Sustainable Construction: Why ACPS Are the Smart Choice for Eco-Conscious Architects

As India accelerates its urban transformation, sustainable construction has become a national priority. Aluminium Composite Panels (ACPs) are emerging as a smart, eco-friendly choice for architects committed to green building practices.

- Rajesh Shah

India's significant urbanisation efforts in recent years have led to the projection of the construction industry reaching a market capitalisation of $1.4 trillion by 2025. This means that the sector will be contributing nearly 13% towards the national GDP, an aspect that also highlights the country's urgency for sustainable construction practices. Buildings and other construction-related activities account for nearly 40% of carbon emissions globally, so architects and developers will feel pressure to deliver on the green side of design. In addition, the Indian government and its significant support towards the Smart Cities Mission, the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), and the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) indicators have shifted the conversation towards the alternative materiality measures of responsibly sourced materials.

Even a few years before, ACP sheets were largely about aesthetics and were solely recognised for their efficiency of assembly, etc. Today, ACPs are seen as a practical, energy-efficient and highly sustainable option. At a time when roughly 70% of the architects in India are in some way exploring sustainable building materials, ACPs are making considerable progress as a choice of sustainability candidates.

Recyclability: An Advantage of Circular Economy

ACPs also provide direct support to the circular economy, a key factor of sustainable development. Composed of two aluminium sheets bonded to a Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) or a fire-retardant mineral core, both materials are recyclable and are easy to recycle with energy savings. Aluminium can be recycled forever with no loss of quality and the energy savings are impressive at 95% less consumption.