Through environmentally friendly, sustainable initiatives, L&T bets on climate-centered growth toward a changing world etpanache@timesofindia.com
Can large engineering companies transform and embrace sustainable growth given rising climate issues and a surge in green capital? Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is one of India’s most influential infrastructure and engineering players and seems to be making a serious case, and must-have-have.
In FY24, 50% of L&T revenue came from green enterprises’ categories: clean energy projects, water and wastewater solutions, mass transportation systems, green buildings and sustainable infrastructure. These are not sidelinings; they are now centered in L&T’s script.
The company’s ongoing transformation is fixed in its “Lakshya” strategic plan, which sets bold environmental goals – carbon neutrality by 2040, water neutrality and 25% emission intensity reduced by fiscal 26 years by 2035.
Although these schedules are ambitious, what makes them credible is the work that is already underway. For example, L&T is gradually shifting critical operations to renewable energy and is expected to achieve about 12% renewable energy use within certain locations. Biodiesel mix cuts off emissions on the ground, while its Hazira campus was recently recognized by CII as a plastic-free facility.
Overall method
The environmental approach of L&T is holistic and goes far beyond energy and emissions. Its water management program has already carried out CSR-led interventions in three geographical locations, bringing nearly 3.5 million kilograms of water to harvest each year, accounting for nearly 20% of the company’s total evacuation of water in fiscal 24.
Then there is the issue of biodiversity – this area is rarely associated with heavy engineering. During the construction of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail, L&T successfully repositioned 18 crocodiles through the conservation plan. Along the Mumbai Trans Harbour connection, the building cuts the flamingo territory, and the company uses reverse drilling and ecologically sensitive stacking techniques to minimize interference. In Hazira, L&T cultivates over 150 hectares of mangrove forests, a natural coastal shield that also isolates carbon.
The company’s campus is also getting greener. There are now 16 L&T buildings and facilities with LEED or IGBC certifications, while 4 million trees have been planted in FY24 alone. These are not only symbolic gestures; they also contribute to microclimate recovery, improving air quality and employee well-being.
Changes in mindset
But perhaps the most convincing change is cultural. With 95,000 employees, this mentality began to span work locations, design labs and boards.
“From the transition to the energy transition, the world is changing dramatically – we as responsible individuals must adapt and lead.
To make its ESG journey more accessible, L&T has also launched a new sustainability website, an interactive platform with project stories, climate goals, metrics and grass-roots level impacts. It can be used not only as a record, but also as a declaration of intent.
This transparency becomes crucial as all stakeholders seek performance purposes. For a company that helped build a modern Indian city and industrial spine, this hub is more signal than internal reforms. It provides a template for traditional players in emerging markets who must walk the rope between growth and environmental responsibility.
Because at the end of the day, the infrastructure of the future can’t be just smarter or faster. It must also be sustainable.
The website link will be published: https://new.lntsustainability.com/
Disclaimer: Content produced by L&T
