The CII – Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Students’ Chapter and the Civil Engineering Department, Nirma University, organized an expert lecture on “Alternative Sustainable Building Materials and Technologies” on 21 September 2026 under the course of “Sustainable Building Technologies” for Semester-V B.Tech Students. The session was delivered by Mr. Keyur Sarda, Founder, Kesarjan Building Center Pvt. Ltd.
The lecture focused on sustainable approaches to construction and the need to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry by minimizing embodied energy and promoting the productive use of industrial waste. The students were introduced to sustainable materials such as fly ash bricks, stabilized earth blocks, fibre reinforcement, and recycled aggregates as alternatives to conventional energy-intensive materials.
The session also covered practical technologies including prefabrication, filler slab techniques, and passive solar design, along with life-cycle cost considerations highlighting the long-term energy savings and resilience offered by sustainable construction practices. A case study of buildings incorporating the speaker’s designs and materials further helped students understand their practical application.
With 62 students participating, the lecture provided valuable insights into emerging opportunities in sustainable construction materials and technologies, while connecting academic learning with contemporary practices in the construction industry.
