Three Pune housing societies bag top honours in 'Switch to Green' contest

Mumbai: 'Switch 2 Green' - the first ever energy efficient housing society contest announced the winners of the campaign in an event attended by Chanchala Kodre, Mayor of Pune.

The grand prize was won by Indradhanu Cooperative housing society, while the first runner up and second runner up went to Nyati Environ Cooperative housing society and Sunshine Park Cooperative Housing Society Limited, respectively. 'Switch 2 Green' is an initiative by Racold Thermo Ltd and Green Energy Foundation.

The contest that kick-started in April 2013 had witnessed active participation from 8187 households across 50 housing societies in Pune. The idea here was to identify the most energy efficient housing society. The initiatives included training and educating societies on effective energy management. The training procedures included educating societies in steps to conserve energy, conducting energy audits, forming monitoring teams and conducting awareness programmes for the societies. It also highlighted the benefits of harnessing solar energy for water heating and lighting purposes.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest, Chanchala Kodre, said, "As citizens we should be aware of the way of conserving energy. It is important to also create this awareness amongst our future generation. All this is possible only if every individual takes responsibility and contributes towards making Pune a better city. I wish and hope that initiatives undertaken by Racold Thermo Ltd and Green Energy Foundation remain evergreen."

Mathew Job, MD of Racold Thermo said, "We congratulate all the winning societies and appreciate the contribution made by every participating society. It is overwhelming to receive such a tremendous response to our 'Switch 2 Green' initiative, which is a first of its kind. The housing societies are getting increasingly aware of electricity consumption and energy conservation. Through our contest, we hope that we have encouraged participation from more societies in future and raised awareness at all levels."

Sharmila Oswal, Chairman of Green Energy Foundation, added, "We are extremely delighted to receive the response from all the housing societies for an initiative which is so unique, especially for a city like Pune. With such initiatives we aim to position 'Pune' as the most energy efficient city not just in India but globally as well."
The winners of the contest were awarded Rs 2 lakhs and the first runner up and the second runner up was given Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000 respectively.

About Racold Thermo Limited

Racold Thermo Limited, the market leader in electrical heaters, has the country's largest and fully integrated equipment manufacturing unit at Chakan near Pune. Racold Thermo offers the latest in technology and international standards specially adapted to suit Indian conditions. Racold is a key player in solar water installation. Racold has received recognition from the MNRE, the National Energy Conservation award in 2012.Moreover it has also received the BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) award 3 times in a row for 2010, 2011 & 2012.

About Green Energy Foundation

Green Energy Foundation is a non-governmental organization, which is set to achieve global sustainable prosperity through energy, environment, and people. In order to enable a green and clean environment, GEF provides advisory services, green CSR efforts and assist governments in conceptualizing and building appropriate infrastructure for energy conservation.