MUMBAI:
ACC Ltd, one of the leading producers of cement and ready-mix concrete in India, offers a unique and sustainable model of living through Green Building Centres (GBC). In 2020, GBCs enabled 31,477 affordable homes across India through GBC products.
Green Building Centres are designed to provide durable and affordable housing solutions in India by promoting sustainable building materials, building techniques and locally trained workforce.
Green Building Centre, an initiative of rural-connect, acts as a catalyst in rural and semi urban development. It goes beyond cement and concrete to create environmentally friendly, and affordable alternatives to traditional clay burnt bricks, creating a new place in the market for masonry and paving products. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Roadmap 2030 of its parent company LafargeHolcim.
Based on a franchise business model, unique across the world, local entrepreneurs supported by ACC have established 100 centres operating in various districts in India. In 2020, the total number of beneficiaries at GBC, receiving direct livelihood support was more than 3,150.
Furthermore, GBCs also help in generating livelihoods through their Mason Training Program, which aims to develop skills in construction. Each centre contributes directly to the creation of 30 livelihoods and indirectly to 120 livelihoods.
Sridhar Balakrishnan, MD & CEO, ACC Limited said: “Green Building Centres is a unique program that aims to provide affordable housing, sanitation solutions, rural and semi-urban pavement solutions which is a key pillar in our plan for people and communities in India. At ACC, we believe in embracing communities and working together to effect real change. Through the Mason Training Program at GBCs, we also give real opportunities to young Indians for self-development. We not only want to build our nation with sustainable building solutions, but also empower the nation’s youth through entrepreneurship, livelihood and skill development initiatives.”
In 2020, ACC established 43 new GBCs, bringing the total number to over 150 centres, of which 100 are in operation and the rest are under construction.
With the sustainability agenda at their core, GBCs in 2020 collectively contributed to the use of 70,740 tons of fly ash, the conservation of 1,53,271 tons of the Earth’s natural topsoil, and the avoidance of 10,788 tons of CO2 emissions.
Through ACC, LafargeHolcim India has the vision of facilitating the creation of 1 million houses and toilets in Semi-Urban and Rural India by 2025.
