Architect converts construction debris into building materials

A broken concrete block or pieces of bricks may be waste materials for common people. But, for this architect, such waste materials are useful construction materials. City-based architect M Rakesh Kumar Jain collects all kinds of debris and recycle them to convert into strong building materials.

Jain, who owns Regional Low Energy Environment-Friendly (RLEEF), manages construction and has been constructing sustainable ‘zero waste homes’, using construction debris. He uses debris like broken concrete blocks, bricks and mud for the construction of non-structural members, such as below flooring, pillar wall, compound and parapet wall. According to him, one floor building with tiles or sheet roof can be constructed using debris.

Zero waste home is conservation of all resources, by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.

Jain said, “We aim to facilitate the practice of increasing efficiency with structures. To minimise energy, water and materials and reduce harmful effects on human health and environment. In our quest to give back to nature, we prioritise region-based solutions and make sure that the building construction consumes low energy and is environment-friendly. For the purpose, there is a network of dedicated professionals, who provide support services such as structural design, solar lightning, grey water recycling, kitchen water harvesting, and kitchen waste biogas plant."

“We are trying to use debris where certification is not required. Apart from constructing the structures using innovative technique, we also guide and impart training to interested people on constructing eco-friendly houses and utilising debris for construction," he said.

Jain said that the utilisation of debris is a good solution for the local bodies and the government to address construction debris menace. "Usually, remains of buildings are dumped. But, utilisation of such items is definitely a solution for the issue. I have a plan to set-up a construction debris processing unit and have approached the authorities concerned in this regard. Converting large quantities of debris will have several benefits. Besides addressing the waste issue, it will significantly bring down the construction cost," he said.

In addition, it is a boon to the environment as use of stone quarries for boulders, mud and other naturally available resources will be minimised. According to him, utilising debris will cut construction cost up to 40%. However, cost-effectiveness depends on sourcing of materials. "Now, we are concentrating on people who are conscious about nature and ready to invest. When people are more concerned about environment, they will be proud of not using more new materials from the nature," he said.

In order to sensitise the people about eco-friendly structures, Jain has prepared a book ‘Green Home Guide’ for Mysuru City Corporation (MCC). The MCC will utilise the document to educate the people on eco-friendly structures. The book contains details on eco-friendly alternative materials and technologies that can be used as components of buildings.

Jain said that he has approached the MCC authorities to enter an agreement to process construction debris. "It is the responsibility of the local bodies to process debris. But, it is a challenge to segregate and process construction waste scientifically. We have urged the MCC to extend support, by providing land and dumping the waste on one site. We will segregate, recycle and reuse the materials for building construction," he said.