India-Norway Dialogue Enhances Waste Management in Construction
In a significant step towards sustainable waste management, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India, in cooperation with SINTEF and the Research Council of Norway, held the India-Norway Dialogue on “Waste to Resource Solutions in the Cement and Construction Sector” on November 10, 2026, at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. This landmark event brought together experts from CSIR institutes, SINTEF, regulatory bodies, and the cement and construction industries, aiming to develop collaborative solutions for transforming waste into valuable resources.
The dialogue aligned with the vision articulated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during Modi’s visit to Norway earlier this year. Their partnership was enhanced to a Green Strategic Partnership focused on circular economy, clean technology, and research.
The event began with a welcome address from Prof. S. K. Singh from CSIR-CBRI, who introduced the participants and dignitaries. Keynote speakers included Dr. Rama Swami Bansal, Head of ISTAD at CSIR, Dr. Arvinn Gadgil from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dr. Kåre Helge Karstensen, Chief Scientist at SINTEF, and Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI. The inaugural session set the tone for discussions aimed at bolstering India-Norway cooperation through technology-driven initiatives that leverage research and industry expertise.
During the event, Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar emphasized the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy, advocating for the conversion of construction and industrial waste into useful resources. Participants discussed various materials such as construction and demolition (C&D) waste, steel slag, fly ash, and red mud, outlining challenges related to their processing, economic feasibility, and market acceptance.
A technical session focused on the safe destruction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and hazardous waste was led by Dr. Kåre Helge Karstensen and Dr. Ramesh Kumar. They explored how cement kiln co-processing could serve as an environmentally sound method for treating hazardous wastes while also substituting fossil fuels with waste-derived alternative fuels. Presenters highlighted both Indian and international experiences and the need for rigorous technical protocols and regulatory compliance.
Research initiatives from CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-AMPRI showcased innovative uses for fly ash, copper slag, and other industrial by-products in road construction and advanced construction materials. Industry representatives discussed the obstacles and technological needs for the efficient management of hazardous waste.
A dedicated session on C&D waste recycling, led by Dr. Christian John Engelsen, detailed international practices in creating recycled aggregate-based products and employing mobile recycling units to enhance processing techniques. Prof. Singh also delivered insights on utilizing industrial by-products in construction, underlining the importance of sustainability.
The dialogue underscored several key areas for future collaboration, including the development of joint research proposals, pilot projects for hazardous waste treatment, and establishing technical guidelines for managing contaminated waste. All participants collectively emphasized the urgency of strengthening bilateral research ties and promoting circular construction practices to facilitate a sustainable transition in the cement and construction sectors.
