Setting corporate goals is much easier than implementing them; it is even more difficult in unpredictable times. However, Ashoka Buildcon known for its innovation and industry leadership, set Indian industry standards by becoming one of the first public limited companies, to have opted for ISO 14064 Certification for reporting green house gases and complying with international requirements.

The Chief Executive Officer and Group President of ISC, Tony Wilde states, "Ashoka Buildcon and other large organisations in India will play a critical role in the country's response to climate change. Ashoka's leadership position on this issue places it at the forefront of global business and sets an example for all to follow."

"In addition to being a leader in the reduction of emissions from construction activities, Ashoka seeks to reduce the environmental impact of road construction and to promote sustainable construction methods," says Sanjay Londhe, Chief Executive Officer, Ashoka Buildcon.

The recent investment made at one of the company's prestigious projects in Kolkata demonstrates clearly Ashoka's corporate philosophy in action. It was a Marini asphalt plant combining energy efficiency, recycling and environment-friendly asphalt mix production capability with an increased throughput capacity. "Corporates like Ashoka who tackle this issue head-on are well placed in an emerging global carbon economy where carbon trading is increasingly taking place in international markets," states Blesson Varghese, Managing Director, Marini India.

Ashoka's Marini plant will enable the company to produce a wide range of mixes including recycling capabilities of up to 35 per cent and with further enhancements up to 45 per cent and more. The Marini system installed by Ashoka was patented by Marini over 30 years back and today is renowned for being the best system for production of recycled mixes with the highest productivity and fuel efficiency. The Marini system helps Ashoka reduce up to 25 per cent of carbon emissions.

Savings, speed and success

The Marini system installed at Ashoka's Kharagpur-Dhankuni toll road project reflects its carbon-friendliness right from the roots. Ashoka opted for a plant which requires minimal concrete foundations. The self-standing plant further requires very minimal crane hours for set up. This reduces the carbon impact during the setting-up phase of the asphalt plant. Engineers from Marini erected and produced the first load of asphalt mix in a record nineteen days.

Each unit of the Marini is thoughtfully designed for energy efficiency. "The very first time I saw the plant in operation and witnessed the amazing savings in production costs, I was convinced that a Marini is the right choice to secure a green future for our company," states Prashant Kanade heading the P&M Division.

The project In-charge Ganesh Rao says, "I have worked overseas with Marini plants. A Marini is simply unstoppable. It used to run round-the-clock delivering top notch mix quality and production. The sheer design strength of the plant is quite motivating. It is built to last and produces a high quality mix without any hassles."

High quality asphalt, delivered green

"With seven hot bins and an extra storage capacity of one hundred and eighty tonnes, the mix produced on the Marini is simply superb. The accuracy and mix design delivered by the plant is astonishing," states Sathish Kumar the team leader at the project. This Marini is supplied with anti rust features and the standard Marini anti ageing systems. The savings in bitumen consumption and fuel consumption along with the waste heat recovery and the highly efficient combustion system on the Marini delivers a mix which is the greenest in the Industry.

The technology available on Ashoka's Marini is the first of its kind in Eastern India. It is not just producing high quality asphalt but also conserving the ecology, which is equally important. The Ashoka's Marini would annually save carbon emissions equivalent to sixteen thousand trees.

Ashoka further extended its energy savings in mix production by opting for a high capacity energy conserving storage silo. Green is not just a colour; greener the mix, greener your finances.