Following the above approach, several initiatives have been undertaken by the company including the use of biomass/ bagasse as energy resource, blending of ethanol with alcohol produced from molasses (bio-route), use of Blue Hydrogen as energy source, cogeneration, use of solar energy, etc. These initiatives have resulted in reduction of around 2.6 million tCO2e.
The coal is received in rakes through rail transportation reducing road transportation thereby impacting positively on climate change mitigation. Furthermore, the majority of Urea & Cement are also transported through rail transportation. One of the key raw materials for the Urea plant is Natural Gas, which is transported through pipeline by the Service Provider (GAIL).
Energy consumption during usage by consumers for running air conditioners and similar appliances reduces substantially with UPVC windows/doors. As per “Energy Star (USA)” 25-50% of energy loss is through fenestration by air leakage, conduction and radiation. UPVC doors and windows are energy efficient minimizing energy loss due to fenestration, and help reduce energy bills by almost 7-15%. In addition, at the Extrusion stage, waste generated is approx. 5-6% which is crushed, ground and recycled into raw material for extruding profiles to utilize the waste gainfully, reducing environmental impact.
Tree plantation and green belt development is undertaken in and around operating units. Studies are undertaken periodically to assess impact of operations on environment and biodiversity. As part of its commitment towards conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity in the business operations, the Company is a signatory of India Business Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI) by CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development (CESD) and supported by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). A policy on Biodiversity is in place that guides all our businesses in assessing the impacts arising out of existing and proposed projects on the biodiversity and ecosystem. Over these years, Biodiversity studies were conducted by an external agency at three of the manufacturing sites, maintaining a healthy environment around the sites, making habitable areas for birds, animals & other species and plants. Use of biomass as fuel for captive co-generation of power and steam is yet another initiative undertaken to mitigate global warming.
In addition to the above, employees are encouraged to use Video conferencing and Teleconferencing to reduce travel to reduce GHG emission. Furthermore, campaigns to save energy, water, paper and reduce waste are also regularly organized to raise awareness across all levels of employees.