“Without the use of chemicals, it would be highly impossible for developing the required properties for the concrete and produce durable structures,” emphasises Mohan Kumar M, National Specification Manager, Fosroc Chemicals India

The usage for construction chemicals has increased steeply as the construction industry has started evolving. Mohan Kumar M shares how Fosroc Chemicals is making the difference in the industry.

Demand of construction chemicals in India
When Fosroc Chemicals started its operation in India 35 years back, the awareness on usage of construction chemicals and acceptance on the same was meagre. The demand for construction chemicals increased steeply as the boom in construction industry evolved. The large infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, high rise buildings, power plants and industries necessarily required chemicals to modify the concrete properties and achieve high strength and durable structures.

Need of green buildings materials and their energy efficiency
Green building is a very broad concept. It cannot be achieved by use of or not using one or other materials. The green building norms are clearly stated in LEED specifications, and there are important bodies like IGBC/LEED consultants who help clients in using appropriate materials and methods for energy-efficient buildings.

Fosroc has products like Polyurea WPE spray applied waterproofing material which is zero VOC as well as prime requirement as a green material and hence can be used for waterproofing systems. Likewise, Fosroc also has brush bond flexi coat TI heat reflective coatings which are used for getting the benefit of required SRI index.The company offers water-based products, zero VOC products, high-albedo paints and recyclable materials, waterproofing and repair solutions for green buildings.

Availability of green buildings materials in Indian market
Green building is a very broad concept. The whole systems depend on precisely selecting the required materials and using them to get the benefit of green rating as per the norms of GREEN rating. Various materials are available in Indian market. The insulation foam boards are majorly used for getting the benefit of insulation effect and usually calculated as U Value/R Value as factor.

While we use such systems, the water proofing materials too should have certain criteria such as zero VOC. Materials replacing wood, such as precast doors and frames are also considered as green. Use of recyclable materials or recycled materials also falls under this category. Utilisation of locally available resources such as the location of manufacturing unit from where the materials are sourced to the place of site also play a vital role in classifying under green rating.

Cost efficiency
Green chemicals are cost efficient. The unit prices look little on a higher side but the whole system cost will be almost equal or slightly higher than conventional system. It would be highly impressive if the government can amend the law and support the green building concept by providing additional tax benefits to the manufacturers as well to the builders can bring down the final cost drastically.