India plans to achieve the short and long-term goals of the Panchamrit Action Plan, such as building 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 - meeting at least half of its energy needs with renewable energy, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by one billion tons by 2030, and ultimately paving the way to a net emissions target by 2070. Green Initiatives and incremental adaptation are insufficient to address climate risks and sustainability challenges, so scientific attention has shifted to transformation and green technology. Bottom-up processes, where communities and civic collectives can take the lead, are an important engine of conscious change responses through green innovation.
Besides, the circular economy plays a major role in environmental protection and social development. Sustainable cities, green urbanism, livable cities, and compact cities are at the center of discussions about urban planning, urban form, use of natural resources, and energy use, which are all related to the sustainability of cities. Green City Mission has reached maturity in the last three years. Now the top businesses are undertaking green initiation in their operations, here are the top Indian companies prioritizing green business in India.
Adani Group
Adani Group, led by billionaire chairman Gautam Adani, plans to invest Rs. 7 lakh crore in capital expenditure over the next 10 years. Gautam Adani describes the investment plan, highlighting its focus on green initiatives across the conglomerate's various sectors.
The conglomerate and parent company Adani Enterprises Ltd covers various sectors such as mining, airports, defense and aerospace, solar power generation, roads, metro and railways, data centers, and resource management. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), the country's largest port operator, is actively working to become the only carbon-neutral port operator by 2025 and achieve net loading by 2040. This initiative includes the electrification and conversion of cranes to battery-based internal transport vehicles and the installation of 1,000 MW of its own renewable capacity.
On the other hand, the cement produced by this process is energy efficient and has high strength and durability. Many cement industries have taken the initiative and produced green cement from various wastes. This ecological approach will help reduce global warming and move us towards a greener planet.
"Adani says, “By 2025, we will set a national benchmark being the only carbon-neutral port operations and be net zero for APSEZ by 2040. Our climate-friendly transformation includes electrifying all cranes, switching all diesel-based internal transfer vehicles to battery-based ITVs, and installing an additional 1000 MW of captive renewable capacity.”
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
RIL, India's largest private sector company, has embraced green technology as a strategic pillar for sustainable growth. The conglomerate has invested billions in renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms. They recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with a leading European technology company to deploy state-of-the-art carbon capture and storage in their facility. RIland's commitment to reducing carbon emissions not only supports India's clean energy goals but also contributes significantly to the global fight against climate change.
Tata Group
The Tata Group, a pioneer in various industries, has made significant strides in green technology investments. The group and its subsidiary, Tata Power, are leading producers of renewable energy with a wide range of solar and wind projects across the country. Their recent investment data shows a significant growth in EV infrastructure funding, facilitating zero-emission mobility for Indian consumers. Tata Group's green initiatives are helping to reduce India's carbon footprint and align with global efforts to move towards a low-carbon future.
Mahindra Group
Deforestation not only contributes to climate change but also threatens the livelihoods of countless farmers. Soil erosion and soil depletion weaken the land, leading to a cycle of declining agricultural productivity, unemployment, and poverty. Mahindra and Mahindr's sustainability initiatives seek to address this complex issue through the Hariyali project, a collaboration between the Mahindra Foundation and the Naandi Foundation. Launched by the Mahindra Group in 2007, the project has two goals: to increase green cover and correct ecological imbalances by supporting marginalized farmers.
Project Hariyali started as an annual goal to plant one million trees across all Mahindra locations. In 2010, it expanded to the Araku Valley near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to create a working forest for the tribal community. Since then, the project has expanded its reach in northern India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, where it focuses on organic, regenerative agriculture without the use of chemicals.
The group's sustainable development journey began 12 years ago as a result of the "triple bottom line" of an investment survey. In a remarkably short time, the group moved from seeking the meaning of the triple bottom line to initiating the expansion of planet-friendly practices such as energy efficiency, clean energy, water efficiency, zero waste, landfills, and reforestation; investing in climate-friendly businesses such as electric vehicles, shared mobility, green buildings, car recycling, micro-irrigation, waste-to-energy and sustainable cities; promote social development programs such as girls' education, integrated watershed management and community health efforts. At the same time, it has adopted leading business practices such as policy implementation, balanced scorecard, total productivity management, and rapid prototyping.
ITC Limited
ITC, a prominent conglomerate with businesses ranging from FMCG to hotels, has embarked on a journey of sustainability. They have invested heavily in renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. ITC and its recent investments in green technology show its strong focus on reducing plastic waste and using eco-friendly packaging solutions to promote India and the circular economy. By integrating sustainability into its business model, ITC India is increasing green efforts and aligning with global sustainability initiatives.
ITC Ltd. Head of Agriculture, IT, and Sustainability S Sivakumar says, “ITC, over the years, has adopted innovative business models that synergize the creation of economic, environmental, and social capital as a single strategy. Today, our ambitious Sustainability 2.0 agenda aims to further strengthen ITC's efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, build green infrastructure, promote climate-smart and innovative agriculture, ensure water security for all, restore biodiversity through natural solutions and create effective circular sustainability, create sustainable packaging solutions and enable the transition to a net-zero economy. We believe this will go a long way to combating the climate crisis and sustaining significant livelihoods.”