Setting new standards for construction waste recycling in India
Space Matrix, a leading global workplace design and build powerhouse, has embarked on a transformative journey in collaboration with Saahas Zero Waste (SZW) to ensure the sustainable disposal of construction waste across its projects. The initiative named Re:Source, is a path-breaking step towards integrating circular economy concepts into construction and demolition (C&D) waste management in India.
Currently, India accounts for 35-40% of construction waste globally, but just about 1% of the waste materials are recycled, and the rest end up in landfills. As a company committed to sustainability, with its Re:Source framework, Space Matrix aims to channel these waste materials back to construction sites.
The focus is to ensure minimal processing and convert the waste into the same or other types of construction materials. Considering that construction materials cost 50-60% of a project’s budget, this recycling can also boost cost-effectiveness and positively impact the environment. The partnership with SZW marks a beginning in this direction.
Speaking about this novel project which can catalyse the waste management efforts in the C&D sector in India, Akshay Lakhanpal, CEO India, Space Matrix, said, “Despite existing policy frameworks like the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, responsible disposal remains a daunting challenge in India. Through our collaboration with SWMPL, we have taken proactive steps to lead this change. We discussed the project’s objective and details with our clients, and they were completely onboard to work with us to reduce the environmental impact of the construction waste and comply with the regulations. Our inaugural pilot project under the Re:Source initiative has already delivered positive outcomes, showcasing the feasibility and environmental benefits of integrating circular economy principles into C&D waste management. Moving forward, we aspire to replicate and scale these successes across our future projects, catalysing industry-wide change on a national scale.”
Sharing details about the project, and the potential of environmental conservation, Shobha Raghavan, COO, Saahas Zero Waste, said, “Since 2013, we've partnered with corporates, housing societies, government agencies, and stakeholders to realize a zero-waste, circular economy. Viewed in the context of India's overall C&D waste, these circular economy principles can significantly address environmental concerns and contribute to the fight against climate change. Our partnership with Space Matrix is going to be a major step forward in this direction, and we hope to continue making the right impact through Project Re:Source.”
SZW, an ISO-certified social enterprise offering integrated waste management services across major Indian cities, has already executed a pilot project under Re:Source at one of Space Matrix's brownfield fit-out projects in Bengaluru. The initiative, spanning 19,570 sq ft, generated over 43 tonnes of waste between August and November 2023. The pilot project showcased effective recycling and reuse methodologies across diverse waste streams, resulting in a 48% reduction in landfill waste. An important lesson learned from the pilot project underscores the potential to enhance recyclability by emphasising source segregation practices and ensuring ample space for storing diverse waste streams on-site.
There were several other significant positive outcomes achieved from the project such as a reduction of 15.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions, 20.5 tonnes of materials recycled, and 0.4 tonnes sent for co-processing. Through collaborative innovation and unwavering dedication, Space Matrix and SZWaim redefine construction waste disposal paradigms, fostering a sustainable future for India's built environment.
