Amisha Yadav @CCMS Bureau
NAV Backoffice is not only a pioneer administrative services provider to alternative asset managers but is also commit- ted to minimizing their carbon foot- print. The company uses solar panels that drive upto 40% of their energy consumption. Their efforts in generating clean energy are also a reflection to their dedication towards environment conservation. In a conversation with EarthConnect, the NAV Backoffice’s Managing Director Anil Agrawal talks about why they opted for rooftop solar power, how has it helped their organization and their future plans towards sustainability. Excerpts….
Tell us some thing about your company and level of energy consumption.
NAV Backoffice is a Jaipur-based ITeS company that serves Hedge Fund, Private Equity & Real Estate Fund, CTA, and Managed Account clients across the globe.
Our total energy consumption per month across three buildings in Sitapura is approximately 1,95,000 units costing about Rs 20 lakh per month.
What motivated you to go for rooftop solar?
Rajasthan receives a tremendous amount of solar energy. We recognise the significance of conservation and green energy, as well as our duties in this regard. As an IT company, we are aware of our carbon footprints, and choosing solar power to reduce our consumption of traditional energy is our way of giving back to mother earth.
How much of your total consumption of energy comes from solar?
About 40% of the total energy consumed in each of our three buildings comes from solar plants.
What was the investment you made and how much you are saving because you use solar power?
Our first project came in 2018 in our first building in Sitapura where we built a solar panel structure with capacity of 257 KW that cost us Rs 1.85 crore. After the success and the amount of energy we saved in our first building we went ahead with the second project where we installed solar panels with a capacity of 150 KW in 2021 with a cost of about Rs 80 lakh.
Are you planning to expand your generating capacity?
Our third project of approximately 307KW capacity is in progress in our newly constructed third building in Sitapura.
How is your company responding to the need to take steps to mitigate impact on the environment, specifically in regards to net zero emission goals?
We are completely conscious of the need for energy efficiency. Several infrastructure modules have been installed throughout our campuses. In our most recent structure, we put air conditioners with radiant technology. This technology conserves 30% of electricity. We also recognise the significance of water conservation. We’ve installed a sewage treatment plant that treats sewage water, which is subsequently utilised to water the plants and also use it for flushing system. In order to conserve energy, we have also put motion sensor lights across our campus.
Is using green energy benefitting the image of your company because sustainability is becoming an issue for corporates as well?
Yes, using green energy is improving the brand image of our company image, especially among our clients and team members. We deal with global clients who are extremely conscious about green energy and the importance of conservation. They feel proud to be associated with us when they come to know about our green initiatives.
How do you find other corporates looking at using green energy to make their operations decarbonised?
I strongly believe that other corporates are also becoming aware about sustainable practices. More and more companies are adopting green practices like tapping solar sources for energy needs. They are not only using solar power but also making use of smart devices to reduce consumption and improve efficiency.
What other green practices you are adopting?
In addition to numerous green installations in our most recent building, we are encouraging our staff to car- pool to work. In our new building, we have placed miniature plants beside each desk to filter the air and enhance the ambiance. We have also setup a plant for rain water harvesting.
Do you see one day your company using electric vehicles as part of the sustainable initiative?
Certainly, infact we already have users who commute by electric vehicles and as part of pilot project we have a charging point available for employee vehicles at the parking area in one of our premises. We expect it will grow very fast in the near future.
