In an era where environmental sustainability and community empowerment are becoming increasingly significant, Shree Cement has emerged as a leader in aligning business growth with impactful social and ecological initiatives. From promoting renewable energy and water conservation to empowering women and supporting education and healthcare, the company’s CSR efforts have transformed lives and strengthened communities.
In this interview with Mr Satish Chander, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Shree Cement, we delve into Shree Cement’s multifaceted approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. With a remarkable investment of ₹51.34 crore in CSR activities during the 2023-24 financial year, Shree Cement has positively impacted over 6.7 lakh individuals, addressing critical areas such as skill development, maternal health, and rural infrastructure. We explore the key objectives, standout projects, and innovative practices that underscore the company’s commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive future while advancing toward a 100% renewable energy goal under the RE100 initiative.
Scroll down to know how technology, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility converge to drive meaningful change, setting a benchmark for businesses nationwide.
Q. Shree Cement has made a significant investment of ₹51.34 crore in CSR initiatives during the 2023-24 financial year. Could you share more about the key objectives of these initiatives and how they align with the company's mission and vision?
A. At Shree Cement, we strongly believe in the importance of giving back to society and our CSR initiatives reflect this belief. With an investment of ₹51.34 crore in the 2023-24 financial year, we continue to focus on making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Our primary objectives are to promote inclusive growth, improve community well-being and support the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through our CSR programs, we work to create self-reliant communities by prioritizing critical areas such as education, healthcare, sustainability and women empowerment. These efforts are not just about providing support today but about laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone involved. Our holistic approach to community development also aligns closely with our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, values that are at the core of our mission and vision. By focusing on these areas, we aim to drive both social and economic progress, helping build resilient and thriving communities.
Q. With over 6.7 lakh individuals positively impacted, what are some of the standout projects that have driven this wide-reaching impact, and how do you measure the success of these programs?
A. Shree Cement’s CSR initiatives have positively impacted over 6.7 lakh individuals, demonstrating the widespread reach and effectiveness of our programs. Some of the standout projects include large-scale education initiatives, such as the upgrade of school infrastructure and the provision of essential teaching aids and educational materials. These efforts have created a more conducive environment for students to learn and grow, ultimately contributing to higher literacy rates in the areas we serve. In addition, we have contributed to the improvement of rural infrastructure, including the construction of vital roads and other essential community facilities that improve the quality of life for residents. Healthcare is another area of focus, with our mobile health vans providing vital services to remote and underserved areas. Our maternal care programs have helped ensure that pregnant women have access to the necessary care, contributing to improved health outcomes for mothers and babies alike. Another key initiative is our women empowerment programs, which offer skill development training in areas like stitching and beautician courses, as well as our Marriage Support Program. To measure the success of these programs, we track important metrics such as the number of lives impacted, tangible improvements in literacy rates, health outcomes and the overall quality of life. Feedback from the communities is also crucial, helping us understand the effectiveness of our initiatives and allowing us to continuously improve our efforts.
Q. Women empowerment and skill development are critical areas of focus for Shree Cement. Can you provide more details about the specific programs you have implemented in these areas and the tangible outcomes for the communities?
A. Shree Cement is deeply committed to empowering women and helping them achieve financial independence, which is why we have implemented a range of programs designed to provide women with the skills and resources they need to succeed. Through initiatives like stitching and beautician courses, we have equipped many women with valuable skills that enable them to generate a steady income, improving their household incomes and overall livelihoods. Beyond skill development, we have also launched the Marriage Support Program under Shree Samaj Sewa, which provides crucial financial assistance to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families for the marriages of their daughters. This program not only helps families alleviate the financial burden associated with marriage but also promotes social equity by supporting those in need. As a result of these initiatives, women have gained greater financial independence and a stronger voice in household decision-making. The programs have helped foster a sense of self-reliance, improving the socio-economic stability of families and contributing to the empowerment of women across our project areas. The tangible benefits of these programs can be seen in the growing participation of women in community activities and decision-making processes, helping to create more inclusive and equal communities.
Q. The healthcare initiatives, especially in maternal and child healthcare, appear to be an important focus. Could you elaborate on how these programs have improved health outcomes in the communities Shree Cement serves?
A. At Shree Cement, we understand the importance of health in creating thriving communities and that’s why we have placed a strong emphasis on improving maternal and child healthcare. Our healthcare initiatives are designed to address some of the most pressing health concerns in rural and underserved areas. We organize free health camps across various villages, where local residents can access medical consultations, treatments and necessary medicines at no cost. These camps have proven to be vital for people who otherwise might not have access to essential healthcare services. We also run immunization drives to protect children from preventable diseases and work to eradicate malnutrition in the areas where we operate. In addition, we have partnered with government bodies to enhance maternal care services, promoting institutional deliveries and raising awareness about the importance of maternal and child healthcare. Through these collaborations, we have been able to ensure that pregnant women in rural areas have access to skilled medical care, which has been crucial in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Our focus on adolescent healthcare also ensures that young people receive the necessary care and education to maintain their health. As a result of these initiatives, we have seen improved health outcomes, with better access to healthcare services and a stronger emphasis on preventative care. These efforts have contributed to healthier and more resilient communities, creating a foundation for long-term well-being.
Q. Sustainability is a key pillar of Shree Cement’s strategy, especially with a 55.9% green energy share. Can you discuss the company’s journey toward sustainability and the role these initiatives play in reducing your carbon footprint?
A. India’s rapid economic growth, marked by its emergence as the fifth-largest global economy, presents a critical challenge: driving industrial progress while protecting the environment. For the cement industry, the third-largest energy consumer in the country, this responsibility is immense. At Shree Cement, sustainability is deeply embedded in our operations, reflecting our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and embracing clean energy solutions.
With 55.9% of our total power needs met through green energy, Shree Cement has established itself as a leader in the transition toward sustainable industrial practices. Our clinkerization plants are equipped with Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS), which enable the conversion of waste heat into usable energy, significantly reducing our dependence on conventional power sources. Alongside WHRS, our renewable energy portfolio includes 219 MW of solar power and 56.3 MW of wind energy, bringing our total green energy capacity to 517 MW.
These initiatives represent more than technological advancements; they are a reflection of our responsibility toward the planet. By shifting away from coal and grid electricity, we achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. This dual benefit aligns seamlessly with global decarbonisation goals and reinforces our commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.
Q. Shree Cement is committed to the RE100 initiative and aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2050. How are you working towards this ambitious goal and what steps are being taken to ensure the success of this commitment?
A. Shree Cement’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2050 under the RE100 initiative is firmly rooted in a clear and focused strategy. By steadily increasing our renewable electricity capacity—now at 275.3 MW as of November 2024—we are making measurable progress toward this ambitious goal. This growth reflects our ongoing investments in solar and wind energy while maintaining our commitment to avoiding any new thermal power capacities. Additionally, more than 110 MW of renewable energy projects are in various stages of development with an approximate capital expenditure of ₹450 crore. Every step we take is guided by the principle of prioritizing clean sustainable energy solutions contributing to reducing our environmental footprint and advancing the global transition to renewable energy.
Q. Infrastructure development is a significant part of your CSR efforts. Can you provide examples of specific community infrastructure projects, such as sanitation, water access, and public utility spaces, and their impact on the quality of life in underserved areas?
A. Infrastructure development has been at the core of our efforts to uplift underserved communities and improve their quality of life. Through Shree Samaj Sewa, we have undertaken projects such as constructing toilets, providing safe drinking water facilities, developing public parks and enhancing rural roads and school buildings. These initiatives have had a significant impact, improving sanitation and health outcomes, boosting mobility and increasing access to education. By focusing on infrastructure that directly addresses the daily needs of communities, we aim to create lasting, positive change, fostering better living conditions and sustainable growth in the areas we serve.
Q. Shree Cement has made notable strides in environmental leadership. Could you expand on the company's efforts in water conservation and any innovative projects aimed at fostering environmental sustainability?
A. Water conservation has been a key focus area in our environmental sustainability efforts. We have undertaken rainwater harvesting projects at government schools and worked on deepening water bodies and ponds in villages to enhance water storage capacity. These initiatives have had a positive impact on groundwater recharge, helping to secure water resources for the local communities. Additionally, we actively support farmers by providing them with improved seeds, agricultural training and exposure to better crop management practices. This includes guidance on seed treatment, fertilizer use and sustainable farming techniques aimed at increasing productivity.
We also offer subsidies on agricultural equipment and provide high-yielding seeds, further empowering farmers to enhance their yields. To promote greenery and improve the local environment, we have distributed saplings to farmers, encouraging mass plantation efforts and boosting vegetation in nearby villages. Through these combined efforts, we strive to contribute to both environmental sustainability and the economic well-being of the communities we serve.
Q. How has Shree Cement's adoption of advanced technologies improved quality, efficiency and environmental impact in cement manufacturing, and how do these innovations contribute to the success of your CSR initiatives?
A. Our adoption of digital tools and technologies has transformed the way we manage resources, streamline operations, and boost productivity across the value chain. SAP’ integration has improved the quality of work from raw material handling to production and logistics, reducing waste and optimizing energy use. Real-time order management and communication through UdaanPRO and UdaanCONNECT have empowered sales within the teams and partners, ensuring greater efficiency in meeting market demands while reducing operational delays and emissions.
These technological advancements don’t just optimize our internal processes, they are instrumental in driving our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. By increasing operational efficiency, we’ve been able to direct more resources towards environmental sustainability and community empowerment. For example, our continuous investment in renewable energy now accounts for 55.9% of our energy consumption, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources and contributing to a cleaner environment. Furthermore, the technology enables better water management, with innovations in rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling, allowing us to conserve vital resources and reduce our environmental footprint.
In terms of CSR impact, these technological developments enable us to allocate resources more effectively to key areas such as women empowerment, health and education, infrastructure development and supporting the families of martyred soldiers through Project Naman which is a tribute to the bravery of our armed and paramilitary forces, helping build homes for the dependents of martyrs. The enhanced efficiency and resource optimization mean that we can extend our reach and make a more significant difference in the communities we serve. Moreover, digital platforms help us stay in tune with community needs by enabling real-time feedback, ensuring that our CSR efforts are not only effective but also responsive to the evolving challenges faced by these communities.
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