SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SELECTED CEMENT COMPANIES UNDER THE PAT SCHEME

Cement industry is carbon intensive industry. Calcinations of limestone releases carbon dioxide in environment. It is responsible for approximately 13% in carbon emission released from industrial production. Ministry of Power, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Govt of India started ‘Perform, Achieve and Trade’ (PAT) scheme in India in 2009 to fulfil the objective of National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE). It covers almost 13 carbon intensive sector like steel, iron, cement etc. This scheme operates through the allocation of specific energy-saving targets to designated consumers (DCs) across various industrial sectors. Designated Consumers (DC) are those companies who register themselves under the scheme and got targets allotted to reduce emission level. It is expected from the industry to follow sustainable practices so as to ensure less damage to the environment. A sample of four leading Indian cement companies viz., Ambuja Cement, JK Cement, Shree Cement and Ultratech cement has been taken for the study purpose. The main objective of this research paper is to know the status of PAT scheme of Govt. of India in selected cement companies along with sustainable practices followed by them. After observing secondary data and performing statistical analysis, it can be concluded that all the four sample companies are a DC and follow sustainable practices. The PAT scheme plays a crucial role in enhancing the energy efficiency of the cement industry, which is vital for reducing operating costs and minimizing carbon emissions.