Concrete

Moving Towards Net-Zero

Published

3 years ago

January 16, 2023

admin

The 17th NCB International Conference on Cement, Concrete and Building Materials focussed on important aspects such as circular economy, sustainability, net zero and enhancing the use of alternative fuels for the Indian cement industry.

“The conference has given an opportunity for the industry to exchange thoughts and learnings through panel discussions and networking,” said Dr BN Mohapatra, DG-NCB.
The 17th International Conference on Cement, Concrete and Building Materials by the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) was held at Manekshaw Centre, Parade Road, New Delhi, from 6th to 9th December, 2022. Around 1,100 delegates attended the conference, which included 48 foreign delegates from 11 countries. During the span of the four-day event, 160 presentations were made in 20 technical sessions; 4 panel discussions were held, covering key topics of concerns for the industry; and speeches were delivered by keynote speakers.
NCB is the apex body in India for research, technology development and transfer, education and industrial services for cement, allied building materials and construction industries. The first NCB International Conference was held in the year 1987 and since then this is the 17th edition of the biennial event. ‘Moving Towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions’ was the theme of this year’s conference.
The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Anurag Jain, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, while Shri Anil Agrawal, Additional Secretary, DPIIT, Guest of Honour, delivered the speech on outlook of the Indian cement industry. The programme was initiated by Dr BN Mohapatra, DG-NCB, with a welcome address. KC Jhanwar, Chairman, NCB; President, Cement Manufacturers Association; and MD, UltraTech Cement, deliberated his views on ‘Indian Cement Industry-Future Outlook, Challenges & Opportunities.’ Mahendra Singhi, MD & CEO, Dalmia Cement (Bharat), presented his view on ‘Cement Industry Global Perspective.’
The Scientific Committee, comprising members from Niti Aayog, BIS, cement and construction industry, premier academic and research
institutes, was formed under the chairmanship
of Dr AK Chatterjee, Chairman, Conmat Technologies Pvt Ltd.
Chief Guest Shri Anurag Jain released four
NCB publications during the inaugural session.

These were:

The third edition of Compendium – The Cement Industry – India 2022
Publication on ‘Alternative Fuels – A Green Solution for Indian Cement Industry’
NCB Guide Norms on Cement Plant Operation
NCB Conference Proceedings containing full papers published in the conference

The conference was beneficial for a host of professionals from the industry such as cement and concrete professionals, top management personnel from cement and allied sectors, equipment / machinery manufacturers, designers and consultants, engineers, technologists, scientists, academicians, research scholars, students and economists, and users of cement and building materials as well as construction agencies.
The conference was sponsored by industry leaders such as UltraTech Cement
Dalmia Cement, JSW Cement, IKN India, Shree Cement, Nuvoco Vistas Corp, JK Cement, HeidelbergCement, JK Lakshmi Cement and KHD Humboldt Wedag India amongst others.
Supporting Organisations / Departments included:

Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Govt. of India
Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Govt. of India
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA)

Its media partners were Industrial Angles, Indian Cement Review, Construction World, International Cement Review, World Cement, ZKG International and Civil Engineering & Construction Review (CE&CR).

Exclusive interaction with Dr Mohapatra

Impact on the Industry
“Our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has undertaken a target of achieving Net Zero by 2070. Cement and steel sectors shall play a prominent role in achieving this target. At the conference, there are multiple technical experts who are addressing the five core levers of decarbonisation i.e., clinker factor, enhancing alternative fuels and raw materials, reduction of thermal and electrical energy consumption, waste heat recovery and carbon storage.
Indian plants are doing well in four of the five levels. NCCBM will be taking the support of Ministry of Environment and Forest, Bureau of Energy Efficiency and DPIIT to collaborate with industries to launch pilot projects and get government help for its implementation. Without carbon storage becoming a strong lever, it would be difficult to achieve carbon the neutrality target.”

Towards Net Zero Target
“The Ministry of Commerce & Industry – DPIIT is taking up numerous roles in helping the cement industry achieve this objective. They have formed Divisional Council for Cement Industry (DCCI), which will monitor and support all five parameters. They will also fast track the implementation of rules and regulations for getting clearances in a single window for the cement business, as well as taking the lead in supply of gypsum. The Gati Shakti is looking into reducing the substantial logistics costs and lot more.
DPIIT is taking bold steps in supporting the Indian cement industry in streamlining all areas where the industry is facing issues. NCCBM is also member of all teams that support sustainability for the cement industry like innovation for decarbonisation, carbon sequencing etc.”
“NCCBM is taking a stewardship role in connecting the Indian cement industry, academia and research institutes on a single platform, to together come up with solutions.”

The Panel Discussions

PANEL 1: Moving towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions in Indian Cement Industry

Panellists:

Shri Jamshed N Cooper, Managing Director, HeidelbergCement India Ltd
Shri Kiran Patil, Managing Director, Wonder Cement Ltd
Shri V S Narang, Director (Technical), My Home Industries Pvt Ltd
Shri Ganesh Jirkuntwar, National Manufacturing Head, Dalmia Cement (B) Ltd
Matthias Mersmann, Chief Technical Officer, KHD Humboldt Wedag International, Germany
Dr B N Mohapatra, Director General, NCB

PANEL 2: Sustainability and Circular Economy in Cement and Construction Sector

Panellists:

Sanjay Pant, DDG (Standardization), BIS,
Neeraj Sinha, Sr Advisor (S&T), NITI Aayog
Prof D N Singh, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay
Prof Manoranjan Parida, Director, CSIR-CRRI
K J Patel, Director & Unit Head, IFFCO Paradeep
Madhumita Basu, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd.
Dr S K Chaturvedi, Joint Director, NCB

PANEL 3: Enhancing AF & ARM utilisation in Indian Cement Industry

Panellists:

Shri Arun Kumar Shukla, CEO & Director, J K Lakshmi Cement Ltd.
Shri Vivek Agnihotri, CEO & Executive Director, Prism Johnson Ltd.
Shri Pankaj Kejriwal, Whole Time Director & COO, Star Cement Ltd.
Shri Sanjay Joshi, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd.
Shri S K Rathore, Chief Manufacturing Officer, J K Cement Ltd.
Shri G Veera Babu, Chief Manufacturing Officer, JSW Cement Ltd.
Shri Bimal Modi, Head (AFR), UltraTech
Cement Ltd.
Dr B N Mohapatra, DG-NCB

PANEL 4: National Mission on Sustainable Habitat -2030
Panellists:

Dr Shailesh Kr. Agrawal, Executive Director, BMTPC
Dr B Bhattacharjee, Emeritus Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi
Prof K V L Subramaniam, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Hyderabad
Prof Amit Hajela, Director and
Domain Head, Amity School of Architecture and Planning
Yatin Choudhary, Fellow, TERI
P N Ojha, Jt. Director, NCB

The keynote presentations in the technical sessions covered the following topics:

160 papers were presented in 20 technical sessions based on specific themes like:

Low Carbon Cements
Other Binders and Building Materials
Alternate / Waste Fuels and Raw Materials
Net Zero Emissions, Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS)
Cement Plant Machinery and Project Engineering
Productivity Enhancement and Process Optimization
Energy Conservation Systems
Performance and Durability of Concrete
Concrete Deterioration Mechanisms and Advanced Concrete System
Advances in Grinding Systems
Emerging Trends
Total Quality Management
Analytical Methods and Lab Automation
Smart and High Performance Concrete
Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
Distress Investigation, Repair/ Strengthening/ Retrofitting of Concrete Structures
Sustainable Construction Practices and Other Building Material and Binders

The chairman and co-chairman of the technical sessions were chosen from the senior executives of major cement companies. The papers were presented by cement plants personnel, cement plant machinery suppliers/OEMs, NCB scientist & Engineers, students from IITs, NITs, BITS Pilani etc. Based on evaluation done by the respective Chairman and Co-chairman of the technical session, one paper from each technical session has been selected as paper of high merit.

The Exhibition

The 17th NCB International Conference also had a technical exhibition, which was held concurrently at the conference venue. The exhibition gave additional exposure to the latest in available technologies and services for efficient operation of cement plants, making of concrete and construction activities. A cultural programme was also organised on day 2 of the conference, with performances that depicted India’s cultural diversity.
Speaking about the success of the conference, Dr Mohapatra said, “After this 4-day conference, I see a huge potential with the knowledge accumulated amongst the industry experts and an opportunity for cement manufacturers to innovate with low carbon cement products and support a circular economy. This conference has given high mileage to every sector.”
“NCCBM was a great platform for participating, where cement companies, machinery manufacturers and allied service providers shared technical knowledge and commercial aspects. Showcase of technical papers, achievement of various plants in terms of carbon emission, environment protection and good working conditions of various plants gives a feeling that we can feel proud of the Indian cement industry and say, ‘Saare jahan se acha, Hindustan hamara’. We distributed badges and tie sets marked with
‘Proud Indians’ at the conference,” said Pradip Kalra of Stotz Gears.
The Conference was received very well by the cement industry as was evident by the attendance and engagement of the delegates and visitors, who left behind encouraging testimonials, appreciating the successful organisation of the biennial conference by NCB.

The Awards

The concluding session of 17th NCB International Conference was held on 9th December 2022 and attended by Chief Guest Shri Som Parkash, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India and Guest of Honour Shri Shashank Priya, Special Secretary & Financial Advisor, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India along with Shri Jamshed N Cooper, MD, Heidelberg Cement India Ltd..; Dr B N Mohapatra, Director General-NCB and Dr S K Chaturvedi, Organising Secretary, 17th NCB International Conference. The Chief Guest also distributed the National Awards for Energy Efficiency, Environmental Excellence and Total Quality Excellence in the Indian Cement Industry for years 2019-22.

S.NO. AWARDS Plant Name
I. Awards for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants
1 Best Award for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants RCCPL Pvt. Ltd.,
Maihar, Madhya Pradesh
2 Second Best Award for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Sree Jayajothi Cements Pvt. Ltd., My Home Group Industries, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh
3 Third Best Award for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants JK Cement Works, Muddapur,
Karnataka
4 First Consolation Prize for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants UltraTech Cement Ltd., Unit: Kotputli Cement Works, Rajasthan
5 Second Consolation Prize for Energy Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., Sirohi, Rajasthan
II. Awards for Environment Excellence in
Integrated Cement Plants
1 Best Award for Environment Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd., Belagavi Unit, Karnataka
2 Second Best Award for Environment Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd., Dalmiapuram, Tamil Nadu
3 Third Best Award for Environment Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants JK Cement Works, Muddapur,
Karnataka
4 First Consolation Prize for Environment Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Shree Beawer Cement Plant,
Ajmer, Rajasthan
5 Second Consolation Prize for Environment Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd., Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu
III. Awards for Total Quality Excellence
in Integrated Cement Plants
1 Best Award for Total Quality Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Shree Cement Ltd. (RAS), Pali, Rajasthan
2 Second Best Award for Total Quality Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Birla Corporation Ltd.
Unit: Birla Cement Works & Chanderia Cement Works, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
3 Third Best Award for Total Quality Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants UltraTech Cement Ltd.,
Unit: Aditya Cement Works, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
4 First Consolation Prize for Total Quality Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants Shree Raipur Cement Plant, Shree Cement Ltd., Baloda Bazar, Chhattisgarh
5 Second Consolation Prize for Total Quality Excellence in Integrated Cement Plants JK Cement Works, Muddapur, Karnataka

IV. Awards for Achieving Circular Economy in
Integrated Cement Plants
1 Best Award for Achieving Circular Economy in Integrated Cement Plants UltraTech Cement Ltd.,
Unit: Reddipalayam Cement Works, Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu
2 Second Best Award for Achieving Circular Economy in Integrated Cement Plants JK Cement Works, Muddapur, Karnataka
3 Third Best Award for Achieving Circular Economy in Integrated Cement Plants Shree Beawer Cement Plant, Ajmer, Rajasthan
4 First Consolation Prize for Achieving Circular Economy in Integrated Cement Plants Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd., Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu
5 Second Consolation Prize for Achieving Circular Economy in Integrated Cement Plants Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., Chittor Cement Plant, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
V. Awards for Energy Excellence in Grinding Units
1 Best Award for Energy Excellence in Grinding Units UltraTech Cement Ltd., Unit: Jharsuguda Cement Works, Odisha
2 Second Best Award for Energy Excellence in Grinding Units JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., Kalol, Gujarat
3 Third Best Award for Energy Excellence in Grinding Units JK Cement Works, Jharli, Haryana
4 First Consolation Prize for Energy Excellence in Grinding Units Ambuja Cement Ltd. –Adani Group, Roorkee Grinding Unit, Uttarakhand
5 Second Consolation Prize for Energy Excellence in Grinding Units Calcom Cement India Ltd., Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd., Lanka, Assam
I. Awards for Environment Excellence in Grinding Units
1 Best Award for Environment Excellence in Grinding Units My Home Industries Pvt. Ltd., Mulakalapalli, Anakappali, Andhra Pradesh
2 Second Best Award for Environment Excellence in Grinding Units Star Cement Ltd., Guwahati, Assam
3 Third Best Award for Environment Excellence in Grinding Units Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd., Bokaro, Jharkhand
4 First Consolation Prize for Environment Excellence in Grinding Units JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., Kalol, Gujarat
5 Second Consolation Prize for Environment Excellence in Grinding Units JK Cement Works, Jharli, Haryana

Up Next

ACC wins National Safety Award at 10th Global Safety Summit

Don't Miss

Our next target is to further reduce heat consumption

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

6 days ago

June 5, 2026

admin

World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

6 days ago

June 4, 2026

admin

Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

1 week ago

June 1, 2026

admin

The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in India’s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.