India gets first school made of sugarcane waste bricks in Noida

India Today

5 hours ago

Ever heard of a school being made up of waste from sugarcane? No, it is real and happened in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. A new school building made entirely from Sugarcrete -- a construction block made from sugarcane waste -- has opened in Noida, which became a turning point in low-carbon architecture in India.The project is a collaboration between the University of East London (UEL), Indian manufacturer Chemical Systems Technologies (CST), and Panchsheel Balak Inter College (PBIC), where the structure now stands.advertisementIndia stands at the top in sugarcane production globally, which means it is now possible to use alternatives to soil-made bricks in construction.
This can help achieve sustainability goals and also prevent soil depletion.AN ALTERNATIVE TO BRICK?Sugarcrete was developed in 2023 by UEL researchers Alan Chandler and Armor Gutierrez Rivas. Made from bagasse -- the dry pulp left over after extracting juice from sugarcane -- and mixed with mineral binders, it offers a carbon footprint six times lower than traditional fired bricks.This is the first time Sugarcrete has been used to construct a full-scale classroom, and the team behind it believes it will not be the last.The classroom, standing on a concrete base, has walls made of interlocking Sugarcrete blocks, which are held together with lime mortar.
(Image: University of East London)
advertisementIts roof, supported by a steel frame, includes a clerestory window that allows natural light to enter and provides ventilation. The design also includes a veranda to shield students during the monsoon."More than just a material, Sugarcrete is a system for inclusive, low-carbon development," said Rivas, who leads the team. "This school is a real-world test, proving how design can serve both the environment and the community." he further added.UEL EXPANDS SUGARCANE RESEARCH WITH NEW PROJECTS ACROSS INDIAThe school in Noida is not the end of the road. The same team is now building another Sugarcrete-based facility in Hisar, Haryana, in collaboration with the education NGO Paryatan Foundation.That centre will cater to 150 vulnerable children, focusing on learning and skill-building.UEL's students and staff also held workshops in Hisar with local polytechnic students and researchers, exploring how India's native fibres and natural dyes could be used to regulate indoor temperatures.During a visit to CCS Haryana Agricultural University, UEL signed an MoU to conduct joint research into agro-waste materials.Discussions also touched on shared training and future curriculum development.An MoU was also signed between CST founder Sunil Shingal and UEL to expand the use of Sugarcrete across India.advertisementA joint study group was also formed with Delhi Technological University to monitor the classroom's performance.'This is not just a building; it's a step toward a new way of thinking,' said Alan Chandler. 'It shows that communities, institutions, and industries can come together to build differently -- and better.'With momentum building, Sugarcrete may soon become a common sight across India's towns and villages.- Ends