Ambuja and ACC Set Benchmark as First Indian Cement Firms with SBTi Net-Zero Approval
- Ambuja Cements and ACC become the first Indian cement firms with SBTi-validated net-zero targets.
- The validation reinforces their leadership in industrial decarbonization and sustainable growth.
- Backed by Adani Group’s green energy push, they aim for 60% renewable power by FY’28.
In a significant step toward a sustainable future, Ambuja Cements and ACC two of India’s foremost cement and building materials companies under the diversified Adani Group have become the first among their Indian peers to receive validation for their net-zero targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard stands as the world’s only framework for corporate net-zero target setting aligned with the goals of climate science.
This validation reaffirms the companies' long-standing commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship. It underscores their leadership in India’s industrial decarbonisation efforts, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Mr. Vinod Bahety, CEO of the Cement Business at Adani Group, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “We take immense pride in Ambuja Cements’ and ACC’s long-standing tradition of pioneering sustainability initiatives. The SBTi represents the highest global standard for corporate climate targets. With this validation, we reinforce our dedication to creating a future where growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand”.
He added that, globally, Ambuja and ACC now join the ranks of major cement manufacturers like Cemex, Heidelberg, and Holcim becoming only the fourth large-scale player to achieve SBTi validation. “Our journey doesn’t stop here this is yet another milestone on our path to a decarbonised and sustainable world”, Bahety said.
Ambuja and ACC have taken comprehensive measures to reduce emissions, prioritising direct decarbonisation efforts while planning to neutralise residual emissions in line with SBTi guidelines. Their sustainability roadmap includes major initiatives in green power, use of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR), energy efficiency, and technological innovation.
Ambuja Cements is the first cement company globally to join the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization (AFID), led by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative demonstrating its global leadership in sustainable practices.
The Adani Group's broader ecosystem plays a key role in supporting this ambition. With a committed investment of $100 billion toward India’s green energy transition, the Group is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity from 14.2 GW to 50 GW by 2030, and building a comprehensive green hydrogen platform. These investments are crucial to the cement companies’ net-zero pathways.
Ambuja Cements, in particular, aims to meet 60% of its power needs from renewable sources by FY2028. This includes 1 GW of solar and wind energy and 376 MW from Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS), of which 299 MW and 186 MW have already been achieved, respectively.
This validation from SBTi is not just a recognition it is a mandate for action. Ambuja Cements and ACC are setting new benchmarks for the Indian cement industry, proving that bold, science-aligned climate action is both possible and necessary. With this, they reaffirm their position at the forefront of India’s green transition and global sustainability leadership.
