Ever pondered how companies, such as Greenpanel Industries Ltd., infuse purpose into their core, creating a lasting impact on communities? Let go of preconceived notions about wood panel manufacturers – Greenpanel's narrative extends beyond assembly lines. Achieving this by surpassing routine operations and embedding a steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) into its core values, Greenpanel's story unfolds in an exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse. Mr. Lawkush Prasad, Company Secretary and Vice President, Legal, Greenpanel Industries Ltd. sheds light on the strategies and practices that underscore their CSR commitment, emphasizing the company's dedication to sustainability and community welfare.
Mr. Prasad provides a nuanced understanding of how the company seamlessly integrates CSR into its operational fabric, emphasizing dedication to sustainability and the well-being of the communities it serves. Beyond routine operations, the conversation unveils the remarkable achievement at Greenpanel's Andhra Plant, showcasing the company's dedication to sustainability and community welfare. From transformative initiatives to forward-looking plans, the conversation serves as a testament to Greenpanel's holistic approach, making a positive impact on both the environment and society.
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Q. How does Greenpanel Industries Ltd embed corporate social responsibility (CSR) into its core values and identity, and what specific areas of focus do the company's CSR initiatives encompass?
A. At Greenpanel Industries Limited, our dedication to doing good permeates every aspect of our operations. Social responsibility is woven into the very fabric of our company, underpinning our promise to create a positive influence in the communities we serve. In the fiscal year 2022-23, we proudly invested 2.32 crores in CSR projects aimed at making a tangible difference.
From tree planting initiatives to prioritizing the well-being of our team, our commitment is unwavering. We don't merely exist as a company; we stand as a community partner, tirelessly working to improve every facet of the places we call home.
Our core values revolve around sustainable practices, seamlessly integrated into our operations to minimize our ecological footprint. This commitment extends to comprehensive CSR initiatives, where our substantial investment has fuelled projects related to tree plantation, societal well-being, education, health, and various social causes.
Our efforts in tree plantation actively contribute to a greener ecosystem, showcasing our steadfast dedication to environmental sustainability. Moreover, we strive to enhance farmer income through agroforestry, supporting plantations around our production units by distributing free and subsidized saplings and providing technical know-how, assistance and training.
Beyond our business scope, our CSR endeavours create a ripple effect, generating a positive impact on society and solidifying our role as a responsible corporate citizen.
In essence, at Greenpanel, CSR transcends mere checkboxes; it's ingrained in our values. Our focus on sustainability, health, education, and broader social causes reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible business practices and fostering a positive societal impact.
Q. Can you explain the policies and strategies Greenpanel Industries Ltd has in place to ensure the effective implementation and continuous improvement of its CSR initiatives and environmental management practices?
A. At Greenpanel Industries Limited, our robust policies and strategic approaches drive effective CSR initiatives and environmental stewardship. Our commitment to bolstering greenery is evidenced by the plantation of over 15 million saplings in the financial year 2022-23, and we are ambitiously pursuing a project to plant over 50 million trees this current financial year.
Furthermore, our dedication to water conservation is exemplified by our initiatives at the Andhra Plant, where rainwater harvesting projects have led to a remarkable saving of approximately 3.70 lakh KL freshwater consumption during the financial year 2022-23.
In our pursuit of sustainable practices, energy reduction has been a focal point. Embracing biomass-based energy plants and innovative technologies has significantly minimized our environmental footprint, showcasing our commitment to responsible energy consumption.
Additionally, our waste management practices highlight our dedication to responsible and sustainable manufacturing processes. We prioritize the utilization of MDF waste in our energy plants, emphasizing a circular approach that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.
These initiatives collectively embody our commitment to responsible manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and proactive CSR efforts, reinforcing our pledge to contribute positively to the environment and communities we operate in.
Q. Could you provide more details on the organisation's efforts in improving health awareness and medical services for neighbouring villages, and how this aligns with the company's CSR objectives?
A. At Greenpanel Industries Limited, our dedication to doing good permeates every aspect of our operations. Social responsibility is woven into the very fabric of our company, underpinning our promise to create a positive influence in the communities we serve. In the fiscal year 2022-23, we proudly spentan amount of Rs.2.32 crores in CSR projects aimed at making a tangible difference.
From tree planting initiatives to prioritizing the well-being of our team, our commitment is unwavering. We don't merely exist as a company; we stand as a community partner, tirelessly working to improve every facet of the places we call home.
Our core values revolve around sustainable practices, seamlessly integrated into our operations to minimize our ecological footprint. This commitment extends to comprehensive CSR initiatives, where our substantial investment has fuelled projects related to tree plantation, societal well-being, education, health, protection of art and culture and other social causes.
Our efforts in tree plantation actively contribute to a greener ecosystem, showcasing our steadfast dedication to environmental sustainability. Moreover, we strive to enhance farmer income through agroforestry, supporting plantations around our production units by distributing free and subsidized saplings, along with providing technical assistance and training.
Beyond our business scope, our CSR endeavours create a ripple effect, generating a positive impact on society and solidifying our role as a responsible corporate citizen.
In essence, at Greenpanel, CSR transcends mere checkboxes; it's ingrained in our values. Our focus on sustainability, health, education, and broader social causes reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible business practices and fostering a positive societal impact.
Q. The company's focus on effective water management is praiseworthy. Can you elaborate on the measures Greenpanel takes to reduce water consumption and ensure responsible usage in its operations?
A. At Greenpanel Industries Limited, our dedication to responsible water management stands as a fundamental principle guiding our operations. To ensure the quality of water in and around our plant areas, we've established an in-house water monitoring lab, reflecting our commitment to maintaining high standards of water quality.
Through a series of continuous optimization initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting in Andhra Pradesh, we've diversified our water sourcing methods. Our reliance on alternative water sources, including surface water of 3,23,904 KL and groundwater of 72,098 KL during financial year 2022-23 is integral to our water consumption strategy. In the fiscal year 2022-23, our total water consumption stood at 3.70 lakh KL. This reliance on alternative sources underscores our commitment to effective water resource management, emphasizing a sustainable and eco-friendly approach.
These comprehensive measures collectively showcase our dedication to not only ensuring water quality but also in responsibly managing and conserving this vital resource, aligning with our commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious operations.
Q. The Mobile Medical Van project and Carpenter Guru mobile app are unique CSR initiatives. Can you describe the motivation behind these projects and their significance within Greenpanel's CSR framework?
A. At Greenpanel, our CSR initiatives, including the Mobile Medical Van and Carpenter Guru mobile app, are driven by a sincere commitment to uplift the communities we serve. These initiatives stem from a genuine desire to address real needs and foster holistic development within these communities.
The impact of our Mobile Medical Van, which has reached 3,925 beneficiaries in around in the surrounding of our plant in Tirupati district, exemplifies our unwavering commitment to improving healthcare accessibility. Additionally, our Carpenter Guru mobile app serves as another avenue for empowerment and skill development within these communities.
To ensure the effectiveness and relevance of these initiatives, our dedicated CSR committee conducts regular reviews. This proactive approach ensures that our projects are aligned with the genuine needs of the communities we serve, embodying our commitment to impactful and community-driven CSR endeavours.
Q. The agroforestry initiative appears to positively impact farmer incomes. Could you provide more information on this program and its significance for both the farmers and the company's CSR goals?
A. Our agroforestry initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable and greener world. Through the empowerment of 846 farmers across 339 villages, we've facilitated plantation on an expansive 13.71 thousand acres, resulting in an impressive yield of approximately 3.91 lakhs MT of agroforestry wood in a three-year cycle.
The distribution of 54.25 lakhs saplings locally within surrounding of 30 km radius of plant location and an additional 102.62 lakhs beyond a 30 km radius underscores the scale and impact of our program. Beyond merely boosting farmer incomes, this initiative plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon footprints, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.
This initiative stands as a shining example of our CSR goals in action, fostering a win-win scenario for both farmers and environmental conservation. It embodies our commitment to creating tangible, positive impacts that benefit communities and align with our vision for a more sustainable future.
Q. Can you provide details about the schools adopted and the improvements brought through the Child Education CSR program?
A. Our commitment to advancing child education through CSR initiatives is evident in the transformation of three schools located in Udham Singh district, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand and Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. Through our program, we've spearheaded significant improvements in these educational institutions.
In Rudrapur, our efforts have focused on renovating three schools, enhancing their infrastructure to create a more conducive and enriching learning environment for students. Simultaneously, in Chittoor, our contributions was focussed on providing essential resources like benches and boards, thereby elevating the quality of educational facilities.
An amount of Rs. 49.06 lakhs spent in these initiatives underscores our commitment to raising education standards and making a positive impact on the lives of young learners in the communities we serve. These initiatives align with our vision of empowering future generations through access to quality education and fostering a brighter tomorrow.
Q. Please provide examples of real-world success stories resulting from Greenpanel Industries Ltd CSR initiatives, showcasing the positive impact on the communities they aim to support and develop.
A. Our CSR endeavours have materialized into substantial success stories, profoundly impacting communities. Through our agroforestry program, we've empowered 846 farmers, fostering a sustainable cycle that yielded an impressive 3.91 lakhs MT of wood, contributing significantly to both economic stability and environmental sustainability.
In the sphere of child education, our initiatives have been transformative. By revitalizing infrastructure and fostering enriched learning environments, we've brought about meaningful changes in three schools within Udham Singh and Chittoor districts, nurturing educational growth in these regions.
The mobile medical van initiative has directly touched the lives of 3,925 individuals in Chittoor, extending crucial health services and enhancing healthcare accessibility for the community.
Furthermore, our unwavering dedication to ensuring a safe workplace environment has culminated in an exemplary achievement: zero accidents in the financial year 2022-23. This milestone exemplifies the tangible outcomes of our resolute CSR commitment, underscoring our comprehensive approach to community development and prioritization of employee welfare.
Q. How does Greenpanel collaborate with local NGOs and other social sector stakeholders to implement and support its CSR initiatives, particularly those related to rural healthcare, farmer income improvement, and carpenter training programs? -
A. At Greenpanel Industries Limited, we recognize the paramount importance of collaboration with local NGOs and stakeholders in the social sector for the success of our CSR initiatives. These partnerships play a pivotal role in augmenting the effectiveness of our endeavours.
In the domain of rural healthcare, our close collaboration with medical teams and NGOs is integral. Together, we traverse neighbouring villages, offering vital medical services and fostering increased health awareness among communities.
Our programs aimed at improving farmer income entail strategic partnerships with local farmers. Through these alliances, we distribute saplings and promote the practice of agroforestry, aiming to uplift the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
When it comes to carpenter training, we actively engage with local institutions and experts, leveraging their expertise to empower individuals within the community.
These collaborations serve as force multipliers, significantly amplifying the impact of our CSR efforts. By working hand in hand with local entities, we ensure that our initiatives are attuned to the specific needs of the community, contributing meaningfully to their holistic development.
Q. What are the company’s plans for the future in terms of expanding and enhancing its CSR initiatives to address environmental concerns, water management, or community development?
A. Our company remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding and enriching our CSR initiatives, particularly focusing on addressing crucial areas such as environmental conservation, water management, sanitation, and community development.
In our pursuit of environmental conservation, we have laid out plans to significantly ramp up our tree plantation efforts. We have initiated project of planting 50 million saplings during the financial year 2023-24, which shows our determination and proactive steps to contribute positively to the environment and bolster green cover.
Our robust water management practices will persist, emphasizing the optimization of water usage and a concerted effort to reduce freshwater consumption. These measures are integral to our commitment to sustainable resource utilization.
Expanding our community interventions forms a key part of our agenda, encompassing health, education, and livelihood programs. By broadening these initiatives, we aim to foster holistic development within the communities we serve, empowering individuals and uplifting their quality of life.
These ambitious plans underscore our unwavering dedication to sustainability, community well-being, and our role as a responsible corporate citizen. We remain committed to driving meaningful change and making a lasting positive impact on society and the environment.
