WWF India, Wipro to use IT for development

  • 11/08/2008

  • Hindu (New Delhi)

"An attempt to develop ideas, actions for sustainable growth' Climate change, water, waste management to be considered Some areas would be related to IT solutions as drivers for low carbon economy NEW DELHI: One of the largest conservation organisations in the country WWF India along with Wipro Limited has unveiled an initiative to explore the use of information technology to drive sustainable development. As part of the project, issues of climate change, water and waste management and biodiversity conservation will be looked into. "It is an attempt to develop ideas and actions for sustainable growth based on relevant dimensions of environmental sustainability. The two organisations will collaborate in areas of innovative information technology and research and development applications for environmental sustainability,' said a release. Some of the areas of joint work would be related to information technology solutions as drivers for low carbon economy such as virtual meeting enablers, environment friendly ICT products, devices and systems that drive energy efficiency of a variety of economic assets and advocacy for ecologically sustainable standard practices in the IT industry. Other areas of joint work would include optimising the ecological footprint of Wipro's own operations and biodiversity conservation through pilots on Wipro's campuses and WWF priority sites. WWF India Secretary General Ravi Singh said: "We are now in a phase where the unsustainable trend of increased carbon emissions and overuse of natural resources is undermining the future of the planet. Progressive institutions must move outside their comfort zone and join hands to address this challenge. Information technology solutions can play an important role in reducing carbon emissions and we are looking forward to the partnership with Wipro.' WWF India aims at bringing in a paradigm shift towards climate smart development. A core element of the programme is to look at resource smart solutions for ecological sustainability and low carbon economy. The programme will work in partnership with Wipro to bring a transition towards low carbon development path.