Smart city projects are increasing the demand for eco-friendly, cost-effective building materials

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With the rise in smart city projects around the globe, high-tech intensive urban developments have become a priority globally. Additionally, the construction projects also went through changes to incorporate eco-friendliness and economy, together with the quality of life in these projects. Thus, in one word, sustainability has become a major criterion for these projects.

To bring out current construction industry trends, sustainability cannot be left behind. Firstly, increased priority has been given to public transportation, including the usage of real-time data and sensors to monitor for accidents. Secondly, construction of “Smart roads” that reduce road vibrations and, in turn, fuel costs and emissions. Thirdly, waste management includes the usage of smart bins and data for more efficient garbage collection and less fossil fuel use. Fourthly, the internet of things (IoT), including connected sensors that measure air quality, traffic flow, noise levels, and energy use, helps make smart cities more efficient.

Governments heavily invested in these smart city construction projects betting on technology and best practices. Likewise, the Indian government has also set big goals for urban development, expanding the smart city projects and new age practices to 4,000 cities with a population of 5,00,000 each. One such recent smart city project in India is discussed below.

In May 2022, The Puducherry Smart City Development Limited (PSCDL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with National Buildings Construction Corporation (India) Limited for the execution of construction projects worth ?300 crores (US$ 39 million) in the city.

The project includes developing and improving the market, Smart Integrated Bus Terminus, Intra-city bus terminus, etc. Additionally, it also includes the development of a 3-km stretch of the Grand Canal (including rehabilitation and beautification, pedestrian pathways, iconic cycle tracks), reconstruction of the buildings, and an affordable housing project would also be taken up.

Though governments have prioritized these projects, the rising cost of building materials in 2022, such as concrete and brick, has been burdening the projects. Therefore, to maximize profits and sustainability, reducing building material costs and sourcing cost-effective, sustainable building materials have become the need of the hour. As a result, sustainable yet cost-effective building materials are rising in demand. For instance,

• Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC). This is also known as bendable concrete. These materials are widely used since ECC can be bent without breakage and are much stronger and crack-resistant than traditional concrete. Importantly, the usage of these materials has a lesser carbon footprint on the environment and thus, has been witnessing increased demand.
• Engineered timbers. These are timber products that are created by bonding several types of softwood. The resultant material is strong enough to be used as a replacement for steel and concrete. Moreover, these materials emit fewer emissions and produce less waste during manufacturing than steel and concrete, which have also been used by construction firms in their projects.
• Recycled materials. Recycled materials are also being used to construct entire structures (small ones for now as of now).
• 3D printed building materials. 3D printed building materials include concrete, walls, floors, and other essentials needed in construction. 3D printing is essential in construction for low-income and emergency housing construction. Moreover, this reduces waste and turnaround times and can mass print custom designs without changing any machinery means.

Thus, as we progress in 2022, with emphasis on sustainable buildings and smart cities, demand for these environment-friendly construction building materials will see increased demand globally. Consequently, more construction companies are anticipated to adopt these materials and embrace the industry's changing landscape.

To know more and gain a deeper understanding of the construction industry in India, click here.