“Landmark Achievement: Ambuja & ACC Become 1st Indian Cement Firms to Earn SBTi Net-Zero Validation” Breakthrough

Ambuja Cements and ACC, part of the Adani Group, have become the first Indian cement companies to have their net-zero targets officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This marks a major step towards India’s low-carbon industrial future and aligns with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C climate goal. The SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard is the only globally recognized framework for science-based net-zero target setting. The companies prioritize direct decarbonisation and neutralize residual emissions in line with SBTi criteria.

Ambuja is also the first cement manufacturer globally to join the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization (AFID) and is a member of WEF’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative. The Adani Group’s investments in green hydrogen will enable Ambuja Cements and ACC to accelerate emissions reduction and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In a landmark move for India’s construction and climate goals, Ambuja Cements and ACC, both part of the Adani Group, have become the first Indian cement companies to receive SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) validation for their net-zero emissions targets. This international recognition places them on par with global climate leaders in the heavy industries sector and underscores India’s growing role in the global green transition.

What Is SBTi Validation?

The Science Based Targets initiative is a globally recognized body that assesses and approves companies’ climate strategies based on scientific thresholds. Net-zero targets validated by SBTi ensure that companies align with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. By meeting these rigorous standards, Ambuja and ACC are showing that Indian industrial giants can lead the way in sustainable manufacturing practice. (India’s Project)

Green Cement Strategy

Ambuja and ACC have already taken concrete steps towards achieving carbon neutrality. Both firms have ramped up the use of blended cement, alternative fuels, and renewable power at their production sites. Their joint initiatives include increasing the use of waste-derived fuels, switching to solar and wind power, and leveraging clinker factor reduction technologies—a crucial step in reducing cement-related emissions. These efforts align with India’s broader targets under the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UNFCCC framework.

Industry Impact

With SBTi validation, Ambuja and ACC set a precedent for other Indian construction and cement manufacturers. The Indian cement industry is one of the largest in the world and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and infrastructure growth. However, it’s also one of the most emission-intensive sectors. These developments mark a transformational shift for an industry often criticized for its environmental footprint. For context, UltraTech Cement, a major competitor, has also taken steps toward sustainability, but has not yet received net-zero validation from SBTi. This puts Ambuja and ACC in a leadership position that could influence policy, industry norms, and global supply chains.

Part of Adani Group’s Broader ESG Goals

This milestone supports the Adani Group’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap, which includes investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and low-emission logistics. Both companies’ sustainability programs are closely tied with Adani Green Energy, reflecting a cross-sectoral approach to decarbonization. With net-zero now validated, Ambuja and ACC are positioned not just as national leaders, but as global torchbearers for climate-resilient construction. This signals a new era for Indian infrastructure—one built not just on concrete, but on climate responsibility. (Adani Group’s)