Blogs

• Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology:

  As we step into the future, the building materials industry is likely to witness a surge in the development and integration of advanced materials. Nanotechnology, in particular, holds immense promise in enhancing the properties of traditional construction materials. Imagine concrete that not only withstands the test of time but also possesses self-healing capabilities at a molecular level.

  Scientists are making strides in the development of self-healing materials and structures, thanks to advances in materials science and nanotechnology. This technology could potentially revolutionize the construction industry, providing materials and structures that are stronger and more durable.

  Self-healing materials are designed to be able to repair themselves when damaged or cracked. This is achieved by integrating microscopic capsules containing healing agents into the material. When the material is damaged, the capsules are ruptured, releasing the healing agents. These agents then interact with the material to repair any cracks or damage.

  Nanotechnology is also being used to create self-healing materials. This involves coating the material with Nano-materials, such as carbon nanotubes, that can detect and repair damage. This technology has the potential to create materials and structures that are more durable and resilient.

• Circular Economy Practices:

  Sustainability is not merely a buzzword; it's a guiding principle for the future of construction. The industry is gearing up for a shift towards circular economy practices, emphasizing the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. This approach not only minimizes waste but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient construction ecosystem.

  Circular economy is one of the secret weapons the construction industry can implement to tackle one of its biggest challenges: being one of the world´s largest consumers of raw materials. As the call to stop treating resources as unlimited, circular models are the way to go for the sector.

  Al these new models have the aim of mitigating the waste management challenges faced by cities, governments, and communities around the world. In this regard, the actors maximize the use of waste produced by society and other industries within our plants.

  The goal of a circular economy model is to make the most of the materials and resources available to society by applying three basic principles: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Therefore, the life cycle of products is extended, waste is given a new life and does not end up in landfills, and a more efficient and sustainable production model is established over time.

  In recent years, a growing focus on material and product circularity has impacted new production models that close the loop on material sourcing and help drive cross-industry collaboration.

  Likewise, the increased efficiency of reused, recycled, and repurposed materials will continue being supported by the incorporation of advanced innovative technologies.

• 3D Printing Revolution:

  The advent of 3D printing technology has already made waves in the construction sector, and its influence is set to grow exponentially. Envision construction sites where complex structures can be printed layer by layer, offering unparalleled precision and efficiency. This revolution is poised to redefine the traditional construction methods, bringing forth a new era of design flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

• Biophilic Design and Natural Materials:

  Nature-inspired design is gaining prominence as architects and builders recognize the impact of the built environment on human well-being. The future of building materials will likely see an increased use of natural and biophilic elements, promoting healthier and more sustainable living spaces. From wooden structures to green roofs, the fusion of nature with construction is set to create spaces that resonate with the natural world.

• Robotics and Automation:

  Robots on construction sites may soon become a common sight. Automation is poised to revolutionize various construction processes, from bricklaying to site inspection. This not only enhances efficiency but also addresses concerns related to labor shortages and safety. The integration of robotics is a step towards a more streamlined and technologically advanced construction industry.

• Self-Healing Materials:

  In the future, we may witness the rise of self-healing materials that can autonomously repair cracks and damages. This innovation holds immense potential for increasing the longevity and durability of structures, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs. Imagine a world where buildings can heal themselves, leading to a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to construction.

• Smart Cities and Infrastructure:

  The concept of smart cities is evolving, with an increasing focus on integrating technologies not only within buildings but also across entire urban landscapes. Smart infrastructure, connected buildings, and data-driven decision-making are set to define the cities of the future. This interconnectedness aims to enhance resource management, improve efficiency, and create more livable urban environments.

• Zero-Net Energy Buildings:

  The drive towards sustainability is pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency in construction. The future holds a promise of zero-net energy buildings, where structures generate as much energy as they consume. Through improved insulation, energy-efficient technologies, and the integration of renewable energy sources, buildings will play an active role in minimizing their environmental footprint.

  The need of the hour is to conserve and ration the existing energy and employ methods that help preserve it.

  Net Zero Building is a concept introduced in India by green evolution architects and is gaining popularity amongst private commercial real estate owners as well as architects in India, as it promotes efficient energy management.

  Zero-energy building concept is based on the combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy generation to build an economically sustainable establishment.

  The Indian government has been supporting and has a solid foundation set to make India a sustainable building nation; IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) has been set up as a part of CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) to regulate and promote the concept of sustainable designs. Medium and small-scale projects rated by IGBC as ‘green building’ get financial support at concessional rates from financial institutes. This not only helps in saving the upfront cost but also inspires small and medium sustainable builders to be a part of this great initiative!

• Resilient and Disaster-Resistant Construction:

  With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, there is a growing emphasis on building materials and construction practices that enhance resilience. Future trends may see the widespread adoption of materials and designs that can withstand extreme weather events, contributing to safer and more disaster-resistant built environments.

• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) in Design and Construction:

  The future of building design and construction will be shaped by virtual and augmented reality technologies. These tools are not just for visualization but also for enhancing collaboration, project management, and decision-making processes. Architects and builders will be able to immerse themselves in virtual environments, making informed decisions before the physical construction even begins.

In conclusion, the building materials industry is at the cusp of a remarkable transformation. The future promises a synergy between technological innovation, sustainability, and a reimagining of how we construct our living and working spaces. As these trends unfold, we can look forward to a built environment that is not only structurally sound but also environmentally conscious and technologically advanced. The journey towards the future of construction is underway, and the possibilities are as limitless as the imagination that fuels it.

India aspires to invest more than USD 1.5 trillion in infrastructure over the next ten years to be at par with peers like China and Japan. At the same time, it risks losing lives and livelihoods across sectors to climate change-related threats with a low probability of occurrence but potentially catastrophic consequences. An analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) suggests that more than 75 per cent of Indian districts are extreme events hotspots. This means that building infrastructure without sufficient climate-proofing modules could contribute to the systemic collapse of our economy. As we celebrate the International Day on Disaster Risk Reduction, we must urgently rethink and reorient India's climate-proofing agenda for its infrastructure through an inclusive, people-centric approach.

The grim climate outlook we face is outlined in the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), now in its sixth assessment cycle. The IPCC predicts that global warming is poised to breach the 1.5 degree-mark, the more ambitious of the two targets in the Paris Agreement. For perspective, the trail of devastation left worldwide by recent extreme events is the result of a mere 0.6-degree rise in global average surface temperatures above pre-industrial levels.

What does all this mean for the security of our infrastructure? Estimates suggest that India has already suffered infrastructural losses and damage to the tune of more than USD 48 billion in recent decades due to extreme climate events. A warming climate is certain to place future infrastructure investments at risk. As a result, India should make climate-proofing solutions a key component of its infrastructure planning and keep the trinity of jobs, growth and sustainability at the core of its strategy. Investing in climate-resilient and disaster-resilient infrastructure (CRI/DRI) can generate more than 650 jobs for every USD 1 million spent. Further, the World Bank estimates that such investments can fetch benefits worth more than USD 4.2 trillion. This can help avert the extent of loss and damage caused by extreme events, facilitate faster recovery, and enhance communities' resilience and adaptive capacity.

How can India climate-proof its infrastructure?

First, India should develop a climate-proof infrastructure index (CPII) that identifies chronic and acute risks, maps critical vulnerabilities, and enumerates strategies to protect its built-in and planned infrastructure. A CPII is integral to risk assessments for it can identify the degree of an infrastructure asset’s exposure to extreme climate events, help insulate investments and enhance resilience. It can also help policymakers screen proposals for new infrastructure using the lens of climate risk.

Second, India needs to rethink its infrastructure standards. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer feasible in a rapidly changing risk landscape. Hazard-linked infrastructure development is a smarter alternative that tailors standards to the specific threats, which a region or asset is normally exposed to. For instance, a cyclone shelter home should be able to withstand wind speeds of more than 200 kmph in a hotspot district; all roads should be weather-proof; and hospitals should not be inundated during high-rainfall events.

Third, we need system innovations to improve the monitoring and evaluation of global, national, and sub-national policies on infrastructure. Doing so will help us build capacity, leverage private and public investments, develop tailor-made risk financing instruments, and better predict and prepare for adverse climate events. The India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has a key role to play in creating strategic, scalable and implementable system innovations.

In the run-up to COP26 and after it, India has the potential to emerge as a thought leader among emerging economies in climate resilience, which includes the climate-proofing of infrastructure. But we only have a decade left to act. The future of our growth story hinges on whether we succeed or fail.