On the Energy criteria, HCL scores well on the disclosure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its entire operation. HCL discloses its direct (scope 1 and 2) GHG emissions, although the company fails to provide information about its employees’ travel (under scope 3 emissions). It also fails to set an ambitious target for renewable energy use. HCL performs reasonably well by committing to reduce its absolute GHG emissions by 20% by the year 2014. Its clean energy policy to mitigate its emissions lacks clarity. HCL’s advocacy scores were reduced in this edition due to lack of public support for renewable energy policy in India. It scores 1 point for initiating the process with suppliers for measurement of GHG emissions in its supply chain.

On the Products criteria, HCL scores half marks for its energy efficient products. HCL hasn’t updated information regarding ES 5.0 standards, citing numbers from 2010. The company continues to state that 29% of its products are free of polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) and brominated frame retardants (BFRs). HCL has pushed back its deadline to eliminate these chemicals from 2011 to December 2012 without mentioning a deadline to eliminate antimony and beryllium. HCL scores poorly on newly introduced criteria on the product life cycle because it provides little information on product warranty and innovation tools that would extend the life of its products. It fails to score on the use of recycled plastic in its products.

On the Sustainable Operations criteria, HCL – similarly to Wipro – scores well for providing convenient information to its customers in India to enable them to access its take-back service, which is available through 24 collection centres and via web registration. HCL also scores a point for its letter written to its supplier on avoidance of conflict metals in the products. HCL performs well on its chemical management policy and for its use of the precautionary principle, but missed out on a top score due to lack of clarity on chemical use. HCL did not disclose information about its sustainable paper sourcing policy; it needs to specifically set goals for recycled and Forest Stewardship Council certified supply, as well as to detail a policy that refuses to buy from companies engaging in deforestation and illegal logging.

HCL Infosystem's performance in detail: Download the company’s Scorecard here