ITC Targets Net Zero Operations by 2050, Aims to Cut Emissions by Over 85%

Chennai, July 26, 2025: ITC Limited has announced its commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions across its operations by 2050, with plans to reduce emissions by over 85% over the next 25 years. The announcement was made by ITC Chairman Mr. Sanjiv Puri during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Mr. Puri emphasized the growing urgency of climate action, noting that ITC’s sustainability strategy continues to evolve with a strong focus on both decarbonisation and climate adaptation. “I have great pleasure in announcing that ITC has committed to achieving Net Zero operations by 2050, entailing an even sharper reduction of emissions by over 85% in the next 25 years, despite a growing business footprint,” he said.

ITC has long maintained its position as an environmental leader, with the distinction of being carbon-positive, water-positive, and solid waste recycling-positive for nearly two decades. As of now, 52% of its energy requirements are met through renewable sources. The company has also been plastic-neutral for the past four years and retains prominent sustainability ratings including an ‘AA’ from MSCI-ESG and a Leadership score from CDP Climate.

Highlighting the broader context of climate risks, Mr. Puri pointed out that 2024 was the first year in recorded history to consistently surpass the 1.5°C threshold, with India experiencing extreme weather events on 322 days. He noted, “About 76% of India’s total population is currently exposed to high heat risk. Climate change is expected to impact food security with reduced wheat and rice yields even as vulnerable agri-communities deal with issues of livelihood security.”

To address these risks, ITC has adopted a dual strategy of mitigation and adaptation. The company has undertaken climate-risk modelling at 140 sites and agri value chains using AI-enabled tools. This has led to site-specific action plans to address risks from heatwaves, floods, and droughts.

A key adaptation measure is ITC’s Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) programme, which focuses on climate-resilient crops, high-yield seed varieties, and sustainable farming practices. The programme now spans 31 lakh acres across 100 districts and benefits more than 12 lakh farmers. ITC aims to expand CSA coverage to 40 lakh acres by 2030.

Water conservation remains a top priority. ITC has achieved AWS Platinum certification at its water-stressed sites and implemented urban and rural water conservation projects. “The rainwater harvesting initiative has cumulatively covered 18 lakh acres, while demand-side efforts have enabled an estimated annual savings of 1,400 million KL across 15 crops in 12 states,” Mr. Puri shared. The company now generates freshwater potential five times greater than its operational consumption.

ITC is also advancing its afforestation and biodiversity efforts. The company’s biodiversity programmes now span 6.4 lakh acres and are expected to reach 1 million acres by 2030.

With a sharpened focus on climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, and sustainable agriculture, ITC’s strategy aligns with India’s national goals for a low-carbon, resilient future.