NWSDB & NERDC Collaboration for the Sustainable Construction Industry

NWSDB & NERDC Collaboration for the Sustainable Construction Industry
An MOU has been signed between the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) and the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC) to collaborate on a research project to utilize water treatment plant sludge in compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs). The project, funded by the NWSDB, aims to develop a sustainable and cost-effective method for using sludge to produce CSEBs.
Water treatment plant sludge is a waste product generated during water treatment. The sludge is typically disposed in landfills. The sludge can also be reused as a construction material.
CSEBs are a type of building block made from earth, sand, and water. The blocks are compressed to form a strong and durable material. They have significant benefits such as temperature control, insect resistance, fire resistance, and mold resistance.
This collaboration is expected to achieve the following outcomes:
● A sustainable and cost-effective method for using sludge to produce CSEBs.
● The transfer of technology to the construction industry.
● Increased awareness of the benefits of using sludge in CSEBs.
The collaboration is a win-win for the environment and the construction industry. The MOU is signed by Dr. Wasantha Illangasinghe, GM, NWSDB and Dr. Jayathu Samarawickrama, DG, NERD.