In recent years, construction companies have been more focused on building sustainability. Over the last few quarters, there has been a steep increase in attention and concern towards the environment. Consequently, conventional construction firms are increasingly shifting towards green construction activities around the world. The trend is also observed in India, where conventional construction companies invest in green construction to meet the rising demand.
ACC and Ambuja Cement are focusing on green and sustainable construction in India
In line with the net-zero target for 2050, ACC and Ambuja Cement have taken an industry-first approach to reduce CO2 emissions in India. By leveraging sustainable construction through green products, both firms are committed to making a concrete difference in the areas of carbon footprint reduction, protection of natural resources, the welfare of communities, and circular economy.
Both the companies have developed a range of responsible and green products through their innovation and R&D. Therefore, putting the firms at the forefront of high-performing and circular construction in India. The green products line from ACC, and Ambuja Cement is allowing the companies to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in a meaningful manner.
Notably, nearly 90% of the product portfolio of Ambuja Cement is a low-carbon fly ash-based PPC and composite cement. Moreover, innovative products such as AAC Cool Wall Blocks, PuraSand, Ambuja Kawach, Ambuja Roof Plus, and Composite Plus are also addressing the sustainability issues in the construction industry in India.
The new sustainable construction product Ambuja Kawach is a specially formulated product that comes with high-quality water repellent properties, therefore, acting as a shield against water seepage in all construction applications. Moreover, the sustainable product also ensures that the structure is able to withstand the vagaries of harsh weather. Notably, the Ambuja Kawach product from Ambuja Cement was also certified Solar Impulse Foundation, an international organization, as an efficient solution.
For ACC, the low carbon concrete ECOPact has ensured that the firm is having a strong impact on its eco-conscious Individual Home Builder (IHB) and community of builders. Notably, the innovative and modern manufacturing process of the ECOPact reduces the CO2 emissions by up to 100%, therefore, enhancing the sustainable offerings for the construction industry in India.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations provide an urgent call-to-action and a practical framework for firms to chart their sustainability journey. Notably, the sustainability initiative of both ACC and Ambuja Cement is linked with one or more UN SDGs. Moreover, both the companies have also adopted other initiatives which focus on four priority areas. These include circular economy, climate and energy, environment, and people and community.
Notably, Ambuja Cement has been certified eight times water positive in the construction industry. The firm reduced its specific net CO2 per ton of cementitious product to 531 kg in 2020. Moreover, to contribute towards the circular economy, the construction firm co-processed around 2.75 lakhs ton of waste in its kilns and captive power plants, including more than 83,000 tons of plastic waste. Ambuja Cement also consumed 8 million tons of waste-derived alternative raw materials, including ash, slag, fly, and synthetic gypsum, in the manufacturing process.
On the other hand, ACC is the first Indian Cement Firm to sign the net-zero pledge with Science-Based Targets. The company has signed the Business Ambition for 1.5°C pledge and has also joined the Race to Zero campaign of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
By 2030, the firm has committed to reducing the scope of 1 GHG emission 21.3% per ton of cementitious from the 2018 base year. Moreover, the firm has also committed to reducing scope 2 GHG emissions by 48.4% per ton of cementitious material during the same time frame. Notably, both the firms have accelerated their de-carbonization agenda as well, which aims to generate green and clean energy.
These agendas are expected to be delivered through measures, including a waste heat recovery system, using more renewable energy, and reducing the amount of clinker used in the manufacturing process. These initiatives further boost ACC and Ambuja Cement’s solid foundation in sustainability to drive positive change in the construction industry in India.
