NHAI Releases First Sustainability Report

• 12 Jun 2023

Recently, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, released the first 'Sustainability Report for FY 2021-22' published by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

• This comprehensive report focuses on NHAI's governance structure, stakeholders, and initiatives related to the environment and social responsibility.

Key Findings of the Report

• Direct Emissions Reduced: From FY 2019-20 to 2021-22, NHAI achieved an 18.44% reduction in direct emissions due to less fuel consumption.
• Use of Recycled Materials: NHAI has been utilizing recycled materials for national highway construction, including fly-ash, plastic waste, recycled asphalt (RAP), and recycled aggregates (RA).
• Decrease In Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy consumption, operations, transport, and travel decreased by 9.7% in FY 2020-21 and 2% in FY 2021-22. This reduction contributed to a decline in the carbon footprint.
• Energy Intensity Reduction: NHAI achieved a 37% reduction in energy intensity in Giga Joules/km in FY 2020-21 and 27% reduction in FY 2021-22, indicating improved energy efficiency in operations.
• Electronic Toll Collection: Over 97% penetration of electronic toll collection through FASTag has helped reduce the carbon footprint.
• Wildlife Protection Measures: NHAI created over 100 wildlife crossings in three years across 20 states to reduce man-animal conflicts and promote wildlife protection and conservation.
• Plantation Drives: NHAI has undertaken plantation drives to develop eco-friendly national highways, with a significant increase in the number of saplings planted. Around 2.74 crore saplings were planted till 2021-22 to offset direct emissions from vehicles.
• Women Employment and Diversity: NHAI has increased women employment and employment of marginalized communities over the past three years, with a 7.4% increase in female hiring and a total 3% increase in the overall workforce.
• Voluntary Sustainability Reporting: The sustainability report follows the global reporting initiative (GRI) guidelines and has been externally assured by a third party. It aims to demonstrate NHAI's sustainability credentials and opens avenues for infrastructure financing through 'Green Finance.'
• Commitment to Sustainable Practices: NHAI is dedicated to ensuring economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable projects, emphasizing renewable energy sources, green highways, and waste management practices.