Putting nature and livelihood at the heart of Climate Change: Opinion

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Writtern by Sanjay Thorat, AGM – EHS, Specialist Services Group, Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd.

With a workforce of over 20,000 and a diverse portfolio covering 130+ million sq. ft. across 11 states, Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd. (ESPL) is committed to putting nature, people, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action.

This commitment is evidenced through various community-based climate action initiatives, especially at the Embassy Manyata Business Park, the largest business park in Asia, and 14 other significant business parks across India.

Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives:
By actively engaging in biodiversity conservation initiatives, ESPL addresses the challenge of preserving the variety of life forms on its campuses. These efforts focus on protecting and restoring diverse ecosystems, maintaining natural balance, and promoting resilient ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Sustainable Agriculture and Allied Livelihoods: Sustainable agriculture initiatives promote methods that enhance soil health, and conserve water resources. This not only contributes to climateresilience but also supports local livelihoods.

Ecosystem Conservation: Efforts to conserve ecosystems contribute to climate resilience by safeguarding critical habitats and their services. Prevention of deforestation, land reclamation, and protection of natural habitats all play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

Education: Recognizing the power of education, ESPL empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions, adopt sustainable practices, and advocate for climate action. Fostering a culture of environmental stewardship through education contributes to long-term climate resilience.

Urban Green Farming and Other Initiatives: Since 2018, ESPL has enabled employees to engage inurban green farming, allowing them to learn and grow vegetables at their workplace. This initiative promotes sustainable agriculture practices, reduces carbon footprints associated with food transportation, and supports local ecosystems. ESPL has dedicated 1100 plots of land for urban green farming, providing a practical and impactful way for employees to connect with nature and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Apiculture Units: Recognizing the importance of bees in maintaining biodiversity and pollination, ESPL has over 40 apiculture units, producing its own honey and contributing to sustainable food production.

Butterfly Park and Bird Shelters: The establishment of a butterfly park with 150+ butterflies and 10+ species, along with 50+ bird shelters, creates a thriving ecosystem within the business park, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to a healthier environment.

Miyawaki Forest and Vermicompost Plants: Implementing the Miyawaki method of urban forestry and vermicompost plants further adds to ESPL’s commitment to environmental sustainability. These initiatives efficiently manage waste, offset emissions, and create green spaces that enhance air quality.
The ESG Impact:
Our initiatives have a substantial impact across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) dimensions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.

Environmental Impact: Each initiative, from urban green farming to butterfly parks contributes positively to the environment by promoting sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints, and enhancing biodiversity.

Social Impact: Beyond environmental benefits, ESPL’s initiatives engage employees, create educational spaces, and promote a sense of community, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. With over 8000 annual participants from 50+ companies, this initiative has resulted in the annual harvest of more than 18,000 kgs of vegetables. This not only encourages sustainable practices but also fosters a strong sense of community and engagement among employees.

Governance: Innovative Technologies for Community Engagement
ESPL leverages innovative technologies to enhance community engagement and transparency, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are not only effective but also inclusive. Energize – Community Engagement Portal: Serving as a dynamic website, Energize facilitates seamless communication within the business park community.

This interactive platform offers a hub for valuable information, fostering engagement and awareness regarding community initiatives.
Feedback Tool: Placing mobile tablets strategically across facilities, ESPL’s feedback tool empowers employees to provide real-time input. This ensures optimal upkeep, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous improvement. QR codes enable users to provide input efficiently.

These codes enhance user engagement, allowing for quick and convenient interaction with ongoing sustainability initiatives. Additionally, helpline numbers ensure swift assistance and support, demonstrating ESPL’s emphasis on user convenience and satisfaction.

Embassy 360 Initiative: The Embassy 360 initiative further reinforces ESPL’s commitment to sustainability by utilizing centralized helpdesk teams for regular digital communications. This strategic move curbs paper usage, fosters robust community engagement, and aligns seamlessly with sustainability goals.

In conclusion, Embassy Services Private Limited’s holistic approach to sustainable property management sets a commendable standard for the industry.

By actively addressing climate challenges, engaging in biodiversity conservation, and implementing innovative projects, ESPL not only showcases its commitment to environmental stewardship but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility among its employees. The company’s initiatives stand as shining examples of how urban development and ecological conservation can coexist harmoniously, creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

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