Navin's: Innovative Technologies & Practices for Eco-Friendly Construction
For eco-friendly construction & sustainable buildings to become viable for all stakeholders, suitable action must be taken by governments, businesses, investors, private and development banks, and the public.
Kalyanaraman N - Chief Operating Officer, Navin's
Energy is used for constructing, heating, cooking and lighting homes and businesses, plus the appliances and equipment installed in them. This accounts for around 37% of energy and process-related carbon dioxide emissions and more than 34% of energy demand globally.
As per Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), efficiency policies in building and constructions can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% in developed countries and up to 80% in developing countries and help lift up to 2.8 billion people in developing countries out of energy poverty.
The climate impact of buildings is likely to increase in the coming decade. Buildings of the future will need to be decarbonized through their lifecycle and be increasingly resilient to natural disasters. By constructing sustainable buildings, wastage of materials can be reduced, and costs lessened. Salvage materials from demolished buildings can be reused/recycled for reuse. Salvaged materials not only get a second life but help keep waste out of landfills. Using recycled materials can lower costs of new materials.
Builders are exploring sustainable construction materials. Concrete, for example, is a major source of emissions. Bendable concrete, also known as Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is a type of concrete that can withstand bending. It is more sustainable and can be infused with carbon dioxide to strengthen the concrete while using less cement and lowering carbon emissions. Its ductility decreases the financial and environmental costs of buildings. Using timber products for roofs, beams, columns, etc. can bring down the carbon footprint.
Bamboo is another sustainable material used for both structural and decorative purposes. It produces very little waste and is compostable as well. Precast concrete is also a great way to meet sustainability goals. It takes less energy and materials to produce it and the moulds and forms can be reused. 3D concrete printing allows builders to design and construct faster, saving time, money and energy. Because the formwork is reusable, it produces less waste.
Materials sourced within five kilometres radius from the project site reduce carbon emission. One should also choose manufacturers who have ambitious carbon emission goals and strive to achieve them. The cost of sustainable products would be further reduced if more suppliers came into the market.
Consumers stand to benefit financially as sustainable buildings pave the way for at least 30-40% reduced energy and water consumption. When consumers opt for 5-star rated appliances, natural ventilation, power generated through solar panels, and LED lights, they will enjoy substantial cost savings.
NBM&CW - July 2024
