ACC and Ambuja Cements reiterate their commitment to building sustainable future on World Environment Day

Chandigarh: Celebrating World Environment Day, Ambuja Cements and ACC Ltd reiterated their commitment to sustainability by continuing to focus on sustainability initiatives.  ACC and Ambuja Cements are expected to make a significant contribution towards helping its parent LafargeHolcim achieve its ‘net zero’ pledge and meet its science-based targets.  The two operating companies lead the effort toward building a greener future by focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction and decarbonisation,  expanding their green product portfolio and applying the principles of circular economy and environmental conservation more widely.

“The scope and opportunities for creating a sustainable future is immense.  As part of a global organisation LafargeHolcim, with a proven track record of leading the sector towards sustainable construction, ACC and Ambuja Cements are well poised. Both companies have a unique advantage  of technology, knowledge/skills and the vision to invest in sustainable solutions. Special occasions such as the World Environment Day help to reinforce our commitment to create the  future we wish to build and strengthen our resolve to make it happen,” said Mr. Neeraj Akhoury, CEO LafargeHolcim India and Managing Director & CEO, Ambuja Cements Limited.

“Doing our business in a more sustainable way is the new normal now. Technology has bridged the gap between growth and sustainability.  The global movement towards creating a more sustainable industry is fast catching up with the Indian building material market too.  This is also being accelerated by greater consumer awareness, which can be seen in the growing demand for greener construction products and processes. We are well poised to provide sustainable and low carbon products and solutions to the country.“ said Mr. Sridhar Balakrishnan, MD & CEO, ACC Limited.

Both ACC and Ambuja Cements have taken several initiatives toward creating a sustainable ecosystem within the building materials sector.  From running its cement carrying ships on biofuels to investing in Waste Heat Recovery Systems and large captive renewable energy sources, the two companies lead the Indian building materials industry in creating a greener future.

Ambuja Cements had recently announced the successful completion of sea trials using soya extract-based biofuel in two captive cement carriers, Ambuja Mukund and Ambuja Vaibhav, making it not just the first Indian company to move towards the decarbonisation of the country’s coastal shipping lines but also advancing its focus on two of its strategic priorities — innovation and sustainability. 

Ambuja Cement and ACC are also investing ₹780 crore in setting up six Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS) of 76 MW at eight kiln lines across six cement plants.  The WHRS is expected to reduce the carbon footprint by 5.61 lakh tonnes annually.   In addition to boosting efficiency, the proposed investments in WHRS will help LafargeHolcim plans to reduce emissions. Ambuja and ACC have relatively low carbon dioxide emissions of 531 kg and 493 kg CO2 per tonne of cementitious material respectively.

Among its impressive product portfolio, ACC sells the ECOPact range as an essential part of its strategy to advance the transition towards low-carbon and circular construction.  ECOPact is a global green concrete brand from LafargeHolcim sold at a range of low carbon levels, from 30% to 100% less carbon emissions compared to standard (CEM I) concrete. India is one of 19 markets in which ECOPact is now available.

More recently, Geocycle India, the in-house waste management arm of Ambuja and ACC, secured the mandate to remove plastic waste from Yamuna River using its innovative ‘bubble curtain’ technology.  The Geocycle Bubble Barrier has been established on the Mantola Canal of Agra City in Uttar Pradesh, which carries 40% of the storm and wastewater of Agra City. 

The Geocycle Bubble Barrier is an innovative concept based on existing technology which makes smart use of a combination of natural currents and a bubble curtain to channelise plastic waste towards the banks of rivers and canals instead of it flowing directly into the river, where it can be collected for safe treatment. A bubble curtain is a non-invasive solution to stop plastic from entering the oceans. This technology is expected to be replicated in other parts of the country. Geocycle also supports the “Swachh Bharat Mission” by co-processing significant volumes of municipal solid waste, including non-recyclable plastics across India.

Over the years, ACC and Ambuja Cements have been recognized for achievements in rural and community development, safety, health, reforestation, clean mining, environmental awareness and protection. Awards recently won by ACC and Ambuja Cements include:

·         Ambuja Cements ranked 5th globally in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices Worldwide in the Construction Materials category, the only Indian cement company to achieve this feat. Based on Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, Ambuja Cement is included in The Sustainability Yearbook 2021 Worldwide Rankings and also received the Bronze Class distinction for its excellent sustainability performance. Ambuja Cement is among the world’s highest performing sustainable companies as declared by Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (SAM ESG Research).

·         In 2020, ACC Ltd has been awarded the Oriented Award at the Climate Action Programme 2.0° Awards for its efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions.

·         Ambuja Cements Product Ambuja Kawach has been endorsed globally by the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution”. Ambuja ‘Kawach’ is the first cement brand from India to be awarded this label. Ambuja ‘Kawach’ is a cement that shields against water seepage and chemicals, making structures more durable and sustainable. Ambuja ‘Kawach’ has 33% less carbon footprint in comparison to standard (OPC) cement. Ambuja ‘Kawach’ is specially formulated to prevent water seepage in the most effective manner, resulting in improved durability and service life for residential building.

·         ACC ECOPact, the industry's broadest offering of green concrete for high-performing, safe, and circular construction has been awarded the "Solar Impulse Efficient Solution" label. ECOPact green concrete provides higher resistance against corrosion caused by chlorine penetration and other environmental factors.