In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, the cement industry faces increasing pressure to prioritise sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Nuvoco has risen to this challenge and at the core of its growth strategy is sustainability, firmly believing that an organisation cannot thrive without giving back to its roots, society, and communities.
To drive focused execution efforts under sustainability, Nuvoco launched the Protect Our Planet (POP) Agenda, focussing on five key themes: decarbonisation, water management, circular economy, biodiversity, and waste reduction. The company has adopted the 5R ( Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle ) concept for water management.
Nuvoco’s product development strategy is rooted in a sense of responsibility, ensuring that products are safe and environmentally conscious and the company’s state-of-the-art Construction Development and Innovation Centre (CDIC) focusses on creating sustainable and cutting-edge products that meet the highest global standards.
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Environmentally friendly products like Concreto and Duraguard in cement, and Ecodure and Concreto Uno in ready-mix concrete, have been introduced. The product portfolio includes blended cements such as Portland Composite Cement (PCC) and Portland Slag Cement (PSC). The company has also received GreenPro Certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for 16 RMX plants that manufacture Ecodure.
Furthermore, recent product launches, such as the ‘Ecodure Thermal Insulated Concrete,’ is formulated with specialised aggregates that offer significantly lower thermal conductivity than conventional concrete. This advanced blend effectively reduces indoor temperatures, providing a sustainable solution to combat rising carbon emissions.
Additionally, Concreto Uno – Hydrophobic Concrete features a unique blend of admixtures and a specialised mix design that prevents the formation of capillaries within the concrete, resulting in significantly lower permeability compared to standard-grade concrete. This waterproof concrete enhances the overall strength and durability of structures, significantly extending their lifespan. These recent product launches exemplify Nuvoco’s commitment to innovation.
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As custodians of the environment, Nuvoco recognises the imperative to manage energy consumption and emissions. Functional and efficient Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS) are in place at all integrated plants, with plans to further enhance this capacity through optimisation measures.
By leveraging green power and alternative fuels, the company has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, boasting one of the industry’s lowest emission rates. Utilising clean technology in the cement manufacturing process, Nuvoco aims to increase the use of industrial wastes for cement production, ensuring that the environment’s health and energy consumption are not compromised. By incorporating materials such as chemical gypsum, fly ash, and slag into cement formulations, reliance on virgin raw materials has been significantly reduced, promoting circularity in operations.
Leading the way in sustainability and operational efficiency, initiatives like the Aqua Zero Debris Recycler significantly reduce freshwater consumption by 40 percent and eliminate debris from plants. Furthermore, daily operations incorporate the use of renewable energy, conscious efforts to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and reliance on institutionalised processes to monitor environmental hazards. The company also maintains strict adherence to regulatory norms.
In FY24, the company made remarkable strides in its sustainability efforts, achieving a notable reduction in carbon emissions by approximately 2 percent year-over-year, bringing it down to 457 kg CO2 per tonne of cementitious materials. Additionally, the Alternate Fuel Rate (AFR mix) consumption increased to an impressive 13 percent. The company’s solar power capacity also saw a significant enhancement, reaching 5.3 MW.
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Nuvoco's sustainability initiatives extend beyond environmental conservation to encompass social responsibility and community engagement. Standard Operating Procedures prioritise the development of ponds and planting native species to achieve ecosystem balance.
These efforts have resulted in the planting of 1.2 lakh saplings, creating a significant carbon sink of roughly 1.1 million metric tonnes. By integrating social sustainability into its core business strategy, Nuvoco is not only addressing environmental challenges but also contributing positively to local communities and society at large.
In summary, Nuvoco is paving the way for a greener, more resilient world, the journey towards sustainability is a solemn pledge to safeguard the planet for generations to come.
