 reflects its continued aspiration to be a well-governed model organization for diverse talent with an inclusive workplace and community strategies to leverage technology for good,¡± said Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer, Infosys.
As for the FY2020, Infosys claims to have met over 44 % of its electricity consumption through renewable energy sources. In addition, the company also invested in 60 MW of solar PV capacity.