In response to the evolving global business landscape, BHEL remains committed to embedding sustainability into its core operations. The company continues to drive positive environmental and social change, ensuring that sustainability principles guide its business strategy. The following highlights BHEL’s key environmental initiatives and climate action efforts during FY 2023-24.

Efficient Use of Materials & Natural Resources

BHEL prioritizes resource conservation and optimization to align with UN SDG 12 – Responsible Production and Consumption. Key measures include:

• Optimizing material usage through efficient cutting processes to minimize waste.
• Recycling and repurposing metal scraps and offcuts in manufacturing.
• Implementing waste minimization strategies across operations.

Energy Management & Renewable Energy Expansion

To advance UN SDG 7 – Affordable & Clean Energy, BHEL is enhancing energy efficiency and expanding clean energy adoption:

• ISO 50001-certified Energy Management Systems implemented in energy-intensive units.
• 51 energy conservation projects completed, reducing electricity consumption by 23.92 million units.
• Onsite solar power generation increased by 8% (from 29.78 million to 32.17 million units).
• Cumulative solar power generation of 192.17 million units over the past seven years.

Water Conservation & Biodiversity Preservation

BHEL has implemented water-saving initiatives to align with UN SDGs 3, 6, 11, and 14:

• 140+ rainwater harvesting structures installed across campuses.
• 9 new rainwater harvesting systems added in FY 2023-24.
• 8 new water bodies created to enhance groundwater recharge and biodiversity.
• 20 Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and 19 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) ensure wastewater recycling.
• New STPs commissioned at SBD Bengaluru & HPVP Vizag units.
• 11 manufacturing units operate without discharging effluents outside their premises.

Water Discharge & Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Initiatives

• Total Water Discharged: 142,621 KL (up from 106,680 KL).
• Treated effluent is mostly reused, with minimal discharge into municipal sewers and natural water bodies.
• 19 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) & 20 Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) ensure wastewater treatment meets regulatory standards.
• 11 manufacturing units operate with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), recycling all treated effluent for horticulture.

Green Cover & Afforestation

• 40% of BHEL’s land area is covered by trees, shrubs, and water bodies.
• 30 lakh trees and shrubs currently maintained across campuses.
• Miyawaki forests developed at Jhansi, Hyderabad, and Trichy (15,000+ sq.m. cumulative coverage).
• 81,608 saplings planted in FY 2023-24, exceeding the target of 75,000.
• Joined the World Economic Forum’s ‘1t.org’ Trillion Trees Initiative, pledging to conserve 3 million trees and expand green cover.

GHG Emissions (FY 2023-24 vs. FY 2022-23)

• Scope 1 Emissions: 111,681.13 metric tonnes CO₂e (reduced from 115,744).
• Scope 2 Emissions: 174,844.57 metric tonnes CO₂e (slightly down from 176,528.46).
• Total GHG Emission Intensity:
  • Per Revenue: 1.199 g CO₂/₹ (improved from 1.25 g CO₂/₹).
  • Per Revenue Adjusted for PPP: 27.44 g CO₂/$ (down from 28.62 g CO₂/$).

Carbon Management & Emission Reduction

BHEL is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2047 and reducing its carbon footprint through:

• Switching to greener fuels (LPG, CNG, RLNG) instead of coal, FO, HSD, and LDO.
• Installing 35+ MWp of captive solar PV systems, leading to an 8% reduction in carbon footprint.
• Ongoing Energy Conservation (EnCon) & Energy Efficiency (EE) initiatives to reduce Scope-1 and Scope-2 emissions.
• Natural carbon sink through extensive green cover initiatives.

Waste Management & Circular Economy

BHEL follows the 3R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to manage various waste types effectively:

• Total Waste Generated: 52,578.44 metric tonnes (up from 47,428.81).
• Metal waste segregated at source and reused before disposal.
• Hazardous, e-waste, and battery waste safely disposed of through authorized agencies.
• Biodegradable waste composted, with canteen waste at HEP Bhopal used for bio-gas generation.
• Inert waste repurposed for construction or filling low-lying areas.
• All 15 BHEL townships certified as ‘Single-Use Plastic Free’.

HARIT BHEL – Green PSU Initiative

Launched on July 10, 2023, by the Hon’ble Minister for Heavy Industries, HARIT BHEL aims to transform BHEL into a Green PSU.

Key Components:

1. Net Zero by 2047:
   • 50% reduction in Scope-1 & Scope-2 emissions by 2030 (baseline FY 2022-23).
   • Collaborating with customers and vendors to reduce Scope-3 emissions.
2. GreenCo Certification:
   • BHEL units undergoing Green Company rating assessment by CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre.
   • 5 units assessed for GreenCo rating in FY 2023-24.
3. Sustainability Initiatives (FY 2023-24):
   • Increased captive solar PV capacity.
   • Planted 81,608 saplings.
   • Added 9 rainwater harvesting systems.
   • Created 8 new water bodies.
   • Water audits conducted at 5 manufacturing units.
   • Energy audits completed at 16 units to identify efficiency improvements.
   • Enhanced daylight usage by replacing/repairing roof sheeting.

BHEL remains committed to sustainable business growth, with focused efforts on energy conservation, carbon neutrality, water conservation, afforestation, and waste reduction. Through initiatives like HARIT BHEL, the company is leading the way in green industrial transformation, ensuring long-term environmental responsibility.

To know more, visit –

• https://www.bhel.com/annual-reports
• https://www.bhel.com/sites/default/files/BHEL%20Integrated%
  20Annual%20report%202023-24_4%20%281%29.pdf