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PERSPECTIVES

Generating Solar Energy In Chennai

March 23, 2016
Pramit Jhaveri, Citi Country Officer, India

In January, Citi's Club House Road facility in Chennai, India, became the very first Citi Realty Services (CRS) managed location globally to install solar photovoltaic panels. These clean energy generating units were installed on the rooftop of Citi's office and are expected to generate a minimum of 60,000 kWh annually, generating around 3 percent of the building's annual electricity consumption as well as avoiding over 55 tons of carbon dioxide being released per year - a significant contribution towards conservation.

The installation follows Citi's global commitment to environmental sustainability. Chennai is on the 13°N latitude and receives solar radiation throughout the year, making it an ideal location for such a project. Through November and December 2015, the Citi Realty Service team installed the 168 photovoltaic panels, which convert solar energy directly into current electricity, spread across 5,000 sq. ft. on the terrace. The panels started generating electricity on January 19, 2016.

Chennai Solar Panels

During my visit to Chennai in February, I was delighted to unveil a dedication plaque to commemorate this green initiative. I was proud to be able to witness this milestone for our franchise in India. It reinforces Citi's commitment to sustainable development in India and I congratulate the CRS team for conceptualizing and leading this initiative.

Our CRS team has been at the forefront of our sustainability initiatives aligned with Citi's Sustainable Progress strategy, including our commitment to environmental and social risk management and the Equator Principles for our business activities, and our focus on being environmentally and socially responsible in the communities where we do business. The team has also led our US Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification initiatives, with over 50% of the India footprint LEED certified. I am confident that we will continue to identify additional opportunities that demonstrate our sustainability commitments.

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