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  Social Responsibility

Environment
Published on: Nov. 25, 2020, 2:53 a.m.
Indian Oil has a social initiative for a clean and green world
  • A tree planted for every customer visit during the campaign period

By S.M. Boothem

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has been introducing several initiatives to protect the environment near its operating locations. Apart from the large ecological parks close to its refineries, the oil major had also taken up an urban afforestation initiative under the title – 'Lungs of the city' – and covered 13 cities across India by planting more than 80,000 trees in 2019-20.

IOCL’s recently concluded all-India campaign – ‘TreeCheers’ – aimed at promoting environmental consciousness and boosting the country's green cover, has been a huge success. For every new  vehicle that zoomed into the IOC fuel station during the campaign period, IOC took a pledge to plant a sapling on behalf of customers. Over 226,000 customers drove into Indian Oil fuel stations to get their new vehicles refuelled during the campaign of 12-16 November 2020 and the company is expected to complete planting the required saplings across the country soon.

We were delighted when we got to know about the corporation’s TreeCheers campaign this Diwali, as we are in the hydro-carbon sector,” says Rahul Parikh, Autoworks India, Juhu, Mumbai. “Such campaigns fetch interesting positive feedback from our customers, coupled with loyalty rewards, which enable us to build a good start in our customer relationships with Indian Oil.”

Adds Reshma Irani, Fort Motors, Goregaon: “We celebrated this Diwali, building new relationships, welcoming vehicle owners and planting trees on their behalf, while also thanking them for sharing our concern for green environment. It’s a lifetime partnership for the good of the planet.”

Customers driving into any IOC petrol pump were also greeted at the forecourt by an Indian Oil customer attendant, who collected relevant details like mobile numbers, names and vehicles’ details. New vehicle owners then received SMSs registering them for TreeCheers. Once the sapling has been planted, a follow-up message will be sent informing them about the details of the sapling planted. Customers will also be able to download badges recognising their green contribution, from a link provided in the SMS.

The campaign also enabled dealers to not only contribute to a more sustainable world, but also to engage with the customers in an innovative and meaningful way. Many dealers across India, who had participated in the campaign, sent their positive feedback on this initiative, saying they looked forward to being associated with more such events in the future.

"As a responsible corporate entity, Indian Oil cares for the environment,” affirms Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, chairman, IOCL. “The planting of trees in such significant numbers across the country will cut pollution and enhance the green cover. These 226,000 trees will achieve a carbon sequestration to the tune of 136,000 tonnes of CO2e. Participation of our customers in the TreeCheers campaign in such large numbers during the festive season has also reinforced the belief in the environmental consciousness of our fellow citizens.” Vaidya has expressed the clients’ appreciation for the support and success of this green initiative.

“It has always been our endeavour to provide diversified energy solutions that minimise the negative impact on our environment and enhance the quality of life of the community, while sustaining a holistic business,” adds Vaidya. “We hope this unique initiative of planting a sapling for every new vehicle on the road will mobilise individuals to do their bit for a greener tomorrow. Every effort counts".

All customers participating in the campaign were handed welcome letters for evincing their interest in greening the environment. Also, Indian Oil offered them complimentary membership of their loyalty programme, XtraRewards, with bonus reward points, which can be redeemed against free fuel at Indian Oil fuel stations.


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