ITC in its endeavour to reduce significant emissions has established adequate controls and regular monitoring of air emissions such as Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Oxides of Sulphur (SOx) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) in all its units. In addition, emission of Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S) is monitored at the Bhadrachalam paper mill on a regular basis. The measured parameters are regularly communicated to the respective Pollution Control Boards. During 2004-05, the monitored air emissions were as follows:

Significant Air Emissions by ITC units in 2004-05 (tonnes)

The Paperboards and Specialty Papers business accounted for more than 50% of the total emissions reported. The Bhadrachalam paperboards unit emitted 4.6 tonnes of H₂S.

ITC’s Cigarettes business emitted 2.65 kg of SPM/million cigarettes produced. The specific emission levels of Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) and NOx were at 3.94 kg and 1.50 kg/million cigarettes manufactured, respectively.

As one of the signatories to the Montreal Protocol, India has formulated a policy phasing out Ozone Depleting Substances. In line with Government of India requirements, ITC has developed programmes to meet the requirements well before the deadlines stipulated by the Government. All ITC units focus on reducing the consumption of ODS through effective preventive maintenance schedules, and replacement of old equipment with latest non-ODS technology. These are audited regularly by the Corporate EHS to ensure compliance. In the year 2004-05, all the units of ITC had 4.11 tonnes of ODS (equivalent to CFC-11) in use.

In 2004-05, the mill generated 1.42 kg of SPM/Bone-Dry Metric Tonne (BDMT) of paperboard produced, which compares well with the specific SPM emission levels of Indian Papermills (reported in the range of 1.1 kg/BDMT to 11 kg/BDMT). The specific emission level of SO₂ for the unit was monitored at 0.57 kg/tonne of paperboard, whereas the European Union pulp and paper mills have specific emissions of 0.7 kg/tonne of product. The specific NOx emission level was at 0.76 kg/tonne of paperboard. This compares well with 1.14 kg of NOx generation per tonne of product in the European pulp and paper industry (Source: Green Rating Project by Centre for Science and Environment, 2004).

Except the two newly opened hotels in Mumbai and Kolkata, all other units of ITC have been in operation for several years. ITC Grand Central Sheraton in Mumbai is actually built on the land vacated by one of ITC’s cigarette factories. Even though both the hotels are situated in dense urban locations, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was fully carried out to address impact, if any, on biodiversity, affecting species and ecosystems.