The 11th CII Green Cementech underlines the need to adopt alternate fuel and raw material utilisation in cement industry.
In its efforts to promote sustainable development of cement sector and demonstrate that green makes good business sense, CII – Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre (CII – Godrej GBC) with the support of all the stakeholders has been playing a catalytic role in promoting world class energy efficiency initiatives in cement industry by promoting latest technologies and energy management practices by organising various workshops, conferences and national and international missions. The 11th edition of the conference held on 14 and 15 May 2015 at Hyderabad Cement on cement technologies evoked excellent response from all the participants. Dr. K V Mistry, Chairman, Gujarat Pollution Control Board speaking at the 11th CII Green Cementech highlighted how municipal solid waste (MSW) is a huge concern of environment and called on the need to address it in a holistic manner. He underlined the need for effective utilisation of CSR funds, raw material and highlighted how cement industry can put those resources to efficient use. Mistry also highlighted the challenges faced for increasing the use of RDF. He also discussed various initiatives undertaken by the state government of Gujarat in increasing the use of AFR. Dr. N P Shukla, Chairman, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board highlighted how the cement industry which was once considered the most polluting is now on the march of turning green and becoming energy efficient. He shared the experience of Bhopal Working Model where plastic was recycled in a cement plant resulting in adoption of alternate fuel in the unit. This could be an excellent model for other states to follow, he added. Dr Shukla also shared his thoughts on how to deal with plastic, promote sustainable business model for usage of MSW and RDF in cement industries.
G Jayaraman, Chairman, Green Cementech 2015 said that cement industry is one of the vital sectors of economy and is also acting as stimulus to the growth of other sectors such as industries, infrastructure, etc and also providing employment opportunities to more than million people directly and indirectly.
He said that cement sector to become world class in green should focus on utilising the waste heat recovery potential, further utilisation of AFR, and improving specific energy consumption by implementing energy efficient technologies.
According to NA Viswanathan, Secretary General, Cement Manufacturers Association in the days to come the demand for cement would grow significantly. Effective utilisation of waste, energy conservation measures would go a long way in producing cement in the sustainable way.
K Ravichandran, DEE, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board suggested how cement industry can take up operations under CSR and consider other potential opportunities to partner with government and other regulatory bodies and continue to contribute to nation building. Shiva Reddy, JCEE, APPCB, said that with increased focus on smart cities and urbanisation, there would be an opportunity for cement sector to increase their AFR substitution in klins, since there would increase in generation of municipal solid waste. Dr. S. K Handoo, Advisor (Technical), Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA), called on the need for more support from Pollution Control Boards to encourage the adoption of AFR in cement industry.
The day was also marked by felicitating P R Ramasubrahmaneya Rajha, Chairman, Ramco Group with ?Distinguished Personality? award for his outstanding contribution to Indian cement sector and for setting new benchmarks in environmental management.