Granules India Ltd : CSR Activities 2006-2007
Environment, health and safety management
At Granules, it is not just important to be profitable for the moment, but to be so sustainably. This is no longer an economic requirement, but an environmental one as well.
This priority is reflected in the Company�s environment, health and safety policies. The Company�s plants are designed to minimise environmental and health hazards. For instance, its class 100,000 R&D facility addresses needs well beyond statutory requirements, ensuring completely dust-free air within the facility.
The success of the Company�s environment protection measures is evident from the fact the Company increased its capacity without any increase in effluent generation. Moreover, the PFI plant in Gagillapur is now a zero-discharge plant with the entire water recycled and used for gardening. This has also reduced the Company�s in-plant water consumption.
Some of the environment-management initiatives adopted by the Company comprise following:
Implementation of Environmental Best Practices at the Company’s Gagillapur plant (recognised by the CII).
Responsible delegation of eco-friendly initiatives to employees.
The use of sophisticated equipment to collect dust generated during process activities and material transfer.
Conversion of the entire plant into a non-smoking zone.
Frequent test and monitoring of ground water, soil, ambient air, stacks and noise levels.
Scrubbing, cleaning and neutralisation of gaseous emissions with suitable chemical reagents.
Institution of an on-site reverse osmosis (RO) plant to pre-treat water for use in the processing plant and
drinking sources; commissioning of adequate storage capacity to ensure adequate water supply for
operations. Daily in-house and independent testing of RO water supplies.
Investment of sewage treatment and process wastewater effluent treatment plants with processing
plants.
Proposed installation of a common effluent treatment plant reinforced by a cleaner technology to minimise
liquid effluents, gaseous emissions and solid wastes.
Green belt development
The creation of a green belt around the plant area has helped neutralise pollution. The Company plans to construct a green building, comprising natural light and natural cooling through a roof garden on the terrace and the use of environment-friendly fly ash cement and solar energy.
Health and safety initiatives
The Company has instituted policies and procedures to ensure workplace hygiene and occupational health and safety (OHS) conditions across all facilities in line with international standards. The initiatives comprise the following:
A detailed on-site emergency plan at each facility for responding to fires, chemical related explosions and
the accidental releases of hazardous substances. The Company conducts regular drills according to an
emergency plan in collaboration with the local fire brigade.
Completely automated in-plant handling and movement of solvents. Liquid materials are handled
through a pumping system using flame-proof pump sets, stored in underground tanks and used through closed pipelines. Solid materials are handled by trained staff and kept in a ventilated area. A regular preventive maintenance programme is adhered to for all equipment; mock emergency drills are conducted on a regular schedule at all facilities.
A provision is made of �personnel protective� equipment including safety helmets, respiratory masks,goggles and gloves, ensuring the use of the same through daily monitoring by EHS staff.
The conduct of regular induction training and refresher courses for all employees in each plant, monitored by the EHS staff on health and safety topics (first aid, fire fighting, emergency preparedness,hazardous chemical handling and waste disposal management).
Institution of all equipment with appropriate safety guards, using anti-vibrating pads for diesel generator sets and fluid bed processors to reduce noise levels to accepted safe levels, installed dust collection systems and centralised HVAC systems in all working areas to maintain adequate ventilation and prevent crosscontamination.
Management discussion and analysis
The success of the Company�s environment protection measures is evident from the fact the Company increased its capacity without any increase in effluent generation.
Going ahead, the Company is in the process of preparing for ISO 14000 certification for all its plants.
Community engagement
The Company has a strong commitment to community engagement and social development in the areas where its facilities are located. It works with local resident welfare associations and other nongovernment organisations (NGOs) at each facility to identify community needs and determine which of these the Company is able to support. Granules has provided assistance through the development of schools, hospitals and sanitary facilities (constructing water tanks for providing safe drinking water), development of roads and construction of temples.Resources for these activities are included in the Company�s annual budgeting exercise and the Company expects that these initiatives will benefit
nearly 2,000 residents.
URL: http://www.granulesindia.com/inside/annual_report_06_07.pdf