Wipro, HCL get green tag from Greenpeace

BANGALORE, INDIA: Indian software giant Wipro said it rose to the No.2 rank worldwide in the latest edition of the Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics, due to its strong performance on climate and continuing progress on e-waste management. HCL came fourth in the list.

Nokia remains on top with 7.5 points (out of 10). Samsung and Wipro are placed joint second, with Sony Ericsson, HCL, and Philips making up the top five in this industry-defining ranking guide, said a press release.

Wipro recently disclosed its externally verified Green House Gas (GHG) emissions of its business and manufacturing operations, and outlined a detailed plan to cut carbon emissions by 20 per cent over the next three years.

Wipro said it is the first Indian company to commit to absolute emission reduction targets. All its new Notebook models and over half of its desktop models are in compliance with the latest Energy Star rating. Wipro has also strengthened its performance on e-waste management by reporting an increase in e-waste recycling rate.

HCL also improved its ranking and is the second Indian brand in the top five global green companies list. HCL too has an improved e-waste recycling rate and half of its new products are compliant with the latest Energy Star rating. However, HCL has again failed to set targets for its carbon emissions reduction, the release added.

Both HCL and Wipro have reiterated that they would launch PVC and BFR-free products by the end of 2009.

“It is good to see Indian brands taking their environmental responsibilities more seriously and moving into the top bracket of the global green league. We hope they will turn words into action by launching PVC and BFR-free products soon,” said Abhishek Pratap, Toxics and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace India.

Greenpeace lifted penalty points from Hewlett Packard for launching a Notebook that is virtually free of PVC (vinyl plastic) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and for reprioritising its toxic PVC and BFR phase out by 2011.

“HP has taken the first step in catching up with Apple, which eliminated these materials from its product line almost a year ago,” said Greenpeace International Toxics campaigner, Iza Kruszewska. “HP’s action now puts pressure squarely on its competitors to launch more products that are cleaner and safer.”

LG Electronics plummeted seven places to 11th position, weighed down by a penalty point for backtracking on its timeline to eliminate PVC and BFRs from its products by the end of 2010. Only its mobile phone range would be free of these toxic substances as of 2010, while a toxics phase-out in their televisions and monitors has been delayed until 2012.

Dell and Lenovo retained their penalty points for delaying their phase-out commitments indefinitely. Fujitsu and Lenovo remain at the bottom of the table.

With just two months to go for crucial climate negotiations at Copenhagen, IT companies needed to take responsibility and do more, said Abhishek Pratap.

“Time is running out to prevent runaway climate change. It is imperative for big IT brands to demonstrate leadership by not only reducing their own carbon emissions but also enabling de-carbonised economic growth with their solutions”, concluded Pratap.