Pratibha Syntex works towards 30% emissions reduction using Higg insights
Setting a data-backed baseline
Environmental sustainability is integral to the business at Pratibha Syntex, an apparel manufacturer based in Pithampur India.
In 2016, to stay ahead of the competition and continue their leadership in sustainability, the company set goals to cut energy use by 20% and greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020. Because they started using Higg more than four years prior, Mrinal Bose, Sustainability Manager at Pratibha Syntex, and his team had historical data to measure their baseline energy consumption in 2016, and used this data to set reduction targets. With the help of Higg, the team set a goal to reduce the quantity of energy consumed and GHG’s emitted per garment, as a way of normalizing for business fluctuations such as a change in units produced.
8%
Reduction in energy use per garment produced, 1 year after implementing
180k liters
Reduced use of diesel fuel
40%
Main plant electricity now provided by solar
Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Because Pratibha Syntex targeted reductions in both energy and greenhouse gas emissions, Bose and his team implemented a wide reaching sustainability program, with projects helping reduce both Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Scope 1
In one facility, the company transitioned from a diesel boiler to using biomass briquettes which will reduce diesel use by 180,000 liters. They also installed two harmonic frequency monitors, which prevent equipment from overheating and pulling inconsistent electricity loads. While the monitors only save about 2% energy reduction, they help Pratibha Syntex identify deeper potential equipment issues and improve energy efficiency. The company also plans to upgrade its compressed air system with a more energy-efficient high-tension compressor, resulting in significant energy savings.
Scope 2
Beyond upgrades, Pratibha Syntex is also committed to diverting its reliance on fossil fuels. The company plans to draw 40% of its energy from renewable sources, and has installed solar arrays across its facilities.
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Examples include the emissions produced by gasoline-powered vehicles owned by the company or from coal used in onsite boilers.
Scope 2 Emissions
Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy. A common example is purchased electricity delivered through a grid.
Scope 3 Emissions
Include all indirect emissions (not included in scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream* and downstream** emissions. Sources of scope 3 emissions are diverse.
To manage progress and impact across these projects, Pratibha Syntex uses Higg. Bose and his team have access to energy consumption data across their facilities – they use the platform’s straightforward energy use comparisons to report on annual progress. In 2017, their facilities’ Higg FEM self-assessments indicated a decrease in energy consumption of 8% per garment produced compared to 2016. Through a combination of projects big and small, the company already measured promising progress.
Sustainability data strengthens stakeholder relationships
Bose acknowledges that implementing reduction projects can be expensive. However, there is an upside. “Savings from energy reductions will become visible over time and projects can pay back in due course,” he said. On top of financial savings, Pratibha Syntex finds that energy and greenhouse gas emissions projects create business value by preparing the company for future changes, helping them get ahead of competitors on sustainability efforts. Bose also says these projects will lead to improved Higg scores, attracting new supply chain business partners.
Aligning with global sustainable development goals
Pratibha Syntex sought ways to align its operations with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bose says that the company’s use of Higg FEM to report environmental performance and its implementation of improvement efforts demonstrate Pratibha Syntex’s alignment with SDG 13: Climate Action.
Collaboration helps us all succeed
According to Bose, pursuing energy and greenhouse gas saving programs will benefit any organization seeking to do business in a more sustainable, responsible, and profitable way. He encourages other companies to consider setting energy reduction targets and establishing sustainability projects. “When organizations achieve results, they can be shared,” he said. “This allows others to implement successful projects, too.”
Legend
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Examples include the emissions produced by gasoline-powered vehicles owned by the company or from coal used in onsite boilers.
Scope 2 Emissions
Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy. A common example is purchased electricity delivered through a grid.
Scope 3 Emissions
Include all indirect emissions (not included in scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream* and downstream** emissions. Sources of scope 3 emissions are diverse.
