PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Stating that climate action is no longer confined to policy rooms or global summits, the managing director and CEO of BirlaNu, Akshat Seth said that it is playing out on construction sites, in procurement decisions, and in the everyday choices of homeowners, builders and communities. “India is urbanising at an unprecedented pace, and in doing so, we are locking in decades of ecological impact through the materials we choose today. This World Earth Day, with the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ is a timely reminder for us all,” he said.
He further said that the most consequential environmental decisions are often the most local ones. “A roof selected for durability, a block chosen for efficiency, or a pipe specified for longevity may appear routine, but collectively, these choices shape the environmental footprint of an entire nation,” he added.
“For decades, roofing choices across rural, semi-urban, and industrial India have prioritised cost and familiarity, often overlooking long-term environmental impact. Galvanised iron sheets corrode and warp during monsoons, while traditional fired clay tiles involve energy-intensive kiln processes that contribute to carbon emissions. These have largely been choices of habit rather than informed sustainability. Today, more climate-responsible alternatives are available. Cement Roofing Sheets, which are less energy-intensive to produce, offer greater durability and reduce the need for frequent replacements. Their resistance to moisture and extreme temperatures makes them better suited to India’s diverse climatic conditions,” he said, adding that when communities adopt such solutions for structures like community halls or industrial sheds, the environmental benefit is both immediate and cumulative. Scaled across millions of buildings, such decisions could significantly reduce the environmental burden of India’s construction sector and support the country’s net-zero ambitions for 2070, he further said.
