Greening the future

On Zero Emissions Day, Aditya Birla Group examines the achievements of its leading companies in their journey towards realising its net-zero 2050 goal

Countries and corporations the world over are continuously exploring pathways towards sustainable growth while minimising their carbon footprint. As a nation, India has pledged to become a net-zero emission economy by 2070. Aditya Birla Group is committed to helping the nation reach this objective sooner.

Every year on 21 September, Zero Emissions Day serves as a poignant call for decarbonisation. First observed in 2008, the day emerged as a symbol of the Earth taking respite from fossil fuel use. With growing global efforts to cut carbon intensity, Aditya Birla Group, in alignment with India's clean energy drive, actively backs these commitments by undertaking various actions to curtail its energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

While every Group business is diligently working towards the net-zero roadmap, Hindalco, Novelis, Birla Carbon, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, and UltraTech are ahead of the curve. With ambitious self-declared targets, each of these companies is decarbonising by adopting renewable and alternative energy sources, conserving energy in operations, mitigating and sequestering carbon, and developing low-carbon growth and product stewardship strategies.

Hindalco: Shining with renewable energy

Hindalco is making strides in decarbonisation, already achieving a significant 20.08% reduction in emissions intensity for aluminium and copper operations compared to FY 2011-12. It has also adopted advanced CFBS-based Semi-Dry FGD systems for emissions reduction at two of its plants. With a target to cut specific energy usage and GHG emissions by 25% by 2025, the company is in sync with India's net-zero goal. Its recycling efforts recently resulted in 2.3 million MT of aluminium scrap being reused in FY23. Hindalco aims to achieve 300 MW of renewable energy by 2025.

Grasim: Crafting a carbon-neutral story

Grasim, the flagship company of the Group, is committed to combatting climate change through enhanced energy efficiency and renewable sources. Its achievements include optimising coal-based power plants, improving process energy consumption, and expanding renewable power sourcing. Birla Cellulose, the company’s pulp and fibre business, echoes this commitment with ambitious goals, aiming to slash GHG intensity by 30% by 2030 and attain complete carbon neutrality by 2040.

UltraTech Cement: Innovating for emission cutbacks

UltraTech’s pioneering Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS), capturing waste gases and heat from cement production to power steam generators, is pivotal in its recent decarbonisation efforts. Embracing sustainable practices and alternative fuels, it recycles water and harnesses an impressive 1,05,563 MWh energy from WHRS. Achieving a remarkable 12% net reduction in CO2 emissions in FY 2022-23, its ambitious goals include a 27% net reduction in scope 1 emissions by 2032 and substituting 34% of electricity with green energy by 2024. UltraTech's momentum extends to expanding its green energy portfolio, including 345 MW of solar and wind power plants, along with 210 MW of waste heat recovery systems. This drive incorporates advanced digitalisation tools and high-efficiency process equipment, shaping its forward-looking approach.

Birla Carbon: Reshaping carbon impact

Birla Carbon aims for net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, employing a circular approach. Focusing on direct CO2 emissions, it is enhancing carbon capture from feedstocks, thereby driving efficient carbon usage. The company's scope 1 emissions, the largest in this context, are addressed through a tailored 4Rs approach: Research, Reduce, Replace and Repurpose, which targets gradual reduction. At the Patalganga plant, data analytics and equipment upgrades have resulted in a 6% reduction in CO2 intensity over the past three years.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL): Calculated commitment

ABFRL approaches net-zero emissions with scientific precision. Through science-based targets, it is curbing greenhouse gas emissions across operations. The company now produces over 22 lakh units of solar energy, leading to a reduction of more than 1,721 tonnes of CO2. This careful strategy aligns with its goal of reducing emissions by 2025.

Through renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency enhancements, carbon mitigation, and circularity initiatives, every Aditya Birla Group company is forging a unique path to contribute to the Group's overall mission of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Guided by the principle of trusteeship, Aditya Birla Group serves as a guardian of our natural resources, guiding the nation and the world towards a sustainable future.

Source: Aditya Birla Group's businesses annual reports