Assessing Geothermal Pavements Using Stabilized C&D Waste in India

Partenaire de mise en œuvre: Build Change

Project name: Assessing Geothermal Pavements Using Stabilized C&D Waste in India

This project investigates the use of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste to develop sustainable geothermal pavements.

As India experiences rising temperature extremes, these pavements present an innovative thermal regulation solution for urban areas. By merging recycled materials with geothermal technology, the approach promotes waste reduction, resource efficiency, and climate resilience.

It aligns with national and global sustainability goals, enhancing urban infrastructure while reducing environmental impacts through adaptive, energy-efficient design strategies.

Higher temperatures in
Indian urban areas compared
to rural regions
Up to 0 °C
Heatstroke reported
across India in 2024
0 cases

Impact and Key Findings

1

Laboratory and field tests evaluate geothermal pavement prototypes for strength, durability, and thermal performance, ensuring compliance with structural and environmental standards. These assessments support sustainable infrastructure development, optimizing resilience and efficiency across India’s varied climatic conditions

2

A robust design framework for geothermal pavements integrates recycled aggregates and geosynthetic reinforcements, optimizing sustainability and engineering efficiency. This guideline supports future construction, enhancing durability, thermal performance, and resource efficiency in diverse urban and climatic conditions.

3

By validating large-scale prototypes, this project facilitates the real-world implementation of eco-friendly pavements, advancing urban cooling and sustainable waste management. Its scalable approach supports climate resilience, optimizing infrastructure for diverse environmental conditions across India’s urban landscapes.

Ressources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.