Organizational
environment
Indian corporate structure and environment
Indian Corporate Structure:
• Private Limited Company:
• Minimum two and maximum 200 shareholders.
• Limited liability for shareholders.
• Shares are not traded on the stock exchange.
• Public Limited Company:
• Minimum seven shareholders with no maximum limit.
• Shares can be traded on the stock exchange.
• Limited liability for shareholders.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP):
• Combines features of a partnership and a company.
• Limited liability for partners
• No minimum capital requirement.
• Partnership Firm:
• Simple structure with a partnership agreement among partners.
• Unlimited liability for partners.
• Sole Proprietorship:
• Owned and operated by a single individual.
• Simplest form of business.
Regulatory Environment:
• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA):
• Regulates corporate affairs in India.
• Administers the Companies Act.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
• Regulates the securities market.
• Protects the interests of investors in securities.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
• Regulates the banking and financial sector.
• Controls monetary policy.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST):
• Implemented in 2017, GST is a unified indirect tax system.
• Competition Commission of India (CCI):
• Ensures fair competition in the market.
• Regulates anti-competitive practices.
Indian corporate structure and environment in green
management
Environmental sustainability and green management practices have become increasingly important in the global
corporate landscape, including in India. Here are some aspects of the Indian corporate structure and environment with a
focus on green management:
Corporate Structure:
• Sustainability Departments:
• Many large corporations have established dedicated sustainability or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)
departments. These departments are responsible for formulating and implementing green strategies.
• CSR Regulations:
• The Companies Act, 2013 in India mandates that certain companies spend a minimum percentage of their profits
on CSR activities, which often includes environmental initiatives.
• Board Committees:
• Boards of directors often form committees such as the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee to oversee
and guide sustainability initiatives.
• Sustainability Officers:
• Some companies appoint Chief Sustainability Officers or executives responsible for overseeing and driving
sustainability efforts.
• Green Certification:
• Companies may pursue green certifications such as Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) for their buildings, showcasing their commitment to
environmental responsibility.
Regulatory Environment:
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC):
• MoEFCC plays a crucial role in formulating and enforcing environmental policies and
regulations.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT):
• NGT is a specialized tribunal that handles cases related to environmental protection and
conservation. Its decisions have a significant impact on corporate activities.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
• Projects are often required to undergo EIA to assess and mitigate potential environmental
impacts before receiving clearance.
• ISO Certifications:
• ISO 14001 certification for environmental management is sought by companies looking
to demonstrate adherence to international environmental standards.
Green Management Practices:
• Renewable Energy Adoption:
• Companies are increasingly investing in and using renewable energy sources like solar
and wind power. Some are setting ambitious targets for transitioning to clean energy.
• Energy Efficiency Measures:
• Implementation of energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce energy
consumption and carbon footprint.
• Waste Management:
• Implementation of comprehensive waste management strategies, including recycling and
responsible disposal of waste.
• Water Conservation:
• Adoption of water-efficient technologies and practices to reduce water consumption and
promote conservation.
• Sustainable Supply Chain:
• Companies are integrating sustainability criteria into their supply chain management,
encouraging suppliers to follow environmentally responsible practices.
• Biodiversity Conservation:
• Some organizations engage in biodiversity conservation initiatives, especially those
operating in ecologically sensitive areas.
Corporate Culture:
• Environmental Reporting:
• Transparency in reporting environmental performance, often through sustainability
reports that detail the organization's environmental impact and efforts to mitigate it.
• Employee Engagement:
• Initiatives to engage employees in green practices, including awareness campaigns,
training programs, and incentives for sustainable behavior.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Interaction with communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address environmental
concerns and gather input on sustainable practices.
• Green Innovation:
• Encouraging and investing in green innovation, including research and development of
environmentally friendly products and technologies.
Challenges:
• Cost Considerations:
• Balancing the financial implications of green initiatives with the long-term benefits can
be a challenge for some organizations.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Keeping up with and complying with evolving environmental regulations, which may
vary across states in India.
• Data Accuracy and Monitoring:
• Ensuring accurate measurement and monitoring of environmental impact data.
• Access to Green Technologies:
• The availability and affordability of green technologies may pose challenges, especially
for smaller companies.
• Public Perception:
• Navigating public perception and ensuring that green initiatives align with the
expectations of customers and investors.
Initiatives and Collaborations:
• Industry Associations:
• Industry associations and forums often play a role in promoting sustainability practices
and sharing best practices among member companies.
• Government Initiatives:
• The Indian government has launched initiatives such as the National Action Plan on
Climate Change (NAPCC) to address climate change, which involves both government
and corporate efforts.
• Collaborations with NGOs:
• Many companies collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to
implement environmental projects and contribute to community development.
• Green Partnerships:
• Collaboration with suppliers and partners to collectively adopt and promote green
practices across the value chain.
Future Outlook:
• Circular Economy:
• Emphasis on adopting circular economy principles, including reducing waste, reusing
materials, and recycling.
• Climate Resilience:
• Increasing focus on building climate-resilient businesses and supply chains.
• Policy Advocacy:
• Some companies actively engage in policy advocacy for more robust environmental
regulations and incentives for sustainable practices.
• Innovation in Sustainable Technologies:
• Continued innovation in sustainable technologies to address environmental challenges.
It's crucial to note that the landscape of green management is
continually evolving. Companies in India are likely to face new challenges and
opportunities as they navigate the intersection of business operations and
environmental sustainability.
How to go green
Going green is a great way to reduce environmental footprint and help the planet. Being green
is all about reducing how many resources we use, reusing items when we can, and recycling
items that can’t be reused. If we are ready to go green, start by changing our personal habits
and giving our home a green makeover.
Additionally, change our habits at work and on the go to be as green as possible.
Embracing a low-waste lifestyle is important for many reasons. The obvious benefit is that it
leads to less pollution and fewer resources used. But there are many other benefits like saving
time and money, encouraging healthier eating, avoiding exposure to toxins, and challenging
ourselves to be more resourceful.
I Changing our Personal Habits
a)Carry a reusable water bottle so we will not need bottled water.
While bottled water is convenient, it is also really bad for the environment. To be more
eco-friendly, make it a habit to carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere so that you
can drink water on the go. Unless there’s some kind of contamination crisis, avoiding plastic
water bottles is the simplest way to reduce waste
The production of plastic water bottles requires up to 17 million barrels of oil each year.
Each bottle can take up to one thousand years to decompose, leaking dangerous and harmful
chemicals during the process. Some toxins leaked could cause cancer and reproductive
disabilities
• Plastic bottles are usually the lightest and most convenient. Look for one that says it’s BPA
free.
• You can also find aluminium and glass water bottles that are a great option if you don’t like
using plastic.
• Use reusable shopping bags
Shopping bags make it easy to carry items home, but they also pollute the
planet. Plastic bags start out as fossil fuels and end up as
deadly waste in landfills and the ocean
Skip the store’s shopping bags and bring your own instead. Use a
backpack or tote that you already own, or purchase a couple of reusable bags
from the checkout area at your local grocery store. we can use our reusable
bags at most stores, including clothing or bookstores.
• Reuse items to save them from the landfill
Before you throw something away, look for ways you might reuse it. Try re-
purposing items or making green crafts. This will help you keep trash out of the
landfill.
For example, instead of throwing away a jar, you might use it as a glass,
vase, or storage container.
Similarly, you could use a piece of cardboard to make a wreath.
• Reduce the amount of time you spend using electronics.
While electronics are really fun and likely help you feel connected to your friends, they
also use up a lot of energy. Schedule breaks from your electronics so you can use them less.
During your breaks, do something fun like going for a walk, playing a game with your friends,
or pursuing a hobby.
Invite your friends to connect with you in real life. For instance, instead of playing online
video games together, go to a local park.
• Choose cardboard over plastic when possible
Generally speaking, it’s easier to recycle cardboard than plastic, plus paper products
tend to break down more easily without adding a lot of weight to the product the way glass or
aluminium can.
When you have the choice, pick pasta in the box instead of pasta in a bag, or detergent in
the box instead of the bottle. Even better – check for companies that source their cardboard
sustainably or take a strong stance on deforestation.
• Eat at home & reconsider your food storage
Cooking at home with fresh ingredients is a huge way to reduce your impact. Buying
food at your local farmers market or CSA typically means no packaging waste, plus you’re
supporting the community. Eating more vegetables and fewer factory-farmed meats helps
reduce greenhouse gases. If your family eats meat, try decreasing your serving sizes and letting
the vegetables take centre stage on your plate. When you purchase meat, be sure to buy it from
a reputable grass-fed source without hormones or antibiotics.
• Not only is eating at home healthier and more affordable, fast food and take away containers
add to tons of single-use waste. Often they are plastic or Styrofoam and can contain
endocrine disruptors – namely phthalates.
• Plastic baggies, plastic wrap, and plastic storage containers aren’t ideal from a food safety
standpoint, and they’re certainly not good for the planet. There are plenty of great glass
storage containers, beeswax wraps, and silicone bags and containers that are food-safe and
reusable.
2.Creating a Green Home
• Conserve electricity by turning off lights and unplugging electronics
Electricity is typically generated by burning fossil fuels or using other natural resources.
To help protect the planet, cut down on how much electricity you’re using. Here are some
tricks to keep your electricity use low
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Take advantage of natural lighting from windows during the daytime.
• Unplug electronics when you aren’t using them.
• Wash your clothes on the cold setting so you don’t use energy to heat the water.
• Change your light bulbs to energy-efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent light
(CFL) or light-emitting diodes (LED).
• Set your thermostat a few degrees higher during summer and a few degrees lower in
winter. Then, wear less clothing if you’re feeling hot or more clothing if you’re cold. This
can save electricity and cut down on your heating or cooling costs.
• Cut down on your water use.
The Earth has a limited amount of freshwater, so it’s important to conserve it. Change
your household habits to reduce how much water you’re using.
Here are some great options:
• Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or doing the
dishes.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Use a bucket to catch water in the shower so you can use it in your garden.
• Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.
• Avoid using sprinklers in your yard.
• Plant drought-resistant and native plants in your garden so they require less water.
• Make your own cleaning supplies.
Commercial cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals and come in bottles that
you’ll likely end up recycling or throwing away. On the other hand, using homemade cleaning
products helps you keep your home safer and helps keep trash out of the landfills. Use white
vinegar, baking soda, and lemons to clean your home.
For instance, you can use white vinegar with a spritz of lemon as an all-purpose cleaner. If
you like, add a few drops of essential oil to make it smell better.
• Similarly, you can scrub your bathroom and kitchen counters using a paste of baking soda
and warm water.
• Eat less meat because it takes more resources to raise
Raising animals for food requires feed, water, land, and transportation. When you add up
these resources, animal products put a lot more strain on the planet than plant foods. To reduce
your footprint, eat more vegetarian meals.
• If you eat a lot of meat, try doing a meatless Monday. Then, slowly introduce more meatless
meals into your life
• Recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal cans
Recycling can help you keep items out of landfills. Additionally, it can help save
natural resources. Participate in your local recycling programs.
For example, you can typically recycle the following:
• Most paper can be recycled, including printer paper, magazines, newspapers, and junk mail.
• You can recycle most cardboard, such as pizza boxes, egg cartons, milk cartons, and juice
cartons. Flatten out cardboard boxes before you recycle them
• Plastic bottles and containers like those that contain dishwashing liquid, bleach, soap, milk,
and condiments are typically recyclable, but rinse them out first.
• Metal cans like soda cans, tuna cans, and soup cans can be recycled if you rinse them first.
• Glass bottles and jars can usually be recycled but check the policies for your local facility.
Additionally, rinse them out first.
• When your electronics die, take them to a local recycling centre.
• Compost organic waste like uneaten food or produce skins
Composting lets you turn your old food scraps into food for plants. You can use your
compost to fertilize your garden or spread it around vegetation near your home. To do
composting, put your food scraps into a compost bin or a pile in your yard
• You can buy a compost bin to you use in your home online. Often, it will contain dirt and
worms to help you get your compost going.
• If you have a yard, consider creating a compost corner where you can throw out your scraps.
This is an easy way to start composting.
• Install solar panels.
Using solar energy instead of fossil fuels helps stop global warming from carbon
emissions.
• Plant a garden
“The greatest change we need to make is from consumption to production, even on a small
scale, in our own gardens,” said Bill Mollison known as the father of permaculture. “If only
10% of us do this, there is enough for everyone.”
Try your hand at gardening with the 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow from Seeds. You won’t
have to make as many frequent trips to the grocery store if you plant vegetables and fruit trees
in your very own backyard.
3. Being Green at Work
• Limit your use of paper.
Communicate digitally whenever possible and only print out items when you absolutely
must. Talk to your co workers and employer to change the way your office handles meetings and
team projects so that you don’t need to print out as much stuff.
• When you do use paper, recycle it or save it to reuse the other side of it.
• Choose office products that are made from recycled materials.
• When you need to buy items for your office, check that they’re made from recycled materials.
This includes items like paper, folders, pencils, pens, desk supplies, and furniture. Buying
recycled items can help save the Earth’s resources.
• Try to use second-hand products or to share whenever possible.
For example, don’t buy a new stapler if there’s a used one in the supply closet.
• Start an office recycling program.
Talk to your boss or human resources about getting recycling bins for the break room or copy
room. Then, place your recyclable items in the bins so you create less trash
• If your company does’t want to pay for recycling, you might start a recycling team to help take
items to the local recycling centre.
• Ask your boss if you can work from home to use fewer resources
Working from home saves energy because you don’t have to commute and you don’t
use your office space. Similarly, it can reduce the overhead of your company if you do it for
the long-term. Talk to your boss about working from home to see if it’s an option for you.
• Offer to use video calling to stay in touch with co workers and to go into the office when you
need to go to a meeting in person.
4.Staying Green on the Move
• Walk or bike places if you live close enough.
Cars use up a lot of gas, so they’re not a friend to the environment. Walking or
biking instead of using a car is a great way to save natural resources while saving you money.
When possible, walk or bike to work, school, or shops
• If it’s unsafe for you to travel on foot or bike, don’t put your safety at risk
• Use public transportation to travel long distances.
Public transportation is a great way to travel because it moves multiple
people at once. Take the bus when you can to conserve gas. To make it more fun, read,
watch a movie on your phone, or make a small craft while you ride.
• It might take some time to learn your city’s public transportation system. Try riding it
on your off days first.
• If your city doesn’t have public transportation, this may not be an option for you.
• Join a carpool to save gas during your commute.
You can save gas while getting to school or work by being part of a carpool.
Ask your co workers or people at your school about a carpool you can join. If you can’t
find one, start your own by partnering with co workers or classmates who live near you.
• You can take turns driving everyone to work or school, or you can all contribute
money to buy gas for the person who drives.
• Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle if you need a car to get around.
In some areas, the only way to get from place to place is to use a car. In that case,
look for a car that gets good gas mileage. Choose an electric or hybrid car to help you do more
to save resources and help the environment. Additionally, drive your car as little as possible.
• When you buy a car, ask how many miles it gets for each gallon of gas. Then, compare the
mileage for the cars you’re considering to pick the one with the best mileage.
CONNECT WITH NATURE
As we mentioned above – we protect what we love. Connect with nature
so you’re fully aware of WHY you’re going green. Walking barefoot in the grass
helps offset our exposure to technology. Looking up at the stars or standing at
the edge of the sea reminds us of the wonders and vastness of the universe.
Hiking into a forest allows us to breathe deeply and forget about the busy-ness
of life.
• Spending more time outdoors nurtures our “nature neurons” and our natural
creativity.
For example, at the University of Michigan, researchers demonstrated
that, after just an hour interacting with nature, memory performance and
attention spans improved by 20 percent. In workplaces designed with Vitamin N
or nature in mind, employees are more productive and take less sick time.
Another study of nearly one million Danish people taken across three decades
found that “children who grew up with the lowest levels of green space had up
to 55% higher risk of developing a psychiatric disorder independent from effects
of other known risk factors.”
Spreading green concept in the organisations (or) Ways
to go green by companies
Going green may seem to be the latest trend, but it is a trend with a variety of
benefits for business owners. Applying green processes to the workplace creates a healthy
environment for employees, reduces unnecessary waste and recognizes the role that
businesses play in leading the way for social change. For the business that is thinking about
going green, a variety of reasons exist to take the plunge.
Here's a detailed guide on how to spread green concepts within organizations:
1. Create Awareness:
Educate Employees: Start by creating awareness among employees about the importance of
environmental sustainability. Conduct workshops, training sessions, or seminars to explain the
concept of "going green.
2. Lead by Example:
Top-Down Approach: Ensure that top-level management supports and exemplifies green
initiatives. When leaders prioritize sustainability, it sends a powerful message throughout the
organization.
3.Power a business using alternative energy.
Green energy, or energy that is not derived from burning fossil fuels, is available from
clean, renewable sources such as solar, hydropower, geothermal, and wind. While solar, which
is rapidly gaining ground as the foremost choice, can be costly to install, savings are made
from the first month and the green benefits are enormous. Groups such as Solar
Action Alliance provide a platform from which to explore solar power specifically.
4.Use natural materials
such as wood and stone, live plants, and natural sunlight. Not only does it look good, but it
is practical, reduces energy usage, filters the air in work spaces, and improves productivity
5.Develop a Green Policy:
• Draft a comprehensive green policy that outlines the organization's commitment to
sustainability.
• Clearly state the goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving a greener workplace.
6.Conduct Environmental Audits:
• Conduct a thorough environmental audit to assess the current impact of the organization on
the environment.
• Identify areas of improvement and set realistic goals for reducing environmental impact.
7.Go beyond basic recycling.
Most companies already recycle certain items; paper and paper products come to
mind first. However, companies can and should go beyond this by using recycled or post-
consumer waste (PCW) paper when paper must be used. Employees can be encouraged to
recycle by placing recycling containers throughout the premises.
8.Create a Green Team:
• Establish a dedicated team or committee responsible for overseeing and implementing green
initiatives.
• Include representatives from different departments to ensure a holistic approach .
9.Make green thinking a part of your company culture.
Engage your employees in your new vision. Create efficiency goals and make it fun and
inclusive by celebrating your success.
How can you measure your savings?
How can your green mission enhance your community or better serve your customers?
Get ideas and input from your employees and they will embrace your new goals.
10.Green Procurement Practices:
• Integrate environmental considerations into the procurement process.
• Source products and services from suppliers who share the organization's commitment to
sustainability.
11.Invest in Technology:
• Leverage technology to monitor and manage environmental impact.
• Explore the use of smart building systems, energy-efficient equipment, and data analytics to
optimize resource use.
12.Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs:
• Set up recycling programs for paper, plastics, electronics, and other recyclable materials.
• Encourage the reduction of single-use items and promote the reuse of materials.
13.Green Building and Facilities Management:
• If applicable, adopt green building practices in the construction and maintenance of
facilities.
• Ensure proper waste disposal and efficient use of resources in day-to-day operations.
14.Communication Strategy:
• Develop a communication plan to inform employees, stakeholders, and the public about
the organization's green initiatives.
• Use internal newsletters, emails, and meetings to keep everyone informed and engaged.
15.Financial Incentives:
• Explore government incentives and grants available for organizations adopting green
practices.
• Calculate and communicate the financial benefits of green initiatives, such as cost savings
over time.
16.Partnerships and Collaboration:
• Collaborate with other organizations, government agencies, and NGOs working on similar
green initiatives.
• Participate in industry-wide collaborations to share best practices and resources.
17.Community Engagement:
• Engage with the local community through outreach programs and educational initiatives.
• Support local environmental projects and participate in community events focused on
sustainability.
18.Certifications and Recognition:
• Pursue relevant certifications (e.g., LEED certification for buildings) to showcase the
organization's commitment to green practices.
• Seek recognition from industry associations and environmental organizations.
19 .Conserve human energy.
Consider that healthy, energetic employees will be more creative and
productive. Help to keep your team healthy by creating a safe, non-toxic environment.
Serve sustainable brain food at meetings: nuts, organic fruits and vegetables, and even
dark chocolate all play a role in maintaining mental acuity.
20.Integration with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
• Integrate green management into the organization's broader CSR strategy.
• Align green initiatives with social and community development goals.
By implementing these detailed strategies, organizations can
effectively spread the green management concept, making sustainability an
integral part of their corporate culture and operations.
Example
• Coca Cola
Coca cola narrowed down 3 environmental goals to direct their effort to
green business practices- sustainable packaging, water stewardship, and
climate & energy protection. Working on these goals, coca cola has involved
itself in the recycling program and came up with sustainable packaging
design in just a few years.
• TOYOTA
Toyota is famous for offering the Prius, the world’s first mass-market hybrid
vehicle. The popular car is now sold in over 40 countries The Environmental
Protection Agency has recognized Toyota’s efforts as well, crowning the Prius and its
48MPG as the most fuel-efficient car available for purchase in the U.S. Similar
authorities in the United Kingdom have applauded the Prius, namely the UK
Department of Transport, who ranked the vehicle as the third least carbon-emitting
auto in the country.
• DELL
Computer equipment has historically been one of the most difficult and costly
products to safely dispose of. Fortunately, one of the major leaders in that field has
stepped forward to make the task less daunting. Through its “no computer should go to
waste” recycling program, Dell allows customers to return any Dell-branded product
back to the company – for free. The company has even gone so far as to establish
programs that accept computers, monitors, or printers from other companies for safe
disposal, as well.