Over 200 students, employees and partners engage in environmental awareness activities promoting responsible energy use and climate-conscious practices

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

Reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, marked World Ozone Day with a series of awareness and community engagement initiatives across its operations in Jharsuguda, Lanjigarh and BALCO in Korba. Bringing together more than 200 students, teachers, employees and business partners, the initiatives focused on responsible energy use, ozone protection and everyday actions that can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Aligned with the 2026 United Nations theme, ‘Global Action for a Cooler Planet,’ the programmes encouraged participants to understand the importance of protecting the ozone layer while adopting climate-friendly and energy-efficient practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “As India’s largest aluminium producer, we recognise our responsibility to drive sustainable growth while minimising our environmental footprint. Across our operations, we are accelerating renewable energy integration, improving resource efficiency and advancing our decarbonisation journey. World Ozone Day provides an opportunity to engage employees, partners and young people in understanding how collective action can contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.”

At BALCO, Vedanta Aluminium’s subsidiary in Korba, awareness sessions brought together employees and business partners to discuss sustainable cooling and energy-efficient practices. As part of the Cooling Challenge, participants were encouraged to adopt practical measures to reduce energy consumption and support environmental sustainability, highlighting how individual choices can contribute to broader environmental outcomes.

At Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh operations, the observance was organised in collaboration with the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB). The programme brought together students and employees to promote awareness about environmental conservation and ozone protection. More than 50 students from DAV Vedanta School participated in poster-making and colouring competitions, expressing their understanding of ozone protection through creative presentations. Outstanding entries were recognised by the Regional Officer, OSPCB, Rayagada.

The initiative also extended to employees, who participated in an awareness session covering global environmental initiatives and the role of individual action in advancing sustainability. The programme concluded with an environmental pledge, reinforcing the collective commitment towards responsible environmental practices.

In Jharsuguda, the observance focused on engaging young minds in environmental stewardship. Around 150 students and teachers from Purna High School participated in awareness activities that combined learning with action, including a plantation drive and a drawing competition centred on ozone protection and conservation. Around 20 saplings were planted as part of the initiative. Supported by employee volunteers, the programme provided students with an interactive platform to explore environmental responsibility while encouraging greener habits within the wider school community.

The World Ozone Day observance forms part of Vedanta Aluminium’s broader sustainability journey, encompassing initiatives across its operations as well as community engagement programmes. As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, the company has reduced its greenhouse gas emission intensity by 8.96% since FY2021, recycled 14.6 million tonnes of waste, and achieved 100% fly ash utilisation in FY2025. With a target of sourcing 1,500 MW of renewable power by 2030 and achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050, Vedanta Aluminium continues to focus on resource efficiency, decarbonisation and responsible growth while creating long-term environmental value.