Residential Training Programme: Circular Pathways

Rapid urbanization is causing a surge in demand for natural resources, accelerating construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation, and exacerbating dust pollution. Circular approaches, backed by strong policy framework and effective on-ground implementation, can turn this waste into resource and also reduce the construction sector’s environmental impact.

India’s building space is projected to more than double its current capacity in the next two decades driven by rapid urbanization and population growth. This expansion is generating enormous amounts of construction and demolition (C&D) waste and increasing demand for virgin building materials, straining natural resources. According to the draft National Resource Efficiency Policy Report (2019), India’s resource extraction rate was over three times the global average. 

Only a fraction of the C&D waste generated in India is currently recycled or reused, despite approximately 90% of such waste can be repurposed after processing. Plans are underway to double the current number of over 35 operational C&D waste processing plants across the country. However, significant gaps in implementation persist, which must be addressed to fully unlock the potential of this sector. For these facilities to be economically viable, the entire ecosystem must be strengthened, encompassing C&D waste bye-laws, curbing illegal dumping, collection, transportation, user charge notifications, processing and reuse. The latest C&D Waste Management Rules 2025, defines stakeholder responsibilities and introduces an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, making producers accountable for recycling. Effective implementation will reshape the sector, making stakeholder awareness and compliance crucial. 

CSE's Anil Agarwal Environment Training Institute (AAETI) offers a residential training program that equips professionals from the built environment and construction industry, urban local bodies (ULBs), and Pollution Control Board officials with the knowledge and tools to build this seamless ecosystem. The training covers a cradle-to-cradle approach for C&D waste management, compliance requirements, and actionable strategies for achieving circularity in construction. The course also addresses gaps between policy and practice, offering insights into circular economy strategies for the construction sector. 

WHAT THE TRAINING WILL COVER

• Introduction to circular economy and efficient resource utilization.
• C&D waste management rules 2016 and 2025.
• The legal, policy and administrative framework for C&D waste and dust management, including the roles and responsibilities of actors involved.
• Waste estimation and extrapolation at city and site levels of various streams.
• Planning for infrastructure such as collection points, transfer stations, transportation routes, vehicle fleets, processing technologies, recycling site identification, etc.
• Techniques for onsite and offsite waste reduction/recycling.
• Impact assessment and self-declaration responsibilities for the construction sector.
• Effective site construction management to mitigate dust/air pollution.
• Good practices from Indian cities working on C&D waste and dust control.
• Insight into the value and trade chain of C&D waste. 

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

• Classroom lectures
• Case studies
• Class exercises
• Discussions
• Field visit 

YOUR KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS TRAINING

• In-depth knowledge of various components need for effective C&D waste management.
• Understand roles and responsibilities of stakeholders for effective C&D waste and dust management.
• Insight of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes for construction activities
• Skill to estimate C&D waste generation at city and site levels.

FOR MORE DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT

Sayani Sen
Programme Officer
Sustainable Habitat Programme, CSE
8240061255
sayani.sen@cseindia.org

Rajneesh Sareen
Programme Director
Sustainable Habitat Programme, CSE
rajneesh.sareen@cseindia.org