Enabling sustainable construction practices.

Akshat Seth, MD & CEO, HIL Limited

What are the ways and means for the industry to meet the sustainability goals?

We believe that there are various ways that have helped us and will surely help the industry to move closer to achieving the net zero goals.

Implementing energy-efficient technologies and optimizing manufacturing processes can significantly reduce emissions. This may involve investing in renewable energy sources for manufacturing facilities, improving energy management systems, and adapting cleaner production techniques. Implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies can capture and store carbon emissions generated during manufacturing processes. This approach helps offset carbon emissions, reducing the industry's overall carbon footprint.

Moreover, with a comprehensive approach and investing in a variety of solutions, educating the customers, and working closely with government bodies, the industry can make a significant provision to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.

How does sustainability play a major role in HIL and its activities?

At HIL, sustainability is at the core of our business. We view it not just as a responsibility but as an essential part of our strategy and operations. We actively engage our employees in sustainability initiatives, fostering a collective sense of responsibility & accountability. We are working towards reducing our carbon footprint - energy-efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation are specific targets. We introduce the next generation of building materials and solutions that are eco-friendly and help to drive sustainable construction practices.

How is HIL contributing to the concept of green and sustainable construction?

We are pioneers in the building materials industry. We at HIL understand the gravity of climate change and its impact on our operations, the people and the society as a whole. With sustainability at the core of our operations, we have set stringent goals for ourselves to achieve net zero emissions. While we aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, our immediate target is to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025. For this, we are using innovative methods to conserve energy and the environment.

How are you meeting the needs for sustainability in your operations?

In order to reduce the environmental impact of our operations and achieve our net-zero goals, we have implemented various initiatives. These include invest in renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in our overall operations, reducing waste production & ensuring recycling of waste, promoting sustainable methods of sourcing & manufacturing, and product innovation to drive sustainable construction processes.

What are the steps undertaken by the company to accomplish the net-zero goals?

At HIL, all our manufacturing facilities strictly adhere to the key operational guidelines, viz., wastage reduction, preserving natural resources, safety, and health of the stakeholders. Our manufacturing processes are devised in line with the above guidelines. HIL is continuously striving for developing products that are environmentally friendly. Also, the following initiatives have been undertaken in accomplishing the net-zero goals:

• Developing low-carbon alternatives and transitioning to more sustainable manufacturing methods
• Finding sustainable raw material alternatives and implementing responsible sourcing practices

Meeting the sustainability and net-zero goals is pretty challenging in the current scenario. How are you prepared to beat the challenges and surge ahead?

The building material industry faces several key challenges on the path to achieving net-zero goals. At HIL, we are continuously investing in R&D to develop new technologies that can help it achieve net zero. These include the new green technologies which can reduce consumption and ensuring sustainable supply of eco-friendly raw materials.

How is the company striving to move ahead in sustainable operations to achieve its net-zero goals?

We are continuously striving to adapt to the most sustainable and efficient practices to ensure we reach our net zero emission goals. In line with this, we are replacing the packaging material with permitted sustainable alternatives. We focus on energy management, raw material sourcing, waste management and innovation as key levers to create a positive impact. We have adapted a regime of continuous improvement in operational efficiency and implemented the 3R principle (reduce, reuse, recycle) throughout our plants.

Our efforts in product innovation over the last several years, are indexed around creating the next generation of building materials and solutions that are eco-friendly and at a larger scale help drive sustainable construction practices. Our products have already set the trend in this regard and have GRIHA, IGBC and GreenPro certification.

Birla Aerocon AAC Blocks

Birla Aerocon AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) Blocks are lightweight yet strong, high-performance building material that are used to construct walls. They are made from a mixture of cement, lime, flyash, water and an expanding agent that creates air pockets within the material.

The numerous benefits Birla Aerocon AAC Blocks offer include:

• Environmentally friendly: AAC Blocks are made from natural materials and are environmentally friendly, making them a sustainable choice for construction.
• Lightweight & strong: AAC Blocks are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for use in high-rise buildings and other structures where weight is a concern.

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