Bharat Electronics Ltd.
Sales (2007-2008) =Rs.4000 crores. (rounded off)
Net profit after tax =Rs.770 crores. (rounded off)
CSR Budget =Not available
Karmayog 2008 CSR Rating: 1/5
See Karmayog Comments:
CSR activities:
Corporate social Responsibility
In tune with BEL�s cherished value of fulfilling social responsibilities, the Company is committed to contribute for the socio-economic development of its stakeholders and the business decisions of the Company will be in line with its corporate social obligations. BEL�s initiatives shall aim at earning the goodwill of the community and enhancing the image of the Company.
Pursuing this objective, your Company has finalised a policy on Corporate Social Responsibility, under which areas like health care, education, rural development, environment protection, conservation of resources, will be addressed.
Enviornment Management Environmental Management in BEL -In Pursuit of Sustainable Development Bharat Electronics Limited, in line with this global concern, has set out several initiatives towards creating a cleaner environment and pays scrupulous attention to controlling pollution. Development of suitable methods and effective management processes, wherever they are susceptible to pollution, supported by a conscientious workforce, makes BEL an environmentally responsible industry. The records indicate total compliance.
Even the quick view one registers while entering the factory premises of Bharat Electronics, presents a green picture of the healthy environmental practices prevalent in the company. Lush-green lawns and gardens, interspersed with trees, surround the well-maintained buildings.
Established Practices at BEL-Bangalore Complex:
Our initial endeavours towards a cleaner environment such as water treatment, air monitoring, safety management, bio-gas from canteen waste, green surroundings, etc, have now become an inseparable part of our procedures and a way of life.
The effluent treatment plants, after treating the domestic and process effluents, recycle them for reuse to meet approximately 42% of the water requirement. Bharat Electronics is a Zero Discharge company as no waste water is allowed to leave the factory premises. Around 2,500 Kiloliters of water is treated and recycled every day. This not only avoids pollution but also conserves a precious natural resource.
The company pays highest attention to comply with all legal requirements. Apart from strict compliance to environmental legislation, every department continues to identify pollution generating processes. Suitable control measures and process changes are established to limit pollution much below the norms
Environmental Management System:
Ever since the first accreditation to ISO 14001 Environmental Management System was conferred in 2002, the enthusiasm to maintain a clean environment spread like wildfire. All the six SBUs of Bangalore Complex and the related Services Groups are now certified.
Though different SBUs and service groups have distinct focus in their manufacturing and business operations, their common goal of maintaining cleaner surroundings has united them in finding solutions to environmental issues.
Clean Air:
Even the inconspicuous emission to air is checked through stacks and chimneys. Gases passing through these chimneys are treated and monitored within the limits specified by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). To ensure compliance, the Quality Assurance Division, independent of the operating centres, monitors the quality of air samples once in 30 days. If variations are observed, prompt corrective actions put the system in order.
Effluent Treatment
The domestic effluents are treated in two effluent treatment plants located in the factory premises. Each day around 1,500 Kilolitres of domestic waste water undergoes biological treatment, followed by clarification, filtration and chlorination. Domestic waste water is treated and recycled for gardening purposes and is not discharged outside, thereby eliminating pollution and saving water. We practice zero discharge.
Closed Conduit System:
By establishing a closed conduit pipeline system, at a cost of Rs.40 lakhs, for carrying primary-treated process effluents from Plating Shops and other Processing Centres to the Centralised Effluent Treatment Plant, BEL has avoided flow of such effluents in open drains, eliminating the related pollution and mixing with rain water.
Solid Waste Management:
A system exists for collection of waste and disposal of the same in an orderly manner after proper segregation. All metal scraps are segregated at the source itself. Hazardous wastes are handled separately and stored in the well-protected central hazardous waste store constructed exclusively for this purpose and disposed as per legal norms. A high level of awareness exists on handling and disposing such materials to take care of the environmental requirements and legislation
Hazardous Waste Management System:
Management of hazardous waste is a key issue in environmental management. Bharat Electronics has established an impeccable system by constructing an exclusive, well-protected place for safe-keeping the hazardous waste with an enclosed area of 640 sq. meters. Intermediate stores exist in each division wherein identified Hazardous Wastes are quantified and stored. After these items are brought and stored in the central hazardous waste stores, Engineering Services Division disposes them as per the norms of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. This avoids several kinds of pollution that would normally occur due to spillage, mixing with rain water or inadvertent mixing with other materials, etc. This system in practice effectively prevents pollution caused by hazardous wastes.
Cleaner technology:
The real solution to environmental pollution lies, not merely in mitigating its adverse impacts, but in preventing the generation of the pollutants proactively through application of cleaner technology in our processes. Our assiduous search for environmentally-friendly processes took us further in the prevention of pollution. The following initiatives present a brief account of our attempts towards cleaner processes and environment-friendly technology.
Change of process was made by switching over from hazardous metal Sodium treatment to environment-friendly aqueous process for PTFE based Copper Clad Printed Circuit Boards Manufacturing.
Copper is one of the important materials used in the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards but the process waste generated shall be free from copper. Many process changes were effected to reduce such copper related pollution through the following actions
By introduction of auto-dosers and collection of the spent alkaline etchant in Carboys, by laying drain pipelines, reduction of Copper content in the effluent entering the primary treatment plant was effected.
By introduction of Red-ox potential based auto dosing units in acid etching plants and laying of drain piping system from etchant chambers to collection chambers, reduction of Copper content in effluent was also achieved.
The chemistry of Desmearing Process has been changed from HF to Permanganate Process, which eliminates complete Fluoride content.
Sludge reduction through development of clean technologies
An effective pollution control system targets reduction in hazardous waste generated. Several processes were studied in detail and modifications implemented with a view to minimising sludge generation, a hazardous waste.
In Components manufacturing Division, Calcium Chloride in place of lime, Sodium Hypochlorate in place of Bleaching powder and Sodium Meta Bi-sulphide in place of Ferrous Sulphate are employed to reduce the sludge generation.
In our primary treatment plants for process effluent, change of chemical from Lime to Caustic Lye (Liquid) reduced the Sludge Quantity to less than 25 %.
In Zinc Plating process of Low Power Equipment Division, use of Cyanide compound was eliminated by switching over to Cyanide-free Zinc plating process, which has not only done away with cyanide effluent but also the sludge generated during its neutralization.
Design for Clean Environment
Our Research and Development Departments also look for environmentally friendly components. Certain electronic components have been introduced in some of our design to exclude the hazardous effects of materials such as Polybrominated compounds, Hexavalent Chromium, Mercury, Beryllium Oxide, PVC and Lead, during their disposal. Use of energy efficient devices, introduced in the equipment designs, results in resource conservation in addition to reducing the operating cost.
Natural Resources Management
The organization’s prognosis of the looming dangers of indiscriminate use of natural resources led to several conservation measures. The concerted efforts put forth in saving energy, water and fuel are significant.
Water Conservation:
Conservation of water is an environmental imperative for any responsible industry. We look for every possible means to save water. Water conservation efforts, like any other material conservation strategy, involve three approaches – reduce, reuse and recycle. We focus on each of them.
Reduce usage:
The Company has concentrated on improving the process efficiency to reduce the water consumption. The leakage in various processes were identified and prevented. Old equipment, where the efficiency in usage of water has come down, were reconditioned to improve the performance. Improved supervision and installation of sprinkler system resulted in better utilization of Horticulture water.
Reduce wastage:
Reduction in wastage of water is an important aspect. Leakage in pipelines, leakage caused by old valves and inadequate maintenance problems were solved. The measures taken in this direction include replacement of the leaking pipelines and replacement of old valves with new valves, which are also available with improved modern technology. The overhead tanks are provided with auto level controllers to avoid manual errors. Many a time taps in common facilities such as sinks and flushing system are kept open when the tank is empty and water gushes out when the tank gets filled. Replacement of such taps with push cock taps and auto flush for urinals have brought down such wastage.
Reuse of Water:
Reuse of water is to use the same water repeatedly in the process. The application is limited, as in most of the applications the water becomes unfit for use. However, an attempt has been made in the bus wash yards to reuse the water with minor treatment. An oil-water separation plant has been set up to reduce the pollution due to oil and to conserve water. This saves about 30 kiloliters of water everyday.
Recycle:
The effluent treatment plants treat both domestic and process effluents and recycle around 2500 Kilolitres per day to meet approximately 42% of the water requirement.
Rainwater Harvesting Reservoir:
The Rainwater Harvesting reservoir inaugurated on April 17, 2003, mainly recharges ground water and is expected to supply water for our own use in the future. Such a large-scale rainwater harvesting system with a storage capacity of 170 Million Litres built at a cost of Rs.57 Lakhs, is known to be the first of its kind by an industry in the country. This will help not only our company but our neighbourhood as well.
We are moving towards creating greenery in every area, not covered by buildings or other utility. Not to constrain this progress by shortage of water, the organization has entered into an agreement with Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board for supply of treated water from their sewage treatment plant also, with an average supply of 1 million litres per day, thereby ensuring the use of potable water only for potable purposes and non-potable water for other purposes.
Energy Conservation
Total energy use:
The Company’s persevering efforts to reduce the energy consumption brought down the consumption of electrical energy from 48 million units in 1988-89 to 34 million units in 2004-05 even though production has increased several times.
Application of renewable Resources of Energy:
BEL is committed to conserve energy and reduce the environmental impact of its operations. The company uses solar water heaters with a total capacity of 41,500 liters for canteen, hospitals and other places where hot water is needed, thereby, saving considerable amount of energy. As part of energy conservation measures, the introduction of energy efficient lamps, soft starters, pumps, etc., are constantly reviewed and replaced in the factory.
Wind Farm:
The Company�s persistent support for the use of renewable source of energy is further evident through the commitment it has made to set up 2,500 KW capacity wind farm in windy zones of Karnataka, at an estimated cost of Rs.12 crores, to be commissioned in due course. This will eventually generate about 6 Millions units of Electrical Energy per annum. Apart from harnessing renewable wind energy, we eliminate the huge pollution that could have been caused if the same amount of energy were generated from Thermal Power Sources.
Fuel:
The consumption of fuel, consisting of diesel and petrol, has been considerably reduced from 1,523 kiloliters in 1988-89 to 504 kiloliters during 2004-05.
Use of Ozone-friendly Materials
The company has successfully substituted the CFC12, CFC 13 and CFC 113 Ozone Depleting substances with less hazardous materials. In future, equipment with CFCs will not be purchased.
Maintenance of Clean & Green Environment: Good housekeeping practices and maintenance of extensive area covered by greenery, comprising of 3,35,000 Sq metres of luxuriant lawns, gardens, hedges and groves, play a vital role in maintaining a clean and green environment
Large-scale afforestation, spreading over 161 acres of land and nurturing more than one lakh twenty five thousand trees, adds to the verdant environment and adorns the premises with natural elegance. We maintain every area either clean or green in the company.
To inculcate passion for greenery among the people of the organization, a novel practice has been introduced by involving them in planting and nurturing trees in the area allocated for each SBU.
Community Development Initiatives
BEL is not only a successful business story but is also a company which cares. Its concern for the community and for its own employees is evident. The BEL educational institutions, which include a special school for the mentally challenged, Hospital, Creche, Canteen and other welfare measures ensure a good quality of life for employees and their dependents. They also serve the local community.
Every year BEL sets apart some of its resources towards social causes. During the Golden Jubilee Year (2003-04), BEL allocated a major portion of the funds set apart for the celebrations for various outreach programmes in the community around all the nine Units. About Rs.4 crores was spent on society-related initiatives. This is part of BEL�s continuing endeavour to be a good corporate citizen. BEL has also set up an Electronics Gallery at the Visveswariah Industrial & Technological Museum, Bangalore.
A look at some of our Unit-wise community initiatives:
Bangalore
Bangalore Complex donated Rs.11 lakhs to the Bapuji Anand Ashram at Mysore for the construction of the second block of their Old Age Home. Former Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr S R Bommai, provided Rs.5 lakhs for the same block from the MP Local Area Development Fund.
Bapuji Anand Ashram provides free residential care for the destitute elderly irrespective of sex, caste and religion. The capacity of the Home was 20 beds and this has been increased to 50 beds with the addition of the new Block.
Bangalore Complex contributed Rs.8.13 lakhs to the Divine Light Trust for the Blind at Whitefield, Bangalore, for setting up a Computer Training Centre, a Vocational Training Centre which includes a Tailoring Unit and a Horticulture Training Centre.
Ghaziabad
A mobile medical van equipped with various facilities was donated at a cost of Rs.7.5 lakhs by BEL-Ghaziabad to Helpage India. The van will provide free medical care to the needy, elderly population of four villages � Maharajpur, Sahibabad, Arthla and Islam Nagar, situated near the Unit. This is the first time such a facility has been made available in Ghaziabad District.
The Unit has established a Computer Lab with Braille Interface for the Blind Relief Association and has expanded the classroom facility in the Nagar Nigam School in Ghaziabad.
Machilipatnam
BEL-Machilipatnam has donated Rs.10 lakhs to the Sri Siddhendra Kalakshetram at Kuchipudi to promote the renowned dance form. It has also spent an additional Rs.30 lakhs towards renovation of a school building and construction of additional classrooms in a nearby village, construction of two Traffic Islands in the town, renovation of the Social Welfare Girls Hostel as well as the Municipal Maternity Home, construction of a footpath bridge across a sea water canal, providing refrigerators for the Blood Bank, donation of tree guards to the Municipality and construction of cement benches at the nearby beach.
Pune
BEL-Pune donated Solar Traffic Signals to the Pune Municipal Corporation, which have been installed at major junctions like Netaji Bose Chowk, Shivajinagar Chowk and Vir Chafekar Chowk on Ganeshkhind Road. With this, BEL was the first organisation to venture into unconventional energy for traffic control in Pune.
Panchkula
BEL-Panchkula took up construction of a school building at the Government Senior Secondary School, Sector-6, Panchkula, where the children sit in an open area for their classes.
Navi Mumbai
BEL-Navi Mumbai has installed six Solar Traffic Signals and two Solar Traffic Blinkers in the Navi Mumbai area. Two Solar Street Lights have been installed in Law Garden, Ahmedabad.
Chennai
BEL-Chennai has provided the Government Higher Secondary School for the Blind at Poonamalle with a Braille Printer, railing system to guide the movement of blind students on the campus, two-tier cots for the students� hostel, ceiling fans, sports equipment and musical instruments. For the Dr MGR Higher Secondary School and Home for Speech and Hearing Impaired, the Unit provided Group Hearing Aid with Cord and Cordless System, LCD Projection System and Computers, and for the Little Flower Convent Higher Secondary School for the Blind, the Unit provided a Braille Printer, Tape Recorders and Walkman..
BEL Electronics Gallery
The setting up of the �BEL Electronics Gallery� in the Visweswaraiah Museum at Bangalore was an important project. A lot of effort was put in by the BEL team in conceptualising the project, putting it in place
Source: Annual Report 2007-2008
www.bel-india.com/index.aspx?q=§ionid=248
Karmayog Comments: No substantial amount of work done in community as compared to size of the company.
Contact Information:
Bharat Electronics Ltd.
Outer Ring Road, Nagavara
Bangalore-560045
Karnataka
Phone No. : 080-25039300
Fax : 080-25039233
Email : prabhakararaoyp@bel.co.in
Website : http://www.bel-india.com/
Industry Sector: Electronics
Products / Services: Defence, Non Defence, System Turnkey Solutions
Other locations of factories / offices:
Previous year�s CSR activities & rating: www.karmayog.org/csr500companies/csr500companies_7388.htm