From Awareness to Action: HR@IndianOil for Environment

Global warming, depleting green cover and the stress placed by mankind on Mother Earth has raised environmental concerns all across the world. The theme for this World Environment Day- Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resistance is therefore quite pertinent in raising awareness and creating a global consensus in mitigating climate change.

Committing themselves to green growth, Nations have declared their Net Zero targets and are consciously taking measures towards green and sustainable future. The global focus on ESG has necessitated businesses to revisit their strategies for growth and include sustainability and net zero in their path for the future.

This transformative shift in the way of doing business has also accentuated the role of Human Resources (HR) as a catalyst for environmental stewardship. From creating awareness to educating workforce on sustainable ways of doing business to actively undertaking eco-friendly practices, community engagement programs, digital initiatives to reduce paper, developing ecological parks, Green Buildings, elimination of single use plastics etc., HR can make a significant impact in promoting sustainability across the organization and beyond.

IndianOil is committed to its goal of Net Zero by 2046. The company is having ambitious goals to make a strong footing in the business of renewables and employees are being made future ready for shouldering responsibility of company’s green targets. HR@IndianOil has already taken multiple steps to reduce carbon footprint in its activities. While taking upon the cudgels for creating environmental consciousness, HR did not limit itself to the employees but also reached out to the future custodians of Earth that is children. A campaign called “Speak up for the Planet” encourages children of employees to speak up for the environment and their video bytes are hosted on the internal communication channels of the company. Carbon neutral meetings are encouraged by planting trees in its facilities. Thru its integrated approach encompassing business, employees and environment, HR@IndianOil is playing a crucial role in chartering the path for green transition.

Several of the company’s CSR initiatives are aimed at environmental protection and preservation of rich biodiversity. Partnering with the government for re-introduction of Cheetahs in the country, adopting the one horned Rhino and Olive Ridley turtles, creating green covers with multiple Miyawakee projects, Vayu Amrit project to take care of crop stubble and turn into organic manure instead of burning it, are few examples where HR has gone beyond business to create a green and sustainable future.

In the words of Robert Frost, the woods are lovely dark and deep but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before I sleep…..

HR has already taken early steps in the right direction, but the journey is long, so on this World Environment Day, let us all unanimously #TakeResponsibility and help in striking a right balance between growth and sustainability.