Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited has taken gigantic steps in the sustainability initiative and the governance structure. The company has recently engaged Envint Services LLP for a third-party review of its policies to assess them for appropriateness to ensure that the company’s practices are effective and representative of the core principles of sustainability. Guided by the Board-approved policy reflecting the NGRBC principles, GAEL is in the process of developing detailed policies and procedures to further entrench these principles within its operations.
On governance, GAEL has an anti-corruption and anti-bribery policy, which emphasizes its stand of zero tolerance for all unethical practices. The business conducts thorough training under its various segments to be in conformance with such policies. There have been no regulatory fines or other anti-corruption actions reported yet. Its policies provide for openness, with stipulated mechanisms to have grievances redressed and declare any conflict of interest in the board members and the senior management.
The numerous policy guidelines of GAEL regarding waste management and waste reduction depict their commitment to sustainability. The company manages various wastes such as ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) sludge, spent earth, and coal ash by reusing them in the fields of agriculture and brick manufacturing. GAEL also acts in line with EPR rules and regulations, whereby the buyers of plastic waste from authorized vendors also buy back at GAEL. The organization has put in place a zero liquid discharge system for the treatment and recycling of all wastewater in compliance with the conditions of environmental approval.
It is known to have adopted measures after due diligence through a proactive approach by the company but still faces challenges in record-keeping concerning the quantum of waste and water consumption. However, significant investment by GAEL has been made in continuous improvement strategies of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies to reduce carbon footprints. The firm is also into improving its stakeholder engagement processes and has a comprehensive grievance redressal mechanism for concerned communities.
Regarding cybersecurity, GAEL has a reliable framework for data protection and the use of information systems. These generally consist of technical controls of firewall and antivirus software. The company has an IT department managing its framework to ensure consistency in the implementation of cybersecurity across all its operations.
GAEL continues to address social responsibility concerns through various CSR undertakings on infrastructure, education, and healthcare in various regions. The company has procedural guidelines in place related to matters of consumer complaints and feedback, guaranteeing that managers correctly manage and address consumer complaints and feedback for necessary action.
Besides these, GAEL has been on the stream of developing policies, managing the environment, and engaging stakeholders, among much effort, as well as its commitment to carrying out sustainable and ethical business endeavors.
Source: BRSR
Credit: Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited