Harnessing potential of construction industry to trailblaze path to zero carbon emissions

In Sri Lanka’s construction industry, INSEE Cement stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainability through its groundbreaking INSEE i2i (Innovation to Industry) collaboration space. The company’s Director – Products and Solutions Portfolio Dr. Moussa Baalbaki in this interview explains how this state-of-the-art facility, unique in Asia, is central to the company’s expanding its sustainable products and solutions portfolio under its award-winning Sanstha brand including building materials like Sanstha Mortar, Sanstha Paint and Sanstha PVC. He also outlines how the INSEE i2i collaboration space is supporting Sri Lanka’s ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the potential to bring together a broader collection of stakeholders to shape the future of the Asia construction sector. Following are excerpts.

Q: What inspired INSEE Cement to establish the i2i collaboration space, and what makes it unique in the industry?

A: The inspiration behind the INSEE i2i (Innovation to Industry) collaboration space was our commitment to elevate the national construction industry through open innovation and collaboration. We recognised the need for a dedicated space where various internal and external stakeholders could come together to develop new products and solutions. What makes the i2i collaboration space unique is that it is the only facility of its kind in Asia, promoting cooperation among engineers, researchers, students, innovators, architects, academics, professional bodies, industry experts, and even competitors. This initiative is timely, addressing the rapid changes in the construction industry, which increasingly favours performance-based and sustainable designs.

Q: How has the i2i collaboration space contributed to the expansion of INSEE Cement’s products and solutions portfolio over the past few years?

A: The i2i collaboration space has played a pivotal role in expanding our products and solutions portfolio. Through i2i, we have introduced several innovative building materials under the Sanstha brand. Over the past few years, we have successfully launched Superior Blended Cements, INSEE Sanstha Mortar, INSEE Sanstha Paint, and INSEE Sanstha PVC products. These products are a direct result of the collaborative efforts and innovation fostered at the i2i collaboration space, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.

Q: Can you describe some of the key partnerships and collaborations that have been formed through the i2i centre?

A: The i2i collaboration space has facilitated numerous partnerships and collaborations. We have engaged with various industry stakeholders, including Siam City Cement’s business partners, local and international NGOs, government bodies, and academic institutions. These collaborations have been instrumental in promoting innovation and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s construction industry. For example, we have worked closely with universities to support PhD research on topics like sustainable concrete design and construction and demolition waste management.

Q: What role does i2i play in supporting Sri Lanka’s ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050?

A: The i2i collaboration space is integral to our efforts to support Sri Lanka’s green development agenda. Through this initiative, we are developing sustainable and efficient products, such as Superior Blended Cements, which reduce carbon emissions per ton of cementitious material produced. INSEE Cement is also the first company in Sri Lanka to receive Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its comprehensive cement product portfolio. These EPDs provide standardised and third-party verified information about the environmental performance of our products throughout their lifecycle, aligning with our commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Q: How has the i2i collaboration space influenced industry practices and standards in Sri Lanka?

A: The i2i collaboration space has significantly influenced industry practices and standards in Sri Lanka by promoting higher quality and performance standards. Our state-of-the-art testing facilities and knowledge-sharing initiatives have elevated the local building materials industry to international best standards. The i2i collaboration space has also played a key role in advocating for sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices, which has been recognised through awards such as the Green Industry Awards for low carbon and climate-resilient production.

Q: Can you elaborate on the research and development activities conducted at the i2i collaboration space?

A: The i2i collaboration space is equipped with modern equipment providing more than 40 different types of test modules for the construction industry. These include advanced testing methods for assessing the durability, chemistry, rheology, and strength of concrete. Key functional areas include the durability space, chemistry and rheology space, aggregate space, and strength and wet space. These areas allow us to conduct comprehensive research and development activities, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

Q: How does the i2i collaboration space engage with and benefit various industry stakeholders, including young engineers and academics?

A: As a market leader, INSEE Cement is committed to engaging and benefiting a wide range of industry stakeholders through the i2i collaboration space. We organise hybrid knowledge-sharing sessions that facilitate open discussion and promote new products and solutions. The centre also functions as an information library, offering mentoring and coaching on advanced concrete technology by INSEE experts. We invest in academic research, supporting PhD students working on innovative construction industry topics. The facility is accessible to university students, young engineers, and architects, providing them with a learning space to foster innovation in the construction industry.

Q: How do you see the i2i collaboration space evolving to meet the changing needs of the construction industry in Sri Lanka?

A: The i2i collaboration space will continue to evolve by embracing new technologies and methodologies to meet the changing needs of the construction industry. We aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, driving the development of advanced sustainable constructions. By engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and creating an inclusive and inspiring environment, we are committed to building the future leaders of the industry. INSEE Cement will continue to lead by example, promoting sustainable development and contributing to the nation’s growth.