As India accelerates its transition towards sustainable infrastructure and circular economy practices, the construction sector is increasingly exploring innovative ways to reduce its environmental footprint. At the forefront of this movement is GreenJams, a company transforming industrial and agricultural waste into high-performance, low-carbon building materials.
In an exclusive interview with Tarun Jami, Founder & CEO, GreenJams, we discuss the future of circular construction, the opportunities emerging from India’s evolving waste management landscape, and why construction waste should be viewed not as a disposal challenge, but as a valuable resource for building a greener tomorrow.
Q1. India generates millions of tonnes of construction and demolition waste every year, yet recycling rates remain relatively low. Why has the sector historically struggled with waste management, and what needs to change?
Construction waste management has historically been fragmented, with limited recycling infrastructure, inadequate waste segregation at source, and low awareness about the value of recycled materials. Waste has largely been viewed as a disposal issue rather than a resource. What needs to change is a shift towards planned waste management, better processing infrastructure, and greater adoption of circular construction practices.
Q2. The introduction of EPR shifts accountability directly onto developers. Do you think this will fundamentally alter how builders view construction waste and sustainability investments?
Yes, EPR has the potential to change the industry’s mindset significantly. Developers will now need to consider waste management from the planning stage itself. Sustainability investments that were previously seen as optional may increasingly become essential components of project execution and long-term business competitiveness.
Q3. Beyond regulatory compliance, what business opportunities could emerge from treating construction waste as a reusable resource rather than a disposal challenge?
The opportunities are substantial. Construction waste can be transformed into recycled aggregates, blocks, pavers, and other building materials, creating entirely new value chains. It can also generate demand for waste processing services, recycling technologies, and low-carbon construction products, turning waste into an economic opportunity.
Q4. How can innovations in low-carbon building materials and waste processing technologies help developers meet both sustainability goals and commercial objectives?
Innovative materials made from industrial byproducts and processed waste help reduce dependence on virgin resources and lower embodied carbon. They also contribute towards green building certifications and can provide developers with differentiated, future-ready products that align with evolving market and regulatory expectations.
Q5. With increasing focus on green financing and ESG disclosures, do you foresee embodied carbon and material traceability becoming key decision-making factors in the real estate sector?
Absolutely. Embodied carbon and traceability are likely to become increasingly important as investors, lenders, and customers seek greater transparency around environmental performance. Developers that can demonstrate low-carbon supply chains and verified material sourcing will be better positioned to attract green financing and meet future procurement standards.
Q6. What role will collaboration between developers, waste processors, policymakers, and material innovators play in building a truly circular construction ecosystem in India?
Collaboration is essential because no single stakeholder can build a circular ecosystem independently. Developers need reliable recycling partners, processors require policy support and market demand, and material innovators need industry adoption. Working together can create scalable systems where waste is efficiently recovered and reintegrated into the construction value chain.
Q7. Looking ahead, what does the future of sustainable construction in India look like, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for companies that embrace circular economy principles early?
The future of construction in India will increasingly be defined by resource efficiency, low-carbon materials, and circularity. The biggest opportunities lie in recycling infrastructure, sustainable building materials, carbon accounting, and traceable supply chains. Companies that adopt these principles early will not only stay ahead of regulatory changes but also gain a meaningful competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.
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