Texas Instruments India employees cycle to work to reduce carbon footprint

‘Pedal your way to work and help reduce our carbon footprint’, was the message given to all Texas Instruments India (TII) employees recently. Over 150 TI’ers peddled their way to work, either on owned or rented cycles, celebrating the ‘International Bike to Work’ day.  The employees then took a cycle ride around Bagmane Tech Park where TI is located, spreading the message of reducing the carbon footprint.

As the first MNC to set up an R&D centre in India in 1985, Texas Instruments celebrates 30 years of being in the country. The company is reiterating its commitment to the environment this year, by holding cycling based events at its campus. Every year, through the ‘International Bike to Work Day’, TI has sought to reduce CO2 emissions in the environment.  The company encourages its employees to cycle rather than drive, and every day over 30 TI’ers bike to work and contribute to a healthy environment.

This year, 150 cyclists paddled almost 1500 km, to and from office and around the campus, with significantly increased participation this year, the cyclists have saved about 450 kilograms of carbon dioxide. The event was made enjoyable with the addition of a slow cycle race. Also, interactive sessions on bike maintenance and benefits of cycling were shared.

“TI has a strong history of environmental stewardship and works to continuously improve environmental efficiency at its sites worldwide. As we celebrate 30 years of operations in India, we are even more committed to minimizing our carbon footprint, use of energy, water, and other resources”, said Santhosh Kumar, President and Managing Director, Texas Instruments India.

Besides the benefits of improved air quality, cycling to work helps decrease stress, reduces wear and tear on personal vehicles, eases traffic congestion as well as increases savings with less spending at fuel stations.

TI has been recognized as among the world's 100 best corporate citizens by Corporate Responsibility (CR) Magazine, ranking 17th on the magazine's 16th-annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List.  The 100 Best Corporate Citizens List recognizes public companies that had outstanding performance in 2014 in seven areas: environment, climate change, employee relations, human rights, governance, finance and philanthropy.