Vedanta among top achievers on global platform for sustainability leadership

Vedanta Aluminium has proudly boasted its second rank in the prestigious S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for the global aluminium industry. With an impressive holistic score of 77, the company has demonstrated its excellence across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters, positioning itself as a global leader in ESG initiatives.

Image Source: Vedanta Press Release

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Vedanta Aluminium has been ranked among the top companies worldwide in the S&P Global CSA.

Commenting on this significant milestone, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd, stated, “Securing the 2nd position globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment reflects not only our unwavering commitment to sustainability but also the passion and hard work of our teams who strive to make a meaningful difference every day.”

Sustainability highlights 2024

Vedanta Aluminium remains steadfast in its mission to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Former CEO John Slaven highlighted the company’s dual strategy: reducing emissions through renewable energy adoption, efficient resource utilisation, and transitioning to bio-fuels while offsetting emissions through afforestation near operational sites.

• Advancing energy efficiency

In April 2024, Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh office launched a cutting-edge Energy Management System across its power plant. This system monitors the energy performance of 120 critical electrical assets, driving significant improvements in energy efficiency.

• Sustainable supply-chain innovation

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, inducted its first Bogie Open Bottom Rapid Discharge (BOBRNHSM2) Rake in April 2024. This innovation replaces the need for approximately 120 trucks per rake, enhancing the sustainability of raw material transportation. Similarly, in October, Vedanta Aluminium integrated advanced railway wagons with pneumatic door-opening actuators into its logistics systems in Jharsuguda, Odisha, and Korba, Chhattisgarh, further optimising coal transportation.

• Renewable energy integration

Vedanta Aluminium has embraced biomass briquettes as part of its fuel mix at the Lanjigarh alumina refinery. By using 20 tonnes of biomass briquettes daily, the company has successfully reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.

• Decarbonising operations

This year, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its fleet of electric lithium-ion forklifts to 66 units, deploying 22 additional forklifts across its smelters in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh, Odisha, and BALCO in Chhattisgarh. These forklifts deliver annual GHG emission reductions of approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and save over 840,000 litres of fuel annually.

• Long-term natural gas deal

In a groundbreaking move, Vedanta Aluminium signed a five-year natural gas agreement with GAIL Gas Limited, effective from late 2025. This deal is projected to cut CO2 equivalent emissions by 47,292 tonnes annually, marking a significant step in the company’s journey towards a low-carbon future.

The S&P Global CSA is a renowned global benchmark that evaluates the performance of leading companies based on economic, environmental, and social criteria. The assessment draws on company disclosures, media and stakeholder analyses, modelling, and direct engagement with participating organisations. Vedanta Aluminium’s top-tier ranking is a testament to its leadership in sustainability and ESG excellence.