Indiantelevision.com Team

(18 February 2008 4:30pm)

MUMBAI: Coca-Cola India has won the coveted Golden Peacock Global Award for Corporate Social Responsibility - 2008. The award is in token of the company's efforts in water conservation and management, and its community development initiatives.

Former prime minister of Sweden and chairman of the awards jury, Dr Ola Ullsten presented the award to the company at the 3rd Global Conference on Social Responsibility in Vilamoura, Portugal. Coca-Cola India VP of public affairs and communications Deepak Jolly received the award on behalf of the company.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ullsten said, "Golden Peacock Awards have been instituted by World Council for Corporate Governance, UK to create competitiveness in the area of corporate social responsibility. We are hopeful that Coca-Cola India's effort in promoting sustainable communities sets an example for other organisations to follow."

Commenting on the company's achievement, Coca-Cola India president and CEO Atul Singh said, "We are gratified to receive this global award and are humbled at being recognised for the little contributions that we have been able to make to preserve and protect the environment and towards community development. We are also establishing the Coca-Cola India Foundation which will further strive to make a positive impact on local communities. The company remains committed to working with stakeholders and communities across the country in its bid to contribute to mutual growth and development."

The Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility recognises "the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce, their families as well as of the local community and society at large."

Coca-Cola India has installed 320 rain water harvesting (RWH) structures in 17 states, and has restored several traditional water bodies and several check dams across the country for water conservation. The company has a target to reach a "net zero" balance with respect to groundwater usage by 2009. It has also undertaken a project "Elixir of life" to provide drinking water to nearly 30,000 children in 100 primary and panchayat schools in and around Chennai. It has plans to provide clean drinking water in 1,000 schools by 2010. In addition, the company also promotes sustainable packaging through PET recycling.