Water
and Energy Conservation:
Breakthrough at Specialty Paper Mill, Tribeni
ITC’s Specialty Paper unit at Tribeni, West Bengal, requires large
quantities of energy and water for the production of fine specialty papers. During
2004-05, the unit achieved a 6.5% reduction in fresh water usage compared to 2003-04 (a
cumulative reduction of 54% in the last 7 years).
This was made possible by the commissioning of a detailed system of metering &
monitoring; optimising consumption at all user-points; replacing the use of fresh water
with recycled water, wherever possible; commissioning of 3 water-recycling plants; and
installation of Flow/Orifice Meters at critical locations to restrict the consumption.
Apart from water conservation measures, a number of other initiatives have enabled the
Tribeni unit to reduce its specific energy consumption by 6.8%, and specific CO2
emissions by 14.97%, as compared to 2003-04. These initiatives include revamping of the
compressed air system; retrofitting and replacement of pumping systems; tuning of refiners
in stock preparation; optimisation of frequency in the turbo generators; retrofitting of
Boiler ID Fans and cooling tower fans, use of energy efficient light fittings, and
replacement of exhaust fans with natural ventilation systems.
|
|
 |
|
Significant Effluent Discharges |
All the units of ITC have state-of-the-art effluent treatment plants to eliminate or
reduce undesirable effluent characteristics. Continuous upgradation of technology,
efficient operation of treatment plants and implementation of international management
systems help enhance the quality of treated effluent discharge.
During 2004-05, ITC factories and hotels discharged 462 tonnes of Biochemical Oxygen
Demand (BOD), 3,279 tonnes of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and 1,316 tonnes of Total
Suspended Solids (TSS). The discharged effluent characteristics have always been well
below the standards stipulated by the regulatory bodies.
Discharge of Treated Effluents by ITC units (in percentage)
The Paperboards and Specialty Papers business accounts for more than 90% of all
discharges. During 2004-05, ITC’s largest paperboards unit at Bhadrachalam had an
effluent BOD of 1.57 kg/tonne and COD of 11.74 kg/tonne of paper/paperboard production.
The Adsorbable Organic Halides (AOX) level of these effluents in the Bhadrachalam unit
measured 0.01 kg/tonne of paperboard production. The AOX level is significantly below the
average of 2 kg/tonne discharged by other Indian paper mills. This is also well below the
World Bank guidelines of 0.2 kg/tonne for new paper mills.
|
Significant Spills of Chemicals, Oils
and Fuels |
All ITC units have effective spill control measures to eliminate or contain spill of
chemicals, oils and fuels, to prevent any adverse effect on the environment. The storage
facilities are designed in accordance with international standards and are provided with
adequate controls such as dyke walls around the storage area and leak detection systems.
These measures for spill control are inspected on a regular basis to ensure their
effectiveness. Corporate EHS audits of the units, done once every year, further confirm
adequacy of these control measures.
No chemical, oil or fuel spills occured in any of the ITC units in 2004-05. |
