In a significant move to bolster its environmental commitments, IT giant Infosys has initiated a comprehensive survey to gather data on household electricity consumption among its employees. This initiative is part of the company's long-standing sustainability program, which has been actively implemented for over 15 years, as reported by the Economic Times (ET). The survey aims to offset the environmental impact of remote work by increasing clean energy output, reflecting Infosys' dedication to corporate responsibility.
Hybrid Work Model and Environmental Impact
Under Infosys' hybrid work policy, employees primarily operate from remote locations but are required to be physically present in the office for at least 10 days each month. This shift to hybrid operations has expanded the company's environmental footprint beyond its campuses and into employees' homes. According to the report, Chief Financial Officer Jayesh Sanghrajka communicated to employees via email, encouraging them to participate in the work-from-home electricity usage survey. He emphasized that taking a few minutes to respond would be crucial for the company's sustainability efforts.
CFO's Statement on Sustainability Goals
In his email, Sanghrajka highlighted the growing importance of addressing the environmental impact of hybrid work. He stated, "With hybrid work becoming an integral part of our operations, the environmental impact of our work increasingly extends beyond our campuses and into our homes. Electricity consumed while working from home also contributes towards Infosys' greenhouse gas emission footprint. As we seek to enhance and update our reporting methodology, obtaining accurate data on current work-from-home energy usage is essential to our ongoing efforts." He further explained that employee responses would enable the company to measure its impact more precisely and design effective sustainability initiatives.
Infosys' Sustainability Achievements
The Bengaluru-based company, which employs over 300,000 people, views sustainability not merely as a goal but as a shared responsibility. Sanghrajka pointed out several key achievements that demonstrate Infosys' commitment:
- Achieving carbon neutrality ahead of international deadlines.
- Reducing per capita energy consumption by 55% since 2008.
- Sourcing approximately 77% of its electricity from renewable sources in the previous year.
These milestones underscore the company's proactive approach to environmental stewardship and its efforts to integrate sustainability into core business operations.
Survey Details and Employee Perspectives
The survey is designed to raise awareness about energy conservation and promote efficient electricity use among employees. It includes questions about the usage of various electrical appliances, such as fans, air conditioners, heaters, and lighting wattage, as well as inquiries into whether employees utilize solar power at home. Some employees told the news portal that the survey serves as an educational tool to foster better energy-saving practices.
Infosys has also encouraged its workforce to adopt energy-efficient measures at home, noting that its office buildings consume 50-60% less electricity compared to traditional structures. This initiative builds on the company's earlier efforts; in 2020-21, Infosys was among the first corporations to estimate and report emissions from remote work through a similar survey measuring electricity use for lighting, fans, computers, and air conditioning.
Broader Implications for the IT Sector
This move by Infosys highlights a growing trend in the IT industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on sustainability amidst hybrid work models. By gathering detailed data on home energy consumption, Infosys aims to refine its carbon reporting and enhance its clean energy strategies. This approach not only aligns with global environmental standards but also sets a benchmark for other firms in the sector to follow, potentially influencing broader corporate practices in India and beyond.
As the company continues to prioritize sustainability, this survey represents a critical step in understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of modern work arrangements, ensuring that Infosys remains at the forefront of eco-friendly business initiatives.
