The role of Decarbonisation in Circular Economy – Keynote held by Mr. Mahendra Singhi, Managing Director and CEO of Dalmia Bharat Cement India
Decarbonisation is a cornerstone of the circular economy, enabling industries to reduce carbon emissions while maximising resource efficiency and minimising waste in the society along with scientific waste disposal. By shifting to renewable energy, low-carbon materials, and carbon capture technologies, decarbonisation transforms linear production into regenerative systems that support both environmental and economic resilience. This synergy accelerates the transition to a sustainable future where growth is decoupled from emissions and planetary boundaries are respected.
The DNA of every employee at Dalmia Bharat is ingrained with its operating philosophy – ‘Clean and Green is Profitable & Sustainable’. The company currently has one of the lowest CO2 footprints amongst all cement companies globally. It has also been ranked No. 1 by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) in 2018 for business readiness for the lowest carbon transition. Dalmia Bharat is India’s largest manufacturer of slag cement. Dalmia Bharat is also one of the First Triple Joiners of the Climate Group’s RE100, EV100 and EP100. In addition to being a trusted brand in each region of its operation, Dalmia Bharat believes in a multi-faceted and inclusive growth, and values each of its employees dearly. The Company invests heavily in research and development – operating three R&D centers as robotic labs equipped with cutting-edge technology. As champions of sustainability, Dalmia Bharat takes pride in being an enabler of growth, green cities and a greener world for tomorrow.
Founded by Late Shri Jai Dayal Dalmia – a pioneer, philanthropist and industrialist – in 1939, Dalmia Bharat Limited is the 4th largest cement company in India with an installed cement manufacturing capacity of 49.5 MnT per annum spread across 15 cement plants in 10 states. With a robust network of approx. 49,300 channel partners, the company presently services more than 23 states of India. Over the last decade, Dalmia Bharat has emerged as one of the fastest growing cement companies with its capacity and revenue growth pegged at almost 14% and 17% CAGR respectively. Despite this extraordinary growth, Dalmia Bharat remains one of the lowest total cost producers of cement in India with a proven track record of operational and financial performance. Dalmia Bharat is a pioneer in the area of sustainability as it is the first cement company to follow an aspirational roadmap to become carbon negative by 2040.
“Decarbonisation is more than reducing GHG emissions — it is an economic reform and a new industrial consciousness. It transforms how we design, power, and regenerate, shifting us from linear consumption to sustainable stewardship. Circularity starts at the product concept stage—through low-carbon materials, renewable energy, and systems that eliminate or plan to consume waste before it begins. Decarbonisation ensures our economy evolves with optimisation of growing GHG budget. When paired with circular thinking, it turns the climate challenge into an innovation opportunity. Circularity without decarbonisation lacks direction and decarbonisation without circularity lacks scale. But together, they offer a new blueprint for growth—one rooted in resilience, regeneration, and respect for the planet.“declares Mr. Singhi.
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About Mr.Mahendra Singhi
Mahendra Singhi is a visionary leader with over 44 years of transformative experience in the industry, whose career is marked by a relentless pursuit of operational excellence, industry-wide transformation, and sustainable innovation. A distinguished science and law graduate and Chartered Accountant (secured 21st Rank) with membership in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), he has led leading organizations in cement sector, such as Shree Cement and Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd., driving initiatives that have redefined low-carbon operations and set ambitious targets—most notably, positioning Dalmia Cement to achieve carbon negativity by 2040.
The leadership of Mr. Singhi has resulted in greater financial performance and operational efficiency but has also established these organizations as global benchmarks for sustainable practices in a traditionally resource-intensive industry. Internationally recognized as a Carbon Pricing Champion by the World Bank Group and a Business Leader in many United Nations COP, Mr. Singhi has represented the cement sector at major global forums, including TED Talks, high-level UN summits, French Presidency, and pivotal government-business dialogues such as Asia Pacific Partnership Countries (APPC), where his strategic insights on climate action and sustainable development have made a profound impact.
Beyond corporate responsibilities, Mr. Singhi actively contributes/contributed to shaping industry standards and policy frameworks through his participation in numerous national and global associations such as the Global Cement and Concrete Association, World Cement Association, Energy Transitions Commission, London, among others. His dynamic approach on emphasizing the cultivation of a positive workplace culture and a happiness quotient has inspired a generation of industry professionals.
Mr. Mahendra Singhi is a Member of the Board of Directors and Strategic Advisor at Dalmia Cement which is a leading cement manufacturing group in India, ranked No. 1 globally by CDP for its Low Carbon Economy Transition and praised by the UN Secretary-General for its climate innovation, having one of the lowest carbon footprints globally.
Mr. Singhi also holds the positions of :
– Member, Governing Council of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a leading think tank,
– Member, Board of Governors National Council for Cement and Building Materials, a prominent public sector research institute for building materials,
– Chairman, Environment and Climate Chane Committee of FICCI, one of the biggest industry associations,
– Board member of Global Cement and Concrete Association,
– Distinguished Fellow, The Energy and Resources Institute.
Mr. Singhi also served as:
– President of Cement Manufacturers Association,
– Chairman, National Council for Cement and Building Materials,
– Chairman of the Development Council for Cement Industry
After the CarbonZero event we are hosting Women in Cement and Construction International Congress (Women in CemCo) EMEA Edition, on October 16-17, 2025.
Women in CemCo is a vital platform dedicated to driving progress in the construction industry, focusing on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality. It brings together industry leaders to inspire innovation and foster meaningful change. Extend your stay or join for this unique event celebrating the impact women have on the industry! Email us for more details and the event program at contact@industrylink.eu.
