Emission-cutting measures highlighted as ITC expands AI climate risk assessments on World Environment Day

On World Environment Day, major Indian companies said they were stepping up efforts to cut emissions. ITC highlighted artificial intelligence use for climate risk work. Auto makers spoke about low-carbon mobility plans. Cement firms pointed to cleaner technology and circular economy steps. Leaders across sectors linked sustainability plans with resilience and long-term growth.

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Energy sector views also focused on delivery and scale. GK Energy Founder & CMD Gopal Kabra said India was at a key point. Kabra said action should now move from targets to outcomes. Kabra added the focus should include energy security, wider renewable use, rural access, and climate resilience against new risks.

ITC climate risk assessments and nature-based interventions

ITC said it was using artificial intelligence AI to map climate risks. The work covered operations and agricultural value chains. ITC said purpose-built AI tools were used at around 140 sites. ITC said the assessments helped shape targeted adaptation steps. ITC said the aim was stronger resilience against climate change impacts.

ITC said the findings led to local actions for each site. ITC said steps were taken to protect infrastructure. ITC also said it worked to improve farm resilience in value chains. ITC said these measures supported wider climate adaptation work. ITC added it was blending climate science with technology and data in strategy.

"As part of ITCs sustainability journey, we continue to strengthen our nature-based interventions. Going forward, we will significantly scale our multi-dimensional initiatives with a focus on nature-positive outcomes that help build a more sustainable future,\" said ITC Group Head – Agri & IT Businesses and Sustainability S Sivakumar.

SIAM low-carbon mobility and clean vehicle technologies

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers SIAM said it backed decarbonisation efforts. SIAM said it was committed to responsible nation building. SIAM held a conference on climate action and low-carbon mobility. The event marked World Environment Day. SIAM said the industry focus remained sustainable development and climate responsibility.

\"We are living through a time of unprecedented challenges, from climate change and air pollution to energy security concerns. But every challenge also creates an opportunity, and as the worlds largest market for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, India has already demonstrated remarkable progress in sustainable mobility,\" said SIAM Executive Director Prashant K Banerjee.

Hero MotoCorp CEO Harshavardhan Chitale said the sector shared responsibility for India’s goals. Chitale said firms were working on cleaner mobility. Chitale listed electric vehicles and flex-fuel technologies. Chitale also pointed to support for alternative fuels. Chitale said sustainability should also sit inside daily operations and retail formats.

\"We need to embed sustainability across our operations through responsible manufacturing, water conservation, waste reduction, product recyclability, and green dealerships. We are also advancing clean mobility through electric vehicles, flex-fuel technologies, and support for alternative fuels,\" he said.

Cement industry net-zero goals, CCUS, and circular economy practices

Cement firms said they were aligning with India’s net-zero pathway. Players said they were raising effort on cleaner technologies. They also cited resource efficiency and circular economy practices. The Cement Manufacturers Association CMA said the sector supported carbon mitigation goals. It also said firms were exploring Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage CCUS.

\"The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the governments commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices, while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage CCUS as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,\" said Cement Manufacturers Association CMA President Parth Jindal.

The CMA also said progress was visible in operations. It pointed to better energy efficiency across plants. It also cited higher use of alternative fuels and raw materials. The association said these steps reduced the sector’s overall footprint. It framed the changes as part of a wider shift towards lower-carbon production methods.

CMA Vice President and JK Cement Managing Director Raghavpat Singhania said climate commitments were shaping industry choices. Singhania said sustainability in construction went beyond emissions alone. Singhania included resource use, waste cuts, and responsible infrastructure delivery. Singhania said cement makers were responding through efficiency, circularity, and process upgrades.

\"On World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Indias climate ambitions while delivering the materials needed for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure,\" he said.

Shree Cement Head – Environment Rachana Sharma said the company was an RE100 member. Sharma said it aimed to source 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2050. Sharma also said the focus included water stewardship and circularity. Sharma said the company was also planning for climate resilience alongside decarbonisation efforts.

\"Beyond decarbonisation, we continue to place strong emphasis on water stewardship, circularity, and climate resilience, ensuring that our growth remains responsible, future-ready, and aligned with Indias broader development goals,\" it said.

BirlaNu building materials and long-term energy demand

CKA Birla Group’s BirlaNu said building choices made now would last for decades. BirlaNu linked today’s construction to future energy demand and resource use. BirlaNu said early material selections could lock in impacts. BirlaNu MD & CEO Akshat Seth said decisions at foundation stage could outlast project schedules.

\"The buildings being built today will continue shaping energy demand and resource consumption for decades. The material decisions being made now, at the foundational level, are carrying far longer consequences than most project timelines account for,\" said BirlaNu MD & CEO Akshat Seth.

Across sectors, the statements pointed to practical steps and longer timelines. ITC described AI-led risk mapping and local adaptation measures. SIAM and industry leaders focused on low-carbon mobility and cleaner fuels. Cement makers highlighted efficiency, circularity, and CCUS exploration. Building materials firms stressed choices that affect energy demand for decades.

With inputs from PTI