Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)

The ozone layer surrounding the earth, around 15-30 km from the surface, acts as a natural filter to prevent the sun's biologically harmful ultra-violet radiation. The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, regulates/bans the use of ozone-depleting substances internationally. India, one of the signatories to this Protocol, has formulated rules and committed a schedule to phase out ODS production and use in India.

ITC guidelines require that:

• All newly purchased equipment is free of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), Halons and Methyl Chloroform (MCF).
• Units should monitor and reduce consumption of ODS.
• Units should plan replacement of all the affected existing equipment well before ODS Rules' deadlines.
• ODS should be recovered from all the equipment being replaced for recycling or safe disposal.

The Corporate EHS department audits implementation of these guidelines in all the units. Total consumption of ODS (CFC-11 equivalent) in 2005-06 was 198 kgs, down 72.3% from 716 kgs last year.

Significant Spills of Chemicals, Oils and Fuels

Corporate EHS guidelines require all ITC units to have effective spill control measures to eliminate or contain any spills of chemicals, oils, fuels and hazardous wastes/substances to prevent any adverse impact on environment and sub-soil. The storage facilities are designed to international standards with adequate controls such as impervious flooring, dyke walls, leak detection systems and spill control procedures, etc. All hazardous wastes, before disposal, are stored in suitable containers to prevent any leakage or spill. Once a year, every ITC unit is audited to ensure effectiveness of these measures. No chemical, oil, fuel or waste spill was reported in any of the ITC units during 2005-06.

Biodiversity

None of ITC units/operations is situated in a biodiversity sensitive zone. In 2005-06, construction of a new factory in Uttaranchal has been taken up in a government identified industrial area. Construction of a new hotel in Bengaluru is taking place at a site previously occupied by a housing colony for ITC managers.

Both these projects have been undertaken after detailed Environmental Impact Assessment and Stakeholders' Consultations. All the issues from these studies and consultations have been suitably addressed.

Beyond Compliance

ITC's uncompromising dedication to internationally benchmarked performance ensures that all units continue
to comply with relevant statutes on Environment Occupational Health and Safety.

During the year 2005-06, world-class, third party certified, management systems like ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 and the use of state-of-the-art processes/technologies - supported by audits by the Corporate EHS - ensured that all ITC units continued to be free of any violations of regulatory or voluntary requirements.