ITC mulls wind energy plant in AP - The Times of India
August 02, 2013
ITC is investing Rs 300 crore to set up a 48MW wind energy plant in Andhra Pradesh. The windmills will add to its present 70 MW capacity wind energy plant in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Speaking on the sidelines of a CII conference on green buildings, ITC executive director Pradeep Dhobale said the company was committed to become one of the leading green corporates in the world through investments in renewable energy while driving energy efficiency at its facilities.
"We are re-modelling and renovating our existing hotels, offices and manufacturing units so that they consume less electricity and water. Working on existing facilities, particularly hotels, was a challenge because we have to undertake the renovation without inconveniencing guests. We have accomplished it successfully. ITC Hotels has been branded the 'greenest luxury hotel chain in the world' with all premium luxury hotels LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certified," Dhobale said.
Incidentally, city-based ITC Sonar was the first LEED platinum-certified hotel in the world and also the first to receive carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism. ITC has accumulated around 500,000 carbon credits till date. At present, ITC's green building footprint is pegged at 5 million sq ft.
"We are also practising carbon sequestering by planting trees. We have a social and farm forestry programme covering 150,000 hectare," Dhobale said. The company has also undertaken a cultural change programme to encourage employees to conserve energy and waste less. Managers have been asked to switch off the light and AC when they leave their room.
