New Delhi, September 27, 2023. LTIMindtree, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, announces its certification as Water Positive, marking a significant step in its sustainability journey. This achievement comes as the company effectively meets its 2030 target this year, receiving a notable 2.8 Water Positive Index from Green Carbon Energy & Environment Services (GCEES) for the financial year 2022-2023.
Water scarcity is a growing global crisis, closely linked to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The impact of this crisis extends beyond communities, posing financial risks to organizations. The Water Action decade initiative 2018-2028 predicts a drastic 40 percent decline in freshwater availability by 2030, exacerbated by a rising global population. Presently, 1.7 billion people inhabit river basins where water consumption surpasses recharge rates.United Nations data reveals that 40 percent of the global population faces direct water scarcity, a figure expected to rise. Water shortages manifest as limited access to safe and affordable water in urban areas, intensified pressure on water resources in rural regions, and ecological degradation of water-related ecosystems. LTIMindtree aligns its sustainability objectives with UN SDGs, particularly focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This includes targets such as improving water quality, wastewater treatment, safe water reuse, enhancing water-use efficiency, ensuring freshwater supplies, implementing Integrated Water Resources Management, and safeguarding water-related ecosystems.
“At LTIMindtree, our Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) vision reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship, talent development, and community care while pursuing sustainable growth. Our goals are aligned to those of United Nations’ SDGs as we understand the environmental and economic impact that the impending crises can cause. Our efforts have been continuous and consistent, and we are honored to be certified as a Water Positive organization. We will continue our present initiatives and bring in newer ones to make a significant impact on the environmental crises,” said Paneesh Rao, Chief Sustainability Officer, LTIMindtree.
LTIMindtree maintains annual targets for water neutrality and positivity across its office locations in India. Initiatives to mitigate water usage and exceed conservation goals involve reducing freshwater consumption, increasing recycled water utilization, implementing rainwater harvesting on LTIMindtree campuses, and constructing water-harvesting structures for communities. These measures not only conserve water but also support local farming, thereby increasing farmers' income.The freshwater consumption for all LTIMindtree locations stands at 2,08,974 KL, while the water conservation achieved through rainwater harvesting and community water conservation projects totals 5,86,079 KL. This surplus underscores LTIMindtree's commitment to water positivity.The certification by GCEES aligns with ISO 14046:2014 standards (Environmental Management-Water footprint – principles, requirements, and guidelines), fulfilling ESG and SROI principles.
