Connect with us

Concrete

Achieving net zero requires a multifaceted approach

Published

on

Shares

Mahendra Singhi, Member of Board of Governors and Strategic Advisor, Dalmia Cement (Bharat), shares insights into India’s Net Zero mission with Kanika Mathur.

India’s path to Net Zero is full of challenges. As a hard-to-abate industry, the cement sector needs to chart out strategies for achieving carbon neutrality. Discover how innovative approaches and policy support are shaping a sustainable future in this exclusive and insightful interview.

What is your view on the net zero mission, and how do we plan to achieve it?
The net zero mission is not merely a necessity for the cement sector or any specific industry but a global imperative. Every sector, whether service or manufacturing, must strive for net zero to address climate change and ensure a safe future for subsequent generations. The cement industry, in particular, has a significant role to play since it accounts for approximately 7-8 per cent of global CO2 emissions.
CO2 is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, and the cement industry’s contribution to these emissions is substantial. However, the good news is that the cement industry, especially in India, has been proactive. Over the years, it has explored and implemented strategies to lower carbon emissions. Initially, the focus was on low-carbon technologies. By adopting these technologies, the industry has already achieved significant reductions in CO2 emissions. Moreover, companies have begun integrating net-zero strategies into their business models, recognising that climate strategies are also sound business strategies. For example, the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) report recently highlighted the top 10 global cement companies prepared for a low-carbon transition, and five of these were Indian companies. This reflects a mindset shift towards sustainability, with Dalmia Cement leading the pack.
At Dalmia Cement, we believe in the philosophy that clean and green practices are both sustainable and profitable. Over the last decade, this philosophy has translated into a 33 per cent reduction in our CO2 emissions while simultaneously increasing revenue and profits. Such achievements demonstrate that net zero is not only achievable but also beneficial for business.

Alternative fuels and raw materials, digitalisation, technology, and Industry 4.0 are seen as crucial. Which plays the most significant role, or are they equally important?
Achieving net zero requires a multifaceted approach, and in the context of the cement industry, four key levers are critical. First, reducing the clinker content in cement production is essential. Clinker production is a major source of emissions due to the calcination of limestone. To mitigate this, we are focusing on producing blended cements such as PPC, PSC, PCC, and the newer L3 cement. Currently, India produces 73 per cent low-carbon blended cement. However, there is a need to eliminate the production of OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement), which emits around 900 kg of CO2 per tonne, compared to 400-500 kg for blended cements. Government policies, as well as support from the real estate and construction sectors, are essential for this transition.
Secondly, the use of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) offers a significant opportunity to reduce emissions. Transitioning to non-fossil fuels has shown promising results in regions like Europe and Japan, where AFR usage has reached 70-80 per cent, aided by strict regulations and quality waste management. In India, while progress is evident, AFR usage currently stands at around 10-15 per cent. Scaling this up will significantly contribute to emission reductions, as AFR accounts for approximately 20 per cent of total emissions.
Third, the transition to renewable energy sources is imperative. Transitioning to 100 per cent renewable energy through waste heat recovery systems, solar, wind, or hydro power is vital. Many companies have set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption. However, supportive government regulations, such as banking facilities for renewable power, are necessary to accelerate this shift.
Finally, carbon capture technology (CCU/CCS) represents one of the most challenging yet impactful levers for achieving net zero. Capturing and either utilising or storing CO2 emissions can address roughly 50 per cent of emissions. While successful pilot projects are underway in Europe and the US, widespread adoption in India requires cost reductions and government support through incentives similar to the PLI scheme.

How can policymakers balance urban infrastructure development with carbon emission reduction?
As a developing country, India must prioritise growth to provide essential resources and amenities. However, this growth must be decoupled from emissions. Policymakers can achieve this by mandating the use of low-carbon technologies in new infrastructure projects and promoting blended cements over OPC through procurement policies. Additionally, supporting renewable energy adoption by providing banking facilities for renewable power and enhancing waste management practices to improve AFR quality are crucial steps. Introducing a polluter-pay policy can further offset the additional costs incurred by the cement industry. The Indian government’s commitment to maintaining a lower per-capita emission level compared to developed nations underscores its resolve to achieve sustainable growth.

How do you see the journey towards net zero unfolding?
The journey towards net zero is advancing steadily. In 2018, we at Dalmia Cement announced our carbon-negative and net zero roadmap during COP24. This commitment inspired other companies worldwide to adopt similar strategies. By COP26 in Glasgow, the Global Cement and Concrete Association committed to achieving net zero cement and concrete by 2050.
The global cement sector has been proactive, embracing new technologies and sustainability practices. Indian companies, too, are leading the way with innovative strategies and strong commitments. I am optimistic that within the next 10-25 years, the Indian cement industry will make significant strides towards achieving net zero, setting a benchmark for other industries globally.

Concrete

India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

Published

on

By

Shares
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

Continue Reading

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

Published

on

By

Shares
JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

Continue Reading

Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

Published

on

By

Shares

Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

Continue Reading

Trending News

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

 

Don't miss out on valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like minded professionals.

 


    This will close in 0 seconds