— Amol Desai, Head – Business Development, Supreme Petrochem Ltd
One of the various factors which contribute to green building movement is the thermal insulation. Thus, Amol Desai is hopeful that the government lays emphasis on energy efficient buildings and offers subsidy or incentive measures to builders and construction companies implementing energy saving systems. Supreme Petrochem Ltd is a leader in polystyrene business in the Indian market place with a share of more than 50 per cent.
With the formation of a new government, what are your expectations for the construction sector in general and the green building movement in particular?
We are very optimistic and positive about the reforms to happen in the construction sector and especially for the green building movement.
The expectation is about the simplicity in procedures and speed of implementation e.g. fast clearance of green building projects.
Many states are facing energy deficit and by the time new energy generation systems come online, energy saving and conservation will be very crucial. Buildings consume maximum energy and therefore energy efficient buildings are the need of the hour.
One of the various factors which contribute to green building movement is the thermal insulation. So, we expect that the government lays emphasis on energy efficient buildings and offers subsidy or incentive measures to builders and construction companies implementing energy saving systems.
Each state government has to notify and devise a plan to execute and therefore assign responsibilities to various departments for implementation. Some of the states have notified whereas others have not, but no major breakthrough has happened in implementation. So the government should make insulation mandatory for all buildings.
What specific policy changes would you like to see in the green building sector?
Since energy consumption is one of the parameters which contribute to making a building ‘Green’, insulation for buildings is a must. This would ensure less utilisation of air conditioning systems and/or heating systems which subsequently result in less emissions of gases to atmosphere.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency has laid basic guidelines for buildings in ECBC 2007 but implementation is lacking at state level. The Government of India should facilitate and enforce these norms.
Early regulation is necessary and can come in stages. First, for builders coming with new buildings; second, for buildings which are exceeding their energy consumption norms; and then for old buildings which are up for rehabilitation or renovation.
Given the economic slowdown, what impact did fiscal 2013-14 have on your company’s green building business?
The economic slowdown affected the pace of construction of green buildings; however, it did not affect the demand in terms of quantity requirement except for the supply schedules.
Can you briefly talk about your exclusive plant for XPS insulation foam boards for energy efficient buildings?
Supreme Petrochem Ltd is the largest manufacturer of polystyrene in India and has been supplying polystyrene to various overseas customers for the specific application of XPS. Thus, SPL has the knowledge and technology to manufacture polystyrene required for various applications of XPS.
Being the only Indian manufacturer of polystyrene and XPS, SPL is committed to be a leader of XPS business in India.
All the three important management systems at the manufacturing complex of SPL are certified to International Standards. The Quality Management System is certified to ISO 9001 and TS 16949 wherea s the Environment Management System and Occupation Health and Safety Management Systems are certified to ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 respectively.
Which segments within the real estate and construction sectors will have greater demand for the XPS thermal insulation boards?
Presently, XPS boards are used for thermal insulation in overdeck insulation of commercial buildings, roof and wall insulation of cold storages, cavity wall insulation of some institutions, however, the greater demand will come from the residential buildings sector. This will happen with increase in awareness about insulation amongst people as well as a mandatory regulatory clause from the government.
What is unique about your XPS (extruded polystyrene) thermal insulation product?
In line with international standards/protocols, SPL does not use any CFC or HCFC blowing agents and hence XPS boards manufactured by SPL are free from CFC and HCFC. The XPS boards manufactured by SPL are therefore more environment friendly as compared to boards manufactured with CFC or HCFC as blowing agents.
SPL also has the capability to manufacture XPS boards using carbon dioxide gas as blowing agent which has minimum impact on environment in terms of ozone depletion and global warming potential.
The colour of XPS boards manufactured by SPL is green to indicate the ‘Green Initiative’.
What are the major benefits of these thermal insulation boards in building construction?
Use of thermal insulation boards gives lot of benefits such as living comfort, savings in energy cost and enhanced life of buildings.
Can you tell us about your current orders?
We are witnessing a steady growth in the orders which we feel is because of increasing awareness about the importance of insulation. There have been regular repetitive orders from contracting companies, water proofing contractors, cold storage builders. In addition to these regular applications we also find acceptance of these boards in other applications.
What are SPL’s plans for the current year as well as for the remainder of the 12th Plan?
SPL is committed to contribute to the green building movement by supplying a product which meets all international standards in terms of manufacturing practices as well as applications. SPL is increasing its network to reach masses to educate them and further serve them with ready availability of product. The installed plant capacity is sufficient to meet increasing market demand and if need arises there is provision to further expand the capacity. SPL would extend cooperation and support to all agencies to fulfil government initiatives in green building movement.
