Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer and a pioneer in sustainable development, has joined hands with PwC India to drive impactful biodiversity conservation and carbon reduction initiatives in Odisha. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a strategic effort to address ecological challenges while promoting community well-being.
Vedanta Aluminium has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PwC India to undertake transformative projects aimed at ecological restoration, climate impact mitigation, and community development. The partnership leverages global best practices, innovative tools, and localized collaboration to achieve tangible results in biodiversity conservation and carbon reduction.
Under the collaboration, PwC India will spearhead several key initiatives to drive sustainability and ecological conservation. These include implementing advanced carbon sequestration projects to generate carbon credits and offset emissions, and restoring ecosystems by systematically replacing invasive plant species with native vegetation through GIS-based mapping and seasonal planning.
To promote cleaner energy usage, 2,000 energy-efficient cooking stoves will be distributed, reducing biofuel consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and improving air quality. Additionally, the Miyawaki technique will be employed to create dense, fast-growing forests, boosting local biodiversity and enhancing carbon capture.
The program also includes restoring degraded lands to ensure no net biodiversity loss, guided by detailed habitat development plans in collaboration with NGOs and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). By integrating spatial mapping and data-driven approaches, the company aims to address ecological imbalances and bolster sustainable growth.
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our collaboration with PwC reinforces our dedication to addressing ecological challenges and promoting community well-being. Together, we aim to set new standards for responsible industrial practices while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.”
To enhance project efficiency, Vedanta Aluminium and PwC will employ globally recognized tools such as the BRICS Biodiversity Assessment Tool and GIS platforms. The efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).
Sandeep Kumar Mohanty, Partner at PwC India, highlighted the partnership’s significance, noting, “This collaboration with Vedanta reflects our shared commitment to preserving biodiversity and reducing carbon footprints. Our work aims to support a sustainable future for communities and ecosystems.”
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is the largest producer of aluminium in India, accounting for over half of the nation’s production with 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. Recognized globally for its sustainability efforts, including securing the top spot in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the aluminium sector, the company is a leader in manufacturing advanced aluminium products vital for core industries. Vedanta’s commitment to sustainability aligns with its mission to establish aluminium as the “Metal of the Future” for a greener world.
.
