Towards a sustainable tomorrow
At Atlas Copco, the intent of delivering a sustainable future empowers every endeavor that is engineered to positively impact the lives of our people and the planet we live in. For us, sustainability encompasses various aspects – reducing the carbon footprint, ensuring diversity-driven and inclusivity-inspired workplaces, equal growth opportunities for all, and doing our bit for the communities we operate in.
Our concept of sustainability goes beyond the work campuses to distant country-side communities. We connect with people to harness a sustainable lifestyle by helping them to utilize natural resources optimally and evolve as a self-sustaining community.
Atlas Copco India CSR Council
The CSR Council at Atlas Copco India deliberates on and proposes CSR projects to work on.
The council is driven by its vision: To actively contribute to the social and economic development of the communities/regions in which we operate. While doing so, build a better, sustainable way of life for the weaker sections of society and raise the country's human development index."
In conversation with Atlas Copco India CSR Council
Frans van Niekerk - member
... in the current pandemic situation, the best companies can do right now is to support as much as possible in the immediate medical requirements to fight off the COVID situation.
Years in Atlas Copco: 23 Years
Current role: Managing Director
Why I think businesses should have a strong CSR strategy?
A. In India, this is a requirement from the government that companies support communities in this way. Giving 2% profit back to communities we operate in and to help overcome poverty and at the same time upskilling the less fortunate of the population. Companies do have a “moral obligation” to take on this challenge and support the government.
B. By having a strong CSR strategy, companies can focus on what they want to achieve and where they feel they can contribute to the weaker sections of society. To have a strong strategy, companies also ensure the money flows to where most needed.
C. Companies must also see this as creating growth opportunities by considering product development for a “greener” and more sustainable environment.
Favorite CSR project and why?
I do not have any specific favorite project that comes to mind immediately. Under the current pandemic situation, the best companies can do right now is to support as much as possible in the immediate medical requirements to fight off the COVID situation.
Umesh Oza - member
...water projects will ensure the health of students does not suffer due to unclean water.
Years in Atlas Copco: 3 years
Current role: Head - Legal and Company Secretary
Why I think businesses should have a strong CSR strategy?
A strong strategy always helps in ensuring focused efforts leading to desired outcomes.
Favorite CSR project and why?
All water projects especially the one where we have installed filter in ZP Schools which will provide clean drinking water to students. Basic necessities like these will ensure the health of students does not suffer due to unclean water and this might also contribute to containing the drop out percentage.
Shalini Sharma - member
.....'Jaldoot' identifies volunteers from every village community (the ‘water messengers’), trains them on all aspects of watershed management.
Years in Atlas Copco: 10
Current role: Head – Corporate Communications
Why I think businesses should have a strong CSR strategy?
Apart from the fact that our Companies Act requires us to spend a certain amount towards CSR projects every year, spending on CSR helps us solidify our reputation as a responsible business. It lets us do good with our resources, and give back to the communities we operate in.
A comprehensive CSR strategy and well-defined policy are vital since it lets us as an organization, identify the most needed interventions and work with NGOs in communities where we can create the most positive impact on lives.
Favorite CSR project and why?
Every project is important in its own way and addresses a specific need. One of my favorite projects is the Jaldoot project, literally translating to ‘water messenger’. Instead of just providing water for rural communities, this project has a much wider scope – it identifies volunteers from every village community (the ‘water messengers’), trains them on all aspects of watershed management, and then lets them involve the entire community in making the development plan for the village, set up village water committees and decide which interventions the village needs, leading to a long-term sustainable project. We were able to help over one lakh people spread over 23 villages, and are now implementing Jaldoot 2.0.
Kabir Gaikwad - member
...enable people to realize their own potential and be best version of themselves.
Years in Atlas Copco: 9 Years
Current role: Corporate HR Manager
Why I think businesses should have a strong CSR strategy?
“Learning”, “Earning” and “Returning” are three phases of life of each individual as well as each organization! I think strong CSR strategy helps to channelize our efforts to optimize our investments of CSR funds. Our spend in area like “Skill Development” should enable people to realize their own potential and be best version of themselves. In rest of the areas like “Water for all” and “Special Projects” as well we should be able to make difference in underprivileged’ s life.
In short it is important for us to spend/ investment must make real difference in the lives of people.
Favorite CSR project and why?
My favourite project is the one where we sponsor engineering education of some girls through Leela Poonawala. It helps to educate and empower underprivileged girls and we are enabling them to make great impact to change the world.
Shachi Joshi - permanent invitee
...efforts made in the right direction benefit people in need.
Years in Atlas Copco: 4
Current role: Holding Controller
Why I think businesses should have a strong CSR strategy?
Supporting and engaging with the surrounding community is an integral part of the operations of the company.
Favorite CSR project and why?
I think it would be difficult to select one over the other. All efforts made in the right direction benefit people in need. If I had to pick one cause, I would say caring for nature and the environment is particularly close to my heart.
Abhijit Patil - representative
...betterment of the community can boost employee morale and lead to greater productivity in the workforce as well.
Years in Atlas Copco: 2 Years
Current role: Manager - Corporate Social Responsibility
Why I think businesses should have a strong CSR strategy?
CSR strategy being strong means enabling a company to be more socially responsible. This can bolster a company's image and build its brand. Corporate Social Responsibility empowers employees to leverage the corporate resources at their disposal to do some good. Various programs aimed at the betterment of the community can boost employee morale and lead to greater productivity in the workforce as well.
Favorite CSR project and why?
All the projects for me under Atlas Copco CSR are my favorite but amongst them all, I would be tempted to mention those specific projects which are more focusing on water-related activities like water conservation and recharge measures, soil conservation, land and natural resource management, afforestation, livelihood support and adaption to newer agricultural practices against the climate change for the communities in the project affected area etc. This, in fact, is a complete solution in offering to a community facing water scarcity and impacting overall life.