With every passing day, the world of construction is changing. There seems to be a growing reliance on green building practices. While the world is trying to deal with environmental problems, there is a lot of focus on the construction sector, which usually depends on erosion. Among the available solutions, the adoption of green construction chemicals is an effective tool for sustainable development.
The construction sector is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, accounting for a considerable portion of global carbon emissions and resource consumption. However, there's a growing recognition that sustainable construction practices can not only reduce these negative impacts but also lead to long-term economic benefits. This change of view has driven the need for environmentally conscious construction materials, such as green construction chemicals.
According to a report by Fortune Business Insights™ titled "Construction Chemicals Market Size, Share, Growth, and Forecast Report 2023-2026," the market size is expected to increase from $42.32 billion in 2018 to $70.91 billion by 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the period from 2023 to 2026. Globally, the Indian market is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the global average. This significant growth underscores the rising adoption of sustainable construction practices worldwide.
So, what exactly are green construction chemicals, and how do they contribute to sustainable development? Green construction chemicals encompass a wide range of products used in various construction processes, including concrete admixtures, waterproofing agents , tile adhesives, sealants, and coatings. What sets these chemicals apart is their eco-friendly formulation, which minimizes harmful environmental impacts without compromising performance.
An important benefit is their capacity to elevate overall building durability and energy efficiency. For instance, the introduction of eco-friendly concrete admixtures can enhance the strength and durability of buildings. Likewise, waterproofing agents and sustainable material coatings protect structures from moisture intrusion, reducing opportunities for mold growth and visible structural damage. Tile adhesive plays a pivotal role in promoting greener construction practices through several key mechanisms. Firstly, it reduces material waste by enabling thinner adhesive layers while maintaining high bonding strength, thus minimizing the amount of adhesive required per tile installation. Additionally, certain formulations feature fast curing times, expediting the installation process and lowering energy consumption associated with construction activities.
The global adhesive market is valued at $4.2 billion, while the Indian tile adhesive and epoxy grout market stands at INR 3500 crores, with ~70% in the organized and ~30% in the unorganized sector. Key players in the organized sector include MYK Laticrete, Roff, Weber, Magicrete, and Kerakoll, who dominate the adhesive industry in India. The tile adhesive market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 13.2%, with an expected value of 10,000 Crore by 2030-2031.
In addition, these chemicals are designed to improve indoor air quality and occupant well-being by reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other associated pollutants. This is particularly important in residential and commercial centers, where people spend a large portion of their time indoors. By using eco-friendly products, builders help provide a healthier indoor environment and contribute to overall well-being. The manufacturing process of Magicrete tile adhesives is designed to be more energy-efficient compared to traditional alternatives. This means that less energy is consumed during production, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint. Lower energy consumption not only benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also aligns with broader goals of energy conservation and sustainability.
Beyond environmental and health benefits, these chemicals facilitate the sustainable utilization of resources. Some of these products are made using renewable resources or contain recycled materials, thereby reducing the use of limited alternatives. By adopting the principles of circular economy practices, the construction industry has the opportunity to move towards a future that is much more sustainable and resilient.
Additionally, they can help meet regulatory demands and fulfill the requirements of various standards pertaining to green building certifications such as the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA). These certifications honor buildings that adhere to strict sustainability standards, motivating developers and builders towards more environmental practices. In the near future, the government plans to make this rating mandatory for all private projects, further enhancing the requirement for green construction chemicals.
Despite the evident advantages of green chemicals, their widespread implementation is still problematic due to issues concerning costs and limited awareness among stakeholders. The upfront investment compared to conventional chemicals might be higher; however, given their long-term benefits regarding energy efficiency, maintenance costs, and environmental considerations, this method is favorable.
