Concrete

An agenda for change: Achieving sustainability to improve efficiency

Published

5 years ago

March 5, 2021

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BY Renjini Liza Varghese

Sustainability or green initiatives have set as a wider canvas for companies to define a set of standards to be more environmentally conscious. With climate change being a reality, and with the awareness of actions to arrest climate change increasing, all corporates feel the pressing need to initiate, activate, measure and audit the steps that are taken under sustainability.

Sustainability for each segment of business comes with varied set of compliances. Cement sector historically carries the burden of being the most polluting manufacturing. Starting from mining to packaging, there are various stages where the industry is burdened with the tag of being a polluting industry. Much has been changed in the recent decade with many of the companies, globally adapting measures to bring in improvement that are otherwise neglected.

Starting from bringing down excessive use of natural resources along with cutting down on impact on environment by controlling pollutions, the entities have looked at various measures broadly classifying them under environment, (emissions and waste management), water conservation, energy efficiency and switching to green energy from fossil fuels. This classification allows companies to draw a structure that culminates to tangible outcomes, which indirectly reflects on the capital expenses.

Various programmes

Many Indian cement companies over the last two decades have taken steps that are reaping results now. Sustainability programmes are not short term measures but long terms programmes. It is an ongoing process. Companies that have initiated the processes under the broader classification have further broke down it to actionable programmes like water neutrality, circular material, using efficient mining equipments, heat to recovery, setting up of renewable energy sources, and a clear road map for carbon negative targets.

It is a known fact that the cement industry is high on natural resources consumption -whether it is the raw material, water, energy. It is the third largest energy consumer. The sustainability programmes undertaken by the companies focused parallelly on all three. The first results were seen for the initiatives associated with water conservation and water positive programmes. The process includes water storage, waste water conversion and portable water supply. As a first step, some of the companies have converted their mining kits to store water. Some others have implemented no liquid discharge policy in the plant. This means that the water is recycled and used.

Companies like Ambuja Cement, Dalmia Cement and UltraTech Cement are already water positive. While the score of the companies varies from water positive 4 to 8, all of them have undertaken a mission to become water positive 20 to 30 in next 10 years.

At the same time, multiple energy efficiency programmes have been devised by cement manufacturers. Majority of them say that they are committed to the environment and that they focus on sustainable practices in the entire value chain of cement manufacturing. As per the studies, cement is the second largest carbon emitter and accounts for 6% of the global carbon emissions.

The climate change mitigation plans initiated globally have forced the cement companies to action measures that would bring down the carbon footprint. Clean, green and sustainable are three key areas that the cement companies are turning their focus to. The manufacturers have clearly carved a roadmap to become carbon neutral. Recalling here, globally, the set target for manufacturing companies to be carbon neutral is 2050. In CoP21, which is commonly referred as Paris Agreement or the Paris Climate Accord, it was agreed that all industry will implement measures to arrest the 2?C temperature rise.

Many of the companies have advanced their targets for 2040. Ashwani Pahuja, Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Director, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, reveals that, ??n the last five years, the company has trimmed 17.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from its operations.??/p>

He further elaborated, ??ur target is to become carbon negative by 2040. The first step is RE 100 by 2030 and fossil fuel replacement by 2035. Since the last decade, there are major initiatives on sustainability starting with material circularity, increased utilisation of industrial waste including fly-ash and and slag.??/p>

As per CDP (Carbon Disclosure Programme), Indian cement companies perform the best on climate-related metrics. If you further look, according to the recently published Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), it has validated UltraTech Cement?? CO2 emissions reduction targets. The validation confirms that the company?? targets are in line with a 2?C temperature rise scenario under the Paris Agreement. The targets consist of a 27% reduction in Scope 1 CO2 emissions between 2017 and 2032 and a 69% reduction in Scope 2 CO2 emissions between 2017 and 2032. This corresponds to a 462kg/t net CO2 reduction for the producer?? cement.

Not just the manufacturers of cement but the equipment manufacturers are also jumping on the bandwagon. CASE India, a construction equipment company with a sizeable exposure in the mining segment

has, in the recent past, adopted various sustainable and environment friendly technologies that helps to address CO2 emissions to a great level.

Sandeep Mathur, Brand Leader, CASE India, believes that the implementation of such sustainable technologies and equipment will take some time in India. However, the company is doing its bit and is investing in any change that protects the environment.

He said, ??he CE sector is moving towards sustainability and becoming more eco-conscious. The government is also coming up with norms like BSVI and is trying to deploy more environment-friendly vehicles and equipment on the road. At CASE, we value the environment and believe that each change contributes to the betterment of the world we inhabit. We have also been recognized as a Global Sustainability Leader for several years in a row.??

Mathur further goes on to add that the company has introduced such sustainable, environment-friendly technologies globally. ??NH Industrial Project TETRA concept wheel loader is one such equipment. It is a sustainable, new Natural Gas (NG) Methane-Powered Wheel Loader. The concept ensures 15 percent less CO2 and 99 percent less

particulate matter than its diesel-based counterpart. It is cheap and helps in reducing the carbon footprint of the company. CASE also launched the industry?? first Fully Electric Backhoe this year ??the 580EV, which has zero emissions and helps customers save as much as 90 percent in annual vehicle, fuel and maintenance costs,??he revealed.

All manufacturing companies have shifted their focus towards reducing their carbon footprints. Jagmohan Sood, Director and CEO, Jindal Stainless (Hissar) another stakeholder of cement value chain, highlighted the need to bring in efficiency in the whole process of manufacturing. And according to him, sustainability is not a short term result-giving programme.

He said, ??he effect of sustainability programmes is visible in the medium to long term. The initiatives that are taken now will convert to a tangible result may in a couple of years. Our company we work with a three-year schedule. Some companies follow a 5-year schedule and it is work in progress.??

Technology is the biggest enabler when it comes to climate change mitigation. The most visible part is in the energy efficiency initiatives. Replacing existing lighting with more energy efficient ones, replacing

motors and other machineries with more energy efficient ones, more automation, moving from fossil fuel to green energy / biofuel/ heat to energy mode etc is part of the initiative.

Sood added, ??n 2017-18, we started the campaign towards energy conservation, renewable energy purchase, sustainable utilisation of natural resources. The result in the last year was a saving of 264 million units of electricity, and 11.5 Giga kilocalories in thermal energy. If compared to the last consumption period, it is 6% savings for JSL. That translates to a saving of Rs 25.5 crore. This translated to 16000 tonnes of carbon emission reduction.??/p>

This was made possible, Sood said, mainly because of the technological advancement seen in the segment.

While all agree technology is required, it also calls for further capital investments. Indian carbon markets may take little more time to develop and mature. Sustainability, as a programme, is still at a nascent stage in the country.

Pahuja, further added, ??s a standalone, it is very difficult to switch over to carbon neutral technologies unless there are very attractive carbon markets. In the near future, these carbon markets are likely to become active. There are Green Climate Funds to the tune of $100 million every year to the developing nations for carbon-neutral technologies.??/p>

Cement companies are of the opinion that they are aware of the environmental issues and are taking all possible measures to address it. And sustainability is the first step towards it. They feel that this ongoing process would require further attention and annual allocation from the company at least for next 10 years to achieve the climate mitigation targets.

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

1 week 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.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

2 weeks ago

June 1, 2026

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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.