<div><em>Second edition of Natural Capital Awards held in Delhi.<strong> Simar Singh</strong> reports</em><br><br><br>In an evening committed to the idea of collectivism and sustainability, Yes Bank honoured corporates and photographers who have exemplified ‘action for the environment’ in their own capacities. This was the second edition of the Natural Capital Awards which were held in the Capital on Monday (10 August).</div><div> </div><div>Ambuja Cement was declared as the winner in the ‘manufacturing’ sub category of the Eco Corporate award for becoming the first cement company to be water positive and Tata Coffee and Reliance’s Hazira Manufacturing Division came in a close second and third. Tata Coffee has been involved in the mitigation of human-animal conflict while Reliance’s Hazira Manufacturing Division has been active in the reduction of their carbon dioxide emissions and productively utilising whatever carbon dioxide they recover.</div><div> </div><div>In the ‘services’ category Capgemini India, Cognizant Technology Solutions and GE India’s Tech Centre in Bangalore were awarded.</div><div> </div><div>Throughout the evening what was constantly reiterated was the need for a model of partnership, in which corporates, individuals, groups and the government would collectively shoulder responsibility for the environment. </div><div> </div><div>“Open the doors, let everyone participate”, said Prakash Javadekar, MoS for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who was chief guest at the event speaking about the underlying principle of inclusivity in about the initiatives his ministry had taken. He also announced his desire to start a ‘Green Channel’ to create awareness about the environment.</div><div> </div><div>“What you tend to ignore will eventually turn up at your door step”, said Dr. Jaco Cilliers, Director of UNDP India, emphasising on the immense responsibility the country shouldered, being the custodian of 8 per cent of the world’s biodiversity while possessing only 2 per cent of its landmass.</div><div> </div><div>‘Responsible banking’ is something that, according to Yes Bank, has been a priority for them and under the leadership of their MD and CEO, Rana Kapoor, they have taken steps in this direction and aim to reduce their carbon emission to less than 5 per cent.</div>
