Net Shunya Decarbonising the Built Environment: C&D waste

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste has the potential to generate resources that can replace natural materials like sand and stone, thus saving thousands of tonne of embodied carbon – in this, these resources constitute an important piece of the puzzle that is circular economy. But in the absence of an ecosystem of C&D waste management in India, incessant dumping and improper management of this waste has led to serious environmental concerns and pollution. 

Currently, India has an installed capacity of over 16,000 tonne per day of C&D waste processing in over 34 operational recycling plants. The Government of India has launched several initiatives to address the challenge of managing this stream. What is needed is a combination of actions and policy interventions across the entire waste management chain that would ensure proper waste collection, handling and re-utilisation. 

CSE's Anil Agarwal Environment Training Institute (AAETI) offers a residential course tailored for construction managers/developers, regulators, urban local bodies (ULBs) and others in the construction industry, focusing on a cradle-to-cradle approach for C&D waste management and dust mitigation, and required compliances at both site and city levels. The course also addresses gaps between policy and practice, offering insights into circular economy strategies for the construction sector. 

Training methodology

Classroom lectures, case studies, class exercises, discussions and field visits.

What this course contains

• Introduction to circular economy and efficient resource utilisation
• Rules and guidelines for C&D waste management and dust control -- their respective adherences/non-compliances and case studies from non-compliant cities
• The legal, policy and administrative framework for C&D waste and dust management, including the roles and responsibilities of actors involved
• Waste estimation and extrapolation at city and site levels of various streams
• Planning for infrastructure such as collection points, transfer stations, transportation routes, vehicle fleets, processing technologies, recycling site identification, etc
• Technology and techniques for onsite and offsite waste reduction/recycling
• Impact assessment and self-declaration responsibilities for the construction sector
• Effective site construction management to mitigate dust/air pollution and waste management
• Reporting and micro-action planning requirements for clean air based on various legal/administrative needs
• Good practices from Indian cities working on C&D waste and dust control
• Understanding the value and trade chain of C&D waste 

Course Coordinator:

Garima Kaushal
Senior Research Associate
Sustainable Habitat Programme, CSE,
+91 9910394540
garima.kaushal@cseindia.org

Course Director

Rajneesh Sareen
Programme Director
Sustainable Habitat, CSE
rajneesh.sareen@cseindia.org