By IANS
New Delhi : Coca-Cola India has been awarded the Golden Peacock Global Award for corporate social responsibility, the company said here Tuesday.
“This award recognises the company’s efforts in water conservation and management, and its community development initiatives,” a company spokesperson said.
Ola Ullsten, former prime minister of Sweden and chairman of the awards jury, presented the award to the company at the third Global Conference on Social Responsibility in Vilamoura, Portugal.
Speaking on the occasion, Ullsten said: “Golden Peacock Awards have been instituted by World Council for Corporate Governance, UK, to create competitiveness in the area of corporate social responsibility. We are hopeful that Coca-Cola India’s effort in promoting sustainable communities sets an example for other organisations to follow.”
Atul Singh, president and CEO of Coca-Cola India, said: “We are also establishing a foundation which will further strive to make a positive impact on local communities. The company remains committed to work with stakeholders and communities across the country in its bid to contribute to mutual growth and development.”
The company spokesperson said Coca-Cola India has installed 320 rainwater-harvesting structures in 17 states and has restored several traditional water bodies and several check dams across the country for water conservation.
The company has a target to reach a “net zero” balance with respect to groundwater use by 2009, the spokesperson said.
It has also undertaken a project to provide drinking water to nearly 30,000 children in 100 schools in and around Chennai. The company plans to provide clean drinking water in 1,000 schools by 2010.