In India, the annual generation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste amounts to approximately 500 million metric tons. However, the estimates from different agencies exhibit a wide range of variation, spanning from 10-12 million metric tons to 630 million metric tons. This issue goes beyond mere aesthetics; it presents a significant health and environmental hazard. The combined impact of construction and demolition waste, coupled with batching activities, consistently ranks among the primary sources of pollution. A notable portion of C&D waste finds its way into water channels, both natural and artificial, resulting in blockages and even triggering flash floods. 

The Bureau of Indian Standards revised the Indian Standards for Aggregates in Concrete (IS 383). allowing the utilization of up to 20% recycled concrete aggregates in Reinforced Concrete (M 25 grade) as either coarse or fine aggregate. Additionally, in Lean Concrete (< M 15 grade), the amendment permits the use of up to 100% recycled concrete aggregates. These standards provide a classification for the recycled aggregates into two distinct categories: Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) and Recycled Aggregates (RA).

Partnering with SINTEF of Norway, one of the leading technical research organizations in the world, we offer consultancy services to both prominent government entities and private sector players, guiding them in the establishment of world-class construction and demolition (C&D) waste management systems. Our comprehensive approach encompasses multiple facets, including data generation and waste stream classification, identifying suitable applications for recycled aggregates, selecting appropriate waste processing technologies, formulating pricing structures, and developing business models using diverse options. We also provide insights into policy facilitation and capacity building, as well as quality control and testing protocols. We focus on developing a robust testing framework that identifies critical parameters to control while integrating recycled aggregates into concrete or other applications.

Our expertise has directly benefited organizations such as the Goa Waste Management Corporation, for which we prepared an intricate project report encompassing comprehensive recommendations for the scientifically sound management of C&D waste. In collaboration with L&T Constructions, we played a pivotal role in guiding them towards the effective utilization of recycled aggregates in one of their projects, leading to the repurposing of nearly 500 metric tons of recycled aggregates in new concrete.

A groundbreaking endeavor was undertaken alongside Godrej Constructions, Materials division, where we conducted a full-scale demonstration project involving the use of recycled aggregates in their concrete blocks. This encompassed the entire journey, from the demolition site to recycling, block production, and subsequent reuse in a new project. Every step was meticulously documented, including the testing frequencies of critical parameters. At the SINTEF lab in Norway, we assessed the carbon sequestering properties of blocks incorporating these recycled aggregates. The results were compared against blocks made from natural aggregates. The test conclusively underscored the enhanced CO2 binding characteristics of recycled aggregates, thereby underscoring their pivotal role in carbon sequestration and aligning with the overarching drive towards decarbonization.