Each year, Earth Overshoot Day marks the moment when humanity’s demand for ecological resources surpasses what the Earth can regenerate in a year. In 2024, that day fell on August 1st, reminding us that we are living on borrowed resources for the rest of the year. It's more than a calendar date—it’s a stark indicator of the widening gap between environmental sustainability and human consumption. For businesses, it signals an urgent need to reassess strategies, reimagine operations and reframe growth within the limits of our planet.

Earth overshoot day: a business-relevant reality

The implications of Earth Overshoot Day extend far beyond environmental activism. Climate risks, resource scarcity and increasing regulatory pressure are redefining market dynamics. Stakeholders—investors, consumers, employees and governments—are expecting companies to take the lead in creating low-impact, high-value solutions that address the twin challenges of ecological balance and economic growth.

At this intersection of accountability and opportunity, corporations have a critical role to play, not only in minimizing harm but in enabling a regenerative, inclusive future.

Innovative technologies like AI, IoT and blockchain are revolutionising the drive towards sustainability. AI can optimise energy consumption by predicting and adjusting usage patterns, while IoT enables real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, ensuring timely interventions. Blockchain, on the other hand, ensures transparency and traceability in supply chains, fostering trust and accountability. Together, these technologies are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.

Hcltech: driving responsible growth

At HCLTech, sustainability is embedded in our purpose, our operations and our innovation agenda. Recognizing our role as a global technology leader, we are aligning our actions with planetary boundaries and stakeholder expectations.

Here are some recent milestones that reflect this commitment:

• Near-term net-zero targets approved by sbti: HCLTech’s net-zero targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our emissions reduction trajectory with the 1.5°C pathway outlined in the Paris Agreement.
• Renewable energy: renewable energy share has risen from 19% in FY 2023-24 to 34.38% by the end of FY 2024-25.
• Supplier sustainability programs: Our Supplier Awards Program, launched in FY26, recognizes top-performing vendors based on ESG performance, encouraging a culture of sustainability throughout our supply chain.
• Water and waste management excellence: All HCLTech campuses in India are certified TRUE Zero Waste to Landfill, reflecting rigorous waste segregation, composting, e-waste disposal and elimination of single-use plastics. We continue to scale water positivity initiatives, addressing critical environmental stressors.

The role of stakeholders: internal and external allies

Sustainability at HCLTech is not a siloed effort—it is a shared responsibility driven by our people, partners, clients and communities.

• Employees are at the core of our transformation. Through training, innovation challenges and cross-functional collaboration, we are empowering teams to embed sustainability in every solution and service we deliver.
• Clients are increasingly prioritizing ESG goals and we work closely with them to co-create digital, low-carbon solutions that help decarbonize operations and drive sustainable innovation.
• Partners and Suppliers are critical levers in our net-zero journey. We engage them through awareness programs, data transparency and capacity-building initiatives to scale impact across the value chain.
• Communities and Ecosystems benefit from our long-standing CSR programs, which focus on environment, education and healthcare—contributing to the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A future we must design—together

As we reflect on Earth Overshoot Day, the urgency is unmistakable. We are living in a decisive decade—where every choice, every innovation and every collaboration can tip the scales. But alongside this urgency, there is optimism.

It's crucial that we all take action now to make a meaningful impact. Businesses should assess their carbon footprint and implement sustainable practices, while individuals can adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives. Together, we can drive the change needed to protect our planet for future generations.

The business case for sustainability is no longer optional—it is a driver of resilience, trust and long-term value. By embracing bold climate action, purpose-driven innovation and collective responsibility, companies like HCLTech are not just responding to the moment—they are shaping a better future.

Let Earth Overshoot Day not be a symbol of failure, but a catalyst for action.