KONE is one of the world’s leading elevator engineering companies. With a workforce of over 60,000 across 60 countries, it is known for its cutting edge products, innovative solutions and also a commitment to social responsibility. In India, where it employs more than 5000 people and operates through four regional offices and over 50 branches, KONE’s CSR projects have been touching lives and reshaping communities.
In this comprehensive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Saravanan MP, Director- People & Communications and CSR, KONE India takes us through KONE India's impactful projects, from extensive school transformations to supporting single-teacher schools, emphasizing the company's dedication to education, environmental sustainability, disability empowerment, and community development. We also gain insights into their meticulous partner selection process and their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Looking forward, we uncover KONE India's vision for the future, which includes fostering sustainable communities and promoting environmental education. Join us in this conversation that exemplifies how a corporate giant can make meaningful changes, one project at a time.
Scroll down to gain valuable insights from the full interview:
Q. Please tell us about “Shikshaantra Plus – School Transformation Project” that was recently executed in SDMC K-II, Sangam Vihar, South Delhi. How was this school identified to execute this project and what did this project entail?
A. Shikshaantra Plus programme addresses the challenges of poor infrastructure, low Pupil-Teacher Ratio, low learning levels and drop-out in government schools. Its ‘Complete SchoolTransformation’ model in collaboration with State Education departments improves the school through remedial education, improving WASH, digital learning tools, STEM, sports and recreationalfacilities in school.
A baseline assessment was conducted in the proposed school by KHUSHII team to understand the area of intervention and support that the school would need. Based on the assessment, infrastructural augmentations are finalized.
KONE Elevator India CSR supported the SDMCK-II, Sangam Vihar, South Delhi. The school is catering to 575 boys and 878 Girls studyingbetween Nursery and 5th Grade. Shikshaantra Plus intervention programmehas impacted 1,473 students.
This intervention endeavors to bring the learning levels and infrastructure of Government schools ‘at par’ with other private schools.
Here's a glimpse of the remarkable changes KONE India’s CSR has brought to SDMC K-II:
- Ground Leveling: The project involved flattening the previously overgrown rear-side playground, which was covered with bushes and thorns. This transformation not only improved the visual appeal but also established a secure and easily accessible area for students, teachers, and school events.
- BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) Painting: The corridors and walls of SDMC K-II received a vibrant makeover through Bala Painting. The infusion of colors has not only added visual appeal but also fostered an environment where creativity and imagination can flourish.
- Green Boards for Classrooms: A fundamental educational enhancement, green boards were installed in classrooms. These boards provide teachers with a dedicated space to convey information, facilitating interactive learning experiences.
- Student Dual Desks: Recognizing the importance of ergonomic furniture for students, KONE India generously contributed 150 student dual desks for nursery to 5th-grade classrooms for an improved seating comfort and a conducive learning environment.
- Desktop Computers and Furniture: KONE India generously donated 20 computers along with tables and stools, complete with electric fittings. This technological upgrade empowers students with access to modern learning tools, contributing to their digital literacy and skills development.
- Notice Boards: Effective communication is vital in any educational institution. KONE installed 15 notice boards across various classrooms, ensuring the dissemination of important information and notices.
- Class Gate Painting: An impressive feat, KONE painted all 54 class gates, each measuring 7x4 feet. This aesthetic enhancement promotes a sense of pride and ownership among students and staff.
- Tile Work: Before the Bala painting on the corridor walls, meticulous tile work was undertaken to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish, contributing to the overall durability and maintenance of the school's infrastructure.
- Classroom Whitewashing and Waterproofing: Ensuring the structural integrity of classrooms is paramount. KONE took the initiative to whitewash and waterproof the classrooms, protecting them from environmental factors and ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Q. This was a very extensive transformation covering every aspect of the school. What was the timeframe for the completion of this project? Are there plans to carry out similar projects in other schools?
A. The project was completed in six months. We are about to execute the same project in Govt. Model Primary Girls School, Agrahara layout, Yelahanka block, Bangalore from October.
Q. KONE India also supports single teacher schools run by Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society. What factors led you to choose this particular initiative and how does it align with the broader social vision of your company?
A. KONE India has chosen Single Teacher School for the following reasons:
- Education and Skill Development: Education is a key driver of social and economic development. By supporting single teacher schools, KONE Elevator India contributes to improving access to education, which aligns with broader goals of promoting knowledge and skill development within society.
- Community Engagement: Single Teacher School projects operates in rural and underserved hamlets around Sriperumbudur. Our commitment to these STS schools includes supplementary education and after-school programs. We believe in giving back and investing in the education of future generations.
The project is in complete alignment with our broader social vision as KONE India stands by its core values and mission to transform lives through education. As a company, we believe in supporting initiatives that align with our values, and we believe that education has the power to elevate lives. Supporting educational initiatives like single teacher schools is one way we can stay true to our values. As we work towards making education accessible to all, and together we can make a difference.
Another factor is Long-Term Sustainability. KONE India's CSR initiatives focus on long-term sustainability values by investing in education and community development. This not only benefits the company but also contributes to the growth and stability of society. Creating a more skilled and educated workforce can lead to long-term economic benefits for all.
Q. How many single teacher schools is KONE India currently supporting and how do you monitor the progress of the children enrolled in supported schools?
Q. KONE India supports 60 schools in 60 villages. We monitor the progress of the children by following procedures:
- Regular Assessments: Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society conducts regular examinations to evaluate students' academic performance and identify areas where they may need additional support.
- Teacher Feedback: Collecting feedback from the teachers in the STS Centers to gauge students' performance, attendance, and overall development.
- Parent-Teacher Meetings: SVRDS Organizes meetings between teachers and parents on regular intervals to discuss students' progress, address concerns, and encourage parental involvement in their children's education.
- Attendance Records: Maintaining attendance records to ensure that students are regularly attending school and not facing barriers to attendance.
- Standardized Tests: KONE India administers standardized tests /Impact Studies to assess students' knowledge and skills in comparison to educational standards.
- Tracking Long-Term Outcomes: SVRDS Evaluates the long-term outcomes of students who have benefited from the program, including their educational attainment and transition to higher education or the workforce.
Q. What are the focus areas that KONE India prioritises for its CSR initiatives? Could you mention a few key projects that you have undertaken or support under these areas?
A. We have the following focus areas:
i. Education
ii. Environment Sustainability
iii. Disability Empowerment
iv. Skill Development
v. Rural Development
vi. Health Care
vii. Women Empowerment
Key initiatives under each area:
Education
a. Single Teacher School Projects in 60 villages for 2200 children – 6th Year
b. School Infrastructure Development Projects – Construction of classrooms and periphery’s benefits 2200 kids – 7 Schools in Tamilnadu
c. Education support (scholarship) for underprivileged children of 131 higher secondary students in Sevalaya School and
d. 60 students in Rising Star school.
e. Child education & nutrition support - sponsorship for 110 students in SOS children home.
f. Access to Education – Donation of School Bus to SOS Children Home
Environment Sustainability
a. Environment Sustainability programme in Cities – Awareness through wall paintings
b. Tree Plantation – 40,000 Trees planted so far to the target of 50,000 trees
c. Integrated development of dryland and irrigated agriculture through watershed development and climate proofing for 15 villages benefiting 12,000+ people
d. Restoration of lakes and strengthening water bodies with Environment Foundation of India.
Disability Empowerment
a. Skill development and vocational training, capacity building for persons with disabilities – Amar Seva Sangam benefiting 300+ disabled students – 2nd Year.
b. AASHRAY - Sustainable Livelihoods and Capacity Building intervention - for Persons with Disabilities, Maharashtra.
c. Construction of Therapy Centre with Multiple Therapy Units for people with disabilities, Calcutta.
Skill Development
a. Skill learning lab- Vertical Transportation - Chitkara University
b. Community college for training in e-publishing course, accounting software and tailoring for 300 Students.
Rural Development
a. Community development in three villages - Model village approach – benefiting nearly 1900 families. (Construction of Primary health clinics, RO Water plant, Community halls, Community toilets, Solar street lights, Advanced tuition center and library)
b. Creating Environment Friendly Sustainable Livelihood through Green Village Upliftment
c. Construction of Community Toilets
Health Care
a. Increasing Access to Quality Primary Healthcare Services - Mobile Medical Van, Guwahati
b. Support for Health –Donation of medical equipment to 5 major Government Hospitals in Tamilnadu.
c. Improvement of mobility and quality of life through support of wheelchairs to patients with disability - Spinal Cord Injury
d. 159 Hospital beds and air bubbled mattress
e. Vacuum Therapy device
f. 151 Wheelchairs and other equipment's for the hospital
Women Empowerment
a. Project Puthri- Career Intentionality and Skill development for 250+ girl children in two schools.
b. Construction of Skill development center for women benefiting 400+ women per year
Q. How do you finalize your implementation partners for different projects- what are the parameters that guide your choice?
A. We select the right CSR implementation partner, involves a thorough due diligence process, engagement with stakeholders, and a clear understanding of the partner's capabilities and alignment with our CSR objectives. A strong and compatible partnership can help maximize the positive impact of your CSR initiatives. Here are few parameters that will guide our choice:
- Alignment with company CSR Goals and Values
- Innovation and Creativity:New age non repetitive projects providing Innovative Solutions to encourage creative problem-solving approaches and address complex social and environmental challenges.
- Expertise & Experience in CSR& working with Corporates: Track records and experience in executing CSR projects. Look for evidence of successful projects in similar areas or industries or focus areas. Revieing the partner's past CSR projects to gauge their effectiveness and impact. Consider whether they have experience in projects similar to your intended initiatives.
- Ensuring Compliance and Ethical Practices: Compilation with all legal and regulatory requirements, this will be confined by India legal team at first hand and double-checked and validated by legal team at Finland.
- Reputation and Credibility: Investigation of the implementors reputation within the CSR community. Are they recognized for their contributions and ethical practices? Check for awards, certifications, and references.
- Local Knowledge and Relationships: To confirm if the CSR initiatives are location-specific, considering the partners has deep local knowledge and established relationships with local organizations, communities, and government authorities.
- Sustainability Focus
- Legal and Contractual Considerations: Detailed partnership agreement that outlines roles, responsibilities, and expectations, including dispute resolution mechanisms.
Q. Businesses around the world are being shaped by environmental accountability and consciousness. Are there any specific targets that KONE India has set for itself for reducing carbon footprint and achieving higher levels of energy, materials and water efficiency?
A. KONE globally targets a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions related to the materials and lifetime energy use of their products, along with a 50% reduction in emissions from our own operations, aiming for carbon-neutral operations by 2030. These targets have been verified and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.
KONE India aligns with the same global targets which demonstrates our dedication to environmental sustainability and our role in contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Q. What measures are being taken to achieve the abovementioned goals? Are there any particular milestones or achievements that you would like to share with us with respect to achieving higher levels of sustainability in your operations?
A. We constantly focus on the energy efficiency of our products and optimize material use, targeting a 40% reduction in emissions related to the materials used and lifetime energy consumption per product ordered.Our durable and long-lasting products are designed and tested for climate resilience in our reliability laboratories under the most stringent environmental conditions. Energy efficiency and the energy-efficient features of KONE’s equipment set the stage for low-carbon building operations.
KONE is the first elevator and escalator company to have achieved the best A-class energy efficiency classification for a number of its installed solutions.Our pioneering eco-efficient solutions, such as the regenerative drive, the EcoDisc® motor, standby solutions and the revolutionary light KONE UltraRope® high-rise hoisting technology, as well as smart electrification, all help our customers reduce the energy consumption of their buildings.
Q. Could you briefly tell us about KONE’s Environmental Excellence Program and its objectives for the Indian market?
A. In 2022, we launched our new Climate and environmental excellence program, with four focus areas: partner with customers, offering, operations, and mindset and behavior. Internally, we promote environmental and climate actions globally, for example, during dedicated theme days.
In fact, I am thrilled to share that KONE is the first in the industry to achieve carbon neutral manufacturing units globally, and we announced thislast week. KONE has ten manufacturing units in seven countries across the globe. All of them have actively worked to reduce their scope 1 & 2 emissions by 71% compared to the 2018 baseline.
One of these ten global manufacturing unit is in India, which is the largest in the region. The Indian Green Building Council has awarded Gold Certification to India’s World Class Factory and Platinum Certificate to Office building and Cafeteria, both of which were inaugurated in November 2019 in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai.
The Green Building Project Design work started right from the design stage of the factory. Right from its inception, measures have been taken to make the facility Environmentally friendly and thereby sustainable Preconstruction and Construction measures were initiated from the beginning itself.
Q. Looking ahead, what is KONE India’s vision with respect to CSR and sustainability? Are there any new initiatives that may be undertaken in the near future?
A. Our vision comprises of the following:
- Adoption of more Environment Sustainability projects.
- Tree Plantation – Need of the hour.
- Adoption of Climate Smart village projects
- Conserving water bodies through restoration of lakes and ponds.
An immediate plan is to restore a water body in Chennai, and to transform it as an Eco-Park and foster sustainable communities. We are primarily looking at Water Conservation, Afforestation, Renewable Energy projects and Environmental Education.
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