Welcome to the full Episode 16 of Sustainability Karma, India’s first and only talk show on sustainability on All India Radio.

In this episode of Sustainability Karma, Sameer Saxena, Director – Marketing, Group Legrand India, talks about how MNCs spread over a large number of countries pursue sustainability at the global as well as at the country levels mindful of local contexts. Legrand, which is an electrical and digital infrastructure solutions MNC, is present in 90 countries.

Though navigating the diverse regulatory landscapes across countries is a challenge, he adds that the company has aligned its global goals with the national regulations of each country, particularly those that have committed to international agreements like the Paris Accord. This alignment ensures that Legrand’s sustainability initiatives are compliant both globally and nationally across different regions.

At the global level, Saxena adds that Legrand aligns its sustainability efforts with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The company has identified 10 specific SDGs that it is committed to achieving. These goals form the foundation of Legrand’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies, which are meticulously planned and executed with the help of its CSR roadmap. This roadmap guides the company’s sustainability efforts globally, ensuring that each of the countries where Legrand operates can develop and implement its own CSR goals in alignment with the broader company objectives.

Legrand’s CSR roadmap is structured around four key pillars: responsible business practices, diversity and inclusion, climate action, and the circular economy. These pillars provide a comprehensive framework that guides the company’s operations across its global footprint.

In terms of climate action, Saxena says that Legrand is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint through various initiatives. The company operates seven manufacturing plants in India, three of which, soon to be four, have incorporated solar power to meet approximately 35% of their energy needs. This shift towards renewable energy is a critical part of Legrand’s efforts to minimise CO2 emissions.

Additionally, the company has embraced circular economy by recycling products and taking back used items, particularly in the UPS business where lead components are prevalent.

One of the significant challenges that many manufacturing companies face is managing Scope 3 emissions, which involve indirect emissions from their value chain. Saxena says that Legrand is addressing this challenge by collaborating with 150 key suppliers in India, helping them adopt sustainable practices similar to those implemented by Legrand.

In addition to reducing emissions, he adds, Legrand is also tackling the issue of single-use plastics in its packaging, particularly in India where plastic usage is high due to the need to protect products from dust and humidity. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics, which is one of the most significant environmental initiatives it is currently pursuing in the region.

When discussing the broader electrical industry in India, he says that the sector is collectively moving towards more climate-friendly practices. The industry comprises multinational corporations like Legrand, large Indian companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), all of which are contributing to the overall reduction of CO2 emissions in their own way.

Looking ahead, Saxena emphasises the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective on sustainability, particularly in the context of India’s growth. He highlights the country’s commitment to the Paris Accord and the government’s focus on solar energy, electric vehicles, and overall sustainability.
Saxena concludes by stressing that for India, the key to future success lies in achieving sustainable growth—a commitment that Legrand is dedicated to supporting both globally and locally.