We are fully committed to promoting sustainable development by integrating economic, environmental, and social considerations into its key business imperatives. We prioritise resource efficiency by actively promoting energy efficiency and by embracing the deployment of renewable energy sources. With a strong focus on minimising our ecological footprint, we remain dedicated to implement strategies that contribute to a low-carbon future and positive environmental impact.

Our approach to sustainability centres around implementing environmental stewardship initiatives that effectively minimise our operational impact on biodiversity, natural resources, and air quality. We strongly believe in collaborating with our multiple stakeholders at various levels to advocate the culture of sustainability across the organisation.

ENSURING A SUSTAINABLE TODAY – WITH GREEN PRODUCTS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PRODUCTS

Our constant focus remains on efficient utilisation of energy resources for sustainable development of products and environment protection. Some of these key initiatives were:

• Developed products with low ecological footprint like DBxe & LLC^TM products
• Super Premium Efficiency IE4 and Ultra-Premium Efficiency IE5 motors
• Improved product efficiency through application of our highly reliable corrosion coating on hydraulic passage
• Expanded the range of energy-efficient BEE star-rated pumpsets
• Developed innovative products like KirloSmart^TM
• Developed products like PICO and PAT, which act as a Micro Hydro Power Generator that can be operated in reverse direction as a turbine for generating electricity. This is designed for harnessing small hydel energy resources

GREEN PROCUREMENT INITIATIVES

We are encouraging our suppliers to adopt the below steps to enable green procurement:

• Energy conservation
• Utilising renewable energy
• Practising the “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle” approach
• Reducing fuel, water, and paper consumption
• Engaging in tree plantation activities

REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE.

• Optimised use of resources through Value Addition/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives for product development
• Reduced energy consumption through energy audits, timely maintenance of machines, identifying and plugging system leakages, replacing old and less efficient equipment with new and energy-efficient equipment
• Conducted ENCON (Energy Conservation) competition between all the manufacturing plants of the KBL Group through external Energy Auditors to identify opportunities to improve energy performance and to share best practices amongst each other
• Upgraded plants to smart energy data logger from traditional energy meters
• IE3 efficiency class motor installed in grit blasting machine, leading to ~5% reduction in energy
• Modified air piping in grit blasting machine to reduce compressed air frictional loss by 1.0 bar, resulting in expected energy saving per annum of 2,165 kWh
• Installed 30 kW GAE30 VSD+ in air compressor to save compressed air energy consumption by 25,000 units per annum
• Revamped APFC panel to improve power factor from 0.981 to 0.995 and above, reducing power loss by 15,000 units per annum
• Upgraded pump test bed by installing 2,000 kW HT VFD to reduce energy consumption due to high initial torque. This modification led to estimated energy saving of 10,000 kWh per annum
• Trained employees on energy conservation techniques in the industry

COMMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENT

GREEN MANUFACTURING

Our planned approach to Green Manufacturing

STEPS TAKEN FOR ACCELERATING ADOPTION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY:

• Using solar energy for emergency lamps in 2^nd & 3^rd shift operation
• Battery-operated mobile crane
• Maximum usage of natural light during daytime on shop floor through sky light sheets
• Exploring enhancement of renewable energy capacity across plants & HO
• HT furnace modification has been completed from diesel-operated to LPG-operated thereby reducing pollution and improvement in operating condition
• Addition of 100 kW rooftop solar panels at KPML Plant

The successful implementation of various energy efficiency initiatives has significantly contributed to improved operational efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. These initiatives encompass the adoption of advanced technologies, process optimisation, and the implementation of employee engagement programs to foster a culture of sustainability.

PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY

We are dedicated to promote widespread deployment of renewable energy in our operations and support the global transition towards a sustainable future. With an unwavering commitment towards combating climate change, we remain focussed on transforming the energy landscape. By making use of innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, we aim to harness the power of renewable sources, such as solar energy.

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

A. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

We adopt a strategic approach to energy management, continually recognising the importance of efficient energy utilisation in achieving our business goals. We have developed and implemented a comprehensive energy management strategy to optimise the energy resources throughout the organisation. This strategic outlook drives us to continually explore further innovative technologies and collaborate with our stakeholders to achieve long-term energy sustainability objectives.

Comprehensive Energy Management Strategy: Key Elements

Energy Consumption – KBL

Carbon Footprint Study

A comprehensive carbon footprint study has been initiated for products manufactured at Kirloskarvadi plant, seeking to identify areas for improvement and emissions reduction. Some of the key sustainable practices adopted include the widespread use of solar water heaters, solar streetlights, daylight tubes, natural ventilation, and Piped Natural Gas (PNG). Through these initiatives, we are actively pursuing our commitment to sustainable operations, energy efficiency and emission reduction.

Emissions Management

We employ a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy for reducing and managing our carbon emissions. Through the strategies on mitigation, efficiency, and innovation, we actively manage and reduce emissions, combat climate change and build a sustainable future.

Firstly, we prioritise mitigation by actively procuring renewable energy sources. We work towards identifying opportunities for integrating solar, biogas, and other clean energy solutions into our operations, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering our carbon footprint.

Secondly, we emphasise efficiency across our operations. By implementing energy-efficient practices and technologies, we help optimise energy consumption and reduce emissions at every process.

Finally, we foster a culture of innovation by continuously exploring and investing in cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to revamp energy consumption.

B. UTILISING ALTERNATE SOURCES OF ENERGY

C. WATER CONSUMPTION

KBL employs a robust water management strategy that revolves around the principles of conservation, reuse, and recycling. By prioritising water conservation, reuse, and recycling, the Company demonstrates its commitment to sustainable water management practices and contributes to the preservation and responsible use of this vital resource.

A strong emphasis on responsible water usage:

• Implemented rainwater collection systems across plant locations and corporate office to capture rainwater efficiently and utilise it for several purposes
• Enabled wastewater or effluent generated during operations to undergo rigorous processing and treatment within production locations and corporate office to achieve Zero Liquid Discharge

Key Process Improvements

• Replaced water-based painting booths with electrostatic booths
• Replaced underground water pipelines by overhead pipelines to prevent leakage losses
• Replaced GI pipeline with HDPE to ensure water quality, reduce tank cleaning frequency and leakage
• Replaced conventional water taps with sensor-based taps
• Usage of recycled water for gardening and domestic application

Withdrawal, Consumption and Discharge of Water

Water consumption by KBL and Subsidiaries (in m³)

D. WASTE MANAGEMENT

We prioritise waste management by embracing the principles of a circular economy and placing a strong emphasis on recycling. We reduce the environmental impact and contribute towards a more sustainable future by actively participating in the recycling process.

Key steps towards waste management:

• Plastic usage and waste generation are minimised
• Waste consisting of recyclable plastic is responsibly handed over to designated organisations for recycling
• Corrugated boxes and paper have replaced plastic packaging
• Encouraging Suppliers to follow waste management practices

E. CONSERVING BIODIVERSITY

• KBL has a strategy centred around tree plantation to preserve and enhance biodiversity. We are actively contributing to the preservation and restoration of ecosystems and promoting a healthier and more sustainable planet
• Manufacturing Plants with maximum Green Belt coverage