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Smart Building Choices: Enhancing Life with Green Practices

Smart Building Choices: Enhancing Life with Green Practices

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As urban areas expand and cities continue to grow, the need for sustainable building practices becomes more pressing than ever. Today, more people recognize the importance of creating urban environments that coexist harmoniously with nature. The question we must ask is: Can we build cities that not only meet our needs but also embrace the natural world?

The Rise of Sustainable Building

The concept of sustainable building is not new, but its importance has dramatically increased in recent years. With over 5.3 billion square feet of green building space in India alone, the shift towards eco-friendly construction is clear. This transition isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary evolution as we confront the environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanization.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Buildings are significant contributors to carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 40% of global emissions due to construction activities and the use of energy-intensive materials like steel and concrete. In India, the construction sector is responsible for 30% of the nation’s carbon emissions and generates an astounding 530 million tons of waste annually. This waste could fill 200,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable practices.
However, sustainable building practices are helping to reduce these impacts. For instance, green buildings in India are already reducing energy consumption by up to 40%, with a significant portion of their energy coming from renewable sources. By 2030, these buildings are projected to decrease carbon emissions by 33-35%. This is a testament to the power of sustainable construction methods and the positive impact they can have on our environment.

Building Smarter with Sustainable Materials

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in sustainable construction. Traditional materials like steel and concrete are energy-intensive and have a high environmental impact. For example, producing new steel emits over 2.5 tons of CO2 per ton of steel. However, using recycled steel can reduce these emissions by up to 60%. Similarly, conventional concrete production emits about 1 ton of CO2 for every ton of cement produced. By incorporating eco-friendly alternatives like geopolymer concrete, we can cut down these emissions by up to 35%.

The Power of Local Materials

Another key aspect of sustainable construction is the use of locally sourced materials. Materials like rammed earth not only reduce transportation emissions but also offer excellent thermal insulation, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. Rammed earth construction can lower embodied energy by up to 30% compared to conventional materials. This practice not only supports local economies but also minimizes the environmental impact of transporting materials over long distances.

Innovative Approaches to Green Building

Around the world, innovative sustainable building projects showcase the potential of eco-friendly construction. In India, several projects have set remarkable benchmarks in sustainability by integrating cutting-edge technologies, adopting eco-friendly practices, and prioritizing environmental conservation.
The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation. Yet, it also holds immense potential to drive positive change. By adopting sustainable building practices, we can reduce the environmental impact of construction and create healthier, more livable urban environments.
Integrating renewable energy sources into building designs is a key component of sustainable construction. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce a building’s reliance on fossil fuels, cutting down on carbon emissions and promoting a more sustainable energy future.

Water Conservation

Water is another critical resource that must be conserved in sustainable building practices. Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and efficient water fixtures can help reduce water consumption and preserve this precious resource. By implementing these practices, buildings can significantly reduce their water footprint and contribute to more sustainable water management.
As the construction industry continues to shape the landscapes of our cities and communities, it must embrace a more sustainable path forward—one that prioritizes the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations. The choices we make today in building materials, design, and construction practices will have lasting impacts on our environment and quality of life.
By choosing sustainable building practices, we are not just constructing buildings but also building a better future. We are creating cities that work with nature, not against it, and ensuring that our urban environments remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.

Eco-Blueprints: Mastering Sustainable Construction

By integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of construction, we can reduce our environmental footprint, conserve valuable resources, and create healthier, more livable spaces. The future of urban development lies in embracing these eco-blueprints and mastering sustainable construction practices. The time to act is now, and the path forward is clear. Let’s build a future that enhances life with green practices and ensures a sustainable world for all. To dive deeper into how sustainable building practices are shaping our future, don’t miss our latest YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYmRyVu-cLwF

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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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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