Covid has had a significant impact on the construction sector, with a new normal in place and new demands for buildings. Shabnam Bassi, Fellow and Associate Director of TERI, and Secretary of the GRIHA Council, believes that for a smooth resolution, industry should focus on five areas: resolve, resilience, return, reimagine, and reform. Despite the fact that governments and businesses throughout the world are responding quickly, she believes there is still much to be done.
According to Madhurima Madhav, Scientist 'D' (Civil Engg.), Bureau Of Indian Standards, the pandemic had a substantial operational and financial impact on the construction sector, as it has resulted in project delays and closeouts in many situations, particularly owing to force majeure conditions. These are mostly due to supply chain problems, labor problem, restricted working hours, and complete lockdown conditions in several cities, as well as communication issues. “Now both the clients and the consultants have figured out how to work with fewer resources. They've also learnt the value of efficient planning, as well as the importance of minimizing overlaps and task sequencing. “
Samantha Sullivan, Innovation Project Manager, TempRite, Lubrizol, shared that solution providers will have to utilize multiple and distinct innovation processes to uncover new opportunities and to expand those product offerings. "Sustainability is primarily concerned with how we can enhance our buildings and living today in order to create a better tomorrow."
Sandeep Goel, Director, Proion Consultants, said. “We are all aware of what should and should not be done. We have technology on our side. Our projects have incorporated precast technologies. We worked on a number of different codes and standards. The way technology, was implemented throughout the COVID era, has improved our performance.”
Shabbir Kanchwala, Senior Vice President, K Raheja Corp added, "We have started working on the concept of re innovating and touch less operations in design and execution. The move toward sustainability has been beneficial, both in terms of buildings and lifestyle.”
Sujal Shah Sheth, Director, Newage Fire Systems, stated. She feels the country still has a number of long-standing issues in terms of enhancing the population's health, safety, and well-being. Improving fire safety standards in workplaces, public buildings, and households is one of the continuing issues.
Tejwant Navalkar, Executive Director, DFXSystems Pvt Ltd emphasized, “Climate change is going to take place. It's a non-debatable, non-negotiable. But, more crucially, the concept of green materials and construction has to percolate to the bottom of the pyramid. Awareness among the society at large and construction workers in specific is lacking.”
“The construction industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 10.7 percent by 2022. And this is due to the government's increased attention on infrastructure projects, as well as the fact that there would be a lot of demand for residential and commercial properties following COVID.” Shabnam Bassi
“Compliances will become even more important going forward from construction regulations to safety and health protocols as buyers and investors will only go for compliant and certified buildings.” Sandeep Goel
“COVID has brought about a major, if not phenomenal transformation in the way people work at both the client and industry side, enhancing communication.” Madhurima Madhav
A lot of developers consider sustainability by opting for the low hanging fruits to get certification. Rather than a lip service, developers will have to go all the way to implement all-encompassing green system. Shabbir Kanchwala
How much importance we give to the maintenance of the building can be judged by the fact that Chief engineer office is more often than not is located in the basement. Tejwant Nawalkar
Planned preventive fire maintenance cannot be overstated. The installation of a fire system is not the end of the story. When it's needed, it has to be in a functioning order, something the occupants don't always care about. Sujal Shah Sheth
As we innovate and the demand for sustainable products grows, it will become even more difficult to supply them at a cost that is both acceptable and has a payback period that can be sustained. Samantha Sullivan
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