Initiative to Reduce Environmental Impact of Building and Construction Industry in Bengaluru
Decarbonisation Business Charter (DBC), a collaborative effort by WRI India, Alliance For an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), EcoCollab, and Mahindra Lifespace Developers, organized a Call for Action event in Bengaluru on September 12. The event aimed to promote sustainable practices within the building and construction industry to minimize its impact on the environment.
Charter Gains Momentum Among Bengaluru Entities
In a significant show of support, 21 signatories from Bengaluru pledged their commitment to the charter. With a target of 100 signatories, the initiative has already gained the participation of 65 entities, including prominent names like JSW Steel, Landmark Developers, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Sterling India. These stakeholders play a crucial role in driving the transition towards a low-carbon pathway in the sector.
Cooperation and Ambitious Targets for Net Zero Goals
Jonas Brunschwig, Swissnex in India, Consulate General of Switzerland, emphasized the importance of cooperation in achieving India’s ambitious net-zero goals. Recognizing cement as one of the most widely used materials in construction, Brunschwig highlighted the breakthrough development of LC3 cement by IIT-Madras, IIT-Delhi, IIT-Bombay, and TARA. This alternative cement, known as Limestone Calcinated Clay Cement, consists of limestone, gypsum, calcinated clay, and clinker. LC3 offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution, reducing carbon dioxide emissions in cement production by up to 40 percent.
Brunschwig praised the wide-scale adoption of LC3 by cement companies worldwide. He underscored its remarkable environmental impact, stating, “Through the manufacture of LC3, 125 million tons of CO2 has already been avoided. Through its adoption, up to 400 million tons of CO2 can be avoided annually until 2030. This is the single biggest technology contribution to decarbonization.”
The collaboration between India and Switzerland in achieving this milestone through years of partnership is an accomplishment to be proud of, added Brunschwig.
Support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
The activities of the Decarbonisation Business Charter have received support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), demonstrating the international recognition of this important initiative.
Insights from Industry Experts at the Event
The Call for Action event featured prominent industry figures, including Amarnath N., CEO of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), Mr. Guruprakash Sastry, Head Climate Action at Infosys, Mr. G.C. Modgil, Senior Fellow ASHRAE, CEO – Sterling India, and Dr. Srinivas Shroff Nagesha Rao, Consultant, UNDP.
Infosys’ Journey to Net Zero Status
During the event, Mr. Guruprakash Sastry shared Infosys’ remarkable journey towards achieving net-zero status, which the company successfully accomplished in 2020.n
Sastry highlighted that between 2008 and 2020, Infosys avoided a staggering 2.36 billion KWh through its energy efficiency efforts. This achievement is especially remarkable considering that the company’s size tripled during the same period. Additionally, Infosys managed to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by an impressive 75 percent.
Conclusion
The Decarbonisation Business Charter’s Call for Action event in Bengaluru garnered significant support from various stakeholders within the building and construction industry. The participation of 21 signatories from Bengaluru, including renowned entities, demonstrates the commitment towards sustainable practices. The development and adoption of LC3 cement illustrates the potential of innovative solutions in reducing carbon emissions in the sector. Additionally, Infosys’ successful journey to net-zero status serves as an inspirational example for other companies. Through collaborative efforts and international cooperation, these initiatives contribute significantly to the global goal of decarbonization.
