Tata Steel today launched ‘The Green School Project’ in association with TERI. The project was launched at Tata DAV Public School, Joda by Mr Chanakya Chaudhary, Group Director (Corporate Communication & Regulatory Affairs), Tata Steel, Mr Rajeev Singhal, Vice President (Raw Materials), Tata Steel, Ms Mita Singhal and Ms Livleen Kahlon, Associate Director, Environment Education and Awareness Area, TERI.

The project was launched in the presence of Mr Pankaj Satija, General Manager (Ore, Mines & Quarries), Tata Steel, Mr Mukesh Ranjan, Chief Joda, Tata Steel, Mr Manish Mishra, Chief Regulatory Affairs, Tata Steel, along with principals, teachers and students of schools that are part of ‘Green School Project’.

This initiative is aimed at creating awareness and understanding about environment issues in school campuses in the operational areas of Tata Steel. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a leading research institute in the fields of energy, environment and sustainable development based in New Delhi, will be actively involved in promoting environment messaging through classrooms and outdoor activities.

There are 10 schools identified across the state of Jharkhand and Odisha in the 1st phase of the ‘Green School Project’. The schools selected are: Model School Jamposi, Jajpur; Stewart School, Sukinda; St Mary's High School, Noamundi; DAV Public School, Noamundi; St Teresa School, Joda; DAV Public School, Joda; Residential Bridge School, Joda; Holy Cross School, West Bokaro; DAV School, Jamadoba and Government High School, Tomka, Bamnipal.

The project will run for 15 months in these schools. There will be year-round activities related to environment in these schools. “Whole school” approach will be adopted with emphasis on students of Class 6 to 8 in the formal schools for capacity building initiatives. For students from Bridge Schools, focus will be on striving to mainstream them in project activities by promoting communication through art and craft, theatre, folklores etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chanakya Chaudhary said: “We in Tata Steel are committed to proactively address climate change issues. Our responsibilities towards environment are driven by our commitment to create a sustainable business. Promoting sustainable environmental practices through education and working with schools is an effort to create an awareness and sensitivity amongst students about their responsibility towards environment.”

Addressing the gathering, Mr Rajeev Singhal said: “In line with our approach towards creating a sustainable future for all stakeholders, we work continuously with the communities in and around our areas of operation to ensure economic, environmental and social sustainability. This initiative will enable students to act as a catalyst for future environment challenges.”

Ms Livleen Kahlon said: “The project will promote a proactive engagement with schools through enhancement in understanding about local environment issues.  We hope to touch the lives of students and teachers through the capacity building initiatives designed under the project and improve critical, inter-disciplinary and holistic problem solving skills amongst them.”

More than 200 school students and teachers from Tata DAV Public School, Joda St Teresa School, Joda, St Mary's High School, Noamundi, and Residential Bridge School, Joda, and Tata Steel officials associated with the project were present on the occasion. A knowledge session for teachers and students was also conducted post the launch followed by activities like On-spot Skit Competition and Model Making Competition. Prizes were given to students at the end of the programme.

Tata Steel Group stands among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 28 million tonnes per annum (MnTPA) and a turnover of US $17.69 billion in FY16. It is the world's second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and commercial presence in over 50 countries. Established in 1907, the Group’s vision is to be the world steel industry benchmark in “Value Creation” and “Corporate Citizenship” through the excellence of its people, approach and overall conduct. Underpinning this vision is a performance culture committed to aspiration targets, safety and social responsibility, continuous improvement, openness and transparency. Having bagged the Deming Application Prize and Deming Grand Prize for continuous improvement in 2008 and 2012 respectively, Tata Steel has now been recognised as the global ‘Industry Leader’ in ‘Steel category’ by Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Besides being one of ‘worldsteel’s’ Climate Action members, it has also been awarded the CII ITC Sustainability Prize, the ‘Best-in-class Manufacturing’ by TIME Award, the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant, among several others.

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