Future Belongs to Green Construction: Sampath Kumar Paspunoori Explains One of the Key Trends in the Construction Industry

In October 2024, an India Global Cement and Concrete Association, representing over 80% of the country's cement production capacity, announced a partnership with a UK-based Xynteo's Build Ahead Coalition, aiming to promote low-carbon cement and concrete, with an ultimate goal of reaching net zero emissions. This is just one of multiple examples representing the trend for a more environmentally conscious construction industry, as the shift is happening on a global scale. In its current state, the building value chain is responsible for 37% of total carbon emissions. However, in the middle of 2024, the World Economic Forum published a report stating that implementing core green building strategies could abate building emissions by 80% while unlocking $1,8 trillion in global market opportunities. Sampath Kumar Paspunoori, a construction manager with vast experience in public and private projects in the position of Capital Program Manager at Alexandria City, published a scientific article on green construction and has vast experience in implementing green technologies in practice, for instance, in his project of a school building in Alexandria City, explains the significance of the trend towards sustainability for the future of the industry.

New Technologies as an Answer to New Demands

Sampath Kumar Paspunoori states that the necessity of being more sustainable and environmentally friendly is recognized in multiple industry segments. While his article in the International Journal of Science and research article focuses mostly on the demolition process and its impact on urban ecosystems, he highlights the importance of considering the environment at all stages of construction. However, reducing environmental consequences is not the sole benefit of the new approach.

"Considering such criteria as sustainability or environmental impact is beneficial not only for the environment but also for the construction companies themselves, as they must establish more efficient ways to operate under the new requirements," notes Sampath Kumar Paspunoori.

His article highlights the role of cutting-edge technologies, such as the Internet of things, robotics, and artificial intelligence, in implementing new construction methods, which will reduce environmental impact, for example, through using 3D scanning for more efficient planning and use of the territory.

Moreover, Sampath puts significant effort into not only sharing his valuable expertise but also creating an environment where productive and sustainable ideas are developed and supported. For instance, as an IEEE member, he participates in peer-reviewing articles before publication to support high-quality works. In the position of a project manager, he also reviews the suggested projects to ensure the most productive and efficient solutions are chosen and implemented.

Practical Benefits of the Green Approach

He adds that an integrated approach to management becomes an essential part of this transformation, opening new opportunities to companies that manage to implement it. Introducing environmentally friendly technologies may seem challenging from the construction perspective, but it pays off in the long term.

For instance, from 2020 to 2023, he led the development of the renovation project for a school building in Alexandria city, enhancing the building with the unique geothermal HVAC system, which made the building more energy efficient. His project received a $4 million grant under the Renew American school program, which is another proof of his talent as a manager. The project provides a vivid example of green technologies, such as a geothermal HVAC system, which helps to create a safe and comfortable building. The implementation of the system made it possible to create a productive learning habitat for the students while reducing energy consumption and thus optimizing maintenance costs. Sampath Kumar Paspunoori notes that in his projects, he does not focus only on his current tasks but plans for the future, taking future renovation and budgeting into account and creating a solid base for a sustainable approach to construction.

Bringing Together Innovation and Safety

However, implementing the sustainable approach to construction comes with its own challenges. The transition demands a significant investment from a construction company, both in terms of finance and effort, such as educating the staff or integrating new technologies into existing processes. Sampath Kumar Paspunoori emphasizes that quality and safety must not be sacrificed to the pursuit of cutting-edge technological solutions.

Throughout his career, Sampath worked on several projects where safety and reliability were topmost priorities. For instance, he led the process of 911 room renovation, ensuring all the necessary operations, such as HVAC replacement, were completed while maintaining the server room's 24/7 operation. This project illustrates his impressive ability to organize processes in the most optimal and efficient way, minimizing the risks while operating efficiently. It exemplifies the approach that should be taken when implementing sustainable or "green" construction.

Sampath Kumar Paspunoori concludes: "Companies that do not rush to implement the novel solution as fast as possible but instead move steadily will eventually get the most advantage on the market." With time, the more sustainable approach that is currently explored by only a few companies will become a major trend that will advance the construction industry forward in the following years.