A multi-stakeholder workshop on “Accelerating Low-Carbon Construction in Odisha: Technologies and Strategies” was successfully organized at Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, in association with Development Alternatives.

The workshop brought together over 70 participants from key government departments, industry, academia, and international organizations, reflecting strong and growing interest in sustainable construction practices in Odisha. Participants included senior officials from the Housing & Urban Development Department (HU&DD), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Works Department, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), and Rural Works Department, along with representatives from leading cement companies such as Dalmia, UltraTech, and Ramco, as well as stakeholders from L&T, ready-mix concrete companies, architects, builders, and UN-Habitat.

The workshop was graced by Shri Sourindra Routray, Additional Secretary, HU&DD, Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Surender Singh, Associate Professor at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, attended as the Guest of Honour. Shri Binaya Dash, Additional Secretary, HU&DD, emphasized the need to mainstream low-carbon construction materials like C&D waste based blocks and LC3 through strong policy push, market readiness, and convergence across departments to drive sustainable urban development in Odisha.

The sessions commenced with a brief address by Prof. Dinakar Pasla (IIT Bhubaneswar) and context-setting by Dr. Soumen Maity (Development Alternatives), followed by a presentation on baseline assessment findings by Ms. Shaloni Dash (Development Alternatives), highlighting key policy gaps and opportunities for scaling low-carbon construction materials in Odisha.

Technical sessions were delivered by Dr. Surender Singh on recyclability of construction and demolition (C&D) waste and its role in sustainable infrastructure, and by Dr. Ashok Kumar Singha on climate finance options and LC3 material handling. These sessions provided valuable insights into technological innovations and financing mechanisms critical for transitioning to a low-carbon construction ecosystem.

Panel discussions formed a core part of the workshop, focusing on Scaling LC3 in Odisha: From Innovation to Market Transformation and Scaling C&D Waste Management in Odisha 

The discussions witnessed active participation from representatives of HU&DD, Development Alternatives, IIT Bhubaneswar, UN-Habitat, and industry stakeholders. Key deliberations centered around cost competitiveness, market adoption challenges, policy support mechanisms, and institutional pathways for scaling LC3 (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement) and strengthening C&D waste management systems in Odisha.

Notably, LC3 and C&D waste management emerged as central themes, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for:

• Stronger policy incentives and mandates 

• Market development and awareness 

• Integration of circular economy principles in construction 

• Strengthened implementation of the C&D Waste Management Rules, 2025 

Officials from HU&DD shared ongoing initiatives and policy directions being undertaken by the department to promote low-carbon construction materials and sustainable urban development practices in the state.

The workshop served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, stakeholder consultation, and co-creation of actionable strategies. It reinforced the need for collaborative efforts between government, industry, and academia to accelerate Odisha’s transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular construction sector.

The event concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to take forward the recommendations and translate them into concrete actions on ground.  The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Umesh C Sahoo (IIT Bhubaneswar).