Hindustan Zinc reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 14% while scaling output

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, has achieved a remarkable milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. Announcing the results of its energy-saving initiatives on National Energy Conservation Day, the company revealed that it saved over 0.8 million Gigajoules (GJ) of energy in FY24. This staggering achievement is enough to power more than 70,000 Indian households for a year, demonstrating its commitment to energy conservation efforts and leadership in the metals and mining sector.

This progress is part of a broader agenda to integrate renewable energy sources into its operations. By expanding its renewable power delivery agreement (PDA) from 450 MW to 530 MW, Hindustan Zinc is on track to source over 70% of its energy needs from renewables by 2026. These initiatives reflect the company’s long-term vision to decarbonize operations and align with global sustainability goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.

What Drives Hindustan Zinc’s Energy Conservation Efforts?

The foundation of Hindustan Zinc’s success lies in its strategic adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices. The company has modernized its operations by implementing cutting-edge solutions such as upgrading turbines in captive power plants, improving the efficiency of cellhouses, and deploying variable frequency drives. These measures have optimized energy use across facilities and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, the company transitioned from high-speed diesel to piped natural gas, a cleaner alternative that minimizes its carbon footprint. Such steps highlight how Hindustan Zinc has transformed its industrial processes to prioritize environmental sustainability without compromising production efficiency.

How Hindustan Zinc Leads in Renewable Energy Integration

Central to Hindustan Zinc’s sustainability strategy is its commitment to expanding the use of renewable energy sources. With the addition of a 530 MW renewable power capacity under its PDA agreements, the company is well on its way to reshaping its energy profile. This transition ensures that the majority of its energy consumption will soon come from eco-friendly sources, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in the metals and mining industry.

The production of Asia’s first low-carbon zinc, branded as EcoZen, further underscores Hindustan Zinc’s sustainability leadership. Manufactured using renewable energy, EcoZen has a carbon footprint 75% lower than the global average, setting new benchmarks for the sector.

What Makes Hindustan Zinc’s ESG Strategy Unique?

Hindustan Zinc’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach is centered on innovation and impactful action. The company’s validated Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) aligns its emission reduction plans with the 1.5°C global warming target. Hindustan Zinc also achieved a 14% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity in FY24 compared to its 2020 baseline.

Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar emphasized that the company’s energy conservation efforts and commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices are integral to its business model. She highlighted that the expansion of renewable energy capacity supports Hindustan Zinc’s mission to mitigate and offset its carbon footprint while continuing to meet market demands.

Hindustan Zinc is also the first Indian company in its sector to achieve Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification, providing verified data on the environmental footprint of its products. These milestones reflect the company’s strategic focus on driving sustainable value for its stakeholders.

A Culture of Energy Conservation and Community Impact

Hindustan Zinc’s energy-saving ethos extends beyond its operations, fostering awareness and action among employees and business partners. The company observed its fourth consecutive “No Vehicle Day,” encouraging the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking to reduce automobile emissions. A week-long celebration included energy conservation workshops, quizzes, and poster-making competitions to inspire employees to become champions of sustainability.

Such initiatives align with India’s national energy efficiency goals, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing global climate challenges. By embedding energy conservation efforts into its organizational culture, Hindustan Zinc showcases how industry leaders can drive change at multiple levels.

Why Hindustan Zinc’s Achievements Matter for the Industry

As the world transitions to greener economies, Hindustan Zinc’s progress in adopting sustainable manufacturing practices, expanding the use of renewable energy sources, and producing low-carbon zinc positions it as a trailblazer in the global metals and mining sector. Its achievements, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to launching innovative products like EcoZen, underscore the critical role of sustainability in industrial transformation.

Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to energy conservation and its alignment with global climate goals not only benefit the company but also set an example for other industries. Through these efforts, Hindustan Zinc demonstrates how businesses can contribute to a sustainable future while achieving operational excellence.