Energy Management
Renewable energy remains a key focus area for WNS as part of our net-zero program, with clean energy becoming a more dominant source for our business across locations. We are minimizing our reliance on non-sustainable sources and constantly looking for clean and sustainable energy sources. In alignment with this objective, WNS India and Costa Rica has switched to utilizing green power for its 14 offices to meet their electrical energy requirements. This accounts for 76% of the power consumption of WNS operations in India and 99.3% of renewable sources in Costa Rica as of now.
WNS is leading by example and working toward achieving better energy efficiency and making energy conservation efforts. To attain this objective, we continually monitor our electrical energy consumption and work toward its optimization. Under the Environment Management System program, WNS makes several efforts to optimize energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Initiatives
To improve energy efficiency in our office infrastructure, we have implemented various initiatives. Furthermore, efforts are underway to identify more such opportunities at other facilities across our global operations. Our efforts have been recognized, with our operational sites in India maintaining their Energy STAR ratings.
To effectively optimize energy consumption, we are focusing on implementing good energy management practices and energy-efficient technologies. We have reduced energy consumption by consolidating our operational sites (offices and data centers) and implementing focused actions. Some of these measures are a continuation of our efforts to reduce energy waste during the hybrid model of working. We are currently measuring the impact by capturing energy data, identifying the associated impacts and finding alternatives to minimize it. WNS is also focusing its attention toward opting for green and energy-efficient buildings for our future offices.
To raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability, WNS celebrated Earth Day on April 22 with the theme ‘Invest in Our Planet’ and World Environment Day on June 5. As a part of environmental sustainability and carbon sequestration activities, we launched the ‘WNS GROW GREEN’ program. This mega tree-planting program is aimed at fostering socio-economic development while promoting green practices.
Under this program we have planted around 10,000+ trees in India and Non-India locations till date. The estimated total carbon absorption form this is approx. 6787 tCO2e in the life span of the plant / tree (considering 35 years). This effort not only has a positive impact on environment like improvement in the air quality and enrichment of the soil quality but also has a socio-economic impact by providing livelihood to farmers. The survival rate of the trees is expected to be more than 95%.
GHG Emissions
WNS is leading by example and working toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. To attain this goal, we continually monitor our carbon footprint, which includes tracking emissions as a result of the electricity we purchase (primary energy) and diesel consumption from the backup generators and its corresponding emissions from all our offices. To reduce our emission footprint, we have taken conscious steps to limit our energy usage. This forms an integral part of our environmental management plan.
At WNS, we measure and track our direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) and in value chain (Scope 3) GHG emissions in context with our GHG (tCO2e) emissions. The methodology used for calculating GHG emissions is aligned with the globally accepted GHG protocol standards developed by the World Resources Institute. Additionally, it helps us identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved and GHG emissions lowered.
We seek to mitigate risks associated with climate change by actively working toward carbon net-zero alignment with our Environment Management System (EMS). It focuses on offsetting carbon emissions across our entire value chain, including Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. Thus, we have joined the “Race to Zero” campaign backed by the United Nations and committed to attaining science-based net-zero targets. Our approach remains consistent with the objective of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. In December 2022, WNS signed a letter of commitment with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
We are focusing on implementing improved energy management practices and energy-efficient technologies to optimize energy consumption. We are also utilizing green energy based on site dynamics for our existing operating locations. The next crucial step for us is to focus our attention on green and energy-efficient buildings for our future offices. Additionally, we have implemented the usage of electric vehicles in locations with charging stations.
Waste Management
For an organization with large operations, waste generation is unavoidable. The initiatives we have launched to curtail the waste we generate are aimed at behavior change. In our people-dependent business, the actions of each employee can make a difference. Under our Environment Management System, we are monitoring, measuring and reducing the quantum of waste being generated from our operations.
Following are some steps we have taken to reduce waste generation:
Optimal use of IT equipment to reduce e-waste:
- Digitization in our processes to drive paper-less operations
- Elimination of use and throw items:
- Reusable ceramic mugs have replaced paper cups
- Reusable glass water bottles have replaced packaged plastic bottles
- Reusable acrylic containers with lids have replaced plastic wrap films
- Use of tissue paper eliminated, wherever possible
- Promote reduction in the use of single-use plastic
All our waste is appropriately disposed of in accordance with the prescribed norms as per specific regions.
Water Management
WNS takes office spaces on leases, with the lessors being responsible for providing water from various sources, including the municipal water supply, groundwater and tankers that supply water when needed. In some locations, WNS procures water cans as a potable source of water. In most of our locations, the lessors treat wastewater in centralized sewage water treatment plants that they own and operate. Some of the steps we have taken to reduce water consumption and arrest water leakage include:
- Push taps installed in place of conventional taps
- Waterless, hygienic urinals being installed
- Recycled water being used wherever possible
- Water flow optimization
- Awareness mailers and posters on water conservation and reduction of wastage