Pilot project achieves 48% reduction in landfill waste, paves the way for industry-wide change
In a move that could revolutionize construction waste management in India, leading global workplace design and build firm Space Matrix has partnered with social enterprise Saahas Zero Waste (SZW) to launch a pioneering initiative called Re:Source.
Re:Source aims to integrate circular economy principles into construction and demolition (C&D) waste management, addressing a critical challenge in India’s booming construction sector. Currently, the country generates a staggering 35% to 40% of global construction waste, with only about 1% being recycled.
“Despite existing regulations like the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, responsible disposal remains a challenge,” said Akshay Lakhanpal, CEO India, Space Matrix. “Through Re:Source, we’re taking proactive steps to lead the change.”
The initiative focuses on minimizing processing and converting waste materials back into usable construction materials. This not only reduces environmental impact but can also boost cost-effectiveness, considering that construction materials account for 50% to 60% of a project’s budget.
The partnership has already yielded positive results. A pilot project at a Space Matrix fit-out project in Bengaluru resulted in a 48% reduction in landfill waste from over 43 tonnes of construction waste generated. The project also achieved a 15.5-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions and recycled 20.5 tonnes of materials.
“Our partnership with Space Matrix is a major step forward,” said Shobha Raghavan, COO of Saahas Zero Waste. “By emphasizing source segregation and on-site waste management, we can significantly improve recyclability.”
The success of the pilot project paves the way for wider adoption of Re:Source principles across Space Matrix’s future projects, potentially catalyzing industry-wide change in India. This collaboration between Space Matrix and SZW represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for India’s built environment.