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