BWI: Hon’ble President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil Presents the 8th TERI Corporate Awards

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Friday, June 05, 2009 09:01 PM IST (03:31 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Economy, Entertainment, Environment, People, Politics, Social issues; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Energy companies, Healthcare, biotechnology & pharmaceutical, Media & entertainment
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Hon'ble President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil Presents the 8th TERI Corporate Awards
On the Occasion, Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests, and Justice J.S.Verma, Former Chief Justice of India and Former Chairman, IHRC, Release Two Publications

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Friday, June 05, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Hon'ble President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil felicitated 10 Indian corporate entities for Environmental Excellence, Corporate Social Responsibility and combating HIV AIDS at the TERI Corporate Awards. Also present for the ceremony in the Main Hall of Vigyan Bhavan were Dr R K Pachauri, Director-General, TERI and Chairman IPCC, Mr Sajjan Jindal, President ASSOCHAM and Vice Chairman & Managing Director, JSW Steel Limited, and Mr Gunter Dresrusse, Country Director, GTZ.

The President was presented with two publications, "Environment Best Practices: Industry Initiatives - Cleaner is Cheaper Volume 6" and "Corporate Social Responsibility: Replicable models on sustainable development - Citizens at Work Volume 4". The first book is a compendium of economically viable corporate case studies looking at best practices on cleaner processes and systems to inspire others to follow the 'green' road. The second one is a collection of the best case studies by the corporate applicants in the field of HIV- AIDS, health, education, etc. for the TERI Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards 2008 and 2009.

While addressing the gathering, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, said "I would like to congratulate TERI for instituting these awards with a view to encouraging companies to adopt socially responsible practices and work in an environmentally friendly manner as they conduct their businesses. Today, sustainable development constitutes one of the core issues of the global agenda and is of increasing importance. As we pursue paths of growth, we recognise that there is a need to adopt less polluting growth models so that the carbon footprints can be reduced. Availability of environment friendly technologies should be pursuedas a global public good in which a developed- developing countries partnership can contribute greatly. The recent global crisis has demonstrated the compelling need for corporate institutes to adhere to high standards of business practices and adopt business strategies that adhere to principles of corporate responsibility towards stakeholders and society. Thus, incorporating social and environment angles into their working system makes business sense as well. I would like to congratulate the winners and participants for their contribution to the society. "

Mr. Jairam Ramesh complimented TERI for this initiative that has generated a lot of interest among in the corporate India.

The selection of winners was carried out by a distinguished panel of jury who played a major role in establishing the credibility of these awards. Former Chief Justice of India and former chairperson National Human Rights Commission - Justice J. S. Verma has been associated with the awards, since its inception, as Chairperson of the Jury.

Elaborating on the awards, Dr R K Pachauri said "World Environment Day must pervade every other day in India. This should be an occasion that gives us the basis of what is to be done. Global movement should involve all stakeholders and government must take the lead in this. We must include media, civil society, research and academic institutions for involving the youth who play an important role to conserve the environment. The time has come to revive our eco- system and resources. India will be at the forefront of global action and within India, we have to do a great deal to achieve sustainable development. Thus, this award recognises those who have done exemplary work. "

8th TERI CORPORATE AWARDS (2009) WINNER'S LIST

TERI Corporate Award for Environmental Excellence:

Category I
-- First Prize- Ayurvet Limited

Category II
-- Special Mention- Aban Power Company Limited

Category III
-- First Prize- NHPC Limited
-- Second Prize- Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited
-- Special Mention- Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited

TERI Corporate Award for Social Responsibility:

Category II
-- First Prize- Tata Refractories Limited

Category III-
-- First Prize- GMR Infrastructure Limited
-- Second Prize- Vikram Cement & Aditya Cement (A unit of Grasim Industries Ltd.)

TERI Corporate Award for Business Response to HIV/AIDS:

Category III
-- First Prize- Pepsico India Holdings Pvt. Ltd.
-- Second Prize- The Tata Power Company Limited

About TERI Corporate Awards

The annual TERI Corporate Awards recognize leadership in corporate environmental management, social responsibility and HIV/AIDS initiatives. TERI instituted the Awards for Environmental Excellence in 2001 and the Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility in 2002. In 2007, TERI introduced the Corporate Awards for Business Response to HIV/AIDS in collaboration with GTZ. Since 2001, these awards have encouraged organisations across the country to initiate sustainability practices in their establishments and share their experience with other companies.

Recognizing the increasing complexities facing the environment and its impacts on the sustainability of businesses, many corporate organizations have taken bold steps to integrate sustainability components in their overall corporate strategy. Through them, TERI acknowledges innovative practices in Indian industry and accords recognition to model corporate citizens. These awards have the distinction of being the first of their kind where companies are evaluated for their leadership efforts in environmental management CSR and HIV/AIDS programmes.

8th TERI CORPORATE AWARDS (2009) WINNER'S LIST

ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Category I TERI Corporate Award for Environmental Excellence 2009 (First Prize) presented to unit of Ayurvet Limited, New Delhi (under Category I) in appreciation of their efforts for developing a low environment impact fodder production system. TERI appreciates their initiative for developing a low cost local climate based hydroponics fodder production process, which uses less water, less land and more nutritious fodder.

Category II TERI Corporate Award for Environmental Excellence 2009 (Special Award) presented to Aban Power Company Limited (under Category II) in appreciation of their efforts in water management & NOx emission Control in the area called " Rice Bowl" of South India, in Tanjore District of Tamil Nadu. TERI appreciates company's initiative for water management through increased cycle of Concentration, Air-cooled condenser, Improved RO performance, storm water reservoir and reduction in air pollution control through Dry Low NOx Burners".

Category III TERI Corporate Award for Environmental Excellence 2009 (First Prize) is presented to NHPC Limited (A Govt. of India Enterprise) in appreciation of their efforts in undertaking the Uri Hydroelectric Project an ecologically sustainable one under adverse conditions. TERI appreciates their initiative to restore close to 55 lac cubic meters of earth, generated during the project execution, through biotechnological approach with good results. Category III TERI Corporate Award for Environmental Excellence 2009 (Second Prize) presented to Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, Aonla unit, Uttar Pradesh in appreciation of their efforts for reducing CO2 emissions by implementation of carbon dioxide recovery unit to recover 450 MT per day of CO2 from primary reformer of ammonia plant - I and use it for urea production. Category III TERI Corporate Award for Environmental Excellence 2009 (Special Award) presented to Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited in appreciation of their efforts for source reduction of pollutants by process transformation from magnesium based dehalogenation process to catalytic dehalogenation process. TERI appreciates their initiative to reduce the effluent and hazardous waste generated in the operations.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Category II TERI Corporate Award for Social Responsibility 2009 (First Prize) presented to TATA Refractories Limited in appreciation of their efforts in initiating and implementing a programme called Operation Khushi where complimentary rectification surgery of cleft lip and cleft palate cases were arranged, enabling a "Smile" on the faces of the hundreds affected. The programme created great impact in developing awareness of surgery towards rectification surgery of cleft lip and cleft palate cases, facilitating a better understanding of the disorder and overcoming social stigma and superstitious belief against it and reinstating the affected people into mainstream life through proper counseling (specially the grown up girls getting married and earn a place in society and live a life of their own with dignity and enjoy equal opportunity). The company after covering the entire Lakhanpura block in Orissa is reaching out to rectify cleft lip cases from near-by states like: Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Category III TERI Corporate Award for Social Responsibility 2009 (First Prize) presented to GMR Infrastructure Limited in appreciation of the efforts of GMR Varalakshmi Foundation (GMRVF) in rehabilitating the project affected families by providing vocational training to youth around the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. Prior to the start of the project, GMRVF created a permanent residential training facility and engaged contractors who had projects to be executed for setting up of the airport and provided training on technical and soft skills. The initiative has employed the youth in the airport project and is now providing technically skilled manpower to other corporates and improving the employability of the local youth. Category III TERI Corporate Award for Corporate Social Responsibility 2009 (Second Prize) presented to the joint efforts of Vikram and Aditya Cement Units in appreciation of their efforts in providing "Health for All" programme. TERI appreciates the holistic approach of their initiative for integrating health with community development, sustainable livelihoods, nutrition and education for communities living within and outside their area of operation. The joint efforts of both plants have utilized NGO and Civil Society linkages for unbiased outreach and helped in strengthening government infrastructure.

HIV/AIDSCategory III TERI Corporate Award for Business Response to HIV/AIDS 2008 (First Prize) presented to PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd. in appreciation of their efforts and commitment towards creating awareness on HIV/AIDS amongst their employees as well as sensitizing their families, business partners and the communities they operate in, thus reducing the stigma and discrimination attached to it. TERI appreciates their initiative and efforts in integrating and mainstreaming the workplace intervention programme into the organization's operations.

Category III ERI Corporate Award for Business Response to HIV/AIDS 2008 (Second Prize) presented to The Tata Power Company Limited in appreciation of their persistent efforts and commitment towards creating awareness on HIV/AIDS amongst their workforce, communities around its plants, college students and high-risk population like truckers. TERI appreciates their initiative in establishing a strong linkage with community based organisations (CBO) for counseling and testing services.



CONTACT DETAILS
Rajiv Chhibber, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), +91 (11) 2468 2100 Extn-2234, +919810426698, rajivc@teri.res.in
Dalvinder Jeet Kaur, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), +91 (11) 24682100 Extn-2269, +919891377700, djkaur@teri.res.in

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ECONOMY, ENTERTAINMENT, ENVIRONMENT, PEOPLE, POLITICS, SOCIAL, MARKETING, ENERGY, HEALTHCARE, MEDIA

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