ACC Limited, established in 1936 and headquartered in Mumbai, is a leading name in India’s cement and concrete industry. With operations spread across the country, the company runs 17 modern cement factories, over 50 ready-mix concrete plants, and a distribution network of more than 9,000 dealers. Since becoming part of the Swiss-based Holcim Group in 2005, ACC has continued to set new benchmarks in cement and concrete technology, reinforcing its leadership in the industry.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of ACC’s operations, earning it recognition as one of India’s most sustainable companies. The company has received the CII-ITC Sustainability Prize and was ranked as India’s Most Admired Cement Company by Fortune India in 2013 and 2014. Its commitment to sustainability is reflected in initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering sustainable construction practices.
Institutionalising Excellence Program
One of its key programs, the Institutionalising Excellence Program, was launched in 2012 to improve efficiency across manufacturing, logistics, sales, and procurement. This initiative focuses on reducing CO₂ emissions, optimizing energy consumption, and lowering operational costs. A significant achievement under this program is the installation of a Waste Heat Recovery system at the Gagal cement plant, which generates 7.5 MW of electricity using waste exhaust gases.
Green Building Centres
To promote sustainable construction, ACC introduced its Green Building Centres (GBCs) in 2013. These centres provide eco-friendly building materials such as fly ash bricks, tiles, pavers, and roofing solutions, catering to the needs of rural and semi-urban communities. In addition to offering affordable and sustainable materials, the centres serve as training hubs where local entrepreneurs learn construction techniques that support long-term economic growth. Initially set up in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, ACC plans to expand these centres to reach a wider audience.
Waste Management and Alternative Fuels
As part of its waste management strategy, ACC actively promotes the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. The company offers comprehensive waste management solutions that include testing, recycling, and co-processing waste in cement kilns. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and incorporating biomass and alternative fuel sources, ACC is driving a more sustainable production process. To meet the growing demand for co-processing services, it is developing three pre-processing platforms that will convert waste into alternative fuels for use in cement plants.
Energy-Efficient Infrastructure
ACC is also a strong advocate for energy-efficient infrastructure. Its headquarters, Cement House, was India’s first renovated building to achieve LEED Gold Certification and a 5-Star Energy Efficiency rating from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. La Residency, its training facility in Thane, received LEED Platinum Certification, while the Central Control Room at the Chanda cement plant also holds the same recognition. A new green building is currently being constructed in Jamul, Chhattisgarh, further reinforcing ACC’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
Through its focus on green building solutions, energy efficiency, and waste management, ACC is redefining sustainable construction in India. By integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations, the company demonstrates how industrial growth can align with environmental responsibility, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
