Kochi Metro to adopt circular economy

In an attempt to promote sustainable development, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has decided to embrace circular economy principles. KMRL aims to reduce building construction cost with this policy. As per the plan, KMRL will drive the initiative by using recycled items such as building materials. It will help in reducing the dependence on virgin materials for those areas that are less important. Additionally, KMRL is looking to minimise environmental impacts caused by transportation. By adopting a circular economy, KMRL can work on reducing, reusing, regenerating and redesigning as confirmed by the company’s managing director, Alkesh Kumar Sharma. The initiatives that are under construction include the use of materials that generate lower emissions, maximise usage of structural steel at stations, lessening the quantity of concrete cement and using local building materials. Reusing removed materials from old building foundations, road formations are a part of the new policy. KMRL is also looking to reduce the usage of plastic and polymer by adopting reusable and recyclable items. It plans to hire authorised agencies for correct disposal of materials such as used oil or packaging material. The report added that noise reduction measures while constructing the Kochi Metro will be followed. Extension of product lifespan and relocation of waste from the end of the supply chain to the beginning will be considered by using them more than once, through the newly adopted circular economy. The circular economy approach is gaining momentum across the globe. Image Source