Concrete

Reliability and resilience are central to our approach

Published

1 year ago

May 13, 2025

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Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder and Director, Freyr Energy, discusses how solar energy and green cement are building blocks for a sustainable construction revolution.

As the construction industry accelerates toward decarbonisation, two powerful solutions—green cement and solar energy—are converging to reshape the sector’s future. Freyr Energy is at the forefront of this transition, working closely with cement manufacturers to cut emissions and boost sustainability. In this insightful interview, Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder and Director, shares how rooftop solar can drastically lower carbon footprints and improve operational resilience in heavy industry. From on-ground challenges to policy advocacy, they highlight the practical and scalable ways solar supports green construction. Read on to explore the critical role of solar power in driving low-carbon infrastructure.

How do you see the role of solar power and green cement in sustainable construction?
At Freyr Energy, we see the intersection of solar energy and green cement as a pivotal force in redefining sustainable construction. Green cement directly addresses embodied carbon emissions inherent to traditional building materials, while solar energy provides a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuel-derived power. By integrating solar energy into the production and operational stages, we are not only reducing emissions but also reinforcing the overall lifecycle sustainability of construction projects. Through our real-world projects with major cement manufacturers, we have observed firsthand how solar adoption can accelerate environmental goals while enhancing operational resilience. This synergy between green building materials and renewable energy is essential for a truly low-carbon built environment.

Can rooftop solar solutions reduce the carbon footprint of cement plant?
Absolutely. Cement manufacturing is notably energy-intensive, with a large share of its emissions attributed to electricity consumption from conventional grids. Rooftop solar installations provide an immediate opportunity to offset a considerable portion of this demand, particularly during peak daylight hours. For example, at Shree Cement, our rooftop solar project has enabled the reduction of over 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in just six years. Beyond emissions reduction, these systems offer long-term financial savings and contribute to the cement sector’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments. As energy prices fluctuate globally, adopting solar also provides manufacturers with greater energy security and cost predictability.

How can solar-powered plants contribute to the lifecycle sustainability of green cement?
Solar-powered plants amplify the environmental benefits of green cement by ensuring that its production processes—from raw material handling to kiln operations—are powered by clean energy. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions across every stage of the cement’s lifecycle. In addition, leveraging solar energy aligns with emerging green building certifications and sustainability frameworks, making the final product more attractive to eco-conscious developers and construction companies. By adopting solar energy holistically, cement manufacturers not only meet regulatory standards but also position themselves as industry leaders in climate-resilient infrastructure.

What incentives or policies could accelerate solar adoption in the cement sector?
A robust policy framework is vital for scaling solar adoption in heavy industries. Incentives such as accelerated depreciation, tax rebates and performance-based subsidies can significantly improve project viability. Furthermore, green financing options with preferential terms can ease the capital burden often associated with renewable energy projects. On the regulatory front, introducing embodied carbon benchmarks for construction materials could drive demand for greener production methods, indirectly encouraging solar adoption. Streamlining grid connectivity for industries generating their own renewable energy is another crucial enabler. At Freyr Energy, we advocate for these measures to ensure a faster, more widespread transition towards sustainable industrial practices.

What are the major challenges in implementing solar infrastructure?
Deploying solar solutions in heavy industries like cement manufacturing is not without challenges. Dust, extreme temperatures and space limitations can affect the efficiency and longevity of solar systems. Cement plants, especially older facilities, often require significant retrofitting to accommodate rooftop solar arrays. Moreover, the energy demands of such plants are continuous and intensive, necessitating highly reliable and intelligently managed solar solutions. Addressing these challenges requires selecting robust technologies, customised designs, and predictive maintenance strategies. At Freyr Energy, we prioritise these factors to deliver solar systems that not only perform but endure under industrial conditions.

How do you ensure reliability and performance in heavy industries?
Reliability and resilience are central to our approach. We deploy high-efficiency, industrial-grade solar panels combined with heavy-duty mounting structures engineered for challenging environments. Our projects are further supported by smart energy management systems that seamlessly integrate solar generation with existing power infrastructure. Proactive maintenance, real-time remote monitoring and predictive analytics enable us to maximise uptime and energy yield. By customising solutions to each plant’s operational profile and environmental conditions, Freyr Energy ensures that our clients achieve tangible and sustained benefits from their solar investments.

How do you see the synergy between renewable energy and green cement evolving over the next decade?
The next decade will witness a deepening integration of renewable energy into the green cement value chain. As industries commit to achieving net-zero targets, solar power will become indispensable, not just for environmental compliance but for business competitiveness. We foresee green cement, powered by renewables, transitioning from an alternative choice to a mainstream standard. This shift will be driven by policy pressures, investor expectations, and growing market demand for sustainable construction. Freyr Energy is excited to play a central role in this transformation—helping cement manufacturers harness solar power to build greener cities, create climate-resilient communities and secure a sustainable future.

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Concrete

Ramco Cements’ Hard Worker Campaign Wins Seven Awards

Campaign earns honours for direction, editing and cinematography

Published

45 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

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The Hard Worker campaign by The Ramco Cements has secured seven honours at the Good Ads Matter Awards 2026, adding to its growing list of accolades and reinforcing its standing among the year’s most recognised advertising campaigns.

The awards were presented during the Good Ads Matter Awards Night 2026 held at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai. The campaign received recognition across multiple categories, highlighting excellence in direction, editing, cinematography and storytelling.

Among the honours, the campaign won Silver in the Campaign of the Year – Direction category, while filmmaker Prakash Varma was named Director of the Year for the films Tortoise & Hare and Eco Plaster. Tortoise & Hare also received Silver awards for Best Editing and Best Colour Grading, along with a Bronze award for Best Cinematography. Eco Plaster earned Bronze awards in the Best Direction – Narrative and Best Direction – Humour categories.

Both films extended their award-winning run, with Eco Plaster being recognised for its narrative centred on water conservation through innovative construction solutions, while Tortoise & Hare was honoured for its storytelling and craft execution.

The Hard Worker campaign was built around the idea that hard work deserves recognition and respect. Through culturally rooted and emotionally engaging stories, the campaign has connected with consumers, engineers, masons and the wider construction community across the country.

Commenting on the achievement, A V Dharmakrishnan, CEO of The Ramco Cements Limited, said that the continued recognition across leading creative platforms reflects the company’s commitment to meaningful and authentic communication rooted in the values of the people it serves.

Balaji K Moorthy, Executive Director – Marketing, The Ramco Cements Limited, said the awards recognise the craftsmanship behind the storytelling, from direction and cinematography to editing and narrative execution.

Following recognition at both the Kyoorius Creative Awards and the Good Ads Matter Awards, the Hard Worker campaign continues to demonstrate the impact of purpose-driven storytelling combined with strong creative execution and consumer relevance.

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

1 week ago

June 5, 2026

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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

2 weeks ago

June 4, 2026

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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.