The National Highways Authority of India (NHA

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has published its inaugural 'Sustainability Report for FY 2021–22. The report encompasses NHAI's governance structure, stakeholder engagement, and initiatives related to the environment and social responsibility.     From FY 2019-20 to FY 2021-22, direct emissions decreased by 18.44 per cent and 9.49 per cent due to reduced fuel consumption.     The report highlights a decline in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy consumption, operations, transport, and travel. In FY 2020-21, there was a reduction of 9.7 per cent, followed by an additional two per cent decline in FY 2021-22.   NHAI has also achieved a substantial decrease in energy intensity, with a reduction of 37 per cent in FY 2020-21 and 27 per cent in FY 2021-22, while increasing the kilometers constructed during the reporting period.     The organization has seen a significant increase in the number of saplings planted from 2016-17 to 2021-22, with approximately 27.4 million saplings planted to offset vehicle emissions.   Through a performance-based management system, NHAI has successfully promoted gender diversity and minority employees, resulting in a 7.4 per cent increase in female hiring and an overall three per cent increase in the workforce over three financial years.