By Anant Kumar Mahobe

With a valuation reaching upwards of $14 trillion, the global construction industry has been increasingly prioritizing sustainability initiatives. India, estimated to be among the third-largest players in the global arena, has also been actively embracing sustainability practices. However, due to the sheer magnitude of the Indian construction industry in terms of gross value added and employment numbers, it presents a unique set of challenges.

The construction sector plays a pivotal role in advancing India towards its carbon neutrality goals and is a key driver in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). However, achieving sustainability or net neutrality poses a significant challenge. Globally, the construction sector is responsible for 37% of greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of water pollution, as per a 2023 UN study. Furthermore, meeting the demands of industrialization and urbanization has intensified carbon dioxide emissions from Indian cement manufacturers and the construction industry. Consequently, the sector stands as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale.

GREEN CEMENT

India needs to adopt gradual measures rather than large-scale promises given the size of the sector. One area where innovation could be promoted is in the handling of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Despite India generating a significant volume of C&D waste, only a tiny portion undergoes recycling. Enforcement of waste management policies and adoption of 3R (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse) principles could significantly mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities. A second aspect that has garnered interest is the adoption of green cement.

Unlike regular cement, green cement is an eco-friendly alternative. Green cement uses recycled industrial waste materials and requires less energy to produce which in turn translates to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. Green cement may seem like a novel idea at first glance, but our consumption forecast could turn it into a reality soon. According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, India’s per capita cement consumption is estimated at 200-250 kg/year which is lower than the global average of 500-550 kg/ year. Besides industrialization and greater urbanization, the government’s focus on infrastructure projects too are factors for this trend to turn into a reality.

TECHNOLOGICAL VIABILITY

Integration of viable technologies has assuaged emission concerns to an extent in the construction industry. Technologies such as solar panels and low-power consuming systems are reasonable applications to improve the sustainability quotient. Industry-leading names have also embraced newer approaches such as 3R and enforcing strict restrictions around resource consumption and pollution monitoring tools.

Additionally, several standards and trends are being considered, including the adoption of efficient building materials, sustainable construction practices, improved transportation infrastructure, and the implementation of clean energy systems. Many cement and construction companies listed have issued disclosures regarding their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, aligning with regulatory expectations. These disclosures encompass the adoption of alternative fuels and raw materials for energy, as well as other measures aimed at resource conservation and emission reduction. For instance, within the cement industry, there is a growing utilization of fly ash and slag, reducing dependence on conventional raw materials. Moreover, there is a promising uptake of technologies like waste heat recovery systems (WHRS) in cement plants.

The government’s advocacy for sustainability aligns with corporate interests in embracing innovative methods. This synergy has motivated everyone at Nuvoco to leverage technological expertise and advanced techniques for the betterment of the planet. The industry’s pursuit of sustainability has been diverse thus far, marked by notable progress. However, with growing awareness, there remains ample opportunity to accomplish even more.

(The author is the Chief Cement Manufacturing Officer (East) Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd)