Beyond the pursuit of industrial success lies a vision that HCCB nurtures—where milestones are tied to purpose and the well-being of our planet. We aim to redefine industry norms by intricately weaving our corporate growth with a robust commitment towards environmental sustainability.
Our journey is marked by conscious steps towards reducing our carbon footprint, a comprehensive endeavour that resonates throughout our operations. We stand in the global movement towards a greener future, firmly believing that deliberate and consistent efforts can sculpt a new industrial landscape where economic growth echoes a healthier Earth.
As we navigate this route to a green future, our ambition remains undeterred: to align our corporate strategy seamlessly with eco-conscious initiatives, we recognise that at the heart of these endeavours lies a pivotal concept: the carbon footprint.
What is carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint quantifies the sum effect of all greenhouse gases (GHGs) that are released into the atmosphere as a result of our actions and decisions. It's a comprehensive account that reflects the full spectrum of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, encapsulating the larger impact we have on our planet.
These emissions come from a wide array of sources, from the electricity that powers machinery and lights up offices to the transportation systems that deliver products across vast distances. Even the disposal of waste from manufacturing processes contributes to the overall carbon narrative. Each element forms a thread in the larger tapestry of our ecological interactions.
Why is understanding carbon footprint important to HCCB?
In understanding the carbon footprint, we gain insight into the environmental cost of every facet of our business. From individual behaviour to complex organisational processes, every action that generates GHGs is accounted for, giving rise to a profound awareness of the need for sustainable strategies.
With a mission to align our corporate actions with environmental concerns, benchmarking and reducing our carbon footprint becomes not only a responsibility; but a critical metric guiding our journey towards a greener horizon. We strive to prove through action that sustainable business is not just feasible, but a compelling, forward-thinking path to future success. It dictates the choices we make, from operational efficiencies to innovation in product development.
As such, the conversation about carbon footprint serves as more than an environmental audit; it's the starting point for a transformation towards a cleaner, more responsible way of conducting business. It is where sustainable aspirations transform into pragmatic actions, and each step taken is a conscious stride toward reducing our impact on the world’s climate.
Is zero emission growth achievable in today's industrial landscape?
At HCCB, we've turned the concept of 'zero emission growth' into a tangible reality. In 2023, as we expanded our business volume by a notable 19%, we successfully managed to keep our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the previous year's levels. Demonstrating that it is entirely possible to grow economically while maintaining environmental sustainability, HCCB stands as a shining pillar of industrial innovation and green practices.
Here is how our Aranya factory in Karnataka, India did it
Our very own Aranya factory near Bangalore proudly holds the 'Commitment to Carbon Neutrality' certificate awarded by DNV, aligning with the rigorous international PAS 2060 standard. PAS 2060, designed by the British Standards Institution, lays down a structured approach for achieving carbon neutrality. It outlines how to measure, reduce, and offset GHG emissions in a manner that is clear, consistent, and comparable, setting the stage for actionable environmental stewardship.
The road to this certification for the Aranya factory was paved with intentional strategies for emission reduction. These included adopting renewable energy sources like solar power and biomass boilers, enhancing energy efficiency across operations, and incorporating electric vehicles for transportation.
Achieving the PAS 2060 certification signals a powerful message that industries are not just part of the problem but also an integral element of the global solution towards carbon neutrality and a resilient, green future.
What is the blueprint for HCCB’s journey towards net zero emissions?
Our journey toward decarbonization is strategic and purpose-driven. We have set forth to cut down our greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030, taking our 2015 figures as the benchmark, and pushing towards a net-zero emission target by 2050. This blueprint for our journey involves a host of initiatives—increasing reliance on renewable energy, enhancing operational efficiencies, and sparking sustainable behaviours within our workforce. Each goal contributes to our tapestry of sustainability, weaving a greener future for all.
How to reduce carbon footprint?
As industries and manufacturers, we shoulder a significant responsibility towards the mitigation of climate change. The goal is straightforward yet ambitious, to reduce the carbon footprint significantly. Here are key strategies to adopt in ruling out excessive carbon emissions:
Streamline Manufacturing Processes
Implement lean production techniques to efficiently reduce waste, enhance operational effectiveness, and lower energy needs. This not only cuts costs but also significantly reduces environmental impact.
Shift Towards Renewable Energy
Initiate shifts from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives like solar, wind, or hydropower to power operations, which reduces dependency on non-renewable energy sources and cuts down greenhouse gas emissions.
Employ Energy-Efficient Equipment
Transition to the latest, energy-saving machinery that uses power more efficiently and has a reduced environmental impact, thereby saving on energy bills and reducing carbon emissions.
Establish Energy Management Systems
Implement systems such as ISO 50001 to continuously enhance how energy is managed and consumed, leading to not just reduced emissions but also long-term operational savings.
Enhance Resource Efficiency
Focus on maximising resource use—through recycling programs and by integrating recycled materials into production, thus conserving natural resources and reducing waste.
Fleet Electrification
Opt for electric or hybrid vehicles for company transport needs, which can cut carbon emissions and lower fuel costs in the long run.
Embrace Sustainable Product Designs
Innovate products to be more sustainable and eco-friendly—requiring fewer resources, lasting longer, or being produced with less energy, which can significantly lower the carbon footprint per product.
Invest in Carbon Offset Initiatives
Support projects like tree planting that sequester (capture) carbon from the atmosphere or fund renewable energy programs. These actions help to balance out your unavoidable emissions, actively reducing your overall carbon footprint. This process of carbon sequestration is essential in the fight against climate change as it directly removes CO2 from the air.
Regular Monitoring and Reporting
Keep a detailed track of your emissions, openly report these findings, and use the data to drive continuous improvement across your operations. This transparency fosters a culture of accountability and innovation.
By adopting the different ways to reduce carbon footprint, industries and manufacturers can achieve greater operational efficiency, realise cost savings, and enhance brand reputation as sustainable, environmentally responsible organisations fostering a less carbon-intensive future.
How to calculate carbon footprint?
To better comprehend the impact businesses have on climate change, it's essential to be able to calculate your organisation's carbon footprint. This calculation measures the total greenhouse gases a company produces, both from its direct actions and indirect actions, which is then expressed as an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide.
The process is divided into three 'Scopes', each capturing a specific type of emission and providing a framework for understanding and categorising various sources.
Scope 1 Emissions:
These are direct emissions from company-owned or company-controlled sources.
Scope 2 Emissions:
These are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by a company.
Scope 3 Emissions:
These capture other indirect emissions, not covered in Scope 2, that occur in a company’s value chain.
The calculation usually entails collecting data regarding energy consumption, fuel use, waste generation, transportation, and any company-specific activities contributing to CO2 or other greenhouse gas emissions. Once gathered, these data points are generally converted into carbon dioxide equivalent emissions using emission factors.
Several tools and calculators are available to assist companies in determining their carbon footprint and getting closer to their net zero emissions goal. For smaller businesses, online carbon calculators could be a starting point, while larger organisations may rely on specialised software or external consultants due to their broad range of activities.
In conclusion, we at HCCB have forged a path that aligns with larger economic and environmental goals, proving that the two can coexist—and thrive together. It's a path that requires dedication, adaptability, innovation, and the resolve to make impactful, enduring changes. Let’s work together to make a positive difference in shaping the future, for the earth we share.
