*BALCO Reaffirms Commitment to Carbon Neutrality and Water Positivity on World Environment Day*
OO Drives Environmental Stewardship through Renewable Energy Mix, Water Conservation and Community-Led Initiatives.
Balconagar; 04th June 2025:Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a part of Vedanta Aluminium, marked World Environment Day showcasing commitment to sustainability through strategic ongoing interventions encompassing adoption of renewable energy mix, replenishing water structures and afforestation. These initiatives align with the company’s vision of achieving Net Water Positivity by 2030 and Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050.
While practicing environmental responsibility in its core operations, BALCO expanded its usage of renewable energy mix contributing to a significant reduction of over 1.6 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions in FY ’25. Further advancing energy efficiency, the company introduced an improved relining design in its potlines, reducing energy consumption by 400 kWh per metric tonne (MT). Enhanced digitisation across logistics has facilitated data-driven fleet management, optimising the movement of raw materials and finished goods, further lowering emissions.
As part of its water conservation efforts, BALCO has recycled over 5.20 million cubic meters of water, achieving a 17% increase over the previous year. In its surrounding communities, the company has restored 28 water structures, including farm ponds and community reservoirs, with a total storage capacity of over 39,000 cubic meters, enhancing groundwater recharge and supporting local agriculture.
Speaking on the developing resilient ecosystem, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director, BALCO said, “Sustainability is central to our growth philosophy at BALCO. Through our focused interventions in environmental stewardship, renewable energy, and community development, we aim to create a resilient ecosystem that supports circular economy and industrial progress while safeguarding environment. Our initiatives are a testament to BALCO’s vision of transforming the planet, responsibly.”
BALCO also continued its afforestation initiatives, planting over 52,000 saplings across operational sites, including mines, ash dykes, and peripheral community areas. The deployment of electric forklifts in operations and electric vehicles for township waste management and movement, has further contributed to cleaner, energy-efficient operations with a lower carbon footprint.
In alignment with BALCO’s commitment to ‘Transforming the Planet’, the company has maintained ash-free operational spaces while actively channelling fly ash for constructive use across multiple industries, including brick and cement manufacturing, infrastructure development, road construction, mines backfilling and more.
Further strengthening its environmental stewardship in FY25, BALCO has undertaken several key sustainability initiatives, including:
• Development of plastic-free zones within plant premises
• Promotion of electric vehicle usage among employees
• Conduct of nature walks and cleanliness drives to raise awareness on local biodiversity
• Organisation of gardening competitions promoting native and exotic plant species
• Community campaigns celebrating the ecological richness of Chhattisgarh to foster environmental empath
