Another feather in the cap for Ambuja Cements’ sustainability efforts

Features in the top 5 in 2021 on Hurun index for impactful work towards creating a sustainable future

~Gets ranked 5th on the 2021 Capri Global Capital Hurun India Impact 50~

~Recognition highlights company’s efforts in the three major U.N. SDGs~

Mumbai, May 9th, 2022: Ambuja Cements Ltd., a part of global building materials group Holcim, has secured the 5th rank on the 2021 Capri Global Capital Hurun India Impact 50—a list of the top 50 companies headquartered in India. Ambuja Cements was ranked based on its alignment with the United Nations’ 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). This ranking serves as a recognition of the company’s impactful work towards creating a more sustainable future and creating higher benchmarks in India’s cement sector.

The award citation from 2021 Capri Global Capital Hurun India Impact 50 also highlighted the efforts of Ambuja Cements’ efforts in three major U.N. SDGs, namely Sustainable Cities and Communities, Clean Water & Sanitation.

Ambuja Cements is aligned with its parent Holcim’s Net Zero plan and sustainability strategy. The company has developed 2030 carbon emission reduction targets that have been validated by Science Based Target Initiatives (SBTi), and it has partnered with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), India’s SBTi Incubator Program to implement a decarbonisation roadmap.

Neeraj Akhoury, CEO Holcim India and Managing Director & CEO, Ambuja Cements, said, “The mainstreaming of sustainability is the most significant affirmative action taken by the global cement industry. Our sustainability agenda and the roadmap to achieving Net Zero is closely aligned with Holcim’s commitment to become a net zero carbon company by 2050 that will be measured by clearly defined science-based targets. We’re investing in both products and processes to ensure everything we do at Ambuja Cements is aligned to this larger and long term goal.”

Ambuja Cements is also investing in clean energy efforts like Waste Heat Recovery System to reduce clinker factor, energy efficiency (thermal & electrical) and use of renewable energy from waste derived resources or alternative fuels, rainwater harvesting, and optimising fuel composition. The company has tied up with the Indian Institute of Technology to develop green products like limestone calcined clay cement, which will help further reduce its carbon footprint. The company was the first cement company globally to be named to the CDP 2021 ‘A’ list for water security. It is 8 times water positive and 2.5 times plastic negative through co-processing of plastic wastes at its kilns. Ambuja Cements has also been driving increased usage of waste derived resources like fly ash and slag in making cement. The company consumed 8.6 MT of such resources in 2021.

The company has 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, Ambuja Cements leads the Indian building materials industry in creating a greener future.