At UltraTech, business is done in harmony with the environment. We understand our responsibility towards environmental sustainability, and are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment. Our Corporate Environment policy lays out our commitment to measure and reduce the environmental impact of our operations. 90% of our manufacturing units are certified to ISO 14001.
Our Environment strategy focuses on five key areas: Climate Change (Carbon emissions), Energy Transition, Water Management, Circular Economy (Waste/Resource Management), Biodiversity Management
Climate Action
We realise that cement is a carbon-intensive industry. That is why we have integrated low carbon strategy into our business roadmap to address SDG 13 (climate change goal) based on COP28 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Our strategy is governed by energy and carbon policy which is adopted by all our units. We have undertaken a voluntary strategy to reduce the impact of our operations on climate change. As a member of the international and national organizations like GCCA, FICCI, CII and CMA we are committed to publishing our emission data and set environmental performance targets. UltraTech's GHG emission reduction targets are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative and has aligned its business plans to the requirements of the Paris Agreement.
We have also undertaken a study to understand the physical risk associated with climate change, especially at locations which are vulnerable to natural calamities. Based on climate modelling and data gathered from various sources, UltraTech has got a forecast of the future impacts of the climate change. Various interventions have been planned and are in progress to safeguard our workforce and operations from any adverse impacts.
Energy Management
At UltraTech, energy efficiency drives business efficiency. Improving energy efficiency is also closely linked to reducing the carbon intensity of our operations. That is why we constantly review our energy performance and invest in energy efficient technologies. Initiatives like cooler upgradation, calciner modification, variable voltage frequency drive (VVFD) installation and burner modification across our manufacturing plants have drastically improved our energy productivity.
Additionally, we generate power from cleaner sources of energy. This reduces carbon emission and provides higher energy security. UltraTech is a member of the EP100 initiative which brings together a growing group of energy-smart companies committed to using energy more productively, to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and accelerate a clean economy.
Water Management
Water is critical for the continuity of our operations. Few of our cement plants are in water-stressed regions of the country and we consistently work towards rejuvenating resources through our 3R approach - reduce, recycle and reuse. Our efforts in this direction have led to UltraTech successfully becoming 5 times water positive in FY 24.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 - clean water and sanitation, we not only conserve water but we also rejuvenate its sources. Initiatives like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water recycling, pond deepening, integrated watershed management etc are standard operating procedures across our manufacturing units.
Circular Economy
The circular economy is a concept that goes much beyond just recycling. It is a restorative and regenerative process where very few resources are used in the first place and they are used until the complete value is derived from them. Once the value is derived, the material is used for something else. Only when the material fully degrades, it is recycled into another form.
The circularity of materials is a priority for UltraTech in tackling the issue of overutilisation of resources, constant depletion of natural raw material and disposal of waste generated from it. UltraTech has developed systems in its units where it is utilizing waste materials safely and efficiently in its operations.
Biodiversity Management
UltraTech is committed to conducting its business responsibly and recognises the importance of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services for the long-term sustainability of its operations. The Company takes concerted actions to protect, restore and promote all forms of life in the ecosystem. UltraTech recognises that business can have an impact on the local ecology and is aware of the important role it must play in protecting biodiversity and the ecosystem.
We are committed to No Net loss which is in line with the Aditya Birla Group Biodiversity Policy. UltraTech has so far undertaken biodiversity assessment for 15 of its plants. UltraTech has committed to conduct biodiversity assessment and develop biodiversity management plans for all its Integrated Units by December 2024.
