Biodiversity and natural ecosystems form the foundation of the local environments that support human lives and livelihoods. Recognising the relationship between living organisms and their environments, and their larger impact on the health of the planet, UltraTech takes a proactive approach to biodiversity management. This International Day of Biological Diversity, UltraTech reiterates its commitment to nurturing and protecting biodiversity.
Guided by its Biodiversity policy, UltraTech takes steps to maximise biodiversity around its plants and quarry sites. The company has already conducted biodiversity assessments for 12 of its integrated manufacturing units, identifying risks and opportunities. Additionally, UltraTech aligns with the Aditya Birla Group Biodiversity Policy, aiming for No Net loss of Biodiversity by 2050. It also plans to conduct assessments and develop management plans for all its 24 integrated units by end of calendar year 2024.
UltraTech has formulated mitigation strategies, including measures such as converting mining pits into water bodies at the end of mining activity, undertaking plantations in excavated voids and mine pits, ensuring the preservation and avoidance of damage to ecosystems, and maintaining noise levels below 85 dBA.
UltraTech has partnered with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global authority on nature conservation, to develop a scientific approach to biodiversity management. This collaboration involved both ground-level implementation and policy development. A detailed Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) was developed for UltraTech’s Sewagram Cement Works unit in Gujarat with the IUCN's support. The Biodiversity Management Plan provides recommendations for biodiversity conservation measures in and around the operational area. The plan includes measures to avoid negative impacts on biodiversity, minimize unavoidable impacts, rectify any damage caused, and compensate for any loss of biodiversity. Projects at Sewagram Cement Works include native nursery development, thorn forest habitat restoration, and grassland rehabilitation.
Many of UltraTech’s integrated manufacturing facilities and grinding units have adopted the innovative Miyawaki technique for their afforestation initiatives. Miyawaki plantations help lower temperatures in the surrounding areas while also enhancing the air quality. UltraTech also engages value chain partners through platforms like Leaders for Nature (LfN), contributing to knowledge dissemination and collaborative efforts
