Chennai: The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) held its first Sustainability Conclave in the city in which French companies showcased their best Sustainable Initiatives.

It was launched in the presence of Ms. Lise Talbot Barré, Consul General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai, Chairperson, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Supriya Sahu, among others.

The event witnessed participation from Sustainability heads, policymakers, CXOs, business leaders and non-profit organizations with a gathering of over 70 business leaders from top French and Indian companies.

IFCCI also conducted a start-up competition among 20 promising sustainable start-ups out of which TELLUSHABITAT was announced the winner.

In her address, Lise Talbot Barré said “the ecological transition should not only be seen as a challenge but also as a tremendous opportunity to reinvent oneself and conquer new innovative market segments. French companies in Tamil Nadu have the will and the know-how to do so. They are taking part in this innovative ecological transition in India.”

Initiated by the Industries committee of the Chamber, the event showcased sustainable projects of top French companies in India with a focus on enhancing business-based social purpose and innovative theory of change.

Eisenhower SN, Managing Director, Saint Gobain India Pvt Ltd - Glass Solutions and Vice-Chairperson, IFCCI Industries Committee said Saint Gobain's vision statement was ‘Making the world a better Home’ and working on carbon neutrality by 2050. By 2026 in India, we will be meeting 100% of our electricity requirements from Renewable sources.

The event witnessed presentations from the leading French companies like Schneider  Electric, A Raymond Fasteners, Technip Energies, Saint Gobain, Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), Precia Molen India Pvt Ltd, TimacAgro and was sponsored by Schneider Electric, Saint Gobain, Michelin India pvt ltd, Technip Energies, Precia Molen and Annual Patron of the IFCCI Industries Committee, Indus law.

“Sustainability has emerged as a top priority and corporate leaders are considering a value-driven approach in their business strategies. It is also a key focus area for IFCCI and we are pleased to provide this unique platform for these innovative and sustainable startups to showcase their work, as well as for leaders to learn about best practices from their peers”, said Ms. Payal S.Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI.

(With UNI inputs)