Researchers create tech to develop energy efficient walling materials

17 Sep 2021 CW Team

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a technology that uses construction and demolition waste (CDW) and alkali-activated binders to produce energy-efficient walling materials.

These bricks are dubbed low-carbon (low-C) because they don't require high-temperature firing and don't contain high-energy materials such as Portland cement. The technology, according to researchers, will also solve disposal problems related to construction and demolition waste mitigation. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) provided funding for this project.

Prof BV Venkatarama Reddy, who led the team, said that with IISc's technical assistance, a start-up will be operational in six to nine months to manufacture low-C bricks and blocks.

DST highlighted out that traditional building envelopes are made up of masonry walls made up of burnt clay bricks, concrete blocks, hollow clay blocks, fly ash bricks, lightweight blocks, and other materials that use energy to manufacture, emit carbon or have embodied carbon, and consume mined raw material resources, resulting in unsustainable structures.

Furthermore, the construction industry generates a large amount of CDW about 70–100 mt per year. Two major issues must be addressed during the manufacturing of masonry units to promote sustainable construction—the conservation of mined raw material resources and the reduction of emissions. IISc scientists developed a technology for producing alkali-activated bricks or blocks using fly ash and furnace slag to achieve this goal, according to the DST.

Masonry units are made from high-energy or embodied carbon binders like Portland cement, or by firing them.

India consumes about 900 mt of bricks and blocks each year, according to the DST.

Image Source

Also read: Bengal brick kilns to operate as non-mining entities: H K Dwivedi

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a technology that uses construction and demolition waste (CDW) and alkali-activated binders to produce energy-efficient walling materials. These bricks are dubbed low-carbon (low-C) because they don't require high-temperature firing and don't contain high-energy materials such as Portland cement. The technology, according to researchers, will also solve disposal problems related to construction and demolition waste mitigation. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) provided funding for this project. Prof BV Venkatarama Reddy, who led the team, said that with IISc's technical assistance, a start-up will be operational in six to nine months to manufacture low-C bricks and blocks. DST highlighted out that traditional building envelopes are made up of masonry walls made up of burnt clay bricks, concrete blocks, hollow clay blocks, fly ash bricks, lightweight blocks, and other materials that use energy to manufacture, emit carbon or have embodied carbon, and consume mined raw material resources, resulting in unsustainable structures. Furthermore, the construction industry generates a large amount of CDW about 70–100 mt per year. Two major issues must be addressed during the manufacturing of masonry units to promote sustainable construction—the conservation of mined raw material resources and the reduction of emissions. IISc scientists developed a technology for producing alkali-activated bricks or blocks using fly ash and furnace slag to achieve this goal, according to the DST. Masonry units are made from high-energy or embodied carbon binders like Portland cement, or by firing them. India consumes about 900 mt of bricks and blocks each year, according to the DST. Image Source Also read: Bengal brick kilns to operate as non-mining entities: H K Dwivedi

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Schwing Stetter India Unveils New Innovations at Excon 2025

Schwing Stetter India unveiled more than 20 new machines at Excon 2025, marking one of its most significant showcases and introducing several India-first technologies to the construction equipment sector. The company launched the country’s first 56-metre boom pump designed and manufactured in India, the first fully electric truck mixer, the first CNG mixer variant and the first hybrid boom pump. Executives said the launch portfolio was engineered to support India’s move toward faster, greener and more vertically oriented infrastructure through advanced engineering, clean-energy solutions a..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Dec 2025

SEPC Resolves Hindustan Copper Dispute, Wins Rs 725 Mn Order

Engineering, procurement and construction firm SEPC Ltd has recently settled a dispute with Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and secured a mining infrastructure order valued at Rs 725 million from the state-owned company. SEPC informed the stock exchanges that it has executed a settlement deed with HCL, bringing closure to all inter-se claims and counterclaims arising from arbitration proceedings. As part of the settlement, SEPC will receive Rs 304.5 million as full and final payment, marking the resolution of all pending disputes between the two entities. The company also stated that Hindustan Co..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Dec 2025

20% Ethanol Blending Cuts India’s CO2 Emissions by 73.6 Mn Tonnes

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that India has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 73.6 million metric tonnes due to the adoption of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He made the statement while replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Describing ethanol as a green fuel, the minister said it plays a key role in reducing pollution while also supporting higher incomes for farmers. He underlined that ethanol blending contributes both to environmental sustainability and rural economic growth. Nitin Gadkari also po..