IHCL has set in motion a slew of measures aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. There are five key areas of focus
ABOUT
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Derived from the Sanskrit term 'पथ्य' meaning a path, Paathya brings together a bouquet of initiatives to lead a positive change with IHCL's core values of Trust of all stakeholders, Awareness around the needs of our ecosystem and joy at heart.
Taking ahead IHCL's over a century old legacy, Paathya is our industry leading ESG++ framework that is focused on six clearly defined pillars:
Sustainability Certification
Our commitment to sustainability objectives has been unwavering since we joined EarthCheck, the world's leading scientific benchmarking and certification group for the tourism and travel industry, in 2008. We worked towards optimising and reducing our environment footprint without compromising on the value we create for our stakeholders.
IHCL now has the highest number of facilities of a single company to be certified by EarthCheck globally.
Energy
IHCL embarked on a decarbonisation journey by reducing its carbon impact and investing in renewable energy production. Collaborating with Tata Power to provide Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and leveraging green energy across strategic locations. We also joined hands with the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) TechEmerge to set up sustainable cooling options at our properties instead of hosting conventional technologies to drive energy efficiency.
Water
One of the most critical resources to sustain life, water has huge significance in our business. We are constantly optimising our water consumption and are taking conscious efforts to treat and recycle water. To ensure water efficiency in properties with a higher water risk potential, a water risk assessment plan has been deployed across select locations.
Waste
Our ecosystem spans across urban and ecologically fragile locations giving us an opportunity to ensure safe and responsible waste management practices. Such measures include installing organic waste composters, establishing bottling plants, and eliminate single-use plastic by replacing all plastic water bottles with reusable glass bottles.
Bio-Diversity
We play a major role in protecting our planet and actively endeavour to conserve species that are on the verge of extinction while safeguarding fragile habitats and sensitive ecosystems. Taj Safaris have joined hands with World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF), to support their conservation efforts and raise awareness around green tourism among travellers.
In an effort to provide the youth with skills to help them build their livelihoods, we provide training sessions in relevant areas to make them employable, foster employment opportunities. IHCL has made a concerted effort through initiatives including setting up Hospitality Centres of Excellence in Odisha and Assam, working with the Government in improving school curricula in Assam, Telangana and Ladakh and many others. We also partner with other Tata Group companies in their Youth Employment Programmes all over India with special hospitality modules.
Acting as a knowledge partner, the organisation creates syllabi, trains and builds capabilities for youth. Providing them with opportunities for internships across hotels that have the potential to develop into full time employment.
IHCL has partnered with Tata Power to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the "Pay Autention - A different mind is a gifted mind" initiative, leveraging IHCL's expanding network and reach across geographies to scale and augment the initiative. The focus of the initiative is to detect early signs of ASD amongst children and provide guidance on reaching out to appropriate institutions.
At IHCL, we believe in preserving, and enhancing the intangible cultural wealth that is embodied in our country's heritage and traditions. Through Paathya we are engaged in a number of initiatives to do just that.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects with UNESCO
IHCL works closely with UNESCO on identifying and evaluating sites that promote intangible cultural heritage.
Our intangible cultural heritage projects with UNESCO include Bagru Hand Block Printing, Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances, Terracotta Art of Molela, Blue Pottery, Bishnoi Village, Durga Puja, Pata Chitra and many more. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that these ideas, skills and traditions are passed on successfully to the next generation in as pure a form as possible while providing guests with an opportunity to experience this culture and heritage first hand via specially curated tours.
Investing in Neighbourhoods
Our teams across locations have taken on the responsibility of investing in and taking care of selected areas in their neighbourhood. From maintaining cleanliness to providing electrical equipment, from waste management to saving water- the team carefully evaluates what is needed most and where. These initiatives are ongoing at places like the Gateway of India in Mumbai, the National Rail Museum in New Delhi, the St. Lawrence Church in Goa and various others destinations.
In an endeavour to build an inclusive supply chain ecosystem, IHCL strives to source local produce from small-scale partners, women self-help groups and entrepreneurs, and other micro-enterprises. This reaffirms our dedication towards promoting equal opportunities while building capabilities and mentoring partners to hone their expertise.
As part of our efforts towards building a sustainable value chain, we have introduced a centralized procurement and logistics solution that builds efficiencies and de-risks inventory requirements while helping us lower our carbon footprint.
At IHCL, good corporate governance represents sound management, transparency, adequate disclosures, ethical practices and exemplary standards, with an overarching framework that ensures accountability and supports implementation. Our governance philosophy is based on the Tata Code of Conduct (TCoC), which articulates the Tata Group's values and ideals and guides and governs the conduct of our companies, as well as our colleagues, in all matters relating to business. We work with the four pillars of good governance at IHCL - Accountability, Fairness, Transparency and Independence. We aim to ensure Board diversity, apart from building ESG expertise through the ESG Committee Specialisation initiatives.
Our belief in sustainable growth remains deep-rooted in our legacy, aligned with diversity, excellence and positive outcomes. One of the core objectives of Paathya is to promote economic growth while being sensitive and responsible towards the social and environmental impact. Our policies, whether for the present or the future, have sustainability built into them. We do not believe in business growth at all costs, but believe in growth that cares for the community, the nation, the planet.
Our Goals for 2030
WAREHOUSE OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE OF THE YEAR - HOSPITALITY AWARD, 2022
The Corporate Materials Group (CMG) at IHCL was awarded the "Warehouse Operational Excellence of the Year - Hospitality, 2022" award at the 3rd Annual Warehouse and Logistics Excellence Awards organized by Quantic India, an internationally recognized Business Media Company.
GOLDEN PEACOCK AWARD FOR RISK MANAGEMENT, 2021
IHCL's adherence to Enterprise Risk Management processes to identify, assess, mitigate and monitor potential risks has been acknowledged amidst the top honours Golden Peacock Awards for 2021. Recognising companies for their efforts in achieving excellence and high levels of quality across different processes, the awards were hosted by the Institute of Directors, India, graced by Government ministers and members of the business fraternity.
WORLD RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARDS, 2022- Sustaining Employees and Communities through the pandemic
IHCL's initiatives, 'Meals to Smiles' and 'Taj for Family' which provided millions of meals to healthcare providers and migrant workers during the pandemic and supported members of the hospitality industry, respectively, were recognized at the International Convention of WTM Responsible Tourism. This is an international forum that promotes responsible tourism practices worldwide.
GOLDEN PEACOCK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, 2019
IHCL was awarded the Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance-2019 by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India, in recognition of its exceptional corporate governance practices. The award was presented at IOD's 19th Annual London Global Convention on Corporate Governance & Sustainability.
WORLD RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARDS, 2022 - Contributing to the Cultural Heritage of India
IHCL's collaboration with UNESCO collaboration aimed to preserve and promote Intangible Cultural Heritage (IHC) was also recognized at the International Convention for WTM Responsible Tourism, highlighting the company's commitment to supporting cultural preservation and sustainable tourism practices.
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