To discuss the pressing issues of construction industry and mull over alternate sustainable technologies such as Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF), Hindustan Zinc Limited in association with International Zinc Association (IZA), a leading industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc, organized a webinar recently on Future of Construction with a special focus on Zinc Coated Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF).
With traditional methods of construction struggling to keep up with the international standards for better, more efficient, affordable buildings and issues pertaining to sustainability, many leading players in the construction industry are turning to alternative methods to solve these problems – one of the technology that is leading the way is – Cold Form Steel construction (CFS), also known as Light Gauge Steel (or LGS).
The webinar was chaired by Dr. Shailesh K. Agrawal, Executive Director – Building Material & Tech. Promotion Council, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India along with Mr. Arun Mishra – CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, Mr. Harssha Shetty – CMO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, Mr. Kenneth D’Souza, Technical Expert, IZA Canada and Dr. Rahul Sharma – Director, IZA India. Other distinguished speakers present at the webinar were Mr. Ashok Bharadwaj, Director and CEO, Stallion LGSF Machine, Mr. Shahid Badshah, Business Head Mitsumi Housing and Mr. Balaji Purushotham, BDM, FRAMECAD Limited. The session saw participation from over 500 leading corporates and industry associations including CPWD, NHAI, NHSRCL, Tata steel and JSW steel.
The discussion highlighted the application of steel in new building material technologies, global use and application of LGFS and its application for commercial and residential construction in India, design and fabrication of Galvanized steel for commercial and residential buildings.
Addressing the participants in the webinar, Dr. Shailesh K. Agrawal, Executive Director – Building Material & Tech. Promotion Council, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India said, “India is one of the largest growing economy and construction sector is emerging as the third largest sector globally; it may reach US $750 billion in value by 2022. The Government of India and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is committed to bolster the economy and have been working with leading associations and corporates to bring in the right technology in the housing sector. The ministry aims to build 11.2 million houses by 2022 and to achieve this number, we need technology that offers speed, quality, safety and reduces waste.”
He further added, “LGSF is a leading technology that will fast track the construction process by 200% helping the ministry and related bodies construct more houses with minimum cost and environment footprint. The need of the hour is to mainstream these technologies in the construction industry. I would like to thank Hindustan Zinc Limited and International Zinc Association for taking a lead in spreading awareness about sustainable technology that will not be only be cost effective but corrosion free.”
This form of construction, very prominent in developed nations like Europe and New Zealand requires minimal usage of heavy equipment, less water and sand as compared to conventional structures, is corrosion resistant and recyclable – making it a complete green construction technology solution.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arun Mishra – CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited said, “As India is on its way to large-scale infrastructure expansions, use of galvanized steel in construction is set to rise. Use of Zinc coated Light Gauge Steel Framing system is known to offer greater durability, exceptional corrosion resistance that results in safer structures with less maintenance. And the good news is that is 100% recyclable and hence environment friendly. As we ready ourselves for the rapid urbanization and infrastructure boom, it is imperative to use right kind of construction technology along with galvanization of the structures that will not only ensure a long-life but also the safety and security of the public using these structures daily.”
