NEW DELHI – Fifty billion tons sand and gravel around the planet, enough to make a wall 27 m wide by 27 m high EarthAccording to the United Nations Environment Programme, (UNEP),, are used annually all over the world, making them the second most commonly used resource after water.
UN body’s special report on “sand” and sustainability stated that sand must be recognized as a strategic resource, and that extraction and use of sand need to be rethought due to its dependence on this vital construction material.
The report, which was released in, argues for the sustainable use of sand. GenevaSeveral suggestions were made by, including a ban on the extraction of sand from beaches because it is important for coastal resilience. Also, a standard international for how sand is extracted form the marine environment was developed. New legal and institutional structures were also suggested to ensure that sand can be more effectively managed.
The authors of the report expressed concern over the indiscriminate extracting of sand from rivers, coastal, or marine ecosystems. They noted that it could lead to erosion, salinization, loss of protection against storm surges, and affect overall biodiversity.
Sustainable development will require fundamental changes to the way we create, use, and consume products, infrastructures, or services. Our sand resources do not have an infinite supply, so we must use them wisely. We can avoid a crisis by understanding how to manage the most valuable solid material in the world. Pascal Peduzzi, the overall program coordinator for the report, stated that this will allow us to move towards a circular economy.
The report also discussed viable alternatives to sand. It cited many examples from around the world, including India, where start-ups are using paddy sand to create alternative construction materials. It highlighted GreenJams’ Agrocrete, which is a building material made from crop residues and a proprietary binder derived from industrial byproducts.
Structure Eco also produces AgriBioPanelsTM made from more than 90% straw and a proprietary adhesive. The panels are versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. They can also mitigate natural resource depletion and reduce air pollution.
The report’s authors highlighted many of these alternatives. They also noted that there are ways to move towards a circular economy for Sand. This includes banning the wasteful disposal of minerals and encouraging sand reuse in public procurement contracts. The report details that crushed rock and recycled construction materials and demolition material are viable alternatives to Sand, which should be encouraged.
UN body’s special report on “sand” and sustainability stated that sand must be recognized as a strategic resource, and that extraction and use of sand need to be rethought due to its dependence on this vital construction material.
The report, which was released in, argues for the sustainable use of sand. GenevaSeveral suggestions were made by, including a ban on the extraction of sand from beaches because it is important for coastal resilience. Also, a standard international for how sand is extracted form the marine environment was developed. New legal and institutional structures were also suggested to ensure that sand can be more effectively managed.
The authors of the report expressed concern over the indiscriminate extracting of sand from rivers, coastal, or marine ecosystems. They noted that it could lead to erosion, salinization, loss of protection against storm surges, and affect overall biodiversity.
Sustainable development will require fundamental changes to the way we create, use, and consume products, infrastructures, or services. Our sand resources do not have an infinite supply, so we must use them wisely. We can avoid a crisis by understanding how to manage the most valuable solid material in the world. Pascal Peduzzi, the overall program coordinator for the report, stated that this will allow us to move towards a circular economy.
The report also discussed viable alternatives to sand. It cited many examples from around the world, including India, where start-ups are using paddy sand to create alternative construction materials. It highlighted GreenJams’ Agrocrete, which is a building material made from crop residues and a proprietary binder derived from industrial byproducts.
Structure Eco also produces AgriBioPanelsTM made from more than 90% straw and a proprietary adhesive. The panels are versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. They can also mitigate natural resource depletion and reduce air pollution.
The report’s authors highlighted many of these alternatives. They also noted that there are ways to move towards a circular economy for Sand. This includes banning the wasteful disposal of minerals and encouraging sand reuse in public procurement contracts. The report details that crushed rock and recycled construction materials and demolition material are viable alternatives to Sand, which should be encouraged.
Tags
