Climate Change Data

Carborundum Universal Limited

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23)

Reporting Period: 2020-21

Environmental Metrics

Waste Generated:1521.15 MT of scrap reused, recycled, or repurposed through WOW program

ESG Focus Areas

  • Economic Sustainability
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Human and Social Sustainability

Environmental Achievements

  • Commissioned a continuous Metallization furnace at our Metallized Ceramics Plant, Hosur, reducing environmental impact.
  • Commissioned a gas treatment facility at VAW, Russia, to neutralise emissions.
  • Transitioned from liquid fuel to natural gas in all kilns used for ceramic sintering, significantly reducing emissions.
  • Implemented net water positive programs including rainwater recharging systems, zero discharge, and water recycling.

Social Achievements

  • Launched ‘PACE’ (Platform for Accelerated Career Experience) program for employee development and engagement.
  • Implemented several initiatives to ensure the physical and mental well-being of team members, including counseling and health awareness programs.
  • Opened factory kitchens to underprivileged during the pandemic, contributed to relief funds, and provided vaccination camps.

Governance Achievements

  • Maintained high standards of Governance & Transparency by measuring & reporting sustainability performance to all stakeholders.
  • Adhered to Compliance requirements beyond the letter of law, together with a robust Risk Management system.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net zero economy alignment.

Environmental Challenges

  • Global COVID-19 pandemic causing havoc in lives and economies.
  • Supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic.
  • Volatility in raw material prices.
  • Market upheavals.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Built new capabilities in plant and processes, creating dynamic people assets and innovative product streams.
  • Deployed new strategies for business growth and creating shareholder value.
  • Implemented rigorous cost management efforts.
  • Efficient liquidity management backed by a robust collection system and prudent working capital management.

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Metallized Cylinders (replacing environmentally hazardous SF6 interrupters)
  • FRP Composite rebar (sustainable alternative to steel)
  • Water-soluble metal working fluids

Awards & Recognition

  • Certificate of Merit from SAFA
  • Significant Achievement in HR Excellence from CII
  • TPM Excellence Award from JIPM
  • Various other awards for TPM, EHS, and quality

Reporting Period: 2021-22

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

  • Sustainability
  • Energy Conservation
  • Emissions Reduction
  • Waste Reduction
  • Water Conservation
  • Employee Well-being
  • Community Development
  • Human Rights
  • Diversity & Inclusion

Environmental Achievements

  • 25% reduction target in energy, waste, emissions, and water intensity by 2025
  • Commissioned solar power units at various factory locations (1.5 MWp previously installed)
  • Achieved fuel savings through automation and heat recovery
  • Conversion of liquid fuel furnaces to natural gas, reducing sulfur emissions
  • Development of synthetic Brown Fused Alumina, reducing CO2 emissions by 90%
  • EcoVadis Bronze rating for sustainability initiatives (Electrominerals division)
  • AS9100 International Certification (Electrominerals division)

Social Achievements

  • Acquired PLUSS, AWUKO, and RHODIUS Abrasives
  • CUMI Centre for Skill Development (CCSD) trained 285 students (17 girls)
  • Supported Vellayan Chettiar Higher Secondary School (VCHSS)
  • CUMI-AMM Foundation Mobile Medical Van provided medical care to over 20,400 people
  • Community initiatives around plant locations (approx. ₹10 million contribution)
  • Almost 100% vaccination rate for staff and their families
  • CUMI Leadership Programme (CLP) and Business Leadership Programme (BLP)
  • CUMI Superstar program for supervisory staff
  • Deloitte's 'Best Managed Companies' recognition

Governance Achievements

  • Upgraded and automated Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework
  • Redefined Risk Management Governance structure
  • Defined roles and responsibilities for risk management organization
  • Common taxonomy for risks
  • Redefined risk assessment scales for impact and likelihood
  • Introduced the scale of velocity, enabling organization to assess the need for crisis plans
  • Annual performance evaluation of Board, Directors, and Committees

Climate Goals & Targets

Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce intensity of energy, waste, emissions, and water by 25% by 2025

Environmental Challenges

  • COVID-19 pandemic (second wave)
  • Russia-Ukraine conflict
  • Skyrocketing input and freight costs
  • Supply chain disruptions
  • Geopolitical tensions
  • Inflationary pressures
  • Raw material availability issues
  • Logistics challenges
  • Higher fuel costs
  • Declining bauxite quality
Mitigation Strategies
  • Vaccination drives and COVID care policy
  • Agile expansion of processing facilities
  • Innovative means to maintain revenue growth and profitability
  • Cash conservation efforts
  • Alternate product development
  • Capacity enhancements
  • Acquisitions of PLUSS, AWUKO, and RHODIUS Abrasives
  • Prudent sourcing and optimizing throughput in production
  • Shift from Bauxite-based to synthetic alumina
  • Bulk sourcing of materials
  • Price corrections
  • Cost savings and alternate vendor/material development
  • Automation and digital initiatives
  • De-bottlenecking existing capacities

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Sustainable sourcing practices
  • TPM techniques training for vendors
  • Vendor financing options

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Metal working fluids (water soluble)
  • Recyclable 'Fero' Grinding Wheel
  • Recycled grains in Chop-saw wheels
  • CERY rolls (recycled yarn)
  • Wearable Coated Abrasive cloth
  • Synthetic Brown Fused Alumina
  • Wear Resistant Ceramics and Composites
  • Metallized Cylinders
  • Engineered Ceramics for Solid Oxide fuel cells

Awards & Recognition

  • Deloitte's 'Best Managed Companies'
  • CII Six Sigma National Competition (Platinum Winner)
  • Industry Excellence Award (Electrominerals division)
  • EcoVadis Bronze and Silver medals (Ceramics division)
  • SEEM National Energy Management Award (Gold)
  • Safety Award (Silicon Carbide Plant)
  • Young Managers Award (EMD team)
  • Leader of Environmental activities in Russia-2020 (VAW)
  • CII POKA YOKE competition (Gold)
  • CII 3M Competition (Silver)
  • CII National Office Innovation Competition (Silver)
  • QCFI Kaizen Competition (Platinum and Silver)

Reporting Period: 2022-23

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:205695 MtCO2e/year (Scope 1 & 2)
Scope 1 Emissions:48896 MtCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:156799 MtCO2e/year
Renewable Energy Share:11%
Water Consumption:375229 KL/year
Carbon Intensity:8.2 MtCO2e/₹ Million Turnover

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Water Conservation
  • Waste Reduction
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Employee Well-being
  • Community Development
  • Human Rights
  • Supply Chain Sustainability
  • Corporate Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced CO2 emissions by 13% from the previous fiscal year.
  • Increased renewable energy share to 11% of total energy consumption.
  • Recycled 313 metric tons of plastic packaging waste.
  • Reduced water intensity by 17% from the previous fiscal year.

Social Achievements

  • Implemented YOLO 2.0 and CUMI SEAD programs for employee learning and development.
  • Maintained cordial relationships with employees and unions.
  • Conducted CSR activities benefiting approximately 24,529 individuals, with 80% from marginalized communities.
  • Received several awards for managerial excellence, energy conservation, and HR excellence.

Governance Achievements

  • Implemented a robust risk management process.
  • Established a cybersecurity framework.
  • Maintained compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Conducted regular Board evaluations.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Net-zero emissions
Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce water, energy, emission, and waste intensity by 25% by FY 2025.

Environmental Challenges

  • Global economic uncertainties due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and inflation.
  • Supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages.
  • Increased energy costs.
  • Competition from cheap imports.
  • Subdued performance in China and the Middle East.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Implemented cost control initiatives, including design-to-value and automation.
  • Expanded distribution networks and enhanced digital marketing.
  • Invested in capacity expansions and new product facilities.
  • Improved operational efficiencies and product mix.
  • Minimized operations in challenging geographies.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Due diligence in supplier selection
  • Sustainable sourcing practices
  • Engagement with marginalized suppliers

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Extreme weather events
  • Water scarcity
Transition Risks
  • Regulatory changes
  • Increased carbon taxes
Opportunities
  • Development of energy-efficient products
  • Growth in clean energy technologies

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: BRSR

Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001 (some plants), EN 9100-2018

Awards & Recognition

  • MMA Award for Managerial Excellence 2022
  • IEI Industry Excellence Award 2022
  • Kerala State Energy Conservation Award 2022
  • CII Significant Achievement in HR Excellence certification