Concrete

Use of SCMs in Green Buildings

Published

3 years ago

November 20, 2023

admin

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.

Up Next

Unveiling Potential!

Don't Miss

Economic Implications of Using SCMs

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

2 hours ago

June 5, 2026

admin

World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

20 hours ago

June 4, 2026

admin

Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

4 days ago

June 1, 2026

admin

The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in India’s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.