Vedanta Aluminium Leads Green Shift On Environment Day

To commemorate World Environment Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India's biggest aluminum manufacturer, is highlighting its continuous dedication to environmental sustainability by implementing a daring and multifaceted plan. The business is working hard to bring about change in its operations and establish itself as a global leader in environmentally friendly methods in the aluminum industry, all with a focus on a greener future.

The cornerstone of this transition is Vedanta Aluminium's ambitious decarbonization plan, which entails a significant move toward renewable energy. The company is purchasing an outstanding 1,335 MW of renewable electricity for its huge operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh through a long-term partnership with Serentica Renewables. The company's aim to have renewable energy sources make up 30% of its overall electricity usage by 2030—a significant step in its path toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050—is dependent on this transition to clean energy.

However, Vedanta's initiatives extend far beyond renewable energy. To promote industry-wide sustainability, the business has established strategic partnerships and launched a number of cutting-edge technologies. Its collaboration with GAIL (India) Limited to provide natural gas—a cleaner substitute for traditional fossil fuels—for its casthouse activities is a noteworthy instance. Vedanta's emphasis on using low-carbon fuels throughout its value chain is reflected in this program.

The use of biomass co-firing at its Lanjigarh alumina refinery in Odisha and the BALCO smelter in Chhattisgarh is another noteworthy advancement. In this location, agricultural leftovers are transformed into biomass briquettes, which are used in place of traditional fuels. With around 20 tonnes of biomass co-fired every day, Lanjigarh alone sees a decrease of over 10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually. By turning an environmental issue into an economic opportunity for rural communities, this invention not only helps the business achieve its sustainability targets but also gives local farmers more power by establishing a viable market for agricultural waste.

Vedanta Aluminium's sustainability extends to transportation and logistics as well. By 2030, the business has pledged to have completely decarbonized its fleet of light motor vehicles. It established the first 10-ton electric forklift in India at its Jharsuguda factory, making it the leader in this industry. It now has the biggest fleet of electric lithium-ion forklifts in the nation. These actions greatly lessen the use of diesel fuel and its associated emissions, strengthening Vedanta's dedication to greener industrial logistics. The launch of a collaboration with Let's DriEV in the Jharsuguda township, which aims to promote the use of electric vehicles among workers and citizens, is another factor boosting the drive for electric mobility. Additionally, as part of its ongoing drive for innovation toward a greener future, Vedanta has tested alternative fuels like biodiesel in pilot programs across its commercial fleet.

The integration of Vedanta Aluminium's sustainability approach with community development sets it apart. Particularly on important events like World Environment Day and International Day for Biological Diversity, the business participates in extensive environmental awareness campaigns. These programs involve local communities in educational initiatives, which promotes environmentally responsible thinking and fosters grassroots participation in sustainable development.

The company's ongoing commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. In the recent S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, Vedanta Aluminium came in second among aluminum producers worldwide. Furthermore, its aluminum smelters have received accreditation under the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative's Performance Standards, demonstrating its dedication to responsible production practices. The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification, which attests to the minimal environmental effect of its products throughout their lifespan, has also been achieved.

By implementing a variety of integrated sustainability measures, Vedanta Aluminium is showing how an industry leader can promote beneficial environmental change without sacrificing economic expansion. Its plan, which is based on community participation, electric transportation, low-carbon fuels, and renewable energy, serves as a model for ethical industrial development in India. On this World Environment Day, Vedanta Aluminium not only reinforces its environmental obligations but also provides an inspiring illustration of how the aluminium industry may change to address the critical needs of climate action.