Precast concrete construction is a smarter way to build

Iprecast construction ability to meet sustainability benchmarks will continue to drive its adoption, says ABHIJIT GAWDE, Head of Marketing & Business Development, Construction business of Godrej Enterprises Group With waditional construction materials still dominating the industry, how can precast concrete maintain its relevance and strengthen its competitive edge in the market? Arc Godrej recognize that the construction industry is shifting trowards more sustainable and solutions. While materials continue to have higher market adoption, precast concrete is emerging as an Enterprises Group, we efficient traditional effective solution delivering superior quality, reduced construction time, and a significantly lower environmental impact. Precast concrete construction is more than just an alternative its a smarter way to build. Precast concrete can stay relevant and competitive by embracing innovatcion and sustainability. Our experience with projects like, 'The Cocoon, a S00 sq ft 3D printed office in Khalapur installed and made fully functional in under timeframe of 40 hours, showcases how innovative project execution approaches can significantly cuc constuction time. Beyond speed, precast concrete solutions are becoming economically viable in the long run, offering lower operational and maintenance costs due ro superior durability 82 EPC World April 2025 and energy efficiency. As green building standards tighten, precast construction ability to meer sustainability benchmarks will continue to drive its adoption. Please provide an overview of the precast industry in India, including the current marker demand, technological advancements, and the key factors driving its growth and adoption? The real estate and construction sector's momentum has led to an increase in new project launches, boosting the demand for sustainable building materials and technologies. Increased government spending on major urban infrastructure projects, need for faster project completion, and advancements in digital construction technologies like BLM & Lean Construction, are some of the key growth drivers for precast construction. The Godrej TUFF brand of Construction Materials offers a breakthrough range of customised and environmentally friendly building products, We have received 'Green Pro' certification from Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for our range of ReadyMix Concrete (RMC) solutions, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks, prefabricated concrete products, such as Recycled Concrete Blocks, Recycled Pavers, U-Drains, Box Culverts, etc. Technological such as our 3D Printing (3DCP) Technology, are expected to transform the real estate and construction industry. Our project, 'The Cocoon, a 500 sq fr 3D printed office, illustrates these advancements. By applying principles and utilizing tools like Building Information Modelling, the advancements, Construction Lean Construction construction process of "The Cocoon' was meticulously planned and maximum streamlined, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Could you outline some of the Key challenges currently facing the precast industry in India and how are industry players overcoming these challenges? Despite its potential, the precast industry faces several challenges, such as higher traditional methods, limited government initial costs compared to policy support for sustainable and recycled materials, lack of scandardized codal provisions promoting new precast adoption in architectural design new methods and materials for construction at che design stage. There is a shortage of skilled manpower in precast manufacturing and construction. What initiatives is your company taking to develop and enhance the skilled workforce in this sector? The Indian Real Estate and Construction industry is grappling with an increasing shortage of skilled labours. At Godrej Enterprises Group, we prioritize workforce development through collaboration and knowledge sharing. To enhance the knowledge and skills of labourers, we have recently launched the TUFF Knowledge Series www.epcworld.in on Youlube. This series currently focuses on training the workforce in best practices for the effective use of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks, covering aspects such as, how AAC Blocks make conswuction faster and more efficient, learn about rhe sustainability benefits of using AAC Blocks in your projects, etc. In fucure, we aim to continue to build TUFF Knowledge Series to cover more wider topics related to construction industry. What sustainable materials are being utilized in precast concrete production to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and how is your organization contributing to this effort? Recently, our Recycled Concrete Materials Manufacwring Plant in Vikhroli, Mumbai has been awarded with 'Green Co' Gold Certification by the IGBC. This plant runs on 100% Green Power. Similarly, our 4 Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) batching plants in the Mumbai-MMR & Pune region have received 'Green Pro' certification from rhe IGBC. We are one of the first in the RMC industry co switch to 100% green energy, all our own Ready Mix Concrete manufacturing plants powered by 'GREEN POWER, certified by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB). We understand thac every construction project is unique. Thats why we offer tailor-made prefabricated concrete solutions designed to meet the specific requirements of each project. Our team of experienced engineers works closely with clients to understand their needs comprehensively. Through chis collaborative approach, we develop customized prefabricated solurions chat guarantee optimal performance and cost-efficiency. We are delighted rhac we could be a part of prestigious Mumbai Coastal Road project, for which we have supplied 440 large precast concrete box culverts, each weighing from 30 to 35 metric tonnes, These precast concrete box culverts have been used for rhe construction of scorm water outfall into the Arabian Sea. The box culverts have been manufactured co wichstand the harsh conditions of the coastal environment, and also che heavy traffic loading conditions. With an intent to help contribute cowards sustainable development, our concrete mix design has used up co 10 % recycled concrete mix in the manufaccuring of these box culverts. This aspect was incorporated into the design of these concrete structures in close coordination with the concerned project consultants and auchoricies. Based on our successful experience on Mumbai Coastal Road Project, we have recently bagged an order for Versova Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project, to manufacture and supply over 3,500 precast sacrificial slabs for the Temporary Access Bridge (TAB) and 500 precast tub components for sacrificial formwork. Each component measures 8x3 meters with a 350 mm depth, designed to meet the highest standards of strength and durability. These precast components incorporate 10% Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA), produced atc our Recycled Concrete Materials manufacturing plant at Vikhroli, Mumbai. What are your organization's key growth targets, expansion plans, and strategies for advancing in the precast industry chis financial year, including efforts ro expand the use of precast in new applications? We aim to leverage rhe prevailing positive market sentiments in real estate and construction industry and expand our TUFF range of sustainable construction materials, with a commitment tchac every solution we develop is efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible for built environment.