Driving Sustainability 2024

1. Our Goal

A.T.E. Group (A.T.E.) has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2027.

A.T.E.’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2027 is driven by its core values – which are the origin of A.T.E.’s corporate theme “partnering people and the planet”. Achieving carbon neutrality involves reducing the carbon dioxide emitted, and balancing the amount of carbon dioxide still released into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide offset or removed. Offsetting initiatives are chosen to not only mitigate carbon emissions but also deliver tangible benefits for biodiversity conservation and community development.

Anuj A Bhagwati, Director

2. Assessment and Measurement

The first step for A.T.E. involved conducting a comprehensive assessment of carbon emissions across all operations, including manufacturing, travel, transportation, paper and energy consumption. This has been tracked through electricity meters and bills, HR, administration and travel software, printer server logs to compute paper use etc.

Accurate measurement is essential to understand the baseline from which reductions will be made. Over the years, we have diligently monitored our carbon emissions. We work with the Centre for Environmental Research & Education (CERE) to validate our CO₂ measurements. Transparent reporting of our carbon footprint and reduction efforts has fostered accountability and encouraged stakeholder engagement.

3. Emission Reduction Strategies

Throughout the last five years, A.T.E. continuously monitored its progress towards carbon neutrality and adjusted its activities as needed. After identifying sources of carbon emissions, A.T.E. has implemented strategies to reduce these emissions. This involves investing in energy-efficient technologies and optimising production and other processes to minimise waste and energy consumption, reducing paper usage.

The four strategies are:

1. Optimising packaging
2. Solar PV installations
3. Green buildings
4. Green power electricity

01: Optimising packaging

One of A.T.E.’s business units, TeraSpin, has piloted the use of plywood and corrugated material as packaging material for its products instead of “jungle wood”. The term “jungle wood” typically refers to timber harvested from tropical rainforests, often without sustainable forestry practices in place.

Use of plywood and corrugated material instead has these key advantages:

• More carbon sequestration (as old growth forests that are spared are most effective in this regard)
• Reduced environmental impact on tropical forests

Moreover, there were additional business benefits realized:

• Health and safety
• Design flexibility

02: Solar PV installations

A.T.E. facilities in Sari, Bhosari (Pune) and Coimbatore were equipped with solar panels.

Note: FY23-24 data does not include Coimbatore since we have moved to a shared facility not owned by A.T.E.

03: Green power electricity

A.T.E.’s Andheri office has switched to Adani green power which is designed to offer its consumers a seamless transition to renewable energy, thereby reducing their CO₂ emissions. Other initiatives such as flush free toilets and efficient air conditioner have reduced water and energy use.

04: Green buildings

A.T.E. has 2 LEED Gold certified green buildings in Ahmedabad & Pune. Constructing and operating green buildings with sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and renewable energy systems reduces carbon emissions associated with construction and occupancy, while also providing a healthier indoor environment for occupants.

4. Carbon Offsetting

Despite efforts to reduce emissions, it is not possible for A.T.E. to eliminate all carbon emissions from our operations. Therefore, we have invested in carbon offset projects, such as reforestation initiatives, to counterbalance the remaining emissions.

Miyawaki plantation at Sari

One acre of open land at A.T.E.’s Sari facility has been repurposed for afforestation using the Miyawaki method – one of the most effective tree planting methods for creating forest cover quickly using trees native to the area. This method is particularly effective in an urban setup for increased carbon sequestration and biodiversity. We initiated this project in 2022, but have encountered unforeseen challenges, such as waterlogging, making it difficult to execute as planned.

Reforestation of 1,500 acres of degraded forests in the Western Ghats

A.T.E. has this year embarked on its most ambitious carbon neutrality program in partnership with the A.T.E. Chandra Foundation (ATECF) and the Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) to rejuvenate 1,500 acres of degraded forests in the Western Ghats to offset 9,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, and through this achieve not only carbon neutrality, but also preserve part of one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems in the world and support the livelihood of several hundred families.

Benefits of offsetting initiatives

Offsetting initiatives not only help organisations like A.T.E. achieve carbon neutrality but also yield significant benefits for biodiversity and local communities.

Biodiversity Enhancement

Many offset projects, such as reforestation, afforestation, and habitat restoration, directly contribute to enhancing biodiversity. By planting trees, restoring degraded ecosystems, and preserving natural habitats, offsetting initiatives create conducive environments for diverse plant and animal species to thrive. This biodiversity enhancement contributes to the overall health and stability of ecosystems.

Community Empowerment

Offset projects often involve local communities in their implementation, providing employment opportunities, skills training, and capacity-building initiatives. By engaging with communities, offsetting initiatives empower local residents to participate in conservation efforts and benefit from sustainable livelihoods. Involving communities in offset projects fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship over natural resources, promoting long-term sustainability and resilience.

Education and Awareness

Offset projects offer opportunities for education and awareness-raising on environmental conservation and sustainability principles. Through outreach programs, workshops, and community engagement activities, organisations can raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable land management practices. This educational component not only enhances local knowledge and understanding but also fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and responsibility within communities.

Ecosystem Services

Biodiverse ecosystems provide a wide range of ecosystem services essential for human well-being, including clean air and water, soil fertility, pollination, and carbon sequestration. By conserving and restoring natural habitats through offsetting initiatives, organisations contribute to the provision of these ecosystem services, which directly benefit local communities. For example, reforestation projects can help regulate local climate patterns, mitigate natural hazards such as floods and erosion, and improve water quality and availability, thereby enhancing the resilience and livelihoods of nearby communities.

In summary, offsetting initiatives not only mitigate carbon emissions but also deliver tangible benefits for biodiversity conservation and community development. By investing in projects that promote ecosystem health, support local livelihoods, and raise environmental awareness, A.T.E. is fostering sustainable development and contributing to the well-being of both people and the planet.

5. Engagement with Partners

CERE (Centre for Environmental Research & Education)

They play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and credibility of our carbon measurement processes by verifying them against industry standards. This partnership enhances transparency and confidence in our carbon reduction efforts.

AERF (Applied Environmental Research Foundation)

Our collaboration with AERF underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship by supporting reforestation projects. Through AERF’s expertise and initiatives, we contribute to restoring ecosystems and mitigating climate change impacts, aligning with our overarching goal of achieving carbon neutrality. These partnerships exemplify our holistic approach towards sustainability, leveraging expertise and resources from diverse stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

6. Public Awareness and Communication

A.T.E.’s commitment to carbon neutrality is potentially a positive differentiator in the market. We can communicate our progress transparently to customers, investors, and the broader public. This can enhance our brand reputation and attract stakeholders who value sustainability. By explaining what we have done and what we will do to anyone interested, we hope to encourage others to be carbon neutral as well.

7. Employee Engagement and Education

Engaging employees in the company’s sustainability goals and providing education and training on carbon reduction initiatives fosters a culture of environmental responsibility within the organisation, driving collective action towards the carbon neutrality target.

A.T.E. Group · +91-22-66766100 · www.ategroup.com · fort@ategroup.com