Achieving Net-Zero: VPCL’s Powerful Partnership for a Cleaner Future

CLIENT

Visakha Pharma City Limited (VPCL)

SECTOR

Pharmaceuticals

TECHNOLOGY

Net-Zero Roadmap Development

Saving in Carbon
Emissions

Target reduction of 65,548.73 tonnes by 2040

Equalvalent Trees
Plants planted

Approximately 32,00,000 Trees

About project:

In 2022, VPCL signed a partnership agreement with Zenith Energy Services Pvt. Ltd. to conduct the complete carbon footprint assessment and further develop a viable action plan towards achieving net-zero operational emissions. The main targets included the operationalization of all three scopes GHG emissions hitherto focused on, ie. Developing GHG emissions that are within Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 verbal, along with the outlining of tactical measures intended to augment the endurance objectives of VPCL.

Client:

Visakha Pharma City Limited (VPCL) is a public private partnership enterprise based in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Having committed to a proactive impact on the environment, VPCL set net-zero emissions for the year of 2040 and aims at reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the various areas of activity.

Project highlight:

Updated Smilax’s outdated chiller with a high-efficiency water-cooled chiller.

Converted the conventional lighting system to energy-efficient LED lighting with smart control features.

The total investment for the project was INR 90 lakhs.

The installation process was completed within a four-month period.

High Carbon Emissions: VPCL’s operations produced considerable greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from coal-fired boilers, electricity use, and various activities throughout the value chain.
Complex Emission Sources: Emissions were categorized into several types, including direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from electricity (Scope 2), and value chain emissions (Scope 3) stemming from areas like purchased goods, waste management, and employee commuting.
Ambitious Net-Zero Target: VPCL aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, necessitating a well-defined, phased strategy and significant reductions in emissions across all Scopes

Zenith Energy offered the following key services for VPCL:

Carbon Footprint Assessment: For the purpose of carbon footprint assessment, GHG emissions in Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 boundaries are identified and quantified by an assessment of carbon footprint consistent with the operational control approach of GHG Protocol.
GHG Emissions Estimation: This baseline was set at a total carbon footprint of 65,548.73 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions with VPCL’s FY 2021-22 in perspective, whose significant portions are due to multiple categories, including direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from electricity (Scope 2), and value chain emissions (Scope 3) from sources like purchased goods, waste management, and employee commuting.
Net Zero Emissions Strategy Development: A roadmap is clear which spells out short term targets for up to 2030 and medium to long term targets for up to 2040, with a definite strategy for gradually reducing emissions and achieving net zero.

Result and impact:

Zenith Energy has developed a roadmap that provides VPCL with a clear path to net-zero by 2040. The initiative also aims to place a benchmark on making pharmaceutical operations sustainable, whilst establishing VPCL as an environmental steward and enabling possible cost savings and sustainability of operations in the longer run.

Ready to take a step toward net-zero?