Puneet Anand, AVP and Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs at Hyundai Motor India Limited, strives to create a sustainable and inclusive future in the automotive industry and society as a whole. Here, he is engaged in a freewheeling conversation with Outlook on the auto major’s diverse environmental and social initiatives
What are the key driving factors behind Hyundai Motor India’s social initiatives and how does it define ‘Progress for Humanity?’
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) was formed in 2006 with the purpose of giving back to society. With a commitment to rise above CSR and evolving towards Creating Shared Values (CSV), where business success is intertwined with societal progress, HMIF focuses on three key pillars of CSV – Earth, Mobility, and Hope.
Every initiative at HMIF aligns with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Our initiatives are aimed at introducing solutions for mobility challenges, building a safer mobility ecosystem and driving positive and sustainable change in the society, and are aligned with six UN SDGs ranging from good health and well-being; quality education; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; climate change; and clean water and sanitation.
How does HMIF ensure the sustainability and scalability of its initiatives beyond initial programme cycles?
We consider sustainability and scalability right since the planning and framework development of every project. For instance, HMIF’s Sparsh Sanjeevani telemedicine clinics connect specialist doctors in metro cities to the rural population. Launched in 2021, this effort has made affordable healthcare facilities available to over 1.5 million people in rural areas across seven states in India.
How does HMIF measure the qualitative impact of its programmes? Does it consider aspects beyond quantifiable outputs?
Our programmes are aimed at creating an environment that fosters prosperity and well-being of people. The assessment parameters of our initiatives are defined while designing the project framework. A three-tier system is practiced at HMIF which includes stakeholder contact and communication plan by HMIF field teams, followed by visit and interactions by the central team, and continuous engagement by the leadership and the board.
How has Hyundai Motor India successfully integrated sustainable practices into its operations?
We have reduced CO2 emissions by 1,02,060 tonnes and aim to reduce them by 1,61,940 tonnes in the next five years. We are one of India’s most environmentally conscious manufacturing facilities. Our ‘Integrated Solutions to Climate Change’ initiative aims for carbon neutrality by 2045 with a sustainable operating system for future generations.
For efficient water management, Hyundai Motor India has implemented a zero liquid discharge system to combat water scarcity. Six reservoirs situated in its Chennai plant premises capable of storing nearly 350,000 metric tonnes of water, facilitate rain-water harvesting and fulfil 50% of its water requirement and act as a buffer for 120 days of operations.
