Sustainability Initiatives

Carbon Footprint

Carbon emissions, measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), is the most common metric for measuring a company’s climate change impacts.

Performing an initial company-wide carbon footprint to establish a baseline figure is the first step to understanding a carbon emissions profile. ITL undertook this journey in 2018 by hiring environmental consultants to measure the carbon footprint of several facilities.

This process was expanded in 2019 when the first internal company-wide carbon footprint was completed. Measuring and tracking our carbon footprint annually is now a key part of our progress towards reducing our climate change impacts.

We are also in the process of setting formal targets for our carbon footprint; these will be published in 2021 as a show of our commitment to tackling climate change.

Bangalore Greenbelt and Rainwater Harvesting

Bangalore undertook a project to expand its local greenbelt in the surrounding area during 2019. This was done to help with soil erosion, aesthetics and to a small extent, local air emissions. It also served the purpose of creating awareness to about deforestation and climate change. The area of greenbelt surrounding the facility was increased as 30 saplings were planted to expand it.

A rainwater harvesting system was installed on the rooftop of the Bangalore facility where water collects on the roof and is then fed into the rainwater collection sump. This is connected to the recharging pit which has dimensions of 3 m x 0.5 m and is used to recharge the groundwater found on-site. The fire hydrant sump also draws water from the rainwater collection sump.

Energy Saving

The Bangalore facility has undertaken numerous energy savings initiatives including installation of LED lighting, energy saving awareness programmes, regular checks, and maintenance on generator to decrease fuel consumption. Bangladesh is also undertaking awareness programmes to educate staff on the importance of energy saving. LED lighting and where possible, natural lighting is also currently being installed at production areas in our Sri Lanka facility.

Water Saving

Bangalore has undertaken numerous water-saving initiatives including implementing the use of water-less urinals, installing flow meters for accurate monitoring, conducting awareness training for staff on water-saving practices. Staff in Bangladesh are also being trained on the water stewardship periodically to help decrease overall water usage at the facility.

Reducing Plastic Use

ITL’s Cape Town facility has successfully replaced LDPE plastic shrink wrap with an FSC™ certified paper alternative for outgoing products. Pallets of products bound for customers are now wrapped in a paper alternative; resulting in a significant reduction of plastic use per month.

WWF South Africa Business Network

ITL joined the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Business Network South Africa to support the creation of a world in which people live in harmony with nature. Our financial contribution impacts WWF South Africa’s ability to deliver critical conservation work. Joining the business network is an indication of the shared commitment to preserving our natural capital and empowers WWF as they continue to strive for a future that is sustainable and equitable in which both people and nature thrive.