Aster achieves reduction of 6,824 tCO2e in net emissions in 2023

Aster DM Healthcare, a leading integrated healthcare provider in the GCC and India, has released its annual ESG Report, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, ambitious targets and a proven record of positive impact.

The company aligns its ESG practice with 10 key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), emphasising its dedication to global objectives.

In pursuit of a greener tomorrow, Aster has strategically integrated renewable energy sources, optimising water utilisation, waste management and sustainable transport management practises into its day-to-day operations.

With the integration of renewable energy sources including 3,679,200 KWh of solar energy, 2,300,000 KWh of wind energy, and 3,569,298 KWh of hydro energy, the company achieved a noteworthy reduction of 6,824 tCO2e reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions, despite significant operational expansion. Decarbonisation initiatives continued across five hospitals, with a new solar plant of 650 kWp commissioned at Aster Wayanad Specialty Hospital in Kerala – poised to reduce 460 tCO2e a year.

Water conservation efforts have seen a 17 per cent reduction in consumption across operations, with 85,515 KL water savings achieved through innovative practices, including recycling and rainwater harvesting. Aster's commitment to responsible waste management has resulted in the recycling of 423,806 kilograms of waste, emphasising the organisation's holistic approach to sustainability.

Commenting on the ESG practice, Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said: "At Aster, our commitment to ESG principles is woven into the fabric of our corporate culture. We actively integrate sustainable practices across every vertical of our operations, recognising that our dedication to environmental, social and governance considerations is a fundamental ethos guiding our journey towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

"Notably, we hold the highest ESG ranking among listed healthcare companies in India, earning a ‘strong’ rating from CRISIL, alongside multiple awards and recognition from different industry bodies in GCC. Looking ahead, we remain committed to further elevating our ESG standards by targeting a low-carbon and sustainable future.

"We envision setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship and social impact. Our goal is not just to meet current standards but to continuously raise the bar for excellence in ESG performance."

Beyond operations, Aster's corporate social initiatives, including the Aster Volunteers programme, impacted 4 million-plus lives through healthcare outreach to the underprivileged in the past year.

Initiatives such as planting more than 2,000 saplings, aiding 10,000 beneficiaries through programmes such as Aid for Assam and building 250 homes for victims of the Kerala floods, reflect Aster's role as a catalyst for positive change. Governance practices at Aster DM Healthcare align robustly with sustainability goals, ensuring ethical and responsible conduct.

Looking ahead, Aster remains committed to advancing its environmental agenda through the launch of a three-year plan. The organisation has emphasised climate change mitigation with a targeted reduction of 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in GCC and India. It also aims to reduce paper usage by two-thirds across the GCC and India, with the ambitious goal of planting 3,500 trees in these regions. Aster also plans to build a large-scale solar plant spread across 22 hectares in Kasargod which would power seven hospitals in Kerala.

By 2025, the organisation plans to reduce overall electricity consumption by 5 per cent throughout GCC and India, contributing to a more sustainable energy profile. In tandem, a parallel commitment to a 5 per cent overall reduction in water usage across these regions by fiscal year 2025 underscores dedication to responsible and efficient water management practices. Measures such as solar-powered lights across Aster Hospitals, solar car charging stations are set to be introduced.

The Aid Programme will expand disaster support to two additional regions in 2024, complementing the four regions in 2023. Simultaneously, plans include establishing five tele-med centres in the same fiscal year. Aster Volunteers Mobile Medical Services will see an expansion from 32 to 41 units in fiscal year 2024, covering diverse regions. Volunteer engagement targets an 18 per cent increase in registered Aster Volunteers in 2024, with external partnerships playing a pivotal role in achieving these objectives.

These initiatives collectively underscore Aster DM Healthcare’s comprehensive approach to environmental and social stewardship, affirming its commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient future.