Sustainability Is Not Just A Goal; It’s A Guiding Principle.

Nagesh Veeturi

Executive Director – Civil, KEC International

What is your view on following sustainable practices in construction?

Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it’s a commitment to the future. At KEC international, we recognise the profound impact the construction industry has on the environment and society. Although the building sector uses 32% of natural resources and accounts for 40% of world energy consumption – it emits 30%-33% of greenhouse gases. Based on the official data, the construction sector employs about 51 million people, making it the second largest employment sector in India after agriculture – it also provides 9% of the country’s GDP (gross domestic product). Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a guiding principle. We, at KEC international, believe that through our commitment to eco-friendly practices we can build a better, more sustainable future for everyone.

What are the major challenges in adopting sustainable methods in construction?

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the construction industry, by nature, tends to favour traditional methods and materials. The initial resistance stemmed from the perception that sustainable practices would be cost-prohibitive and potentially disrupt established workflows. Lacking awareness for the need of sustainability as well as availability of sustainable materials like Green Steel, Green Energy, Green Cement etc are also some of the critical issues faced.

How is the company adopting sustainable construction practices in its projects?

KEC International has created a Policy for Sustainable Procurement and strictly adheres to it. Steps are taken to make stakeholders aware about sustainable practices in upstream value chain and they are slowly urged to adopt and adhere to it. All the prominent suppliers have signed CoC (Code of Conduct) to abide with all the statutory ESG requirements. The Material Issues have been identified and nine focus points have been defined based on it. The targets for FY 2026 have been taken. Circularity (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) of Wastes, Water Positive Approach, Decarbonisation, CSR and zero tolerance towards the accidents are some of the focus points of the organisation.

Our commitment to environmental improvement is anchored in three key priority areas: decarbonisation, a water-positive approach, and circularity. We focus on reducing energy consumption, minimising our carbon footprint, conserving, and recycling water, and implementing measures to reduce material consumption and recycle waste. Leveraging new technologies and fostering a sustainable supply chain further enhances our impact.

In tandem, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our employees, subcontractors, and society. Our proactive safety culture is maintained through advanced practices and specialised, tech-enabled training programs. Digital safety solutions are seamlessly integrated across our business value chain, embodying our dedication to a future-ready organisation excelling in both environmental sustainability and safety.

What are the technologies adopted by the company towards sustainable construction?

Technology plays a pivotal role in bringing sustainability to the forefront in construction. It not only enhances efficiency but also
offers innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact. At KEC International, we have ushered into sustainable practices for
our projects.

Some of the examples are as follows:

• At various project sites, biodigester tanks have been installed to convert human waste and domestic waste into fertilizer, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable waste management practices.
• Sewage treatment plants have been installed in two of our projects to treat wastewater, which is subsequently recycled for dust suppression and cleaning activities.
• Water collection ponds as well as water recycling system for curing precast structures have been established at major project sites.

These initiatives showcase our commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility across diverse projects.

What is the way forward for making construction more sustainable? What are your future plans in this direction?

Our forward-looking strategy for enhancing sustainability in construction encompasses a multifaceted approach. We are committed to ongoing research and development, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.

About sustainability at KEC International, some of the important points to note are as follows:

• We have received a commendable SES ESG rating with a score of 68.6, indicating a medium risk level and a B rating (60 to 70 range).
• Anticipated for January 2024, the S&P Global ESG rating will provide additional insights into the company’s environmental, social, and governance practices.
• Ongoing interactions with prominent ESG funding agencies, including Kotak ESG Fund and Aditya Birla ESG Fund, demonstrate a commitment to securing support for sustainable initiatives.
• KEC International is actively incorporating environmentally friendly materials such as Green Cement and Green Steel. Moreover, the adoption of Green Energy sources, including solar panels, is integral to our construction processes.
• A pilot-scale initiative has been introduced to use Bio-Diesel, showcasing a commitment to exploring and implementing sustainable fuel alternatives.