Corporate world gets a ‘green’ crusader

Shankar Rao runs a consulting firm with a difference. Like others, he, too, advises his clients about making more money, but ensures they follow environment-friendly practices at the same time. Vimal Chander Joshi reports.

Shankar Rao runs a consulting firm with a difference. Like others, he, too, advises his clients about making more money, but ensures they follow environment friendly practices at the same time.

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"We want the corporate world to realise that it can also contribute to a healthy and safe environment. It's a misconception that one needs to spend extra money to reduce carbon footprint. We help companies do away with the processes which don't add value. This is how they can minimise their expenditure and contribute to the environment," said Rao.

Rao, who spent nearly 16 years working as an engineer in the corporate sector, said it was very difficult for him to quit a well-paying job and join a fledgling consulting firm that his father had founded.

"For many years, we worked with companies and helped them make money. But recently, we made a foray into environment-related projects, wherein we tell the companies how they can cut down on carbon footprint," he added.

His wife Jhumka also works with Rao at his home-cum-office in Sushant Lok 1. As one walks in, one finds only CFL tube lights adorning the couple's living room and the front courtyard of the house.

"Times are changing. Five years ago, companies were not very receptive to the idea of putting environment-friendly practices at extra cost. But now the scenario has changed," he said.

He has plans to sensitise schools about reduction of carbon footprints to make these institutions environment-friendly and inculcate good habits.