National Association of Software & Services Companies (NASSCOM), in association with NASSCOM Foundation, AMDOCS, Mahratta Chamber Of Commerce Industries & Agriculture (MCCIA), Software Exporters’ Association of Pune (SEAP), and Greenscape Eco Management, launched a green IT campaign, ‘My City – Lets make it Green’, to encourage green practices among businesses, their workforce & the government. The initiative, which is aimed at bringing out innovative ideas on how to make Pune a greener place to live and work; was launched on 26th March and culminated today with half-a-day conference at Hotel Ista in Pune, India.
This initiative is aimed at creating awareness amongst employees of the IT industry and promotes appropriate recycling of e-Waste through NASSCOM’s e-Waste Collection Drive. Greenscape, the logistic support for the drive, has set-up e-Waste collection bins at the campuses of twelve companies like Nihilent Technologies, Zensar Technologies, Persistent Systems, Tech Mahindra, KPIT Cummins, Qlogic, Saama, Steria, Impact Systems, Ascent Informatics, Tata Technologies and SQS who have already registered to be a part of this campaign.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ganesh Natrajan, Past Chairman, NASSCOM, and Vice-Chairman & CEO, Zensar Technologies, said, “While the world is marveling at the technological revolution, at the same time, it is standing on the verge of an imminent danger - that of the ewaste. India is emerging as a significant generator of e-waste. Managing end-of-life of ICT equipment must be treated as a moral business responsibility. It is imperative that we set up appropriate management measures to prevent the hazards and mishaps due to mismanagement of e-wastes. Companies should take appropriate steps to ensure that the e-waste generated is managed in an environmentally sound manner. The ‘My City – Lets’ Make It Green’ initiative is aimed at keeping this bustling city, free of this ever-growing problems of ewaste.”
Rita Soni, CEO, NASSCOM Foundation said “Having partnered with these tremendous organizations for this green campaign in Pune, the Foundation has taken a big leap in driving our commitment to the environment, especially through the BiG Bridge Program. This campaign has both engaged citizens as well as our corporate partners to consider the effective management of e-waste. In collaboration with our partners, such as Attero Recycling, we donate refurbished computers to deserving NGOs and ensure responsible electronic disposal. Our work is in sync with the new e-waste policy of the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF).”
Recognizing the need for corporate India to recycle and reduce e-waste in the country, NASSCOM Foundation has redesigned its BiG Bridge initiative to facilitate donor companies with effective system for a seamless transfer and overall disposing cycle. The Foundation launched the BiG Bridge program in April 2009. Many companies have bonded machines which are considerably difficult to donate to NGOs. The BiG Bridge program provides a complete IT donation and disposal facility to Indian companies, giving new purpose to redundant computers and peripherals. All ready NASSCOM member companies have helped 50 NGOs to be more effective in delivering education, health services and skills for employment.
The IT industry is playing a transformational role in the way businesses, customers and citizens are serviced, and also leading the way in establishing a new paradigm for Knowledge and Services led economy. Greening the Industry through a combination of IT Solutions and Green Practices, is enabling various Industry verticals to demonstrate leadership towards achieving the goals on sustainable development of Urban Infrastructure and make city of Pune a greener place to live and work. The city of Pune has emerged as one of the fastest growing city in India, bustling with growing number of IT parks, manufacturing industries, educational institutes, residential complexes, mall and multiplexes.
About NASSCOM
NASSCOM® is the premier trade body of the IT-BPO industries in India. It is a global trade body with more than 1200 members, which include both Indian and multinational companies that have a presence in India. NASSCOM's member companies are in the business of IT services, BPO, Engineering design, products, internet and e-commerce and animation and gaming. NASSCOM’s membership base constitutes over 95% of the industry revenues in India and employs over 2.5 million professionals.
Sourced From:Genesis Burson-Marsteller
