Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has been awarded the prestigious 'Green Award' in the large industries category (North Zone) for the year 2011-2012 by the Tamil Nadu Government. HMIL was felicitated for its sustainable water and energy efficient manufacturing practices. HMIL has undertaken several initiatives, which have reduced environmental pollution and dependence on government sources for water.

The HMIL factory is a zero discharge plant where the used water is recycled by two Reverse Osmosis plants installed inside the factory to facilitate water reuse. HMIL's four rain water harvesting ponds have a total capacity of 2.75 lakh kilo litres, thereby helping the factory to be fairly self-sufficient in its water requirements. HMIL has also adopted several energy conservation measures like solar water heater for canteens, solar light pipe for office lighting, LED lights for streets, automatic switch off for many equipments including air conditioners, and its target is to reduce energy consumption by three to four percent annually.

The prestigious award, announced by the Government of Tamil Nadu, aims to recognise the initiatives taken by the industry in safeguarding the environment and encourages corporate to become more environmentally responsible. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi J Jayalalithaa gave away the award to R Sethuraman, Director, Finance & Corporate Affairs, HMIL at a function held in the State Secretariat today.

Speaking on the occasion, Sethuraman said, "It is indeed an honour to be recognised by the Government of Tamil Nadu for our efforts in environmental sustenance. HMIL has taken its responsibilities very seriously and encourages all stakeholders associated with it to practice environmentally sustainable practices; our initiatives have saved the company over Rs 2 crore in water bills."