Real estate’s sustainability ventures
On World Environment Day, Indian Developers talk about their efforts at saving the environment. Emphasizing on the need of sustainable development, Dr.Niranjan Hiranandani, National President, NAREDCO and CMD, Hiranandani Group said, "Today, with the ever-growing economies, the doctrine of Sustainable Development becomes the most relevant principle. It is about the development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is about providing an eco-system that works in the direction to reduce pollution for a better quality of air, soil and water. It’s about creating a space that emphasizes on more efficient use of energy, space arrangement to meet the maximum need of humankind, providing pleasant as well as healthy living & working spaces and meanwhile creating a positive impact on the environment. One can only achieve these if it is enforced right from the concept and planning process. It goes on through the under-construction process where one needs to ensure the least damage to the environment and safeguard usage of locally sourced material as far as possible." Leading real estate developers like Embassy Office Parks, India’s first and only listed REIT, along with the tenant partners have come forth to support multiple environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives on World Environment Day. It has partnered with Lithium Urban Technologies, the pioneers in operating India's first 100% electric vehicle fleet, to introduce e-vehicles for intra-park commute. These electric vehicles (EV) are powered by renewable energy powered with zero emissions and zero carbon footprint. Speaking on the occasion, Mike Holland CEO Embassy Office Parks said, “Environmental, social and governance (ESG) has been a priority area for Embassy Group companies for many years. Embassy is committed to sustainability across their portfolio of residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality and retail developments. Our corporate tenants are equally involved and hands on in supporting green initiatives like solar panel installations, rain-water harvesting and water recycling, energy optimization techniques that focus on reduction of overall energy consumption and demand on fossil fuels, reducing non-renewable energy consumption among others. Sustainable transportation is a key element in operating such world class infrastructure. This partnership with Lithium is our concentrated effort to reduce emissions and minimize intra-park transportation led carbon footprints. Our parks across Bangalore and Pune will have a fleet of EV shuttles for intra park use and to connect to nodal transportation points around the city.” Sanjay Krishnan, CEO Lithium Urban technologies said, “This partnership with Embassy, a pioneer and leader in providing world class urban infrastructure which is changing the way India lives, works and plays. This nation-wide partnership provides a platform for urban India to commute in a safe, reliable, cost effective way with zero emissions. We will together transform the way India commutes with innovation and sustainability.” Recently, three of Embassy’s Office Parks – Embassy Manyata, Embassy TechZone and Embassy Tech-Village were awarded the rare IGBC (Indian Green Business Council) Green Campus Platinum Certification. Occupiers of the office parks joined hands for tree plantation drive and over 1200 saplings were distributed across the business parks of Embassy. There were on-ground events to support the day including a first-of-its-kind Sustainable and Ethical Fashion show curated and choreographed by the Fashion Guru of India, Prasad Bidapa. The theme was designed to encourage employees to opt for organic or bio-degradable clothing to reduce environmental pollution. Park users also benefited from expert talks on Environmental conservation which gave them an opportunity to become aware of their efforts towards a cleaner and greener planet.
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