National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) First ‘Sustainability Report’ captures initiatives taken for Environment Sustainability

Key findings:

• About the report:
  • NHAI’s first ‘Sustainability Report for FY 2021-22’ covers NHAI’s governance structure, stakeholders, environment and social responsibility initiatives.
  • NHAI’s Sustainability Report is not a mandated requirement as per SEBI guidelines, but this has been taken as a voluntary initiative.
  • It is prepared as per the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting guidelines.
  • The report has been externally assured by a third party adhering to International Standards on Assurance Engagements.
• Reduction in emissions:
  • From FY 2019-20 till 2021-22 direct emission reduced by 18.44% and 9.49% due to less fuel consumption.
  • NHAI continues to work towards reducing indirect emissions as well, by transiting towards clean and green energy sources.
  • Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions from energy consumption, operations, transport and travel saw a decline of 9.7% in FY 2020-21 and 2% in FY 2021-22.  
  • In operations, energy intensity reduced by 37% in FY 2020-21 and 27% in FY 2021-22.
  • With over 97 percent penetration, Electronic Toll Collection through FASTag has contributed to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Sustainable construction:
  • The kilometers constructed through the reporting period has risen steadily.
  • NHAI has been using recycled materials for National Highway construction.
  • Use of fly-ash and plastic waste in construction has increased over the last three years.
  • NHAI has  been encouraging use of Recycled Asphalt (RAP) and Recycled Aggregates (RA) in the National Highway construction.
• Initiatives for environment:
  • In order to ensure sustainable environmental growth, more than 100 Wildlife Crossings were created as a measure for wildlife protection and conservation to reduce man-animal conflict.
  • NHAI has been undertaking plantation drives to develop eco-friendly National Highways.
  • There has been a significant increase in number of saplings.
  • Saplings were planted to offset direct emissions from the vehicles.
• Work practices:
  • The report also highlights NHAI’s commitment to create inclusive and responsible work practices.
  • Over last three years, women employment and employment of marginalized communities at NHAI has increased.
  • With performance-based management system, NHAI has successfully promoted/encouraged women gender diversity and minority employees.