The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in association with SINTEF and the Research Council of Norway, organised the India–Norway Dialogue on “Waste to Resource Solutions in the Cement and Construction Sector” on 10 November 2026 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The dialogue brought together representatives from CSIR institutes, SINTEF, regulatory authorities, and the cement and construction industries. Participants explored collaborative approaches to sustainable waste management and resource recovery.
India–Norway Green Strategic Partnership
The event aligns with the vision of elevating India–Norway relations to a Green Strategic Partnership, with a focus on the circular economy, clean technology and research. The partnership gained further momentum during the Prime Minister of India’s visit to Norway in May.
Focus on Circular Economy and Resource Recovery
Discussions centred on the transition from a linear to a circular economy by converting construction and industrial waste into valuable resources. Key topics included the utilisation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, steel slag, fly ash, red mud and other industrial residues.
Participants also explored cement kiln co-processing for the safe destruction of hazardous waste, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Other areas of discussion included the use of industrial by-products in road construction, geopolymer concrete and value-added construction materials, along with international best practices in C&D waste recycling and processing techniques.
Technical sessions featured contributions from experts representing CSIR-CBRI, CSIR-NEERI, CSIR-CRRI, CSIR-AMPRI and SINTEF.
Future India–Norway Collaboration Priorities
Participants identified several priority areas for continued engagement. These include developing two to three joint India–Norway research proposals and undertaking pilot-scale demonstration projects for hazardous waste treatment. They also discussed preparing technical guidelines for the disposal of DDT- and PCB-contaminated waste, advancing waste-derived construction materials and strengthening industry–academia partnerships.
The dialogue concluded with a shared emphasis on deepening bilateral research and technological cooperation to support sustainable and resource-efficient practices in the cement and construction sectors.
