Merino Group Honoured with Prestigious Prithvi Award 2024

In recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability and ground-breaking achievements in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, Merino Industries Ltd. has been awarded the prestigious Prithvi Award 2024.

Presented at the ESG Conference in New Delhi, the accolade was received by Shri Madhusudan Lohia, Director of Merino Industries Ltd., and Shri Rakesh Tirath, Advisor Corporate Affairs, Merino Industries Ltd; symbolizing Merino’s leadership in championing eco-friendly and responsible business operations. As one of the industry’s top honours, the Prithvi Award celebrates “Sustainability Icons,” highlighting organizations that are at the forefront of the global shift towards more sustainable and inclusive growth.

The award underscores Merino’s ongoing dedication to fostering a sustainable future through its holistic ESG initiatives. ERF, a not-for-profit organization established in 2021, aims to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of ESG principles across public and private sectors, spotlighting businesses that place sustainability at the core of their operations.

Merino’s journey to winning the Prithvi Award was shaped by its ground-breaking sustainability efforts under its flagship Nirmal Initiative. This initiative encompasses the company’s comprehensive approach to minimizing its environmental footprint while promoting renewable energy usage, water conservation, and carbon sequestration. The Nirmal program focuses on the five elements—energy (Analah), air (Vayu), soil (Bhūmih), water (Aapah), and waste (Khah), driving Merino’s sustainability agenda on a global scale.

A standout achievement in Merino’s sustainability portfolio during FY 2023-2024 is that, 74.6% of the company’s total energy needs, including both heat and electricity, were met through renewable and non-fossil fuel sources. This achievement significantly reduces Merino’s reliance on fossil fuels and aligns with India’s renewable energy goals. Biomass, BioGas and Solar Energy are non-fossil fuel/biogenic in nature, do not produce harmful GHG emissions like CO2 there by enabling a huge reduction in Carbon Foot print is achieved.

The company also produced around 95 metric tons of vermicompost, supporting the farming community engaged in contract farming with Merino. These efforts reflect Merino’s commitment to sustainability and its dedication to creating value from waste through circular economy principles, ensuring that no resource is considered waste.

Through its CSR initiatives, such as the Shri Hara Kasturi Memorial Trust, Merino has made significant contributions to education and healthcare. The free day-boarding school established by the company provides quality education along with three nutritious meals daily and essential school materials to more than 150 children from economically-deprived families. Additionally, the Yogakshema Scholarship Program, launched in 2018 in Kolkata, West Bengal, supports bright yet underprivileged students with a monthly stipend, covering their educational expenses.

In the health sector, Merino has successfully treated and cured 6,585 TB patients to date. During 2023-24, the company organized 14 health checkup camps in various villages, reaching 4,460 patients and raising awareness about tuberculosis, its causes, and prevention.

These initiatives reflect Merino’s commitment to advancing India’s green economy, promoting responsible business practices, and improving the quality of life for communities in need.

Shri Madhusudan Lohia, Director of Merino Industries Ltd., shared his perspective on the company’s achievement: “At Merino, sustainability is not just a goal – it is a core value that shapes everything we do. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to building a greener, more equitable future, not only for Merino but for the entire planet. The Prithvi Award strengthens our resolve to continue on this path, driving innovations that protect our environment while fostering growth and progress.”

The Prithvi Award reinforces Merino’s position as a leader in sustainable business practices, recognizing the company’s commitment to addressing urgent global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and responsible governance.