2 days Ago By Prashant Rupera
Slug: Case study of Ahmedabad Vadodara: The construction and building sectors are projected to contribute more than half of the emissions from new buildings by 2050, according to a doctoral study conducted by professor Chaitali Joshi from MS University's department of architecture. The study, part of her PhD research, focuses on Ahmedabad as a case study. The research estimates that to accommodate Ahmedabad's projected population of 12.
43 million by 2050, an additional 3.1 million housing units will be required compared to the base year of 2015. This surge in construction will drive up demand for materials such as cement, steel, and bricks, significantly increasing CO2 emissions.
"Using Ahmedabad as a case study, I analyzed changes in household units, projected floor space, and the corresponding CO2 emissions. This study quantifies material consumption at the city level based on estimated housing demand and projected constructed floor space in square meters," Joshi explained, highlighting the lack of such studies in India. Her research, conducted at Ahmedabad University under the guidance of professors Minal Pathak and Bhargav Adhvaryu, predicts a shift in housing trends.
By 2050, independent housing units will account for just 30.2% of the total constructed floor area, while flats will dominate, making up 69.7%.
The overall constructed floor area is expected to reach 252.5 million square meters. "If no new policy interventions are introduced, Ahmedabad alone will require 45.
6 metric tonnes of cement, 13.3 metric tonnes of steel, and 150 metric tonnes of bricks, leading to 165.8 million square meters of newly constructed floor area—an increase of 1.
4 times compared to 2015," Joshi noted. Carbon emissions from cement, steel, and brick production in Ahmedabad are projected to reach 102.2 million tonnes, 52.
7 million tonnes, and 23.2 million tonnes, respectively. "This represents a 2.
05-fold, 1.8-fold, and 1.15-fold increase in emissions compared to 2015 levels," the study states.
The total estimated material demand would result in 178.1 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions from cement, steel, and bricks. The study emphasizes that material consumption per square meter for cement and steel is significantly impacted by increased building heights.
"Steel and cement consumption is higher in high-rise buildings, leading to greater CO2 emissions," Joshi explained. "Although high-rise buildings optimize land use with a smaller footprint, their environmental impact can only be mitigated if the surrounding land is utilized as a carbon sink through greenery, landscaping, and urban farming," she added. She further suggested that future housing regulations, particularly from development authorities like AUDA, should promote a balanced mix of housing types.
"Most housing units should be delivered in the mid-rise range, which can be regulated through volumetric urban planning and design guidelines," she recommended. Green Construction Guidelines Needed * Sharp rise in residential demand across Indian cities * Material consumption to hit 90 billion tonnes by 2050 * 50% of extracted materials go into construction * Study urges action for India's 2070 net-zero target * Calls for responsible material use, green guidelines * GDCRs should enforce use of recycled materials -- Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with EID Wishes , Messages and quotes !.
