Telecom services provider Vodafone Essar is looking to set India-specific greenhouse gas emission mitigation targets for itself as part of an initiative to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 per cent globally by 2015.

"Globally, we have been acknowledged as a company which is focused on sustainability and transparency...We are working on reducing our carbon foorprint through various initiatives by 20 per cent globally by 2015 and are working on specific targets for India as well," Vodafone Essar Director (Strategy) Samaresh Parida told PTI.

A carbon footprint refers to a set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by any organisation, product or person. Companies globally are looking at reducing their carbon footprint through alternative projects like solar or wind energy, reforestation, etc.

Global environment NGO Greenpeace has been protesting against telcos in India for not disclosing the measures taken by the companies to lower their carbon emissions, including shifting toward renewable sources of energy to power their network operations.

Telecom regulator TRAI had also given recommendations in April on fostering environment-friendly telecom policies, suggesting measures to reduce dependency on fossil fuel and a format to measure the carbon footprint in the telecom network. The DoT is now studying these recommendations.

Vodafone Essar today launched its sustainability report, 'Footprints 2010-11', which highlights the steps taken by the company at the workplace, marketplace, environment and community levels to reduce GHG emissions.

The report was released by Minister of State for Telecommunications and IT Sachin Pilot. "I'm glad to see various initiatives taken by Vodafone India toward sustainability. While India Inc has made us a force to reckon with globally, it's equally important to contribute to the community and environment that are an integral part of the overall growth of the nation," Pilot said.

The company said it shuts down associated cabinets and extra transmitters during low traffic to reduce energy consumption, which has resulted in saving nearly 4 million kW of electricity and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 3,240,000 kg per annum. It has also piloted the concept of solar-powered sites to decrease dependency on diesel. The company is also working on waste management and other environmental projects. Its employees have also engaged in volunteer work with various agencies, the company said.