Odisha Launches Centre of Excellence for Low‑Carbon Construction

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards sustainable urban development, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to establish the Centre of Excellence on Low‑Carbon Construction Materials and Sustainable Development in Odisha.

The agreement brings together the Odisha Urban Academy (OUA), IIT Bhubaneswar, and Development Alternatives, facilitated by the Housing & Urban Development Department.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra emphasised that the initiative aligns with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s vision for Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Centre will initially focus on creating a roadmap for Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Management in the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Khordha–Jatni–Pipili cluster.

This includes waste assessment, integrated management, technology promotion, and institutional capacity building.

IIT Bhubaneswar will lead research and innovation, Development Alternatives will promote sustainable technologies, and OUA will provide policy support and strengthen Urban Local Bodies.

Beyond C&D waste, the Centre will expand to address urban air quality, solid waste management, water quality, and broader sustainability challenges.

This initiative positions Odisha as a national leader in climate‑resilient urban development, combining evidence‑based planning with sustainable construction practices.