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Use of SCMs in Green Buildings

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Arun Shukla, President and Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, elucidates how supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are evolving as an indispensable route toward a sustainable future.

Construction activities and large-scale infrastructure development form the bedrock of economic progress. At present, growing population, rapid urbanisation, commercialisation and increasing residential needs are catapulting demand for commercial, residential and industrial buildings. However, the alarming rise in environmental concerns including climate change and pollution have made it critical for the construction sector to prioritise sustainability for a greener and better future. As per reports, the construction sector accounts for 23 per cent of air pollution, 40 per cent of drinking water pollutants, and 50 per cent of landfill wastes. At this juncture, it thus becomes crucial to find the right balance between development and sustainability, and innovative concepts like green buildings have emerged as a practical solution for it.
While green buildings carry tremendous potential to reduce environmental impact, they further bring additional advantages such as improving energy efficiency, promoting better air quality and healthier ecosystems, efficient resource utilisation and minimising wastage. According to data, green buildings can reduce energy consumption by 20-30 per cent, water usage by 30-50 per cent, and significantly reduce waste generation through extensive recycling. Considering the rise in construction activities to meet the current and future demands, development of green building is both beneficial and a necessity.
Since utilising sustainable materials is key to promote green construction practices, the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can take the benefits of green buildings to another level. SCMs are not only environmentally friendly, but are a potent solution to inch closer to sustainable development and decarbonisation goals as well.

Understanding SCMs
Simply put, SCMs are materials or substances which are added to concrete to make it more environmentally friendly, durable and enhance its performance. They not only improve the strength of concrete but bring huge sustainability-related benefits as they require lower energy for production and support in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As per estimates, for every tonne of clinker replaced by SCMs, the carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by around 0.8 tonnes.
It is noteworthy that SCMs are mostly by-products coming out from various industries, which makes them highly beneficial in terms of utilising waste materials and promoting efficient resource utilisation for both environmental and economic gains. The various types of SCMs that are used to enhance concrete’s performance and properties include fly ash which is a by-product of coal combustion in power plants. Fly ash contains silica and alumina and improves concrete workability, reducing heat generation and increasing long-term strength.
Another SCM is silica fume, which is a fine material produced during silicon metal and alloy production. It effectively strengthens concrete and reduces permeability. Moreover, natural pozzolans like volcanic ash, calcined clay are great options to enhance concrete workability, durability, and strength. Metakaolin, a calcined clay, is also beneficial in improving concrete’s properties and durability, particularly reducing permeability and increasing chemical resistance. Similarly, natural zeolites, minerals with a porous structure, enhance concrete workability and durability. These various kinds of SCMs in addition to offering diverse benefits, allow the construction industry to utilise by-products and waste materials and reduce the need for high energy-intensive cement manufacturing, promoting sustainability.

Sustainability advantages
The demand for buildings is increasing rapidly and thus constructing green buildings is a solution to ensure this demand is met in an environmentally friendly manner. While green buildings definitely make it possible to create spaces which promote cleaner and healthier environments, the use of SCMs ensure their sustainability related advantages are multiplied, environmental impacts are reduced, resources are efficiently utilised, energy demand is lowered, and overall well-being is achieved.
For instance, use of SCMs in construction supports greenhouse gases reduction. The production of SCMs require less energy as compared to traditional cement and support in reducing carbon emission and use of fossil fuels to combat environmental challenges like depleting natural resources, climate change and air pollution.
The other advantage of using SCM is enhancing the durability of concrete. Mixing SCMs can make concrete long-lasting and efficient, promoting conservation of resources. By using durable concrete with SCMs during construction of green buildings, it becomes possible to reduce the need for frequent repairs, replacements, and extend the lifespan of buildings. For instance, materials such as fly ash and slag carry the potential to mitigate alkali-silica reactions which often lead to formation of cracks in buildings and impact concrete’s durability. By incorporating SCMs, it becomes possible to avoid the damaging effects and achieve stronger and structurally sound buildings with longer lifespans.
Most importantly, use of SCMs helps the construction industry to adopt responsible sourcing of materials, efficient utilisation of by-products and promote waste minimisation for sustainable development. Since most of these materials are by-products of various industries, integrating them
in construction not only supports efficient use of resources but further prevents them from ending up in landfills as waste, minimising their harmful environmental impact and potential health hazards to achieve healthier ecosystems for current and
coming generations.
In the current period where construction activities are growing constantly to satiate residential and commercial demands, green buildings developed using SCMs are a great way to promote sustainability. SCMs in green buildings are not only environmentally friendly but bring a host of advantages, which are essential to build a greener, healthier and better future for all.

Concrete

India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

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Concrete

JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

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JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

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Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

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