The second largest software services firm in India, Infosys, on Wednesday said that it has turned carbon-neutral, three decades ahead of the timeline which was set by the Paris Agreement for 2050.

Based in Bengaluru, Infosys also declared ‘Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Vision for 2030’, as part of the company’s commitments, enthralled in core areas like climate change, technology for good, diversity, and inclusion, energizing local communities, ethics and transparency, data privacy and information management.

Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder & Chairman, Infosys, said, "Infosys has always balanced success as a business with an unwavering focus on exemplary governance and responsiveness to the needs of ecology and society. As an early proponent of responsible business, we understand our obligation to integrate ESG factors into what we do, which is only increasing in importance, particularly in the wake of COVID-19."

Nandan also said that Infosys started taking action to combat against climate change in 2008 and achieved carbon neutrality in 2020. "Today, our 2030 vision reflects how ESG will continue to be integral to Infosys' sustainable business performance," he stated in the ESG Vision 2030 report.

Infosys said that as part of its current ESG efforts, which includes leveraging renewables, orchestrating energy efficiencies, and creating unique, entirely funded community-based carbon offset projects, it is now a carbon neutral in compliance with PAS 2060 standards. (PAS 2060 standards are the internationally recognized specifications for carbon neutrality).

In the last few years, Infosys reduced the per capita electricity consumption by almost 55 percent with the aim of transitioning to renewable energy. Infosys was the first Indian signatory to the RE100 global campaign.

In FY2020, 44+ percent of Infosys’ electricity consumption was equated through renewable energy resources. Infosys also invested in 60 MW of solar PV capacity.

Developing a portfolio of community-based carbon offset projects successfully, Infosys has prime focus on the socio-economic development of the rural communities and contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These projects are related to climate change which will benefit 1+ lakh rural families.

NR Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys, said, “Right from the first day, Infosys has recognized and fulfilled its responsibilities towards overcoming the challenges in our context. It has also taken on new responsibilities like reducing carbon emission, improving air quality, optimally using water and solar power."

Nandan said that the company aims to stay carbon neutral in Scope 1, 2 and 2 emissions every year. In addition, Infosys intends to eliminate 75 percent Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions and limit down of Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas emissions by 30 percent.

“Scope 1 refers to direct emissions, Scope 2 stands for indirect emissions from utilities, and Scope 3 covers all the other outside sources. Infosys will expand reskilling initiatives to empower ten million-plus people with digital skills and 80 million-plus lives with technology for good programs in e-governance, healthcare, and education,” Nandan said.

Nandan added, “Infosys would nurture greater inclusivity and strengthen a gender-diverse workforce with at least 45 percent of women employees. Infosys will grow its stakeholder focus and bring their interests, whether customer, employee, or shareholder, to the fore through an empowered, diverse and inclusive board.”

Infosys will also strengthen data privacy and information security standards in global operations said Nandan.