A sustainable organization is not the one that simply endures. Instead, it is viewed as one that directs and leads others clearly on a journey of change towards the aim of sustainability. In this context, Rajesh Uttamchandani, Director – Syska LED tells SPOI of how Syska evolved itself as a socially responsible and sustainable organization by developing best practices and smart innovations in its technologies –
What would be your thoughts and vision on Sustainability in India?
This is an important break for India to take lead in shaping the global sustainability program. Supported by a solid electoral mandate, the new Indian government has been aggressively digging for clean technology and energy efficiency in its effort to pursue a low-carbon growth model. At several meetings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared his vision for “sustainable economic growth without compromising on environmental safety.” In few months of coming to power, the government introduced a multi-sector debate on reviving the sacred River Ganges, which is arguably one of India’s most contaminated river. The recently presented federal budget also gives high precedence to new and renewable energy. The Government has proposed to set up mega solar power projects in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir with a fund of over Rs. 500 crores. The government has also announced a scheme for solar power driven agricultural pump sets and water pumping stations, for which they earmarked a sum of Rs. 400 crores in the fiscal plan. In addition, implementation of the Green Energy Corridor Project is expected to be accelerated in this financial year to enhance renewable energy across the nation.
As we are principally into LED lights, we have seen multifold jump in the usage of LED in last few years. The LED market in India is still evolving as it has huge scope of application. LEDs are well-known for their efficiency, which translates to energy savings for the consumers. LEDs support sustainability is in their influence on building practices and lifestyles. We have many choices when it comes to designing, constructing, or retrofitting buildings today. LEDs are consistently at the top of the list of “green”, “sustainable”, and “energy-efficient” building options. Even if LEDs aren’t everyone’s choice in lighting, the fact that they can even get the conversation going about sustainable options, is a right step in the right direction.
What has been your biggest success in sustainability?
Public Policy, Climate Change, Collaborating for Sustainability, Respecting Aboriginal Rights, Measuring & Reporting Sustainability Activities, Sustaining Sustainability Programs, Educating Consumers for Sustainability, Creating Long-term Orientation etc. are few challenges.
Our biggest success in sustainability is innovation. We continuously strive to innovate new products as per market gap thus keeping us aggressively active among our competitors.
What are the best practices you follow to achieve sustainability?
To achieve sustainability there is an increasingly understood list of core ingredients: leadership, listening, engagement, collaboration, innovation, systems thinking, long-term view, strategy, influence, procurement, value chain, review, skills. We are collaborating, innovating and engaging with stakeholders across the value chain. We keep challenging our business models and opening doors for change locally and across continents.
Eventually, it will reach a point of creating value without undermining the capacity for humans and other life to flourish on Earth indefinitely.
Describe how you go about infusing the value of sustainability into your company?
Sustainable development is the goal many businesses and governments are working towards. Innovating and resolving the sustainability challenge, rather than balancing and trading off impacts between environmental, social or economic conditions, is essential. Sustainability and environment professionals are central to this agenda.
To make sustainability a central business issue, more chief executives and finance bosses need to connect the dots between “environmental trends” and business risks – and then act on their findings. The company leaders must recognize that business risks and opportunities presented by sustainability trends are too big to be addressed by a single business function, or even inside the company gates. Responding effectively in ways that protect their businesses requires collaboration with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, communities, and local and national government policymakers. Business-friendly tools are emerging that can help managers incorporate sustainability issues into their core strategies.
What are the main sustainability challenges for you and the industry as a whole?
Policy, rate structures and utilities all makes a difference but motivation for change is something which cannot be ignored. We need to start a national dialogue on responsible consumption. In daily life we make sure that we engage value chain members and stakeholders in saving energy in various forms. We try to make more informed choices about using new technology, chemicals or activities, which enable us to examine alternative methods and processes. We ask our leaders with responsibility for driving sustainability within their department to identify the key barriers to sustainable change.
How will you measure your progress towards sustainability?
Measuring the sustainability in absolute numbers is difficult. It’s a continuous process which needs to be followed every day. It’s a process which needs 100% whole heartedly support from every stake holders of an organisation.
We have just started the journey in this direction. We are confident that in times to come, we will do a good job on sustainability front.
Syska contributing to Sustainability
• Smart innovation in Technology – Syska being one of India’s leading players in the LED Lighting is known for its smart innovation. Advanced technology, energy efficiency and durability puts SYSKA LED lights years ahead, giving it a clear edge in the market. Syska plans to expand its product portfolio in the coming years and remain at the top of the competition by launching several innovative technology paired with reliability. Syska also introduced a number of new technologies in the country and also invested heavily in its R&D and production facilities that enabled Syska to constantly rope in new developments all-round the year.
• Spreading awareness among consumers – Syska is also making consumer aware about cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness of LED lights, eventually helping in green living and energy saving. SYSKA works in sectors with the maximum potential for energy efficiency and carbon abatement. These efforts are in sync with the country’s National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE), which seeks to establish policies and regulations to strengthen energy efficiency for industries, buildings and appliances.
