Charting A Sustainable Course: Insights Into Resilient Supply Chains And Sustainability

At the 4th edition of the BW Sustainable Conclave, a distinguished panel of experts convened to discuss the critical theme of "Creating Resilient Supply Chains: Promoting Sustainability from Sourcing to Consumption." Chaired by Harbindra Narula, CEO, BW Healthcare and Well-Being World, the panel featured three accomplished individuals whose insights illuminated the path towards a more sustainable future.

Abida Aneez, Vice President, CSR & Sustainability at Group Legrand India, began by emphasising, "Sustainability is social responsibility." She went on to underscore the significant environmental impact of buildings, stating, "40% of greenhouse emissions occur through buildings."

In a commitment to sustainability, Aneez revealed that her organisation had achieved an impressive 11 per cent reduction in carbon emissions in 2022, equivalent to around 1000 metric tonnes. She further highlighted their circular economy approach, where metal residue from products is returned to suppliers for recycling, adding, "Our target is to reduce carbon by 15 per cent by 2030 on behalf of our suppliers."

Alok Verma, Head of Corporate Strategy & ESG at Ashok Leyland, envisioned a distinctive growth path for India, stating, "India's growth story has just begun." He emphasised that India's growth to a ten-trillion-dollar economy by 2035 or 2036 must be sustainable and different from the Western model. Verma committed to carbon neutrality from an operational standpoint by 2030 and intriguingly mentioned the "end-of-life vehicle circulatory element," hinting at innovative approaches to vehicle scrappage.

Sridhar L., Head of Sustainability at Bangalore International Airport Ltd. and Governing Council Member, UN Global Compact Network, India, eloquently expressed, "We strongly believe sustainability is a responsibility, and responsibility is sustainability."

He highlighted the importance of inclusive responsibility, where stakeholders collaborate to collectively affect positive change. Sridhar also shed light on their solid waste management initiative, converting biodegradable waste into biofuels and CNG.

Sustainable procurement, a challenge often associated with supply chains, was addressed by Sridhar, who acknowledged the delicate balance between profit and sustainability. He noted, "This is the toughest part of sustainable procurement because, at the end of the day, we must show profit while keeping people, planet, and profit in harmony."

In unison, these panellists painted a vision of sustainability where social responsibility, sustainability, and economic growth are intertwined. Their insights showcased the importance of aligning supply chains with green policies and innovative approaches, all while fostering a sense of shared responsibility among stakeholders.

As we forge ahead towards a greener, more resilient future, the words of these sustainability champions serve as a guiding light, illuminating a path where progress is defined by sustainability, responsibility, and collective action. The BW Sustainable Conclave stands as a testament to the commitment of leaders to driving sustainability through sourcing and consumption.