'Ranbaxy spends substantially on environment management'

Ranbaxy's stringent implementation of its Environment Health Safety (EHS) Policy has resulted in the ISO14001 certification of their key API manufacturing sites. Ramesh Adige, Executive Director, Global Corporate Affairs & Communications, Ranbaxy gives Sachin Jagdale more details.

What is your company's Environmental philosophy?

The two core values that form the basis of Ranbaxy's environmental philosophy are "to be a responsible corporate citizen" and "To manage operations with a high concern for safety and the environment". This philosophy is embedded in our Corporate Environment Health Safety (EHS) Policy and is evident in the rigour of the ISO14001 certification of our key API manufacturing sites.

Can you tell us about your organization's Strategic Environmental Management Policy?

Our Corporate EHS Policy addresses the company's stand on environmental management. The company has framed an Environmental Policy for the API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) manufacturing division which is strictly followed. It states that," We, at Ranbaxy, shall manage our activities, products and services in an environment friendly manner, so that their environmental impact is reduced to a practicable minimum and, our employees and other stakeholders are safeguarded from any incident. We are committed to improve our environmental performance continually and emphasise on the prevention of an adverse environmental impact in all areas of operations. "

It also provides the commitment and means to achieve compliance and goes on to specify that

"We shall, in particular:

• Have in place an Environmental Management System.
• Impart awareness to all employees, contractors and vendors on environmental aspects and their contribution to Environmental Management System.
• Comply with applicable legislation and other requirements.
• Encourage and promote waste minimization, energy efficiency and resource conservation
• Evaluate effectiveness of the Environmental Management System through regular audits and management reviews."

How do the employees participate in achieving the goals of this policy?

Employees are encouraged to actively participate in the ISO14001 Environmental Management System and follow the Corporate EHS Guidelines on Employee Involvement. Such activities extensively define the employee's roles in implementing the environmental management system, effectively.

What are certifications received by Ranbaxy on this front? the laws governing environment pollution, control and treatment? How are they implemented?

Stringent laws governing environment pollution, control and treatment are prescribed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India. Ranbaxy takes great pride in meeting all the laid down statutory requirements through its Corporate EHS Department, headed by the Director - EHS who ensures compliance.

sachin.jagdale@expressindia.com