Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) have become a crucial force in the industry, navigating the increasing awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Across the globe, businesses are recognizing the imperative for sustainable practices, relying on CSOs to guide strategies prioritizing long-term environmental and social impact. Beyond compliance, they are shaping brand reputation, nurturing stakeholder relations, and managing risks. However, a common error is isolating sustainability efforts into a separate division, risking a disjointed approach. This method might portray sustainability as a detached initiative rather than an integral part of the organization’s core strategy, struggling to garner widespread support. A more effective approach integrates sustainability goals into each department, fostering a unified, organization-wide commitment to responsible and ethical practices.
This is what Santosh Kumar Singh did for Adani Power and it worked wonders. As the company's Chief Sustainability Officer, he intricately merged sustainability into various functions. Objectives and targets were aligned with departmental goals, rejecting the notion of a distinct sustainability division. Singh firmly believed that this integration was vital for sustained organizational success. Presently, he supervises sustainability initiatives for both Adani Green Energy and Adani Energy Solutions. His focus spans achieving water positivity, reducing single-use plastics, and attaining zero waste to landfill status. Singh's multifaceted role encompasses steering the company towards a greener and more sustainable future. Industry Outlook interacted with him to know more.
Adani Power is recognized as a leader in India's electric utility sector for ESG benchmarks, according to the Dow Jones indices in 2019. Could you elaborate on your role in shaping the company's corporate sustainability practices?
Joining Adani Power in December 2009, I assumed the task of initiating the environmental-focused department. The year 2012 witnessed the company taking the unconventional step of venturing into sustainability reporting, a new move for the energy sector.
Introducing systematic processes, a sustainability framework evolved, eventually morphing into enhancing the scope of Corporate Social Responsibility committee at the board level. The board committee nominated me as the Chief Sustainability Officer, aligning me with the CEO to spearhead sustainability initiatives. Engaging stakeholders, we performed an exhaustive materiality assessment, pinpointing key issues in social and environmental spheres. Rigorous evaluation ensued, establishing performance indicators, baselines, objectives, and targets. In 2014, transparency took center stage as we commenced publicly releasing sustainability reports.
In 2015, I took the role of Chief Sustainability Officer for Adani Transmission and Adani Green Energy.
I oversaw their compliance with sustainable practices. A strategic decision in 2020 led to the merger of the sustainability function, streamlining efforts across the companies. Beyond the conventional green energy business, our dedication to sustainability underscored a comprehensive and enduring approach to business operations. I collaborated on CSR budgeting and initiatives with Adani Foundation for Adani Power and Adani Energy Solutions, a pivotal contribution to community and environmental well-being.
During this journey, what do you consider the most challenging obstacle, and how did you tackle it?
Adani Power, a major player in thermal coal-based generation, distinguishes itself within the electric utility domain through its exclusive emphasis on thermal power. Despite its modest 40-megawatt solar capacity established in 2011, its sustainability commitment confronted the intricate challenges posed by carbon emissions and climate change. The approach involved the early adoption of supercritical technologies, implemented in Mundra Unit Five, earning recognition from the UNFCCC. Further innovation unfolded with a groundbreaking 1000-kilometer HVDC line, substantially curtailing transmission losses. Strategic acquisitions underscored the company’s dedication to efficiency, aiming to minimize CO2 emissions per unit of electricity, placing it among the private sector's lowest carbon footprints. Today, our sustainability ethos extends to adept waste and water management, prioritizing community engagement and inclusive development as integral components.
Balancing economic viability and environmental responsibility is pivotal in this field. How do you manage this equilibrium for energy initiatives?
Often, there is a prevailing notion that sustainability initiatives contribute solely to costs, creating a short-term impact on the balance sheets. However, the reality unfolds differently. Consider the case of supercritical boilers—a higher initial capex is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits, saving up to three percent of the overall fuel costs throughout the plant's life. The impact is same with water management investments; the upfront expenses in wastewater treatment translate into substantial savings on water costs in the project's enduring journey. It is time to dispel the notion that sustainability is merely an additional cost—rather, it is a strategic investment that reaps enduring rewards for a brighter, eco-friendly future.
It is time to dispel the notion that sustainability is merely an additional cost—rather, it is a strategic investment that reaps enduring rewards for a brighter, eco-friendly future
Collaboration with diverse stakeholders, such as suppliers and local communities, also holds significance. How do you ensure an inclusive approach to sustainability through collaboration with these stakeholders?
When it comes to engaging suppliers, a thorough system is important to ensure long-term partnerships. In the project's infancy, we heavily relied on imports but prioritized indigenization for sustained operations. We have built relationships with vendors and conduct a comprehensive ESG assessment. We actively address hotspots in our supply chain and onboard suppliers to initiatives like the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Adani Energy Solutions and Adani Green Energy have all critical suppliers on the CDP platform. Our community engagement starts well before construction, with CSR teams collaborating with local communities for needs assessment. This approach guarantees inclusive development across education, health, rural infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods.
Employee engagement is crucial for the success of sustainability initiatives. How do you cultivate a sustainability culture among the workforce?
At Adani, engagement is not a yearly affair during performance reviews; it is a continuous process. Quarterly townhall meetings with the CEO and functional heads provide a platform for open dialogue. We maintain a robust grievance management system, embracing an open-door policy for spontaneous discussions. If issues persist, we escalate them to the appropriate forum for resolution. Transparency is key; we never sweep employee concerns under the rug. This approach is ingrained in our organizational culture, a collective effort where I have played a contributing role.
Santosh Kumar Singh, Chief Sustainability Officer, Adani Power
Santosh Kumar Singh, Chief Sustainability Officer at Adani Power, is a trailblazer in integrating sustainability into the core strategy of the organization. Spearheading initiatives across Adani Power, Adani Green Energy, and Adani Energy Solutions, Singh focuses on water positivity, reducing single-use plastics, and achieving zero waste to landfill. With a strategic and inclusive approach, he ensures sustainability is not just a separate initiative but a vital component of the company's overall success, fostering unity and commitment across departments.
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