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‘Engineers have a big role in reducing carbon emissions’

— Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

Key meet: (From left) Roland L. Sharpe, noted structural engineer; Kirit S. Parikh, member, Planning Commission; R. Sundaram, president of SEWC (India); and Ajay Maken, Union Minister, at the Third Structural Engineers World Congress in Bangalore on Friday.

BANGALORE: In the light of rising concern over climate change, structural engineers have an important role in looking for alternatives that would enable reduced carbon emissions and result in climate-friendly structures, Planning Commission member Kirit S. Parikh has said.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the Third Structural Engineers World Congress (SEWC), Dr. Parikh said the construction sector contributed 18 per cent of the total carbon emissions. “India and other developing countries are witnessing massive construction activities and there is a tremendous scope for reducing carbon emissions by using appropriate designs and raw materials,” he added.

He said that while a standard room constructed under traditional method produces 6.2 tonnes of carbon, only 2.4 tonnes is produced if appropriate materials are used.” Giving examples, he said: “Lime could be an alternative to cement while sand lime bricks could be used instead of burnt bricks.”

Apart from reducing carbon emissions, Dr. Parikh said structural engineers also have to gear up to meet consequences of climate change, especially the increase in frequency and intensity of natural calamities such as cyclones and floods. “Melting of Himalayan glaciers could result in reduced flow of water in Himalayan rivers during summer and increased levels in monsoons. Owing to this, we need to change the dam design and irrigation systems,” he added.

Roland L. Sharpe, noted structural engineer and designer of the world’s largest supersonic wind tunnel for NASA, and Union Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken also spoke. SEWC (India) president R. Sundaram was present.

The Third Structural Engineers World Congress has attracted more than 1,300 delegates from 50 countries and some of the world’s leading structural engineers.

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