Welcome to our latest newsletter. As the Indian cement industry continues its march toward net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2070, our members are transforming ambition into action. This newsletter highlights key sustainability ambition of the member companies from World Environment Day, achievements in renewable energy and water positivity, and our ongoing collaborative efforts in safety and circular waste management.

To better support the sector's decarbonization, the GCCA has updated its strategic priorities. These now include Decarbonization and Sustainability, Innovation, and Positive Concrete Positioning, which will be advanced through Outreach and Advocacy, Knowledge Sharing, and Finance and Funding. GCCA India has also expanded its focus to include Innovation in the work program.

With these updated priorities, we look forward to more opportunities to enhance the sector's decarbonization in the upcoming six months.

Global Cement Decarbonization Convening Brings Industry Leaders Together

GCCA co-supported the Global Cement Decarbonization Convening, along with TERI and Shakti Foundation, held from 10–12 March 2026 at The Lalit, Mumbai. Thomas Guillot, CEO of GCCA was the keynote speaker at the event. The first day of the convening focused on presentations on regional realities (India, Vietnam, Indonesia & Thailand), panel discussions on market demand for the low-carbon cement & concrete, the Future availability of SCMs and breakout group discussions. The second day focused on one-on-one meetings and a dinner at One Lodha Place, Lower Parel. On the third day there was a field visit to Palava City by the Lodha Group to visit the LC3 application site. Kaustubh Phadke presented the overview of the Indian Cement sector

GCCA India Joins ET Edge Global Sustainability Alliance

The new alliance membership strengthens GCCA India’s ability to collaborate with sustainability leaders and support industry-wide action in decarbonizing cement and concrete sector..

Indian Champions League runner up

Pashmin Dee has won the Prize (Runner-up) in the Indian Green Champions League (IGCL) 2026, organised by the CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre. The award was presented by Mr. Vikram Kasbekar, Chairman of the CII GreenCo Council, on 18th June 2026 during the GreenCo Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Samanvaya Reddy also participated in the Indian Champions League and secured a place among the top 12 participants.

GCCA India Advances Contractor Safety Management at Health & Safety Working Group Meeting

Health and Safety leaders gathered in Hyderabad on April 28, 2026 to advance the implementation of contractor safety management system and share best practices aimed at strengthening safety culture across the cement and concrete sector. This was a follow up to a meeting held at UltraTech Cement's Office in Mumbai on 9th January 2026.

Strengthening India’s RDF Ecosystem for Sustainable Waste Management

GCCA India participated as a stakeholder in the launch of Environmental Management Centre Pvt Ltd (EMC's) report on Strengthening the Ecosystem for the Use of MSW as RDF in Cement Plants in India. The report was released on 8th April 2026.

Case Studies of Water Conservation 2026

On World Water Day on 22nd March 2026, GCCA India shared case studies of member companies highlighting the efforts of member companies in water conservation.

Case Study on Energy Conservation 2026

GCCA India on World Energy Efficiency Day on March 6 2026, highlighted the case study of member companies on energy conservation. Our member companies are consistently working to enhance their energy efficiency, and it's noteworthy that the Indian cement sector stands out as one of the most energy-efficient sectors globally.

GCCA India Highlights CCUS at India Energy Week 2026

Kaustubh Phadke participated in the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) CCUS Roundtable Discussion at India Energy Week 2026 on 29th January 2026. He spoke on the GCCA India-TERI decarbonization roadmap, role of CCUS as essential decarbonization lever, and highlighted two reports on CCUS by CEM and GCCA released in 2024-25, and the next steps for CCUS in the Indian cement industry.

Insights from JSW Sustainability Summit

Kaustubh Phadke participated in panel discussion exploring how sustainability can drive long-term business value and competitive advantage on 27 February 2026 at Navi Mumbai.

GCCA India Shares Insights on a Just Transition in the Cement Sector

Kaustubh Phadke moderated the Global Compact Network India (GCNI) event on Just Transition in the Cement Sector: Insights & Way Forward on 29th May 2026. He shared the GCCA members' aspiration, highlights of the progress and the roadmap.

ET Edge GSA ESG Sustainability Masterclass

Samanvaya Reddy attended the ESG Masterclass by ET Edge from 18-20 June 2026 in Mumbai. The masterclass covered various ESG concepts including the different reporting frameworks, development of net zero roadmap and case studies across companies. The masterclass also included a visit to the Bisleri MRF facility for plastic waste in Mumbai.