Monday 29 / April / 2024
In an era where global warming poses significant threats to our planet, Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel has taken proactive steps to mitigate its environmental footprint. The company has cemented its status as a pioneer in sustainability within the global steel industry through its steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and the fight against climate change. This dedication has garnered it a triple endorsement from renowned certifiers and sustainability evaluators DNV, CARES, and Sustainalytics.
With the recognition of the urgent need to address climate change, JSIS embarked on a strategic path to reduce its carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices across its operations. Central to this mission is the company's aspiration to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with intermediary targets set to reduce emissions intensity by fiscal years 2025 and 2030.
Leading Carbon Emissions Reduction
DNV, a renowned certification body, has verified that JSIS is spearheading the transition towards a decarbonised future through its dedicated pursuit of clean and green business practices. Committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040, JSIS has demonstrated remarkable progress in reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions intensity (Scope 1 and 2). Originally aiming for a 12.1% reduction by 2024–25, JSIS exceeded expectations by achieving a remarkable 32% reduction in 2022.
With a Product Carbon Footprint Intensity of 0.78 tons of CO2 per ton of steel (Scope 1 and 2 emissions), JSIS has not only met stringent European standards but has also become one of the few companies in the GCC region to achieve this milestone.
Harssha Shetty, Chief Executive Officer of JSIS, expressed his delight at the achievement and said: “At JSIS, we believe in forging a sustainable legacy as stewards of progress. Our dedication to significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions is not just a duty—it's our pledge to build a future where strength meets sustainability. We take pride in our commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovative practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions. We are committed to diminishing our carbon footprint and setting new benchmarks for environmentally conscious steel manufacturing."
Pioneering Environmental Excellence
JSIS's inclusion in the recently published CARES Sustainability Report highlights the company's innovative approach to sustainability and its tangible impact on emissions reduction and operational efficiency. The CARES Report shines a spotlight on the measurable improvements made by JSIS in emissions performance, energy savings, and manufacturing costs. From pioneering the world’s first Hotlink Direct Reduced Iron plant to implementing rigorous emissions reduction measures, JSIS continues to lead the way in environmentally friendly steel manufacturing.
Lee Brankley, CEO of CARES, commended JSIS's achievements, stating, “The results achieved by our colleagues at JSIS are truly exceptional. We can see first-hand the real progress in carbon emissions intensity, and the first-rate CO2 results set a benchmark that will undoubtedly spur others to meet or exceed. Equally important is the commitment to transparency; we can see what is being achieved and the results speak for themselves.”
Additionally, the CARES feature underlines the significant impacts achieved by JSIS, which encompass measures to enhance the health, safety, and security of industry employees. JSIS stands out for its efforts in cultivating a positive work environment through ongoing education and on-the-job training for its workforce.
Harssha Shetty pointed out, “Jindal Shadeed operates the world’s first Hotlink DRI plant, and in 2022 this enabled us to avoid 221,702 t CO2 emissions – in addition to saving energy and reducing costs. JSIS not only prioritises environmental sustainability but also places a strong emphasis on the well-being and development of its workforce. Through our training initiatives as well as our supportive work environment, JSIS ensures that its employees are equipped to thrive in a sustainable future.”
Testament to Strategic Sustainability
Sustainalytics, a globally recognised provider of Environmental, Social, and Governance research and ratings, highlighted JSIS’s strategic initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Prioritising decarbonisation in its sustainability efforts, JSIS has implemented strategies to minimise its environmental impact, such as enhancing operational efficiency, adopting energy-efficient technologies, and shifting towards cleaner energy sources. The Sustainalytics report affirms JSIS's decarbonisation pathway is consistent with the goals of limiting global warming to below 2°C.
Notably, JSIS’s Direct Reduced Iron plant incorporates a heat recovery system, significantly improving energy efficiency. Moreover, JSIS has expressed its commitment to procure renewable energy from projects such as Ibri II, a 500MW solar photovoltaic power project in Oman.
Harssha Shetty reiterated JSIS’s commitment stating, “JSIS understands that mitigating environmental and social risks is integral to its sustainability agenda. The company has implemented robust policies and codes of conduct to manage such risks effectively, including its Sustainability Policy, Green Procurement Policy, and Corporate Social Responsibility Policy. JSIS’s Green Procurement Policy underscores its commitment to selecting products and services that minimise environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency, and promote the use of clean fuels.”
JSIS's triple endorsement carries profound implications for the steel industry and the environment at large. As one of the leading players in the global steel sector, JSIS sets a new industry standard for sustainability, inspiring other companies to follow suit. Amidst the climate change challenges, JSIS's achievements inspire hope, showing that responsible business practices can drive positive change for industry and the environment.
