Arif Habibb Group takes a holistic approach to environmental sustainability by taking into account the environmental impacts related with our group operations and then integrating those considerations into our sustainability planning and decision making processes. We consider a healthy environment, locally and globally, as vital to our commerce and to the communities where we operate.
In recent years, Pakarab Fertilizers Limited (PFL) has undergone extensive modernization and new improved processes have been introduced to maximize the output while minimizing the negative impacts on the environment. For this purpose, a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) plant was installed, which is the first project of its kind in Pakistan. Basic aim of this project is the abatement of N20 and NOX emissions from the stack gases of Nitric Acid plant.
The reduction of greenhouse effect of these gases shows the management's commitment towards a cleaner environment. PFL is located at Khanewal Road, Multan. The site area comprises 302 acres, which includes area for the factory and the housing colony with all amenities including medical centre, school, management and staff clubs for recreation of employees and their families, etc.
Environmental concerns linked with the business activities are among the core values of PFL which is an 1S0-14001:2004 certified company since 2008, which also advocates the commitment of the Group in developing a robust Environmental Management System (EMS).
Other initiatives taken by PFL which shows the Group's deep sense of responsibility and desire to contribute towards protection of the environment are :
- Monthly reporting of analysis to EPA under smart program
- PFL environment team is working to reduce its burden on the existing underground water sources by recycling Cooling Tower Blow down for horticulture purpose
- Initiative has been taken for plantation
- CW Treatment system for Old Cooling Tower, switched over to environment-friendly Phosphate-based system
- Lime slippage in drain channels was reduced by about 40%.
PFL has received Ecomagination Leadership Award from GE Water and Process Technology on reducing environmental impact of cooling system treatment by investing in switching to environment-friendlier chemicals. To raise awareness among PFL employees and their families, Environmental day was also celebrated. Tree plantation was also done on this occasion.
In Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited (FFCL), following its hallmark of achieving excellence in all fields as the aim of the company, accreditation to international safety and environmental standards, ISO-14001 and 150-18000 is planned within year 2012 for which extensive work is in progress.
In Al Abbas Cement Industries Limited (AACIL), another subsidiary, key emphasis is given to manufacture high quality cement through stringent quality control techniques (ISO 9001:2008 certified) and computerized control systems using sophisticated equipment like Distributed Control System (DOS). Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and on line X-Ray Analysers. Use of such technology ensures low fuel consumption, better product quality and negligible dust emission (upto 100mg/Nm3) for better environmental impact.
We, at Arif Habib Group, believe that renewable energy is the answer to the ever-increasing energy needs of this country and around the world; and that the alternate sources of energy are the way forward. Sachal Energy Development (Pvt.) Ltd. (SEDL), a wholly owned subsidiary of AHCL, is a special purpose company that has been acquired to commission and operate a 50 MW wind farm at Jhimpir, Sind on a build, own and operate basis. Thus, contributing to the national development by providing self-sufficiency in power and to the world by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Wind energy is an ideal renewable energy because:
- It is a pollution-free, infinitely sustainable form of energy.
- It does not require fuel.
- No emission of Greenhouse gases and other toxic materials/compounds.
Wind energy is quiet and does not present any significant hazard to birds or other wildlife. When large arrays of wind turbines are installed on farmland, only about 2% of the land area is required for the wind turbines. The rest is available for farming, livestock, and other uses. Ownership of wind turbine generators by individuals and the community allows people to participate directly in the preservation of our environment. Each megawatt-hour of electricity that is generated by wind energy helps to reduce 0.8 to 0.9 tones of greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by coal or diesel fuel generation each year.