Vedanta Aluminium Partners with PwC for Carbon Reduction and Biodiversity in Odisha

Vedanta Aluminium, a producer of aluminium in India, has enhanced its environmental sustainability efforts through a partnership with PwC India.

This collaboration focuses on biodiversity conservation and carbon reduction initiatives in Odisha, particularly in the Jharsuguda region. The partnership reinforces Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to sustainable development and ecological restoration.

As part of the agreement, Vedanta Aluminium has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PwC India to implement innovative projects aimed at restoring ecological balance, mitigating climate change impacts, and improving community welfare. These initiatives integrate advanced technologies and best practices to achieve measurable outcomes in biodiversity conservation and carbon footprint reduction.

The projects will utilise cutting-edge tools such as Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping to address key environmental challenges. Among the key measures are carbon sequestration projects designed to enhance the carbon storage capacity of local ecosystems and generate carbon credits. Efforts to manage invasive species will involve identifying and eliminating non-native plants, replacing them with indigenous flora to restore habitats and promote biodiversity.

The firm's statement said, " To further reduce emissions, Vedanta Aluminium will distribute 2,000 energy-efficient cooking stoves to local communities, decreasing reliance on traditional biomass fuels and improving air quality. Additionally, the company plans to employ the Miyawaki method to develop dense forests that will support biodiversity and accelerate carbon sequestration in the region. Degraded lands will also be restored under detailed plans developed with local NGOs and Biodiversity Management Committees to ensure a No Net Loss of biodiversity."

Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasised the importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with PwC reinforces our commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. Through these transformative initiatives, we aim to address critical ecological challenges while improving the lives of local communities. Our efforts will contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for all.”

The statement further added that these initiatives align with global sustainability objectives, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). They aim to create a long-term positive impact on the environment and support sustainable community development.

Sandeep Kumar Mohanty, Partner-ESG Strategy & Transformation at PwC India, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “We are proud to partner with Vedanta Aluminium to drive biodiversity conservation and carbon reduction strategies. These efforts will not only benefit the environment but also ensure sustainability for local communities in Odisha.”

Vedanta Aluminium produced 2.37 million tonnes of aluminium in FY24, contributing significantly to India’s aluminium output. Recognised for its sustainability initiatives, the company ranked first in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 for the aluminium industry.