Mohammad Azeez: Transforming Sustainability into Action

Overseeing environmental reporting, statutory clearances, ESG implementation, and waste and water management initiatives!

Every drop of water saved, every gram of waste reduced, and every responsible decision taken today forms the future of the planet. For Mohammad Azeez, this is a mission. As Deputy General Manager – Environment Health and Safety at Minera Group, he leads a team dedicated to turning sustainability from a concept into action.

In his role, Azeez is responsible for statutory clearances and compliance, implementing best EHS practices, developing and executing ESG strategies, managing waste, and leading environment and sustainability reporting. His work goes beyond ensuring compliance; it focuses on embedding sustainability into the very core of operations.

Azeez believes sustainability must be practical and measurable. At Minera Group, he works closely with his team to integrate responsible practices into daily operations. From optimising resource use to reducing environmental footprints, his approach is grounded in both technical expertise and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

For Mohammad Azeez, sustainability is more than policy. It is a shared responsibility that must be acted upon today to safeguard tomorrow. His leadership at Minera Group is proof that environmental care and operational excellence can coexist; and in doing so, set a standard for the industry.

Let us learn more about his journey:

Redefining Sustainability at Kirloskar Ferrous Industries

When Mohammad Azeez joined Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited in August 2023, it was more than a career move, it was a commitment to transforming how heavy industry interacts with the environment. At the heart of his role lies the responsibility for environmental compliance across multiple plants in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Punjab. For Azeez, compliance is not just about meeting regulations, it is about anticipating challenges and finding solutions before they arise.

His leadership in reducing dust emissions in many areas and successfully completing Environment Impact Assessment for proposed projects became a milestone for the company, earning him recognition as the Quarterly Champion and Kirloskar Icon of the year 2024-25. But for him, the achievement goes beyond awards. It reflects a broader vision; one where industrial progress and environmental care coexist.

This vision shapes his daily work: securing clearances for expansions, ensuring adherence to environmental norms, and designing projects that reduce pollution while supporting industrial growth. Azeez’s approach at Kirloskar Ferrous is a case study in aligning operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, showing that compliance can be a driver of innovation rather than a hurdle.

Driving Climate Action at Laurus Labs

Before joining Kirloskar, Azeez shaped sustainability at Laurus Labs Limited, a leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. His work there went far beyond the numbers. He built frameworks that aligned the company with global sustainability benchmarks, notably the Science Based Targets initiative, positioning Laurus Labs as a leader in climate action within its sector.

Azeez led efforts to embed environmental thinking deep into the company’s operations, from ESG strategy design to sustainability reporting aligned with GRI standards. His work improved Laurus’s sustainability ratings on respected platforms such as EcoVadis and Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. For him, these ratings were not ends in themselves. They represented a deeper transformation: a culture shift toward responsibility and transparency.

In his eyes, sustainability in pharmaceuticals is a shared mission. His initiatives opened doors for dialogue across the company, inspiring teams to consider the environmental footprint of their work and seek solutions that create lasting impact.

Building a Legacy at JSW Steel

Azeez’s journey in environmental management truly took root during his decade at JSW Steel. It was there that he shaped some of his most significant projects. His work went far beyond compliance. He envisioned solutions that set benchmarks for the industry, projects that were innovative, sustainable, and replicable.

One of his notable contributions was leading the commissioning of a biogas plant to convert food waste from plant canteens into energy; a project that transformed waste into value. Another was installing Continuous Emission Monitoring System, a step that strengthened transparency in operations then converting waste sewage water into usable water for industrial purpose which helped to reduce fresh water consumption. These were not isolated achievements but part of a larger approach that viewed sustainability as integral to the company’s identity.

For Azeez, JSW was more than a workplace. It was a ground for experimentation and learning, where he sharpened his skills in environmental engineering and developed his belief that sustainability requires both vision and persistence.

The Foundation of Expertise

Azeez’s achievements rest on solid academic foundations. With a B.Tech in Process Engineering and an M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from BITS Pilani, his technical knowledge is paired with a practical understanding of industry challenges. This foundation, combined with years of hands-on experience, gives him the rare ability to translate complex sustainability requirements into workable solutions.

His learning extends beyond the classroom. Azeez has actively engaged in workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing forums, becoming both a student and a teacher in environmental stewardship.

Beyond Compliance: Shaping Conversations

Azeez’s impact extends beyond plants and projects. He has been an active voice in shaping the industry’s environmental discourse.
Whether mentoring students or speaking at industry workshops, he has championed the idea that sustainability is a collective journey. His engagement in knowledge-sharing is not about recognition but about inspiring others to see environmental challenges as opportunities for innovation.

Recognition That Matters

Awards and accolades have followed Azeez’s work, but for him, recognition is secondary to impact. Some of his key achievements include:

• Kirloskar Icon 2024-25
• Leading ESG Performer in the Kirloskar Group
• Certified Energy Professional from the Confederation of Indian Industry
• Certified EcoVadis Practitioner
• Effective Leader award
• Recognized for Leading Safety Efforts by Dupont Safety
• Contributed to JSW Steel Ltd winning Outstanding Contribution to Water Efficiency by Assocham India
• JSW Young Leader award
• Representation of Laurus Labs at prestigious environmental excellence forums

His focus remains on results that resonate beyond his own role; changes that set new standards for others to follow.

Professional Credibility

His work is grounded in global standards and certifications, including ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001. These credentials are not just titles for Azeez; they are tools that reinforce his ability to design environmental strategies with precision and credibility.

For Mohammad Azeez, sustainability is not an endpoint; it is a mindset that must be embedded into every industrial decision. His career reflects a relentless pursuit of environmental excellence, guided by the belief that industry and nature can coexist without compromise. His vision is simple yet profound: to transform environmental responsibility from a duty into an opportunity for innovation, efficiency, and lasting impact.