Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

GREEN ENERGY BRICKS: A STEP TOWARDS SMART AND SUSTAINABLE STRUCTURES

Pratibha Singh, Vivek Sharma, Sandeep Gupta, Savitha H.S., Asha Upadhyay and Nupoor Srivastava

Abstract

The construction industry is growing fast in India. Energy sources used in the clay brick making process worldwide are dominantly derived from fossil fuels. However, through innovative development it has been shown possible for these traditional sources to be successfully replaced by renewable alternatives reducing greenhouse gas emissions to almost zero. In a further innovative step it has been possible to introduce a selective blend of solid by-products wastes into the manufactured bricks to partially replace normally quarried clay. The challenge we face is to achieve an equitable development for all human beings, including future generations, while preserving the integrity of the global environment. One way to do so is to aim at a new growth paradigm and a higher quality of life through wealth creation and competitiveness on the basis of products with a smaller environmental footprint using fewer resources.