Mahesh Girdhar, MD & CEO, EverEnviro Resource Management
The circular economy concept emphasizes reducing, reusing, and recycling resources in a closed-loop system. The infra and construction industry plays a critical role in the circular economy and has a considerable environmental impact. It requires a vast number of resources and materials which generate substantial amounts of waste that eventually contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the industry in India is gradually embracing the principles of circular economy to foster sustainable development and minimize the negative environmental impact.
Collaborations and guidelines
Construction companies are actively exploring alternatives to traditional materials that have a high carbon footprint, opting for recycled construction materials. Besides, government policies in India are incentivizing sustainable practices and encouraging use of recycled materials. Collaborative efforts between the government, industry stakeholders, and recycle material manufacturers have resulted in the implementation of circular economy guidelines for the construction sector. It offers a roadmap for incorporating circularity throughout the project lifecycle, from design to demolition and possible reconstruction using the recycled materials.Environmental, economic, and social benefits
Incorporating recycled materials in construction can offer substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits. The use of recycled materials reduces the demand for natural resources, mitigating the environmental impact associated with their extraction and processing. This further helps conserve natural resources and lowers the carbon footprint of construction projects. By using recycled construction materials produced from C&D waste, the construction industry can divert significant amounts of waste from landfills, thereby reducing waste management challenges. Using recycled materials can lead to cost savings in construction projects, making them economically viable and financially sustainable. Lastly, incorporating recycled materials typically requires less energy than producing new materials from scratch, leading to energy conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Concrete, one of the most widely used construction materials, relies heavily on sand as a key ingredient. However, the extraction and use of sand can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing to recycle sand, we can promote circularity, reduce resource depletion, and reduce waste and landfill space.
At EverEnviro, we are dedicated to achieving the nation’s Sustainable Development Goal through our circular economy initiatives. We offers environment-friendly and economical construction materials adhering to the highest quality standards as per IS guidelines. Our products are approved and accredited by Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). We offer value-added products like CC Blocks, CC Bricks, Pavers, Tiles, and Kerb Stones among others.
Support by government and industry
Collaborative efforts between the government and industry stakeholders are required to support the ‘waste to wealth’ mission.Government Level
- The government should establish clear policies and regulations that encourage and incentivize the use of recycled materials in construction projects. These policies can include tax incentives, subsidies, and procurement preferences for projects using recycled materials. MOEFCC should revise and strengthen C&D Waste Management Rules (2016). Enforcement of policies and rules is one of the key factors, which should be implemented at the ULBs level.
- Providing technical guidance and standards for the use of recycled materials could instil confidence among construction professionals and clients.
- There is a need for active awareness drive to educate the public, construction industry professionals, and decision-makers on the benefits of recycled materials and the importance of sustainable construction practices.
- Industry-level accreditation in line with GRIHA, IGBC and LEED Rating can create a market demand for such projects and foster healthy competition.
- Strong mechanism to monitor and influence C&D waste disposal.
Industry Level
- Encourage collaboration between the construction industry, material manufacturers, and waste management companies to develop a sustainable supply chain for recycled materials
- Building skilful capacity within the industry will boost confidence in utilizing these materials effectively
- Offer financial incentives and rewards to construction companies that actively adopt and promote the use of recycled materials in their projects.
