Sri Lanka’s construction sector urged to embrace C2C certification for sustainable growth

Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake

Ren DeCherney

• Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake urges adoption of C2C-certified standards to drive sustainability and circular construction in Sri Lanka
• C2C certification key to global competitiveness, market access and compliance with evolving regulations

By Shannine Daniel

Adopting the globally recognised Cradle to Cradle (C2C)-certified standard can help the local companies remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-focused global market, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Director Built Environment Ren DeCherney said. 

According to her, a majority of industry stakeholders already consider circularity an important part of the design process and third-party verified certifications like the C2C-certified standard can support the companies in accessing international markets, keeping up with the evolving regulations and effectively communicating their sustainability achievements. Addressing a webinar recently, she encouraged the Sri Lankan manufacturers and construction firms to closely examine their supply chains, identify the raw materials used in their products and conduct lifecycle assessments. She added that it would enable the firms to optimise material use, reduce carbon footprints and lower energy costs while aligning with the global sustainability trends.

The push for such standards comes amid the growing global concerns about the environmental impact of the construction industry. According to the European Union (EU), the sector is one of the largest consumers of energy and raw materials worldwide. 

Within the EU alone, construction accounts for nearly 40 percent of emissions and generates almost a third of total waste, while only about 40 percent of that waste is recycled or reused. These trends have intensified the need for circular construction practices globally.

Circular construction focuses on designing, building and managing structures in a way that minimises resource depletion and environmental harm. It emphasises the reuse and repurposing of materials as well as the creation of buildings that are durable, adaptable and easy to disassemble at the end of their lifecycle. 

The European Commission highlighted that such approaches can significantly improve resource efficiency and reduce waste throughout a building’s lifespan.

Chamber of Construction Industry President Elect Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake also encouraged the stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s construction sector to invest in the C2C-certified standard. He noted that such internationally recognised certifications are value additions for the sector, adding that the national certifications awarded by the Construction Industry Development Authority are also important.

According to Prof. Dissanayake, globally only around 9 percent of raw materials used in construction are recycled. In Sri Lanka, this challenge is compounded by a shortage of construction materials, which has contributed to the rising costs in recent years.

The C2C-certified standard promotes the design and manufacture of safe, sustainable and circular products and is administered by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. 

The certification evaluates materials and products across five key sustainability categories: material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship and social fairness. 

It requires the companies to undergo reassessment every three years to ensure continuous improvement.